INTEGRATING CLINICAL PHARMACY INTO DAILY WARD OPERATIONS: A TAILORED APPROACH ACROSS SPECIALTIES
European Statement
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Author(s)
Adina Elihu, Claudia Wunder
Why was it done?
In Austria, there is growing recognition of the vital role clinical pharmacists play in healthcare teams. However, the current structure of the Austrian healthcare system does not adequately support the establishment of sufficient clinical pharmacist positions. Consequently, it is imperative to strategically integrate the limited available resources into patient-centered medication processes and fully harness their potential to enhance drug therapy safety.
The initial project was conducted in 2018/2019, and the present retrospective study was completed in 2022.
What was done?
This study explores the efficient integration of clinical pharmaceutical services across various medical disciplines, including both surgical and conservative fields. It specifically addresses how the integration of clinical pharmacy in surgical settings differs from that in conservative settings, and what success factors and obstacles need to be considered.
How was it done?
Through a retrospective analysis of outcomes from a comprehensive polypharmacy project, coupled with surveys of participating pharmacists and physicians, we delineate the procedures and methodologies essential for effective implementation.
What has been achieved?
It was demonstrated that a “one size fits all” approach, or a single process for all departments, is not practical. The study highlights specialty-specific considerations, such as the necessity for written communication on surgical wards and the inappropriateness and appropriateness of accompanying ward rounds in some cases.
Groundbreaking considerations for the approach were developed, including preparation, differences in approaches between surgical and conservative specialties, information sharing, communication pathways, necessities in the implementation phase and prerequisites for de-escalation.
The initiative paved the way for the introduction of electronic consultation systems to improve information transfer and documentation.
What next?
By identifying pitfalls and essential success factors, this initiative stands as a model for establishing clinical pharmacy services across various medical specialties, particularly in the context of limited personnel resources. It provides valuable guidance for colleagues involved in establishing these services.