Survey of clinical pharmaceutical services in Florida hospitals

A survey of clinical pharmaceutical services in Florida hospitals is described. Questionnaires were mailed to the pharmacy departments of 210 hospitals containing 50 or more beds; 172 (82%) responded. Data were collected concerning the extent and types of clinical services provided; the reasons for not implementing the services were also obtained. Twenty (12%) hospitals employed a full-time clinical pharmacist. Inservice drug education, formalized drug information, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and patient medication histories were provided by 78%, 47%, 19% and 6% of the hospitals, respectively. Hospitals with a total or partial unit dose drug distribution system seemed more likely to provide clinical services than those with other types of distribution systems. Hospitals employing a clinical pharmacist were engaged in a wider range of clinical services and provided these services to a larger portion of their patient population. The reason most frequently cited for not implementing clinical services was inadequate staff.