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Simonetti L, Lefrant JY, Cireașă B, Poujol H, Leguelinel-Blache G. Pharmacoeconomic and clinical impact of pharmaceutical service in the intensive care unit: a systematic review. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2024:ejhpharm-2024-004208. [PMID: 39271250 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2024-004208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical pharmacy is a fast-growing discipline in Europe, ensuring optimisation and a guarantee of safety in therapeutic management. Within a hospital the intensive care unit (ICU) typically admits the most severely ill patients who require expensive medications. These patients may be at risk for potentially serious adverse events, especially when medication errors occur. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacoeconomic and clinical impact of pharmaceutical care and service within ICUs. A systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 methodology was conducted to identify pharmacoeconomic studies published from 2017 to 2021 in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. A qualitative methodological assessment of the studies was made using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) grid. Among the 525 articles identified from the databases, 11 were selected. Clinical benefits were mostly measured in terms of a reduction in the risk of adverse events related to care and reductions in the duration of mechanical ventilation and in-ICU and in-hospital length-of-stays. No impact on the mortality rate was demonstrated. All studies reported cost-benefit ratios ranging from €2.48 to €24.20 per €1 invested. The avoided costs per patient ranged from €29.73 to €194.24 per day of hospitalisation. The mean CHEERS compliance score was 63%±17%, demonstrating the heterogeneous quality of these analyses. International pharmacoeconomic evaluations on the impact of the clinical pharmacist operating in the ICU revealed both economic and clinical benefits for the patient. Larger randomised studies are required to confirm the major role of the pharmacist in the ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Simonetti
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, Univ Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Jean-Yves Lefrant
- UR-UM103 IMAGINE, Division of Anesthesia Critical Care, Pain and Emergency Medicine, Nimes University Hospital, Univ Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Bogdan Cireașă
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, Univ Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Hélène Poujol
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, Univ Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Géraldine Leguelinel-Blache
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, Univ Montpellier, Nimes, France
- Department of Law and Health Economics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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MacLaren R, Kiser TH. Bridging the gap: Advocating for the advancement of critical care pharmacists and critical care pharmacy practice. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:876-883. [PMID: 38829784 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert MacLaren
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyree H Kiser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
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3
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Heavner MS. Next generation of critical care pharmacist practice studies: Beyond essential. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:884-889. [PMID: 38801009 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh S Heavner
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Webb AJ. Don't sweat the small stuff: A SWOT analysis for critical care pharmacists, appreciation for the past, present and future of the profession, and a call for reflection. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:860-865. [PMID: 38829767 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Webb
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Smith SE, Nei AM. Defining the "ideal state": A primer on critical care pharmacy practice models. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:796-811. [PMID: 38741290 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Critical care pharmacists (CCPs) have been clearly established as value-added members of the interprofessional team, and their contributions positively impact patient outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite this, not every critically ill patient in the US receives care from a CCP and the model through which CCPs practice is variable, which has important implications. The purpose of this primer is to review current CCP models and discuss elements of the optimal CCP practice model. SUMMARY Current CCP practice models are defined, including the drug processing and dispensing model, clinical pharmacy specialist model, integrated pharmacy generalist model, and hybrid model, as well as unit-based vs service-based models. The optimal CCP practice model considers the Triple Domain of CCP workload, which includes direct patient care, indirect patient care, and professional service. Elements of the ideal CCP practice model including 24/7/365 CCP services, unit- vs service-based models, prescriptive authority, operational support, and CCP-to-patient ratio are discussed. Other vital elements