Establishment of a bone marrow transplant satellite pharmacy

The planning, establishment and operation of a bone marrow transplant (B.M.T.) satellite pharmacy in a 1100-bed teaching hospital are described. The B.M.T. satellite pharmacy was established because of the specialized pharmaceutical care needs of this patient population with a high risk for drug-related problems. The satellite pharmacy, which is located within a 19-bed Oncology Unit, provides integrated clinical-distributive services (unit-dose, IV-admixture system) to all B.M.T. patients. The satellite is open 10.5 hours per day, seven days per week. Staff consists of three full-time equivalent (F.T.E.) staff pharmacists, a 0.5 F.T.E. technician, and one F.T.E. clinical pharmacist. Staff pharmacists rotate between provision of B.M.T. pharmacy services, and provision of pharmacy services for the provincial Home Parenteral Nutrition program. The pharmacists are responsible for all aspects of drug distribution and clinical services for B.M.T. patients. Additional drug distribution and clinical services are provided to other Oncology Unit patients. The establishment of a satellite pharmacy has provided unique opportunities for pharmaceutical care of the B.M.T. patient.