I’ve always been interested in pharmacy informatics and technology. I am currently a member of ASHP’s Pharmacy Student Forum’s Community and eCommunications Advisory Group, as well as the Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology’s Pharmacy Informatics Education Advisory Group. I knew that I wanted to experience firsthand the role of an informatics pharmacist – and an APPE rotation seemed like the perfect opportunity.
On my first day, I realized that this was going to be a really unique experience. My rotation site happened to be implementing CPOE (computerized provider order entry) during my time there. As you can imagine, this is a really busy time for the informatics pharmacist. I participated in all types of activities related to the CPOE implementation, including planning and attending meetings, testing the technology, providing support to the staff, and troubleshooting the system.
I was surprised by the extent of coordination the informatics pharmacist has with all of the other providers and departments in the hospital. My preceptor and I were all over the hospital, talking directly with physicians, nurses, the Information Technology (IT) department, pharmacists, and technicians. Everyone used the technology in one way or another, and it was important to understand the needs from each of their perspectives. I got to participate a lot through my rotation, and I didn’t expect to be so hands-on! I even got to take a project full circle. I identified an unmet need, created a solution, implemented it into the live environment and received feedback from the end user. It was a really great experience.
This rotation reaffirmed my career aspirations; I am planning to pursue this specialty after I graduate this spring. Even if you don’t think a career in informatics is right for you, give it a shot if you have the opportunity to do a rotation in this area. Technology is (and will continue to be) a huge part of our healthcare system. It will really make you appreciate what it takes to develop and maintain the systems that underlie the operation of the pharmacy and the healthcare system.
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