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Published on: February 5, 2019
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[Upgrading a pediatric pharmaceutical care service in Quebec]
A Leroux1, A Guérin1, J-F Bussières2
1Département de pharmacie, unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Canada.
Summary
This study outlines a method to enhance pharmaceutical care in pediatric departments. It identified 15 feasible improvements for clinical pharmacy services in pediatrics without increasing staff.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pediatric Healthcare
Background:
- Clinical pharmacy services have evolved since the 1960s, with significant variations in decentralized pharmacist presence across healthcare systems.
- Decentralized pharmacists have been integrated into pediatric care since the 1970s, yet disparities persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a systematic approach for upgrading pharmaceutical care within a pediatric department.
- To enhance the quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical services in a tertiary mother-child hospital's pediatric units.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted in two pediatric sectors (81 beds) of a tertiary mother-child hospital.
- The upgrade process involved a structured literature review, departmental description, and consensus-based practice improvement proposals.
- Two full-time equivalent pharmacists were involved in the upgrade initiative.
Main Results:
- A literature review identified 13 relevant articles detailing the role and impact of pharmacists in pediatrics.
- Nine key pharmaceutical activities demonstrated significant impact supported by high-quality evidence.
- Fifteen practice enhancements were identified as achievable without requiring additional staffing.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports the significant impact of pharmacists in pediatric settings.
- This study presents a replicable methodology for improving pharmaceutical care in pediatric university health centers.
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