Question: Every pharmaceutical listed on the hospital's formulary has a minimum reorder level. When the inventory level of the specific drug reaches this minimum reorder level, an order is issued to replenish the available s­upply maintained in the pharmacy. Thisis done to ensure that the pharmacy always has a­vailable inventory to meet the medical needs of patients. The system requires that the chief pharmacist authorize all orders. Using the f­ollowing narrative, create a general systems flow chart. At 6 am each day the p­harmacy information system reports the existing inventory level for each item listed on the hospital's formulary. It produces three lists. List A includes those drugs that will need to be reordered today. List B includes those drugs that will need to be reordered in 2 to 21 days.

List C includes drugs that will need to be reordered in more than 21 days. The chief p­harmacist must review listA, authorize the purchase, and then send list A to the director of materials management, who must order the drug. When drugs are received by central supply, the receipt for the order (if documented), and the order are sent to the pharmacy for storage in inventory. Once you have completed the flow chart of the existing system, suggest three improvements to enhance the pharmacy inventory system. Aside from lists A, B, and C, what other reports should the pharmacy inventory control system produce? Should special provisions exist for ordering and handling narcotics? Where would you expect the existing system to breakdown?