include dedicated offline time, use of appropriate workload metrics, development of career ladders, opportunities for professional development, and providing wellness resources. The ideal CCP practice model must also be considered through the lens of the patient and medical team, the CCP, the institution, and professional organizations. Strategies for optimizing current CCP practice models are provided, and application of optimal CCP practice model elements is explored through 5 case studies. CONCLUSION The optimal CCP practice model includes multiple elements and incorporates the viewpoints of patients, providers, CCPs, institutions, and professional organizations; this model will increase access of all ICU patients to CCPs, enhance the scope of CCP cognitive services, and ensure the economic sustainability of CCP practice while establishing CCP involvement in activities outside of patient care and in professional service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrea M Nei
- Department of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
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Sikora A. Mapping the next steps for critical care pharmacists. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:783-784. [PMID: 38995094 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Athens, GA, USA
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Remmington C, Cameron L, Hanks F, Liang YH, Barrow L, Coxhead R, Mehta R, Bhudia N, Lyster H, Cooke S, Gilmartin J, Lee P, Sloss R, McKenzie C. Critical care pharmacy service provision and workforce in adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centres: a multicentre cross-sectional survey. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:854-861. [PMID: 38551749 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is good evidence describing pharmacy workforce and service provision in general critical care units. However, no data exist from adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centres. AIM To describe workforce characteristics, pharmacy service provision, and pharmaceutical care activities in critical care units (CCUs) providing an adult ECMO service in the United Kingdom (UK) and compare to national staffing standards for CCUs. METHOD We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional electronic survey inviting one pharmacy professional response per UK ECMO centre. We collated information on workforce, service provision, and pharmaceutical care activities provided by pharmacy teams in adult CCUs with an ECMO service. RESULTS The survey response rate was 90.9%: representatives of 10/11 tertiary hospitals providing ECMO services responded. Median critical care pharmacist to critical care bed was 1:12.1 (IQR: 1:9.4-1:14.9). Most centres (90.0%) did not meet national standards for pharmacy professionals to critical care bed staffing ratios for weekday services. Total critical care beds covered by the critical care pharmacy team varied across the UK: median (IQR) - 45 (37-80) beds. Two centres funded pharmacist time for ECMO activity, and one centre funded a pharmacy technician post. Median peak ECMO activity was 4 ECMO patients in a single day (IQR: 3-5). Most respondents reported reduced pharmacy service at weekends compared to weekday, with limited on-site support. CONCLUSION Most responding ECMO centres in the UK reported pharmacy staffing ratios below nationally agreed critical care standards. There was high variability in clinical pharmacy services to ECMO patients over 7 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Remmington
- Pharmacy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Lynda Cameron
- Pharmacy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fraser Hanks
- Pharmacy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ya-Hui Liang
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Linda Barrow
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth Coxhead
- Pharmacy Department, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Reena Mehta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nisha Bhudia
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St Thomas, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Haifa Lyster
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St Thomas, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Cooke
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - James Gilmartin
- Pharmacy Department, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Phillisa Lee
- Pharmacy Department, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Rhona Sloss
- Pharmacy Department, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Cathrine McKenzie
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Pharmacy and Critical Care, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre, Perioperative, and Pharmacy and Critical Care, Southampton and NIHR Wessex Applied Research Collaborative (ARC), Southampton, UK
