Objectives: To provide a health information technology (HIT) primer for pharmacists, including the current state of HIT, future expectations, basic information and vocabulary, HIT vendors, communication standards, barriers to implementation, and strategies for pharmacists to ensure success.
Data sources: By the authors.
Summary: HIT is expected to provide integrated electronic health care with interactive exchange among patients, providers, government agencies, and insurers, resulting in an increase in the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of health care delivery with fewer medical errors, increased administrative efficiency, decreased health care costs, and expanded patient access to affordable health care. Government incentives are in place in an effort to expedite the nationwide implementation of HIT.
Conclusion: With the government and IT industry applying pressure, HIT is a reality; the only remaining questions are how quickly and how thoroughly HIT will affect the health care system.