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Quality assurance program for a drug information center
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|October 1, 1985
Summary
A quality assurance (QA) program was developed for a hospital drug information center (DIC). Initial assessments identified issues with instructions and documentation, leading to program revisions and integration into the pharmacy department's QA efforts.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Drug Information Services
Background:
- Drug information centers (DICs) are crucial in hospitals for providing accurate medication-related information.
- Establishing a robust quality assurance (QA) program is essential for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of DIC services.
- Community teaching hospitals require structured QA processes to meet patient care standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of a comprehensive QA program for a hospital-based DIC.
- To establish measurable criteria for all DIC activities.
- To implement and refine a system for evaluating DIC performance.
Main Methods:
- Development of specific criteria for each DIC activity.
- Creation of an assessment form with detailed evaluation instructions.
- Implementation of new procedures, including readership surveys and peer review, to facilitate assessment.
- Iterative evaluation and revision of QA criteria based on initial findings.
Main Results:
- Initial assessments highlighted deficiencies in evaluator instructions and provider documentation.
- Revisions to criteria and procedures were necessary to accurately assess DIC activities.
- The developed QA program was successfully integrated into the broader pharmacy department QA framework.
Conclusions:
- A structured QA program is vital for optimizing DIC operations.
- Clear criteria, adequate instructions, and thorough documentation are key to effective QA implementation.
- Continuous evaluation and revision enhance the utility and impact of QA programs in healthcare settings.