Formation and validation of an acute care clinical pharmacist productivity model: Part 2

The purpose of the project described here was to use the work outputs identified in part 1 of a 2-part research initiative to build and validate an acute care clinical pharmacist productivity model.

Following the identification of work outputs in part 1 of the project, relative weighting was assigned to all outputs based on the time intensity and complexity of each task. The number of pharmacists verifying an inpatient medication order each day was selected to represent the labor input. A multivariable linear regression was performed to determine the final work outputs for inclusion in the model. Productivity and productivity index values were calculated for each day from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.

Of the 27 work outputs identified via consensus by the clinical pharmacist working team, 17 work outputs were ultimately included in the productivity model. The average productivity during the period July 2018 through June 2019 was derived from the model and will serve as the baseline productivity for acute care clinical pharmacists.

Validated consensus methodology can be useful for engaging clinical pharmacist in decision-making and developing a clinical productivity model. When thoughtfully designed, the model can replace obsolete measures of productivity that do not account for the responsibilities of clinical pharmacists.