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Comprehensive pharmaceutical services for pediatric patients
M L Buck1, J J Connor, C J Snipes
1Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
Insights
A dedicated pediatric pharmacy team was established to enhance pharmaceutical care for children. This team improved medication safety and provided comprehensive services, optimizing drug therapy for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Hospital Pharmacy Services
Background:
- Tertiary-care teaching hospitals require specialized pharmaceutical services for pediatric patients.
- Existing pharmacy services may not adequately address the unique needs of pediatric medication management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of comprehensive pharmaceutical services for pediatric patients.
- To establish a dedicated pediatric pharmacy and specialized team to address medication-related challenges in this population.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a pediatric pharmacy team comprising staff pharmacists, a clinical specialist, and support personnel.
- Establishment of a dedicated pediatric pharmacy operating extended hours daily.
- Integration of dispensing functions (unit dose preparation, order processing) with clinical services (patient chart review, drug information, pharmacokinetic monitoring).
Main Results:
- A dedicated pediatric pharmacy was created, staffed for 75% of day and evening shifts.
- Comprehensive dispensing services, including 24-hour unit dose supply, were provided.
- Clinical pharmacy services were decentralized, with daily rounds to pediatric units for patient care and education.
Conclusions:
- The creation of a pediatric pharmacy and a specialized team effectively coordinates dispensing and clinical functions.
- This integrated approach enables the provision of comprehensive pharmaceutical services tailored to pediatric patients.
- The model enhances medication safety and optimizes therapeutic outcomes in pediatric care settings.
Abstract:
The development of comprehensive pharmaceutical services for pediatric patients at a tertiary-care teaching hospital is described. A team of three staff pharmacists, a clinical specialist, and supportive personnel was formed. A pediatric pharmacy, operating from 0800 to 2100 daily, was created in a separate area of the central pharmacy to focus on potential problems with pediatric dosage calculations and drug administration. The team staffs the pediatric pharmacy for 75% of its day and evening shifts. The pharmacy prepares the 24-hour unit dose supply for each nursing unit, processes new orders, and provides drug information and problem-solving services. Clinical services are provided by the decentralized pharmacist, a rotating member of the team who makes rounds each day to the pediatric nursing units to review patient charts, provide medication information, and answer questions. The pediatric clinical specialist conducts educational programs, provides consultations, maintains reference materials, monitors pharmacokinetic evaluations, reviews medication communication forms, and assists in developing medication administration procedures. The creation of a pediatric pharmacy and a pediatric pharmacy team that coordinates both dispensing and clinical functions has made it possible to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical services to pediatric patients.