Interventions performed by the clinical pharmacist in the emergency department

To demonstrate the role and importance of the clinical pharmacist in the Emergency Department by means of identification, classification, and assessment of the number of interventions performed by this professional.

This was a retrospective study conducted during the period of January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010, at the Morumbi Emergency Department of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The interventions were performed by the clinical pharmacists by means of his/her role along with the interdisciplinary team and active search in clinical charts, with daily analysis of medical prescriptions during the period of eight hours (10:00 to 19:00) from Monday to Friday.

A total of 3,542 medical prescriptions were written and there were 1,238 interventions. Classifications and quantities of interventions were as follows: administration route: 105 (8.48%); frequency: 73 (5.89%); dosage: 431 (35%); renal function: 14 (1.13%); compatibility: 50 (4%); dilution: 121 (9.77%); legibility: 39 (3.15%); pharmacovigilance: 7 (0.56%); adverse reaction to medications: 7 (0.56%); allergy: 35 (2.82%); infusion time: 76 (6.13%); indication: 52 (4.20%); medication reconciliation: 2 (0.16%); enteral medication administration: 38 (3%); scheduling: 7 (0.56%); specific anticoagulant protocol: 44 (3.55%); specific hypoglycemic agent protocol: 42 (3.99%).

The study allowed the demonstration of the importance of the clinical pharmacist active in the Emergency Department. By the classification and by the number of interventions carried out, it was possible to observe that the Clinical Pharmacy Service had a great impact on the increased safety for the patient and prevention of adverse events.