Use of a tabletop computer in controlled substances distribution.

The use of a tabletop computer for controlled substances distribution is described. The self-contained system uses programs stored on discs to maintain records for floor stock, individual patient orders, and ambulatory patient prescriptions. Three reports are generated daily: (1) a listing of all floor supplies issued on the current date, (2) a listing of all individual patient supply transactions for the current date, and (3) an alphabetical listing of the inventory for controlled substances, including an alert system to identify any item that has fallen below a preselected minimum stock level. The tabletop computer allowed the pharmacy to take advantage of the accuracy and speed of electronic data processing at its own pace, independent of the hospital's main computer system. Because the tabletop computer and the main system both use a common programming language, any programs developed on the tabletop computer can be converted to the main system.