Development of a computerized drug interaction database (MEDICOM) for use in a patient specific environment.

Abstract

Drug Interactions are a clearly defined problem that we as health professionals must deal with on a day-by-day basis. It is by far the area of health care that demands more attention today and tomorrow than was possible in the past. The amount of reference sources and text material of drug interactions is growing at such a rate that it is almost impossible to recall essential information in a reasonable time frame. If the practitioner is to continue with an uninterrupted work flow and still maintain the best possible service for the patient, an immediate and accurate method is needed in the hands of the user ... a computerized drug interaction database. The community health care standards would be ultimately raised to a level never before attainable and efficiency would continue with full utilization of professional practice. Combine then, drug interaction data with ancillary benefits such as cost containment, third party accounting, inventory control, and a multitude of other operational functions into a computerized database and the end product results in an enhanced, controlled, professional operation.