A system for documentation of pharmacist interventions with incorporation into performance and quality improvement...

Budgetary constraints have compelled hospital administrators to take a more discerning look at the role of the pharmacist within the healthcare team. In 1991, financial difficulties and hospital-wide cutbacks at Northern Michigan Hospital resulted in the loss of pharmacy personnel. Consequently, the department has increasingly found it necessary to document the clinical activities of the pharmacists and their potential effect on patient care. To document therapeutic interventions, two forms specific to this activity were developed. These forms allowed evaluation of both the quantity and quality of interventions. The authors realize it is essential for pharmacists to not only maintain, but to continually update their knowledge base to be prepared for the future. A staff development program was developed to help meet the educational needs of the pharmacists. This article describes how therapeutic interventions were integrated into the quality improvement and performance plans to help motivate staff to continually improve their pharmacy practice skills at this institution.