Psychiatric pharmacy in a partial hospital program.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Partial hospital programs (PHPs) offer transitional care for psychiatric patients.
• PHPs provide more intensive therapy than outpatient settings and can be an alternative to hospitalization.
• The role of clinical pharmacists in PHPs is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe psychiatric pharmacy practice within a partial hospital program.
• To outline the objectives and services offered by a PHP.
• To evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacy services on staff and patient knowledge and medication use.

Main Methods:

• The pharmacist's roles and responsibilities were detailed, including medication history interviews, group and individual consultations, and staff education.
• Services provided included co-directing a weekly medication group, participating in a weekly medication clinic, and providing inservice education.
• Collaboration with healthcare teams and teaching pharmacy students were also key activities.

Main Results:

• Clinical pharmacy services increased PHP staff knowledge regarding psychotropic drug efficacy and side effects.
• PHP clients demonstrated increased learning about their psychotropic medications.
• These services contributed to safer and more effective medication management within the PHP.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric pharmacy practice in a PHP is integral to patient care.
• Clinical pharmacy services enhance medication knowledge and promote safer, more effective psychotropic drug use.
• Integrating pharmacists into PHPs can improve patient outcomes and support program objectives.