Multidimensional work sampling to evaluate the effects of computerization in an outpatient pharmacy.

The effectiveness of multidimensional work sampling versus direct observation in evaluating the effects of computerization in an outpatient pharmacy was studied. A direct-entry, self-reporting method of multidimensional work sampling was used to measure and compare the relative times spent on various tasks before and after computerization in the outpatient pharmacy of a 475-bed teaching hospital. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in the types of functions performed, differences in functions among the five employees (two pharmacists, one pharmacy intern, and two technicians), and differences in functions on a week-to-week basis. Data obtained by multidimensional work sampling were compared with data obtained by direct observation to determine the level of agreement between the two methods. Also, a time clock method was used to measure and compare the time required for prescription processing before and after computerization. After computerization, the percentage of time spent on some clerical tasks decreased by 26.7%, but this decrease was offset by a significant increase of 27.7% in the percentage of time spent entering information into the computer. Time spent on clinical tasks did not change significantly. A significant difference among employees was found in the percentage of time spent on clinical functions. The differences in time spent on clinical or clerical functions from week to week were not significant. The time to process a set of prescriptions increased after computerization, primarily because of the time needed to enter information into the computer. However, computerization enabled the generation of patient profiles. Multidimensional work sampling is an accurate method of work measurement that may be more useful than direct observation in capturing clinical functions.