Advances in Navy pharmacy information technology: accessing Micromedex via the Composite Healthcare Computer System and local area networks.

The pharmacy profession has long used technology to more effectively bring health care to the patient. Navy pharmacy has embraced technology advances in its daily operations, from computers to dispensing robots. Evolving from the traditional role of compounding and dispensing specialists, pharmacists are establishing themselves as vital team members in direct patient care: on the ward, in ambulatory clinics, in specialty clinics, and in other specialty patient care programs (e.g., smoking cessation). An important part of the evolution is the timely access to the most up-to-date information available. Micromedex, Inc. (Denver, Colorado), has developed a number of computer CD-ROM-based full-text pharmacy, toxicology, emergency medicine, and patient education products. Micromedex is a recognized leader with regard to total pharmaceutical information availability. This article discusses the implementation of Micromedex products within the established Composite Healthcare Computer System and the subsequent use by and effect on the international Navy pharmacy community.

Comparison of a portable capillary whole blood coagulation monitor and standard laboratory methods for determining international normalized ratio.

The international normalized ratio (INR) is the current standard for monitoring anticoagulation therapy. Although simple to determine, it normally requires venipuncture and extensive laboratory resources for specimen handling and analysis. The portable capillary whole blood coagulation monitor is an alternative to laboratory venipuncture. Its promoted advantages are: it obtains a blood sample by finger-stick versus venipuncture; rapid turnaround time for results; resultant dosage adjustments (as appropriate) performed in minutes versus hours or days after testing; relative ease of use by nonlaboratory personnel; and potential for home monitoring. This project compared the results of INRs obtained through the venipuncture/laboratory process to INRs obtained by the portable monitoring process at the National Naval Medical Center. A correlation coefficient of 0.97 was determined. The difference in the mean INR results of the two testing methods was not clinically significant (p = 0.269). The portable monitor was determined to be a viable alternative to laboratory testing.

The implementation of Prime Vendor Europe and its successful impact on an overseas naval medical treatment facility.

Prime Vendor Europe (PVE) is the commercial pharmaceutical ordering and delivery program that is revolutionizing overseas health care delivery at military health care treatment facilities located in the European theater. Mirroring civilian programs already available and replacing the Federal Supply System, PVE offers many benefits never before realized at overseas military health care treatment facilities, including: diminished order turnaround times with resultant decreased Operating Target requirements; rapid order confirmation after order placement; lower carrying costs and inventory needs; better dating of pharmaceuticals received; redistribution and increased efficiency of the current manhours needed to operate a pharmacy supply system; order tracking capabilities; and enhancement of the present cooperative and constructive dichotomous relationship between medical logistics and pharmacy regarding pharmaceutical purchasing practices. This paper will explore the fundamentals, past performance, continuous quality improvement of logistical functions, frame-work establishment for PVE, implementation of PVE, and subsequent observed command benefits of PVE realization.