Documented effectiveness of clinical pharmacy services

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Patient Care Outcomes

Background:

• Clinical pharmacy services are integral to modern healthcare.
• Documenting the impact of these services on patient outcomes is crucial for evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize articles on the effectiveness of clinical pharmacy services.
• To identify documented evidence of clinical pharmacy services' impact on patient care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published articles and conference abstracts on clinical pharmacy services.
• Evaluation of selected articles for evidence of impact on patient care outcomes (morbidity, mortality, prescribing, therapeutic outcome, compliance).

Main Results:

• 16 out of 33 reviewed papers provided probable or definite evidence of clinical pharmacy services' impact.
• Key services included patient education, pharmacokinetic monitoring, and drug information.
• Studies in ambulatory and hospitalized adult patients showed improved compliance and therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Clinical pharmacy services demonstrate a probable or definite positive impact on patient care.
• Patient education and counseling were particularly effective in improving compliance.
• More rigorous studies are needed to further elucidate the effects of clinical pharmacy services on patient outcomes.