A trial of the use of bar code technology to restructure a drug distribution and administration system.

As we move into the 1990s, the challenges we face are many. Our ever-changing health care industry is giving managers, directors, and administrators much to ponder: how do we reduce costs and improve patient care? One promising area that may help answer this question in pharmacy services is bar code technology. This article offers helpful advice about the development of bar code and drug delivery systems and discusses the future applications of bar code technology in pharmacy practice, based on 3 years of hands-on experience at Florida Medical Center.