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Aminoglycoside dosing service provided by baccalaureate-level pharmacists
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|January 1, 1984
Summary
A hospital pharmacy department successfully implemented an aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic dosing service. This service, run by trained baccalaureate pharmacists, optimized drug dosing for over half of eligible patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics require careful dosing to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
- Traditional dosing methods may not always achieve optimal therapeutic levels.
- Clinical pharmacy services can play a vital role in optimizing drug therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a pharmacokinetic dosing service for aminoglycosides.
- To evaluate the feasibility and impact of a service operated by baccalaureate-level pharmacists.
Main Methods:
- A gradual implementation strategy was employed, starting with policy development and pharmacist training.
- Staff pharmacists received 14 hours of training in pharmacokinetics, including case studies.
- The service operated on physician request, with nursing and lab personnel assisting in sample collection and administration.
Main Results:
- The service was initiated upon physician request and involved approximately one hour of pharmacist time per patient.
- A fee of $20 was assessed per completed dosing consult.
- Approximately 50 consults were provided monthly, with 50-70% of eligible patients (excluding neonatal ICU) utilizing the service.
Conclusions:
- A limited aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic dosing service can be effectively provided by baccalaureate-level pharmacists.
- This initiative expanded the pharmacy department's role in clinical pharmacokinetics and patient care.
- The service demonstrated a significant impact on optimizing aminoglycoside dosing within the hospital.