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Gershengorn HB, Garland A, Costa DK, Dzierba AL, Fowler R, Kramer AA, Liu VX, Lizano D, Scales DC, Wunsch H. ICU Staffing in the United States. Chest 2024:S0012-3692(24)00631-7. [PMID: 38788896 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last national estimates of US ICU physician staffing are 25 years old and lack information about interprofessional teams. RESEARCH QUESTION How are US adult ICUs currently staffed? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey (May 4, 2022-February 2, 2023) of adult ICU clinicians (targeting nurse/physician leadership) contacted using 2020 American Hospital Association (AHA) database information and, secondarily, through professional organizations. The survey included questions about interprofessional ICU staffing availability and roles at steady state (pre-COVID-19). We linked survey data to hospital data in the AHA database to create weighted national estimates by extrapolating ICU staffing data to nonrespondent hospitals based on hospital characteristics. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 596 adult ICUs (response rates: AHA contacts: 2.1%; professional organizations: unknown) with geographic diversity and size variability (median, 20 beds; interquartile range, 12-25); most cared for mixed populations (414 [69.5%]), yet medical (55 [9.2%]), surgical (70 [11.7%]), and specialty (57 [9.6%]) ICUs were well represented. A total of 554 (93.0%) had intensivists available, with intensivists covering all patients in 75.6% of these and onsite 24 h/d in one-half (53.3% weekdays; 51.8% weekends). Of all ICUs, 69.8% had physicians-in-training and 77.7% had nurse practitioners/physician assistants. For patients on mechanical ventilation, nurse to patient ratios were 1:2 in 89.6% of ICUs. Clinical pharmacists were available in 92.6%, and respiratory therapists were available in 98.8%. We estimated 85.1% (95% CI, 85.7%-84.5%) of hospitals nationally had ICUs with intensivists, 51.6% (95% CI, 50.6%-52.5%) had physicians-in-training, 72.1% (95% CI, 71.3%-72.9%) had nurse practitioners/physician assistants, 98.5% (95% CI, 98.4%-98.7%) had respiratory therapists, and 86.9% (95% CI, 86.4%-87.4%) had clinical pharmacists. For patients on mechanical ventilation, 86.4% (95% CI, 85.8%-87.0%) used 1:2 nurses/patients. INTERPRETATION We found that intensivist presence in adult US ICUs has greatly increased over 25 years. Intensivists, respiratory therapists, and clinical pharmacists are commonly available, and each nurse usually provides care for two patients on mechanical ventilation. However, team composition and workload vary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley B Gershengorn
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL; Division of Critical Care Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
| | - Allan Garland
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Deena K Costa
- Yale School of Nursing, West Haven, CT; Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Amy L Dzierba
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY; Center for Acute Respiratory Failure, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Robert Fowler
- University Health Network & Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Tory Trauma Program, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Vincent X Liu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA
| | - Danny Lizano
- Physician Assistant Program, Fort Lauderdale Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Florida Kendall Hospital, Miami, FL
| | - Damon C Scales
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Wunsch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ratliff HC, Yakusheva O, Boltey EM, Marriott DJ, Costa DK. Patterns of interactions among ICU interprofessional teams: A prospective patient-shift-level survey approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298586. [PMID: 38625976 PMCID: PMC11020828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Awakening, Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring and Early mobility bundle (ABCDE) is associated with lower mortality for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, efforts to improve ABCDE are variably successful, possibly due to lack of clarity about who are the team members interacting when caring for each patient, each shift. Lack of patient shift-level information regarding who is interacting with whom limits the ability to tailor interventions to the specific ICU team to improve ABCDE. OBJECTIVE Determine the number and types of individuals (i.e., clinicians and family members) interacting in the care of mechanically ventilated (MV) patients, as reported by the patients' assigned physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist (RT) each shift, using a network science lens. METHODS We conducted a prospective, patient-shift-level survey in 2 medical ICUs. For each patient, we surveyed the assigned physician, nurse, and RT each day and night shift about who they interacted with when providing ABCDE for each patient-shift. We determined the number and types of interactions, reported by physicians, nurses, and RTs and day versus night shift. RESULTS From 1558 surveys from 404 clinicians who cared for 169 patients over 166 shifts (65% response rate), clinicians reported interacting with 2.6 individuals each shift (physicians: 2.65, nurses: 3.33, RTs: 1.86); this was fewer on night shift compared to day shift (1.99 versus 3.02). Most frequent interactions were with the bedside nurse, attending, resident, intern, and RT; family member interactions were reported in less than 1 in 5 surveys (12.2% of physician surveys, 19.7% of nurse surveys, 4.9% of RT surveys). INTERPRETATION Clinicians reported interacting with 3-4 clinicians each shift, and fewer on nights. Nurses interacted with the most clincians and family members. Interventions targeting shift-level teams, focusing on nurses and family members, may be a way to improve ABCDE delivery and ICU teamwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Ratliff
