Clinical Drug Informatics

Research Project

Pharmacoepidemiology (Drug usage, Side effects, Drug interactions)
Rational usage of drugs
Medical database creation
Clinical pharmacokinetics
Pharmacy practices

Introduction

There is growing interest in rational usages of drugs and medical error prevention. By using their pharmacotherapy expertise, pharmacists are expected to be informed and understand the risks and benefits of drug usage. The approved regimen of a drug may not be followed in clinical settings, making it difficult to ascertain whether or not a drug is being rationally used. Therefore, steps are necessary to ensure that in current medical settings, drug usage involves maximum benefit with minimal risk. With recent advances in computer technology, more medical information is being collected and stored electronically using health insurance claims, medical records, and prescription usage. In our division, we analyze the information found on medical databases and direct our findings to pharmacoepidemiological studies in order to promote rational drug usage.