What does CAO stand for in pharmacy operations?

The term CAO, when used in pharmacy operations, stands for Computer Assisted Ordering. This refers to the usage of computer systems to streamline and facilitate the ordering process for medications and supplies. By employing such technology, pharmacies can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and manage inventory more effectively.

Computer Assisted Ordering systems can automatically generate orders based on preset inventory levels and predict needs based on usage patterns, thereby optimizing stock and ensuring that medications are available when needed. This integration of technology helps pharmacy technicians and pharmacists maintain accurate records and makes the overall ordering process more reliable.

The other options, while they include relevant terms, do not accurately define CAO in the context of pharmacy operations. For example, Computer Automated Ordering and Centralized Allocation Ordering imply different processes that are not commonly referenced by the acronym CAO. Comprehensive Antibiotic Ordering suggests a focus on a specific category of medications rather than the broader scope indicated by Computer Assisted Ordering.