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Olga Yakusheva
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Emily M. Boltey
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Deanna J. Marriott
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Deena Kelly Costa
- School of Nursing, Yale University, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Chase AM, Forehand CC, Keats KR, Taylor AN, Jones TW, Sikora A. Evaluation of Critical Care Pharmacist Evening Services at an Academic Medical Center. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:228-233. [PMID: 38450349 PMCID: PMC10913874 DOI: 10.1177/00185787231207996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: Critical care pharmacists are considered essential members of the healthcare team; however, justification and recruitment of new positions, especially in the evening or weekend shifts, remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this study was to investigate the number of interventions, type of interventions, and associated cost savings with the addition of 1 board certified critical care clinical pharmacist to evening shift. Methods: This was a prospective collection and characterization of 1 evening shift critical care pharmacist's clinical interventions over a 12-week period. Interventions were collected and categorized daily from 13:00 to 22:00 Monday through Friday. After collection was complete, cost savings estimates were calculated using pharmacy wholesaler acquisition cost. Results: Interventions were collected on 52 of 60 weekdays. A total of 510 interventions were collected with an average of 9.8 interventions accepted per day. The most common interventions included transitions of care, medication dose adjustment, and antibiotic de-escalation and the highest proportion of interventions occurred in the medical intensive care unit. An estimated associated cost avoidance of $66 537.80 was calculated for an average of $1279.57 saved per day. Additionally, 22 (4.1%) of interventions were considered high yield interventions upon independent review by 2 pharmacists. Conclusion: The addition of 1 board-certified critical care pharmacist to evening shift resulted in multiple interventions across several categories and a significant cost avoidance when calculated using conservative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Chase
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Christy C. Forehand
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy W. Jones
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
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11
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Webb AJ, Carver B, Rowe S, Sikora A. The use of electronic health record embedded MRC-ICU as a metric for critical care pharmacist workload. JAMIA Open 2023; 6:ooad101. [PMID: 38058680 PMCID: PMC10697785 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives A lack of pharmacist-specific risk-stratification scores in the electronic health record (EHR) may limit resource optimization. The medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score was implemented into our center's EHR for use by clinical pharmacists. The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate MRC-ICU as a predictor of pharmacist workload and to assess its potential as an additional dimension to traditional workload measures. Materials and methods Data were abstracted from the EHR on adult ICU patients, including MRC-ICU scores and 2 traditional measures of pharmacist workload: numbers of medication orders verified and interventions logged. This was a single-center study of an EHR-integrated MRC-ICU tool. The primary outcome was the association of MRC-ICU with institutional metrics of pharmacist workload. Associations were assessed using the initial 24-h maximum MRC-ICU score's Pearson's correlation with overall admission workload and the day-to-day association using generalized linear mixed-effects modeling. Results A total of 1205 patients over 5083 patient-days were evaluated. Baseline MRC-ICU was correlated with both cumulative order volume (Spearman's rho 0.41, P < .001) and cumulative interventions placed (Spearman's rho 0.27, P < .001). A 1-point increase in maximum daily MRC-ICU was associated with a 31% increase in order volume (95% CI, 24%-38%) and 4% increase in interventions (95% CI, 2%-5%). Discussion and conclusion The MRC-ICU is a validated score that has been previously correlated with important patient-centered outcomes. Here, MRC-ICU was modestly associated with 2 traditional objective measures of pharmacist workload, including orders verified and interventions placed, which is an important step for its use as a tool for resource utilization needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Webb
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Bayleigh Carver
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sandra Rowe
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
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Chase AM, Azimi HA, Forehand CC, Keats K, Taylor A, Wu S, Blotske K, Sikora A. An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Medication Regimen Complexity as Measured by the MRC-ICU to Medication Errors in Critically Ill Patients. Hosp Pharm 2023; 58:569-574. [PMID: 38560536 PMCID: PMC10977060 DOI: 10.1177/00185787231170386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score at 24 hours and medication errors identified throughout the ICU. Methods: A single-center, observational study was conducted from August to October 2021. The primary outcome was the association between MRC-ICU at 24 hours and total medication errors identified. During the prospective component, ICU pharmacists recorded medication errors identified over an 8-week period. During the retrospective component, the electronic medical record was reviewed to collect patient demographics, outcomes, and MRC-ICU score at 24 hours. The primary outcome of the relationship of MRC-ICU at 24 hours to medication errors was assessed using Pearson correlation. Results: A total of 150 patients were included. There were 2 pharmacists who recorded 634 errors during the 8-week study period. No significant relationship between MRC-ICU and medication errors was observed (r2 = .13, P = .11). Exploratory analyses of MRC-ICU relationship to major interventions and harm scores showed that MRC-ICU scores >10 had more major interventions (27 vs 14, P = .27) and higher harm scores (15 vs 7, P = .33), although these values were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Medication errors appear to occur independently of medication regimen complexity. Critical care pharmacists were responsible for mitigating a large number of medication errors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kelli Keats
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Stephen Wu
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Sikora
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
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13
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Ismail NH, Alhammad AM, Alshaya AI, Alkhani N, Alenazi AO, Aljuhani O. Characteristics of Critical Care Pharmacy Services in Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:3227-3234. [PMID: 37933261 PMCID: PMC10625735 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s434116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Critical care pharmacists (CCPs) in intensive care units (ICUs) are associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced adverse events (ADEs), and reduced mortality rates. This study aimed to describe the activities and pharmacy services provided by CCP in ICUs in hospitals in Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods In this cross-sectional prospective study, a questionnaire was electronically sent to CCPs practicing in SA between September 2022 and January 2023. A modified version of a previously published and validated survey was sent to the Saudi Critical Care and Emergency Specialty Network. The questionnaire focused on four CCP activities: clinical, educational, scholarly, and administrative. The level of services was similarly classified into three domains: fundamental, optimal, and desirable. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The study surveyed 44 CCPs in SA, with a response rate of 52.3%. These CCPs were predominantly located in the central (47.8%) and eastern (30.4%) regions. Hospitals' ICU bed capacity ranged from 10 to 100, with 82% reporting mixed medical and surgical ICUs. Most CCPs had 4-10 years of critical care experience, and 60% held advanced degrees, with a substantial portion having completed PGY-1 and PGY-2 pharmacy residencies. CCPs were actively involved in patient care, with 86.9% participating in multidisciplinary rounds five days a week. They were engaged in clinical, educational, and administrative activities, with 82.6% involved in retrospective research and educational activities. Furthermore, 78.2% were engaged in pharmacy and therapeutic committees, 56.5% in critical care committees, and 56.5% in pharmacy department policy development. Conclusion The study reveals that CCPs in SA play integral roles in ICU patient care and contribute significantly to clinical, educational, and administrative activities. The study highlights the need for standardized CCP-to-patient ratios and further support for CCPs to expand their services, thus contributing to enhanced healthcare quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia H Ismail
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Hospital of the University, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alhammad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman I Alshaya
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center-King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Alkhani
- Pharmacy Services Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed O Alenazi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center-King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud Aljuhani
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Keats K, Sikora A, Heavner MS, Chen X, Smith SE. Optimizing Pharmacist Team-Integration for ICU Patient Management: Rationale, Study Design, and Methods for a Multicentered Exploration of Pharmacist-to-Patient Ratio. Crit Care Explor 2023; 5:e0956. [PMID: 37644971 PMCID: PMC10461940 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The workload of healthcare professionals including physicians and nurses in the ICU has an established relationship to patient outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and other quality indicators; however, the relationship of critical care pharmacist workload to outcomes has not been rigorously evaluated and determined. The objective of our study is to characterize the relationship of critical care pharmacist workload in the ICU as it