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DESIGN OF AN ANTI-HAEMORRHAGIC AGENTS PROTOCOL FOR AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (submitted in 2019)
European Statement
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Author(s)
Mercedes Gómez-Delgado, Marta Valera-Rubio, Margarita Carballo-Ruiz, José Luis Ortiz-Latorre, Isabel Moya-Carmona
Why was it done?
Blood coagulation factors and their adequate use can be of particular importance in the treatment of massive haemorrhage, especially in the ICU. This initiative was taken in order to improve uptake and to avoid errors in the administration, which can be difficult in emergency situations.
What was done?
To define an emergency procedure that ensures correct management in cases of massive bleeding in an intensive care unit (ICU).
How was it done?
The development of drug use protocols for emergency situations is a simple task that facilitates health workers to manage them. Prioritising the drugs to be included in a protocol by a previous survey in a multidisciplinary setting is important to consider the different points of view. We carried out a review of the pharmacy service to the ICU needs of antihaemorrhagic drugs. ICU staff (doctors and nurses) were informed to reach an agreement about eligible drugs for being included in the protocol. ICU staff requested the inclusion of four drugs in the protocol according to the prevalence of use and the difficulty of administration: human fibrinogen, tranexamic acid, eptacog alfa and human prothrombin complex. We created a protocol with four information sheets, one of each drug, made of schematic information about: 1. Physical location (fridge or room temperature, number of shelf) and minimum safety stock (3 units of human fibrinogen, 4 units of tranexamic acid and 3 units of human prothrombin complex). 2. Indications and dosage according to the clinical situation and the patient characteristics (dosage adjustment according to renal or hepatic impairment, weight or age when applicable). 3. Recommendations for intravenous administration (flow rate, bolus, loading dose, dilution, mixture stability).
What has been achieved?
Mapping the information and dividing it into sections is essential for its rapid understanding in a high-stress work environment. The implementation of this protocol was well embraced by all the staff involved, since it allowed a more efficient health care circuit for the ICU staff. It also optimises the consumption of this type of more monitored drugs.
What next?
We will monitor the compliance with this protocol, as well as possible updates that may be beneficial for a better understanding of the forms of administration.