The time-saving tool more pharmacists turn to
Working as a pharmacist for a busy hospital demands an accurate, reliable and efficient method of obtaining the latest prescription and medicines information.
In this article, we take a look at one pharmacist’s smart strategy to save time and access information quickly and accurately with an easy-to-use, visual solution.
Crushing the pain from the daily grind
Western Health manages three acute public hospitals in Victoria: Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital and the Williamstown Hospital, as well as Sunbury Day Hospital and a Transition Care Program in Williamstown. A wide range of other community-based services are also managed by Western Health, along with a large drug and alcohol service.
This means Western Health’s Medical Information Pharmacist, Grace Wong, is faced with a vast range of enquiries every day to assist staff, including clinicians with their medication and drug interaction queries and literature searching for medicines.
Saving time with an online solution
To save time accessing a wealth of information quickly, Wong chooses online and digital search tools and information over traditional, paper-based resources.
“Online resources are a lot quicker and more convenient to search than traditional hardcopy books or a library of print-based databases,” Wong said. “I also need a resource that is simple and easy to understand, with a user-friendly layout.”
Quick access to reliable, up-to-date information
In order to offer timely and accurate advice, Wong turns to AusDI, by MedicalDirector, as part of her suite of resources.
By choosing AusDI, Wong can quickly and easily access a comprehensive and up-to-date database of independent drug monographs, company product information, consumer medicine information documents, product summaries, drug product images and interactions, and safety monographs – all in one single resource.
“One of the reasons I turn to AusDI is that it is so simple to use, and looking up production information versus patient information is very easy,” she explained. “I also really like the layout and format. For instance, when I want to search for something, the search results pop up in a visual way, which makes it very quick for me to understand.”
“It is so easy to use, you can access the information you need quickly and it’s well laid out by way of visuals and colour-coding,” she added. “It can be integrated into the intranet, I can even access it remotely, which is great if you’re on call. Plus it’s reliable and responds very quickly. Importantly, I have the confidence in the information, because I know it is updated regularly and can see the updated amendment dates.”
A faster search tool with smart features
One feature Wong finds particularly useful is AusDI’s product identifier, where she finds the search functionality far more effective than traditional databases.
“We get a lot of medicines enquiries, and in the past, before we had electronic databases, you would have to put markings in a book, which was time consuming,” she said. “But with AusDI, it makes searching for the right medication so much faster as it narrows your search down really well. The ability to actually see a picture of the drug itself is also really helpful.”
Empowering better drug safety decisions
With drug safety and dosing playing an increasing role in hospital care, Wong highlights the fact that AusDI makes it easy to have medications information on hand.
“All the information regarding safety and drug interactions is particularly important for patients such as the elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, patients with liver problems – and it’s all available through AusDI.”
To read more about Western Health and Grace Wong’s story click here. To find out more about AusDI, visit ausdi.com.au
