Psychiatric pharmacy in a partial hospital program

Psychiatric pharmacy practice in a partial hospital program (PHP) is described. The program's objectives are: (1) to provide a transitional setting in which to assist persons with psychiatric disorders to reenter the community after hospitalization; (2) to provide more structured and intensive therapy than is available in an outpatient setting; and (3) to diagnose and treat early psychiatric symptoms, providing an alternative to hospitalization. The pharmacist conducts medication history interviews, co-directs a weekly medication group, participates in weekly medication clinic, provides individual consultation, teaches pharmacy students, participates in health care group, and provides inservice education to the staff. Clinical pharmacy services in a psychiatric partial hospital program increase knowledge of psychotropic drug efficacy and side effects in PHP staff, increase learning about these medications in PHP clients, and can result in safer and more effective use of medication.