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Published on: August 9, 2024
Lessons learned from a pharmacy practice model change at an academic medical center
Scott J Knoer1, John D Pastor, Pamela K Phelps
1University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. sknoer1@fairview.org
Summary
A new academic medical center pharmacy practice model improved efficiency and expanded services. This model aligns staff with goals, enhances medication distribution, and boosts employee engagement without job elimination.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Health Services Research
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- Previous pharmacy model featured decentralized pharmacists for order entry/verification and clinical specialists on units.
- Staff pharmacists handled medication distribution and sterile product preparation.
- The prior model was inefficient, limiting clinical training utilization and evening/weekend services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a new pharmacy practice model at an academic medical center.
- To improve pharmacy services, efficiency, and staff alignment with departmental goals.
Main Methods:
- A task force developed guiding principles and a process for the model change.
- Data collection informed the decision-making process for the new model.
- Implementation involved restructuring teams, leveraging automation (computerized provider order entry, wireless computers on wheels), and redefining roles.
Main Results:
- Decentralized pharmacists, technicians, and team leaders now collaborate on patient needs.
- Operational efficiencies, including automation, expanded decentralized service hours.
- Nine clinical specialist positions were consolidated into five team leader and four decentralized pharmacist roles; staff pharmacist positions were reallocated.
Conclusions:
- The new model achieved better staff alignment with departmental objectives.
- Expanded pharmacy hours and services, alongside more efficient medication distribution, were realized.
- The revised model improved employee engagement and established a staff succession plan.
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