Rx Note

Introduction In today's digital world, we constantly generate information, from swiping credit cards to browsing the web. This abundance necessitates the ability to analyze and interpret it into actionable insights. Data: The Foundation “Data! Data! Data!... I can't make bricks without clay!"—— Sherlock Holmes via Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Now, data science, the discipline of making data useful, is an umbrella term that encompasses 3 disciplines. Statistics Helps make informed decisions with some uncertainty Machine learning Automates decision-making for large datasets with inherent uncertainties Analytics Explores data to uncover potential insights that can guide decision-making Essentially, data is a collection of facts and information. Only with data, conclusions can be drawn for the best way forward (data-driven decicion). In everyday life, an allergic reaction prompts us to avoid the allergen in the future. In businesses, companies use data analytics to improve processes...

Introduction Pharmacists often face situations where they need to make quick, informed decisions that may impact patient safety. While many clinical decisions are based on facts, there are many "less straightforward" scenarios that require analytical and critical thinking skills due to their complexity. Multiple Priorities During your first night shift, there are few things happening at the same time. Many patients are waiting at the dispensing counter. A nurse is waiting for the medications to be filled for patients at the ward. A doctor phones and says she needs advice from a pharmacist immediately. The fridge temp-guard is ringing. In this situation, you have to Prioritise your work according to clinical urgency and the need of immediate actions. Which jobs are most likely to put patients at risk if I delay doing them? Any task that has serious consequences if left unsolved? Ask for helps if overwhelmed. Remember, you are part of a team! Communicate with the people you ar...