Review of computer applications in institutional pharmacy--1975-1981.

A literature review of computer applications in institutional pharmacy, covering papers published from 1975 to 1981, is presented. Articles are categorized as computer concepts, applications to administrative functions, controlled substances, drug distribution systems (including on-line and off-line services, intravenous admixture services, and ambulatory services), drug information, clinical services (including drug-use review, drug interactions and therapeutic incompatibility surveillance, and pharmacokinetics), and pharmacy-related applications developed by nonpharmacists. Before 1975, computer applications in institutional pharmacy reported in the literature were largely single-use applications. After 1975, many reports described the integration of individual applications into sophisticated systems that supported many functions. There is still a need for good cost justification studies of computerization in pharmacy.