Health-care trends influencing the financial management of hospital pharmacies.

Current trends affecting health care and the response of the health-care industry to these trends are described, and recommended actions for hospital pharmacy departments are presented. The effects of societal changes, technological advances, information collection and exchange, excess physician population, cost constraints, and competition are examined. Appropriate responses include programs to lower costs, improved financial-monitoring systems, creative methods for attracting patients and donations, specialization of care, corporate formation and restructuring, emphasis on ambulatory and preventive programs, partnership with medical staff, deregulation initiatives, and standardization of hospital statistics. More aggressive management, financial expertise, and greater accountability will be expected of hospital pharmacy managers.