relates to patient-centered outcomes of critically ill patients. METHODS Optimizing Pharmacist Team-Integration for ICU patient Management is a multicenter, observational cohort study with a target enrollment of 20,000 critically ill patients. Participating critical care pharmacists will enroll patients managed in the ICU. Data collection will consist of two observational phases: prospective and retrospective. During the prospective phase, critical care pharmacists will record daily workload data (e.g., census, number of rounding teams). During the retrospective phase, patient demographics, severity of illness, medication regimen complexity, and outcomes will be recorded. The primary outcome is mortality. Multiple methods will be used to explore the primary outcome including multilevel multiple logistic regression with stepwise variable selection to exclude nonsignificant covariates from the final model, supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques, and Bayesian analysis. RESULTS Our protocol describes the processes and methods for an observational study in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS This study seeks to determine the relationship between pharmacist workload, as measured by pharmacist-to-patient ratio and the pharmacist clinical burden index, and patient-centered outcomes, including mortality and length of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Keats
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA
| | - Mojdeh S Heavner
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xianyan Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Athens, GA
| | - Susan E Smith
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA
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15
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Sikora A. Critical Care Pharmacists: A Focus on Horizons. Crit Care Clin 2023; 39:503-527. [PMID: 37230553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Critical care pharmacy has evolved rapidly over the last 50 years to keep pace with the rapid technological and knowledge advances that have characterized critical care medicine. The modern-day critical care pharmacist is a highly trained individual well suited for the interprofessional team-based care that critical illness necessitates. Critical care pharmacists improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce health care costs through three domains: direct patient care, indirect patient care, and professional service. Optimizing workload of critical care pharmacists, similar to the professions of medicine and nursing, is a key next step for using evidence-based medicine to improve patient-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, 120 15th Street, HM-118, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Borthwick M, Barton G, Ioannides CP, Forrest R, Graham-Clarke E, Hanks F, James C, Kean D, Sapsford D, Timmins A, Tomlin M, Warburton J, Bourne RS. Critical care pharmacy workforce: a 2020 re-evaluation of the UK deployment and characteristics. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:28. [PMID: 37004069 PMCID: PMC10064945 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critical care pharmacists improve the quality and efficiency of medication therapy whilst reducing treatment costs where they are available. UK critical care pharmacist deployment was described in 2015, highlighting a deficit in numbers, experience level, and critical care access to pharmacy services over the 7-day week. Since then, national workforce standards have been emphasised, quality indicators published, and service commissioning documents produced, reinforced by care quality assessments. Whether these initiatives have resulted in further development of the UK critical care pharmacy workforce is unknown. This evaluation provides a 2020 status update. METHODS The 2015 electronic data entry tool was updated and circulated for completion by UK critical care pharmacists. The tool captured workforce data disposition as it was just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, at critical care unit level. MAIN FINDINGS Data were received for 334 critical care units from 203 organisations (96% of UK critical care units). Overall, 98.2% of UK critical care units had specific clinical pharmacist time dedicated to the unit. The median weekday pharmacist input to each level 3 equivalent bed was 0.066 (0.043-0.088) whole time equivalents, a significant increase from the median position in 2015 (+ 0.021, p < 0.0001). Despite this progress, pharmacist availability remains below national minimum standards (0.1/level 3 equivalent bed). Most units (71.9%) had access to prescribing pharmacists. Geographical variation in pharmacist staffing levels were evident, and weekend services remain extremely limited. CONCLUSIONS Availability of clinical pharmacists in UK adult critical care units is improving. However, national standards are not routinely met despite widely publicised quality indicators, commissioning specifications, and assessments. Additional measures are needed to address persistent deficits and realise gains in organisational and patient-level outcomes. These measures must include promotion of cross-professional collaborative working, adjusted funding models, and a nationally recognised training pathway for critical care pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Borthwick
- Departments of Pharmacy and Critical Care, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.
| | - Greg Barton
- Pharmacy Department, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, England, Prescot, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P Ioannides
- Pharmacy Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forrest
- Departments of Pharmacy and Critical Care, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Graham-Clarke
- Department of Anaesthetics, Sandwell and West, Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Hanks
- Pharmacy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Christie James
- Pharmacy Department, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwmbran, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - David Kean
- Pharmacy Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - David Sapsford
- Pharmacy Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Timmins
- Pharmacy Department, NHS Fife, Kirkcaldy, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Tomlin
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, England, United Kingdom
| | - John Warburton
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Richard S Bourne
- Pharmacy Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
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17
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Hilgarth H, Waydhas C, Dörje F, Sommer J, Kluge S, Ittner KP. [Drug therapy safety supported by interprofessional collaboration between ICU physicians and clinical pharmacists in critical care units in Germany : Results of a survey]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2023; 118:141-148. [PMID: 35258694 PMCID: PMC9992023 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-022-00898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critically ill patients are particularly susceptible to adverse drug events. International studies show that pharmaceutical care has a positive impact on patient and drug therapy safety. Nationally, the integration of pharmacists into the multidisciplinary team and participation in ward rounds is required. The aim of this work is to assess the scope and extent of pharmaceutical care in intensive care units (ICU) in Germany. METHOD In a literature and database search, 13 relevant pharmaceutical activities were identified. Based on this, an online survey with 27 questions on the implementation of pharmaceutical care in ICU was prepared by a panel of experts. The survey was sent to heads of German ICUs. RESULTS Of the participants, 35.3% (59/167) have established regular pharmaceutical care. Drug information (89.7% [52/58]), pharmaceutical interventions with change of therapy (e.g., ward rounds; 67,2% [39/58]), regular evaluation of prescriptions (medication analysis; 65.5% [38/58]) as well as the monitoring of medication (e.g., side effects, effectiveness, costs; 63.8% [37/58]) were most frequently mentioned. The participants with pharmaceutical care (58/168) graded 7 of 13 but those without (104/168) only two activities as 'essential/indispensable'. CONCLUSION Only a few ICU in Germany have already integrated ward pharmacists into the multidisciplinary team. Once a pharmaceutical service has been established, a greater role/importance is assigned to several pharmaceutical activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Hilgarth
- Klinikapotheke und Klinik für Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
- Ausschuss für Intensivmedizin und klinische Ernährung, ADKA - Bundesverband Deutscher Krankenhausapotheker e. V., Berlin, Deutschland
- Sektionsgruppe Qualitätsverbesserung und Informationstechnologie, Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christian Waydhas
- Sektionsgruppe Qualitätsverbesserung und Informationstechnologie, Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Chirurgie, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Deutschland
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Frank Dörje
- Ausschuss für Intensivmedizin und klinische Ernährung, ADKA - Bundesverband Deutscher Krankenhausapotheker e. V., Berlin, Deutschland
- Apotheke des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Julia Sommer
- Apotheke des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Kluge
- Klinik für Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
- Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Karl Peter Ittner
- Sektionsgruppe Qualitätsverbesserung und Informationstechnologie, Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI), Berlin, Deutschland.
- Lehr- und Forschungseinheit Pharmakologie, Fakultät für Medizin, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland.
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Critical Care Pharmacists: Improving Care by Increasing Access to Medication Expertise. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2022; 19:1796-1798. [PMID: 35976863 PMCID: PMC9667797 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202206-502vp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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19
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Manning ML, Fitzpatrick E, Delengowski AM, Hou CM, Vyas N, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M. Advancing Antibiotic Stewardship Nursing Practice Through Standardized Education: A Pilot Study. J Contin Educ Nurs 2022; 53:417-423. [PMID: 36041206 DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20220805-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Antibiotic resistance is a leading global public health threat. Nurses are well positioned to optimize antibiotic use via targeted antibiotic stewardship (AS) nursing practices. However, standardized AS education for nurses is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an online AS for nurses continuing education program on nurses' antibiotic resistance, antibiotic, and AS knowledge and their intent to integrate AS into their clinical practice. Method A quasi-experiential pretest-posttest design was used with a convenience sample of nurses at a U.S. academic medical center. Focus groups were conducted with those completing the program. Results Forty-seven of 100 eligible nurses completed the program and the pre- and posttest surveys. Participation resulted in statistically significant increases (p < .05) in antibiotic resistance, antibiotic, and AS knowledge, confidence, and perceptions related to the role of nursing in AS. Focus group participants had multiple recommendations for ways to integrate AS in daily nursing practice. Conclusion Completing a comprehensive AS nursing continuing education program could prove instrumental to motivating nurses to adopt AS nursing practices. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(9):417-423.].
