Comments on: Put your pharmacy in the “clouds”

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By: Jerry Fahrni

Jerry Fahrni — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:10:13 +0000

Hi Carl – I love the idea of a “cloud” computing environment for all the reasons you mentioned (hardware, software, support, etc). Unfortunately people look at me like I’m asking for a human sacrifice when I mention the idea. Somehow the concept of not having the software installed on the hospital servers frightens them. Our IT department struggles to support the hardware and various software products we use on a day-to-day basis. I would welcome the opportunity to turn this over to someone with a better track record and the willingness to provide the necessary support (at a cost of course). The idea of “upgrades” to any of our major patient care systems makes me cringe. It’s never smooth and there always seems to be hardware issues along the way. Having a singular software source placed on a singular hardware source is very appealing. Upgrades to both would, in theory, become a non-issue to the end user. I have to believe that there is a healthcare facility out there somewhere willing to take the lead and develop this model. Unfortunately I haven’t found one yet. Drop by anytime. I appreciate you insightful comment.

By: Carl H

Carl H — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:16:44 +0000

I have always been a strong proponent of centralized application solutions having worked most of my career for large retail pharmacy companies using de-centralized pharmacy systems. In a distributed de-centralized environment you have an application, database and expensive server in each pharmacy to purchase and maintain. So the costs and support required were much greater compared to a networked, centralized or cloud computing solution. From pharmacy to pharmacy you might have different hardware models, operating system versions, software versions, and variations in pricing, third-party plans, drug files creating a support nightmare. Additionally, each pharmacy required an O/S license and software licenses(s) and software maintenance agreements. I always felt that it was my duty to the company to push our vendors towards technologies that were more efficient and therefore reduce our expenses. So, In 1995, my goal was to advocate a thin client solution, having centralized application services and database to our software vendor (Condor). What I found out is that our vendor was very open to the idea and assigned resources to deliver a solution. Furthermore, I learned that you always ask for more than you expect to receive and you will be less disappointed with end product.
Back in 1995, the infrastructure and technology to support a pharmacy management network solution was not in place yet. This was before internet browsers, the Internet and high speed networks were commonplace. In 1995 only 9% of Americans were online using the Internet. The concept was great but the technology to support the concept was not, however 3 years later we had our solution. Although it wasn’t as cutting edge as requested it was a very innovative and helped reduce our expenses.
Today, we have the technology but most pharmacy software vendors do not want to give up any control they have using proprietary systems. What it will take is an Industry push so that open source applications are developed using a conforming technology. Over the last couple of years I have seen development platforms converging, consolidation of high-tech companies and a higher usage of standards providing the infrastructure for future applications to be “Cloud” ready. However, the acceptance and utilization of such technologies from your software vendor or IT departments requires the users and business leaders to become more involved and actively track the development path of the software used.

By: Jerry Fahrni

Jerry Fahrni — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:25:16 +0000

That's what I'm talking about! The ability to access information anytime, anyplace is the only way to fly. My only wish is that more vendors would begin adopting this technology. I've had the opportunity to use some of the products offered by Pharmacy OneSource and I think you guys do a great job. I'll be in Chicago for the ASHP Summer Meeting. Booth #817 is definitely on my list of places to visit. Thanks for stopping by.

By: Maeghan

Maeghan — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:36:41 +0000

Hi Jerry, We at Pharmacy OneSource agree! All 8 of our pharmacy applications are software-as-a-service “in the cloud”. Pharmacy managers love that they can log on and see the status of their 797-compliant cleanroom or work on the pharmacists’ schedule anywhere, even from home.

By: Jerry Fahrni

Jerry Fahrni — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:21:33 +0000

Hi Macy – Security is clearly going to be an issue as cloud computing is developed and implemented. I agree that it should definitely be a top priority. However, sensitive data currently exists over “the net” in many forms including financial and personal information. Healthcare could take a lesson from financial institutions in that area. Everyone knows where they want to go, but no one is willing to invest the time and resources in making the trip. I’m convinced that cloud computing would be a good move for healthcare, but as you point out there are still issues that need to be resolved. Thanks for stopping by.

By: Macy

Macy — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:11:04 +0000

I can see the many advantages of cloud computing as being advanced, with easy and fast access on information needed by the patient and pharmacist alike. Intermittent internet connection can be a frequent problem, but what bothers me most is the possible disclosure of sensitive data to and or by the wrong persons. If this advancement would materialize, information security must be given utmost importance.