Pharmacy Practice in Quebec Emergency Departments: A Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• A previous Canadian survey in 2013 indicated limited pharmacist presence in Quebec hospital emergency departments (EDs).
• Data from the 2013 survey were insufficient to detail patient care services offered by Quebec ED pharmacists.
• A provincial survey was necessary to better understand ED pharmacy practice in Quebec.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify pharmacist involvement in Quebec emergency departments.
• To describe the patient care services and interventions provided by these pharmacists.

Main Methods:

• A 47-question survey was distributed to 33 directors of pharmacy across 90 Quebec hospitals with EDs.
• The survey assessed the presence, training, interventions, and roles of ED pharmacists and support staff.
• Surveys were completed by directors or delegated ED pharmacists.

Main Results:

• Out of 43 completed surveys, 30 confirmed the presence of at least one pharmacist in the ED.
• Key pharmacist activities included answering multidisciplinary team queries, medication adjustments (allergies, renal/hepatic function), drug interaction management, and prescription clarification.
• Pharmacists also engaged in teaching and supported resuscitation efforts.

Conclusions:

• Most responding Quebec EDs reported having pharmacists, offering better provincial representation than prior Canadian data.
• The range of patient care services provided by ED pharmacists was variable.
• A lack of standardized practice guidelines may contribute to the variability in ED pharmacy services.