|  The subtitle of this book could be “all you wanted to know about
IT, but were too afraid to ask”. It is a comprehensive overview
of information technology, from the basics of “what is a PC?” to
the huge “National programme for information technology” (NPfIT).
While the book can be read and understood by anyone, it is targeted at
a pharmacy audience and uses real-world examples, such as labelling,
stock control and electronic transcription of prescriptions, to illustrate
the topic under discussion.
The book is pitched at the right level, giving enough information to
explain. Throughout the book website references are included in case
the reader wishes to obtain further information.
As with all books on IT they are swiftly rendered out of date by advances
in technology and this one will be no different. One niggle I have with
the book is that Connecting for Health is referred to as the new name
for the NPfIT. However, Connecting for Health is really the agency responsible
for delivering the NPfIT.
At 186 pages, it is not a long read and this is helped by the 37-page
glossary which covers all those weird and wonderful terms so loved by “techies”.
For those who know nothing it will bring them up to date; for others
it might be a bit expensive. It will not help you to fix your own PC
but at least you will understand what the repairman is saying.
Richard Eyles (principal pharmacist, computer services, Portsmouth Hospitals
NHS Trust)
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal