Evaluation of the Impacts of Clinical Ward Pharmacy Services

Abstract Description

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Authors (including presenting author) :

S Y FAN, Y H CHAN, W Y CHENG, C F MAK, K Y TSE, S Y M LEUNG

Affiliation :

Department of Pharmacy, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

Introduction :

Clinical ward pharmacy service has been implemented at 2 medical wards at PYNEH for more than ten years. The clinical pharmacists provide medication reconciliation, comprehensive medication management (CMM) discharge counselling services, and pharmaceutical care to inpatients.

Objectives :

The objectives of this evaluation were 1. to assess the integration and recognition of the clinical ward pharmacy services into direct patient care, and 2. to evaluate the clinical impact of the Clinical Ward Pharmacy Services.

Methodology :

The evaluation was divided into two parts. For the first part, a survey was conducted to assess doctors’ and nurses’ appreciation of the clinical ward pharmacy services and its integration into direct patient care. The survey was carried out during 4/12/18-31/12/18. Survey forms for doctors and nurses were distributed to all medical doctors, irrespective whether they have encountered the clinical ward pharmacy service, and nurses of the wards with clinical ward pharmacy services respectively by internal mail. For the second part, drug-related recommendations provided by clinical pharmacists during 1/10/18-31/12/18 were evaluated.

Result & Outcome :

103 and 55 survey forms for doctors and nurses were distributed respectively. 24 (response rate 23%) and 47 (response rate 85%) completed survey forms were returned for doctors and nurses respectively. All doctors considered clinical ward pharmacy services could 1. alter their management, 2. improve patient clinical outcome and safety, 3. assist doctors in discharging the patient more efficiently, 4. reduce drug-related unplanned readmission, and 5. relieve their workload. All nurses agreed clinical ward pharmacy service could 1. Improve patient safety, 2. reduce drug-related unplanned readmission, and 3. relieve their workload. 71% (N=17) and 75% (N=35) of doctors nurses respectively considered clinical ward pharmacy service could enable them to have >10 minutes free-up time per case. Finally, all doctors and nurses agreed this service should be provided in other wards and as a regular service to all admitted patients. During the 3-month evaluation period, the clinical pharmacists reviewed 1596 patients and provided 904 drug-related recommendations to 474 patients. Attending doctors accepted all recommendations. Clinical ward pharmacy service has been integrated into the clinical area and appreciated by clinical professionals. One in every three patients would receive drug-related recommendations provided by the clinical pharmacists. This service should be provided as a regular service to all admitted patients.