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Is there a need for improved pharmacy services to the operating theatre?
C E Branch1, S Bowden, D E Roberts
1Medicines Research Unit, Welsh School of Pharmacy, University of Wales, Cardiff.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Improved drug control in operating theatres is needed. Implementing clinical pharmacy services and expanding drug distribution are cost-effective solutions for better medication management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy practice
- Hospital administration
- Surgical services
Background:
- A study in an 850-bed hospital's operating theatre complex identified unusable medications, indicating a need for enhanced pharmacy services.
- Current drug control and handling practices within the operating theatre were found to be suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve drug control of stock medication within the operating theatre complex.
- To introduce and evaluate clinical pharmacy services in the operating theatre.
- To identify cost-effective methods for enhancing pharmacy services in surgical settings.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of three drug control systems, referencing U.S. practices.
- Implementation of operating theatre visits by a clinical pharmacist.
- Expansion of the existing drug distribution service.
Main Results:
- The study identified significant issues with medication usability, highlighting deficiencies in current drug handling.
- Clinical pharmacist visits and expanded drug distribution were deemed the most cost-effective strategies.
- The chosen methods were successfully implemented within the operating theatre complex.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced pharmacy services, including clinical pharmacy and improved drug distribution, are crucial for operating theatres.
- The implemented strategies provide a cost-effective model for improving medication management in surgical environments.
- The study demonstrates the successful integration of clinical pharmacy services into operating theatre workflows.