Pharmacy Automation and Technology Flashcards

What does the abbreviation 'CPOE' stand for in health-system pharmacy technology?

Answer: Computerized Physician Order Entry

CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry) allows prescribers to enter medication orders electronically, reducing transcription errors from handwritten orders.

Which pharmacy technology system is designed to track the location and status of every unit-dose medication from the pharmacy to the patient bedside?

Answer: Medication tracking/traceability system integrated with eMAR

Integrated medication tracking systems linked with the eMAR follow a medication through dispensing, transport, and administration, supporting safety and accountability.

A pharmacist asks a technician to perform a 'downtime procedure' for the ADC. What situation typically triggers this?

Answer: The pharmacy information system or ADC network is temporarily unavailable

Downtime procedures are manual backup processes activated when the computer system or network is offline, ensuring medication access continues safely.

Which of the following best describes 'smart pump' technology used in IV medication delivery?

Answer: A drug library-enabled infusion pump that alerts users to dose limit violations

Smart pumps contain drug libraries with dose limits and alert nurses when a programmed dose falls outside safe parameters, reducing IV medication errors.

What is the role of a pharmacy technician when a 'hard stop' alert appears in the pharmacy information system during order verification?

Answer: Immediately notify the pharmacist, as a hard stop cannot be bypassed without pharmacist authorization

Hard stops block dispensing and require pharmacist review and documented action; a technician cannot independently override them.

Which of the following is a benefit of using a pharmacy management system (PMS) with electronic prior authorization (ePA) capability?

Answer: It streamlines obtaining insurance approval for non-formulary or specialty medications

ePA tools allow the pharmacy to submit and track prior authorization requests electronically, reducing phone calls and speeding up approvals for restricted medications.

In an outpatient retail pharmacy, what is the primary purpose of a will-call bin management system?

Answer: To organize filled prescriptions awaiting patient pickup and alert staff to unclaimed prescriptions

Will-call bin management systems track filled prescriptions by patient name or bin location and can flag prescriptions that have not been picked up after a set time.