What are PIS Systems?

A pharmacy information system (PIS) is a software system that records, manages, and stores patient data. This data is then used for patient tracking, decision support, re-ordering, quality assurance, reporting, billing, and ultimately workflow management. A pharmacy information system is used in inpatient and outpatient settings.

A PIS has many different purposes and functions in order to maintain the supply and organization of pharmaceutical drugs. Sometimes, this can be a separate system only used in the pharmacy. Other times, it may be synchronized with an inpatient hospital computer physician order entry (CPOE) system. When a PIS is paired with a CPOE, it allows for transfers of information.

The benefits of a PIS (implemented and used properly) are a reduction of medication errors, an increase in patient safety, to report drug usage, and it gives an ability to track costs.

Inpatient pharmacy information systems are used in the hospital organization. The outpatient pharmacy information systems are typically used in home settings for discharged patients, in clinics, and in long-term care facilities. However, a majority of the uses, capabilities and benefit of the PIS are comparable to inpatient and outpatient settings.

The outpatient PIS does have a stronger emphasis on medication labeling, drug warnings, and instructions for administration.

PIS Necessities

In order for a PIS to operate at it’s potential and provide benefits, certain criteria must be met:

• User interface- A user interface is valuable to all departments within a pharmacy or hospital. An interface allows a pharmacist to organize and select orders, work on multiple orders at one time, and keep comprehensive patient profiles.
• Security – Security within a PIS is vital. Since many departments may be using the PIS, it is important to have different types of access and roles, only pertaining to each specific department. This keeps the PIS structured, organized and users are confident using the system.
• Data retention – Data retention in a PIS is important to help pharmacists and physicians understand the cost and usage of drugs. Pharmacists can use patient records to keep track of clinical screenings, medications being prescribed, and future recommendations they may prescribe regarding patient care.

PIS System Labels

Reliable labelling of samples and specimens is critical when operating a pharmacy. Nev’s Ink provides a full line of direct thermal and thermal transfer labels compatible with all industry leading laboratory information systems including Cerner, EPIC, Sunquest/MISYS, Meditech and more! Our stock products ship within 24 hours. If you don't see the size or color you need, contact us at 800-638-7465 for a custom order to be shipped in 6 business days. Our state-of-the-art printing facility allows us to provide high quality, cost-effective solutions – and we are proud to pass those cost-savings onto our customers. Click here to view our PIS labeling solutions.