This text for a core course in pharmacy informatics begins with an introduction to information and biomedical technologies, then reviews computer and informatics basics, controlled vocabularies, and literature and the web. Major types of information systems used in hospitals and pharmacies are described, and information is given on career issues, medical errors, and use of PDAs and handheld devices. The section on decision support covers clinical pharmacokinetics computer programs, clinical decision support systems, and data mining for pharmacy outcomes. The text's final chapters look at the future of the field, in areas such as the emergence of virtual communities and new publishing models. Learning features include brief chapter summaries, checklists, and a few b&w photos and screenshots. Students should have a previous introductory course that exposes them to computer skills and biostatics. Anderson teaches pharmacy at the University of California-San Diego. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)