Ekta Punj, Catherine Atkin, Christian Subbe, Elizabeth Sapey
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: Patients seen in acute medicine services are at high risk of medication errors and subsequent harm. Pharmacy services within acute medicine or emergency departments have been shown to reduce medication errors and improve patient outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of the national provision of pharmacy services within acute medicine. We aimed to evaluate the current availability of pharmacy services for acute medicine patients in the UK.
Methods: Data were collected through an organizational survey of acute medicine departments nationally in June 2022. Questions aimed to evaluate the organization and availability of pharmacy services necessary to meet national guidance regarding medication reconciliation for acute admissions.
Key findings: Across 129 acute hospitals in the UK, 98% utilized pharmacy services for medicines reconciliation on the acute medical unit, however, only 36% of hospitals had access to these services from 9 am to 5 pm on the weekend, and only 16% had access throughout the out of hours period (Monday-Sunday, 5 pm-9 am). Availability of out-of-hours services did not appear to be related to hospital size (Chi-square P = .94). Pharmacy services were provided in the emergency department in 29% of hospitals, with only 12% providing 24/7 coverage.
Conclusions: There is considerable variation in pharmacy services accessible within acute medicine services nationally. Further research is required to understand this variability, its impact on clinical outcomes, and how this could best be addressed within acute medicine.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice (IJPP) is a Medline-indexed, peer reviewed, international journal. It is one of the leading journals publishing health services research in the context of pharmacy, pharmaceutical care, medicines and medicines management. Regular sections in the journal include, editorials, literature reviews, original research, personal opinion and short communications. Topics covered include: medicines utilisation, medicine management, medicines distribution, supply and administration, pharmaceutical services, professional and patient/lay perspectives, public health (including, e.g. health promotion, needs assessment, health protection) evidence based practice, pharmacy education. Methods include both evaluative and exploratory work including, randomised controlled trials, surveys, epidemiological approaches, case studies, observational studies, and qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups. Application of methods drawn from other disciplines e.g. psychology, health economics, morbidity are especially welcome as are developments of new methodologies.
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