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Published on: August 30, 2018
Value of Inpatient Clinical Pharmacists
Zack Dumont1, Kelly C Rogers2, Abdullah M Alhammad3
1Saskatchewan Health Authority, Pharmacy Administration, Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Summary
Inpatient clinical pharmacy services (CPS) improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance safety. Integrating pharmacists into care teams requires strategic planning for broader implementation and recognition of their value.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacy Practice
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Inpatient clinical pharmacists significantly improve patient outcomes, including reduced mortality and enhanced clinical markers.
- Economic analyses demonstrate cost savings from clinical pharmacy services (CPS) through reduced adverse drug events, shorter hospital stays, and fewer rehospitalizations.
- High satisfaction is reported by healthcare professionals and patients regarding medication safety and care quality with CPS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the literature on inpatient clinical pharmacy services (CPS) using the economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes (ECHO) framework.
- To highlight the recognized benefits and endorsements for clinical pharmacists on interdisciplinary teams.
- To provide recommendations for health system administrators and the pharmacy profession to promote wider CPS integration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis organized by the ECHO framework (Economic, Clinical, Humanistic Outcomes).
- Analysis of existing studies on the impact of inpatient clinical pharmacy services.
- Identification of endorsements from professional and governmental organizations.
Main Results:
- CPS demonstrably reduces mortality and improves clinical markers.
- Significant cost savings are associated with CPS, including decreased length of stay and rehospitalization rates.
- High levels of satisfaction are reported by both healthcare professionals and patients.
Conclusions:
- Numerous organizations endorse clinical pharmacists as integral members of inpatient care teams.
- Despite evidence, widespread implementation of CPS faces barriers.
- Strategic planning focusing on value, visibility, and leadership is crucial for integrating clinical pharmacists effectively.
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