KIOSKS OFFER HEALTH DATA AT KROGER

MICHAEL SLEZAK

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas division of Kroger Co., Cincinnati, has installed interactive kiosks in its 64 stores with pharmacies to provide customers with information on health issues and over-the-counter medication.

"They're a good tool to help stimulate patient interaction with the pharmacists," said Jim White, pharmacy merchandiser for the division. "The pharmacists like them."

Kroger began installing the machines, which are produced by InfoTouch Health Kiosks, Dallas, March 1 and had them all in place by April 1.

"Many times, customers have a question and sometimes the pharmacist is busy or customers are embarrassed, so they tend not to approach the pharmacy counter. But they will approach the machine," said White. As a result, he added, the customers spend more time near the pharmacy and, often, a pharmacist can approach and offer advice to a customer is using the kiosk.

InfoTouch provides information and advice on 120 topics using CDI-ROM and touch-screen technologies. The kiosks are partially funded by advertising from 25 manufacturers.