Assessment of Use of Information Technology in Pharmacies and Drug Stores in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2010-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Back ground: Advance In information technology (IT) provides easy use and access to exploit its benefits. Information technology is currently important in improving healthcare delivery system. They improve efficiency, effectiveness, and reduce medication errors . However, the use and access of this in formation technology at pharmacies and drug stores level among d rug dispensing professionals is little known in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis Ababa.
Objective: To assess the u se and access of information technology among pharmacists and druggists in pharmacies and drug stores in Addis Ababa and to
identify the factors that affecttheusc of this technology.
Method: A cross sectional survey was conducted in pharmacies and drug stores in Addis Ababa. The quantitative data were collected using pretested and self
Administered questionnaire. The study Vas complimented with in-depth interview. Data were entered and analyzed by SPSS version 15.0.
Result: A total of 257 pharmacist and druggists pa reticulated the study. The current means of giving service to customers .in pharmacies and drug stores was
about t 93.0% paper -based (manual ) system and 7.0% were u sing computer system. Only 30(1 2.0%) professional had in tenet access in pharmacy/drug s tore. The most preferred source to obtain drug information was combination of printed sources and d rug inserts (manual system) 169(68.1%). Use of IT in pharmacy/drug store was poor.
Conclusions and recommendations: The study indicated poor utilization status of IT for pharmacy practice service. The findings indicated the need for creating
awareness among professionals In giving more skill oriented and also forma l in service IT re la ted trainings for the professionals. Further, the drug profess Iona
t raining centers as well as other stakeholders should cons id reapproving the IT facilities for drug dispensing professional is to achieve better universal access and see of IT so as to improve healthcare delivery system, particularly pharmacy practice
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Keywords
Pharmacies and Drug Stores, Use of Information Technology