Can Twitch/gamer technology help with pharmacy workflow?

The title of this blog will probably polarize readers; sort of like cilantro, or pineapple on pizza. Chances are that if you are under 30 you were intrigued by the title. If you are over 30 you thought this was just another of my goofy articles. Perhaps I should titled it: “A simple keypad can increase workplace efficiency by 18% and reduce repetitive strain injury by 11%.” There is no proof to validate these claims, but I now have everyone’s attention. I shall work hard not to waste it. The workplace tool I am reviewing here is the Elgato Stream Deck (ESD). I got mine from Best Buy, so it is off the shelf and easy to find. The ESD is a USB, programmable Windows macro keypad. You also customize the look of these buttons to your liking. (Perhaps both eyebrows of the under 30s went up, while only one of the over 30s did.) In other words, you plug this little keypad into a computer, program the buttons to do whatever you want them to do and make the buttons look pretty. This will soon make sense and it does make your life easier, trust me on this. Imagine this scenario. You get frustrated by having to type the same phrase over and over again onto faxes or having to repeatedly type in a website address to find information. What if you could replace this typing with just a single button press? I do this in my own practice with shortcuts for opening innovicares.ca or rxfiles.ca and speeding up the phrase, “Can we please have six months' refills on regular blister pack medications? Thank you.” (Also there will be no awkward spelling mistakes.) Pharmacists are already using a version of this, but might not know it. You use Kroll or WinRX shortcuts for long sigs or shortcuts to bring up common drug files. (And if you don’t, then you should.) This ESD just takes automation to the next stage. Perhaps the most commonly-used key I have made was the button I labeled “SCAN.” I press the button and while I talk to a patient, the ESD automatically types in the “alt-R C S” or whatever it is to make Kroll scan in a new RX and return to the filling screen. Perhaps the biggest time- and repetitive hand strain- saver was one I implemented during flu shot season. How many times did you, or a technician, re-enter the same information to bill for a high dose flu shot injection? I created two buttons called “High Dose Left HDL” and “HDR.” These buttons automatically typed in all information required to bill for this service, all without errors in lot number, prescriber or sigs. It turned a fast-paced, mind-numbing one-minute grind into a simple two-second process. I think it took me about five minutes to program this feature. How much satisfaction would it bring you when, at the press of a button, you can type in those very long Opthomologist sigs? All without error, so therefore more audit resistant. Or you could go one step further and automate data input for “Dr. Smith PredForte, Nevanac and Vigamox left eye.” How much time—and finger strain—would this save you over the duration of one year? And all without errors. Are there any downsides to incorporating new technology into the workplace? I can think of a few. ESD costs about $200, so it's not cheap. I bought mine personally because I saw the time it saved. Fortunately, my employer saw the same and reimbursed me. The device is plug and play, so if you wish, you can easily unplug it and take it home. There is some training involved for set up and usage. However, the included software is fairly easy to figure out. There is some trial and error with getting buttons programmed, but once you have it figured out the process gets easier. You could always assign this task to one of the more “tech savvy” team members. Thirty minutes of effort to program one button will repay itself with time saved, less repetitive strain and more audit resistant data entry. Should you invest in an Elgato Stream Deck to improve workplace efficiency? I’m guessing that at this point you have already made up your mind. If you are not keen on buying yet another desktop device, check the sidebar for links to find apps that turn your smartphone into a similar device. Also, while you’re at it, buy a better mechanical keyboard. You use the thing for eight hours a day, might as well get a keyboard that is easier on your fingers. Why would you spend $80 on a keyboard? That’s crazy! But think about it—what does it cost you for an employee day off work to visit a practitioner to treat repetitive strain injury? Not sure about ESD? Not sure you want to add more hardware to your desktop system? There are other options. Click this link to learn about more apps and alternatives to Stream Desk that can help you reduce repetitive keystrokes.

Can Twitch/gamer technology help with pharmacy workflow?

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Blog Author

Ian Lloyd

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