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EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH SITUATIONS: OBSERVATION OF AN IMMERSIVE EXERCISE IN THE HOSPITAL PHARMACY AND FEEDBACK

European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Author(s)

Delphine BODEN, Laura RODRIGO, Rachel MAHE, Olivier SELLAL, Maxime PARE, François RONDEAU

Why was it done?

The main objective was to test the activation of our Pharmacy-Sterilization-Operational-Unit (PS-OU), established in December 2022, and to work on its interaction with the others OU of the different hospital services. The second aim was to continue the training of pharmaceutical teams on exceptional health situations (EHS).

What was done?

In March 2024, our hospital pharmacy (HP) took part in an inter-departmental exercise based on the scenario of managing a massive influx of polytrauma victims at our hospital. The quick engagement of mobile medical units and sterilization department, dependent on the HP, is indeed a key element in the optimal care of victims, whether in hospital or pre-hospital.

How was it done?

Two interns and one pharmacy technician, with an analysis framework, were in attendance as observers through the exercise. During the PS-OU activation, various points were observed: global crisis management, task assignment and communication between the members, data centralization and communication with the others OU, efficiency and speed of response to problems… A feedback questionnaire was then sent to the 9 main players (PS-OU members, on-call pharmacist…). Intra-HP and inter-departmental feedback were provided immediately, then a posteriori.

What has been achieved?

For 3 hours, our HP had activated its OU to provide the best possible response to this exercise. The observation of this exercise pointed out the rapid activation and efficiency of the PS-OU (by the on-call pharmacist, on the order of the head of department), so a great intern and extern communication. Areas for improvement were raised, such as the optimization of available tools. 89% of players answered the feedback questionnaire. The communication was considered operational and the PS-OU essential by all the respondents. They also feel that this type of exercise is needed (75%) and helps prepare them for EHS (88%).

What next?

Aims of this exercise were achieved. Preparing, hosting and then analyzing this kind of exercise, although seemingly time-consuming, enables us to validate and, where required, consolidate the intended organization for EHS. These results also strengthen our determination to pursue our annual exercise program. Shortly, an exercise with the supply members of our PS-OU will be organized, in order to train the less experienced members as well.

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