Implementing a decentralized pharmacy model across a 10-hospital enterprise

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Health Services Research
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• Decentralized pharmacy models are increasingly adopted to enhance clinical services.
• Integrating pharmacists into patient care teams improves outcomes.
• Health systems seek innovative strategies to elevate patient satisfaction and care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a decentralized pharmacy practice model across a 10-hospital system.
• To expand clinical pharmacy coverage and elevate the role of staff pharmacists.
• To improve patient satisfaction through enhanced education and pharmacist integration.

Main Methods:

• Phased rollout of decentralized pharmacists in high-impact units with suboptimal HCAHPS scores.
• Standardized training programs and development of patient engagement tools.
• Introduction of telepharmacy services to support decentralized practice.

Main Results:

• Observed improvements in Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey scores post-implementation.
• Successful expansion of clinical services and pharmacist integration.
• Addressed challenges in practice model shifts, interdisciplinary engagement, and logistics.

Conclusions:

• Decentralized pharmacy practice is an effective strategy for health systems.
• This model optimizes pharmacist integration, enhances patient satisfaction, and advances interdisciplinary care.
• The approach offers valuable insights for healthcare organizations aiming to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.