BC's PharmaNet system proving convenient
CMAJ 2000;162:1192
Most BC physicians think the 4-year-old PharmaNet system is a useful treatment tool, according to a recent evaluation by doctors. The evaluation, conducted by the government-run program, found that 45% of respondents rated the program with scores of from 8 to 10 using a 1-to-10 scale. PharmaNet, which is available in every pharmacy and hospital in the province, provides patient drug profiles and claims processing at pharmacies and in hospital emergency departments.
The evaluation also revealed that 20% of all drug profiles obtained through the service affected treatment decisions. According to Paul Tier, director of HealthNet BC, other benefits include the accuracy of the drug profiles (when compared with a patient's memory), the elimination of language barriers and the time saved in retrieving drug information. The system provides "complete, accurate, unbiased information in a minute or less," says Tier. "A lot of initial fears about administrative overhead have turned out to be an administrative saving."
PharmaNet was also lauded as a successful example of telecommunication service delivery during a Vancouver seminar on telemedicine last fall. When a prescription is about to be filled, the pharmacist can access the patient's drug profile. The program will check for potential drug interactions or any history of refilling prescriptions too soon or too late, and will automatically process claims for costs that can be reimbursed. "Pharmacists are warned right there if there is anything on which they should be taking action," says Tier. — Heather Kent, Vancouver
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