Date of Award

1981

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Abstract

It is the intent of this paper to trace the developmental history of pharmacy alluding to the profession as an integral part of medicine when treatment was simple, magically connected and filled with superstitions. It separated when medical knowledge expanded, technology advanced and regulations formalized pharmacy. Social and environmental factors established the needs for specialists to handle, compound, prepare and dispense drugs and medicines. The institutionalization of care and the entrance of the pharmacists in these institutions were influential in this separation and will be discussed. Although formally separated, pharmacy stayed intimately linked with medicine in literature and formal education and this unity of the professions will be presented. Along with the rise of specialization and increased governmental legislature into health care came the modern growth of the specialty of hospital pharmacy. It was to become organized, defined and incorporated into the institution as a key and vital service to be effectively managed. Within the hospital system, the pharmacy manager evolved to assume duties and responsibilities among which is the supply, procurement and the control of drugs. This has led to him being aware of various purchase plans, and factors to be considered in the management and control of his inventory.

In this light and aware of the amount of drugs purchased annually, a study of a specific hospital's purchase and management procedures were examined. Some recommendations made based on observations perceived. The presentation will be concluded with projections of future institutional practices and the scope it will encompass in the near future.

Download

Share

COinS