Comprehensive services in an ambulatory care pharmacy

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Services

Background:

• The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center developed a model for ambulatory care pharmacy services.
• The main outpatient pharmacy was converted into a Pharmaceutical Care Center between 1991 and 1994.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a comprehensive model of pharmacy practice in an ambulatory care setting.
• To establish a model for community and hospital-based ambulatory care pharmacy services.

Main Methods:

• The Pharmaceutical Care Center was designed with specific areas for patient assessment, consultation, and pharmacy operations.
• Pharmacy students and residents, supervised by faculty, performed patient assessments, education, outcome monitoring, and interventions.
• Patient data and interventions were documented in medical records.
• Technology, including computers and automated dispensing, was utilized to support pharmacists.

Main Results:

• The center serves 120-150 patients daily, with 90% from the clinic system and 10% recently discharged.
• Pharmacists focused on direct patient care activities, enabled by technological support and efficient drug distribution.
• The model integrated drug distribution with direct patient care services.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive model for ambulatory care pharmacy practice was successfully developed and implemented.
• The Pharmaceutical Care Center model demonstrates the integration of drug distribution and direct patient care.
• This model serves as a blueprint for other ambulatory care pharmacy settings.