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Optimizing Pharmacist Impact in Critically Ill Patients: Is Medication Regimen Complexity the Answer? Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1399-1402. [PMID: 35984054 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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21
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Sikora A, Ayyala D, Rech MA, Blackwell SB, Campbell J, Caylor MM, Condeni MS, DePriest A, Dzierba AL, Flannery AH, Hamilton LA, Heavner MS, Horng M, Lam J, Liang E, Montero J, Murphy D, Plewa-Rusiecki AM, Sacco AJ, Sacha GL, Shah P, Smith MP, Smith Z, Radosevich JJ, Vilella AL. Impact of Pharmacists to Improve Patient Care in the Critically Ill: A Large Multicenter Analysis Using Meaningful Metrics With the Medication Regimen Complexity-ICU (MRC-ICU) Score. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1318-1328. [PMID: 35678204 PMCID: PMC9612633 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the established role of the critical care pharmacist on the ICU multiprofessional team, critical care pharmacist workloads are likely not optimized in the ICU. Medication regimen complexity (as measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity-ICU [MRC-ICU] scoring tool) has been proposed as a potential metric to optimize critical care pharmacist workload but has lacked robust external validation. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that MRC-ICU is related to both patient outcomes and pharmacist interventions in a diverse ICU population. DESIGN This was a multicenter, observational cohort study. SETTING Twenty-eight ICUs in the United States. PATIENTS Adult ICU patients. INTERVENTIONS Critical care pharmacist interventions (quantity and type) on the medication regimens of critically ill patients over a 4-week period were prospectively captured. MRC-ICU and patient outcomes (i.e., mortality and length of stay [LOS]) were recorded retrospectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 3,908 patients at 28 centers were included. Following analysis of variance, MRC-ICU was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.08-1.11; p < 0.01), ICU LOS (β coefficient, 0.41; 95% CI, 00.37-0.45; p < 0.01), total pharmacist interventions (β coefficient, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.04-0.09; p < 0.01), and a composite intensity score of pharmacist interventions (β coefficient, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.11-0.28; p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, increased patient: pharmacist ratio (indicating more patients per clinician) was significantly associated with increased ICU LOS (β coefficient, 0.02; 0.00-0.04; p = 0.02) and reduced quantity (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.02; p < 0.01) and intensity of interventions (β coefficient, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.09 to -0.01). CONCLUSIONS Increased medication regimen complexity, defined by the MRC-ICU, is associated with increased mortality, LOS, intervention quantity, and intervention intensity. Further, these results suggest that increased pharmacist workload is associated with decreased care provided and worsened patient outcomes, which warrants further exploration into staffing models and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA
| | - Deepak Ayyala
- Department of Population Health Science: Biostats & Data Science, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
| | - Megan A Rech
- Department of Pharmacy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - Sarah B Blackwell
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
| | - Joshua Campbell
- Department of Pharmacy, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA
| | - Meghan M Caylor
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Ashley DePriest
- Department of Pharmacy, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, GA
| | - Amy L Dzierba
- Department of Pharmacy, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Alexander H Flannery
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY
| | - Leslie A Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Knoxville, TN
| | - Mojdeh S Heavner
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michelle Horng
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Joseph Lam
- Department of Pharmacy, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA
| | - Edith Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Critical Care/Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - David Murphy
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Alicia J Sacco
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | - Poorvi Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL
| | | | - Zachary Smith
- Department of Pharmacy, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
| | - John J Radosevich
- Department of Pharmacy, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
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22
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Rech MA, Gomez TA. What generates critical care pharmacist positions in the "real world"? Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:1513-1514. [PMID: 35704704 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Rech
- Department of Pharmacy, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tad A Gomez
- Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Webb AJ, Rowe S, Newsome AS. A descriptive report of the rapid implementation of automated MRC-ICU calculations in the EMR of an academic medical center. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:979-983. [PMID: 35187576 PMCID: PMC9171568 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Numerous clinical scoring tools exist for a variety of patient populations and disease states, but few tools provide information specifically designed for use by critical care pharmacists. The medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score was designed to provide high-level information about the complexity of critically ill patients' medication regimens for use by critical care pharmacists. To date, implementation of this score in the electronic medical record (EMR) has not been reported. SUMMARY Using an agile project management framework, the MRC-ICU score was rapidly implemented into an academic medical center's EMR. The score is automatically calculated for all critically ill patients and is available for critical care pharmacists to triage patient review in their individual workflow. Reporting capabilities of the score also allow for granular complexity trending over time and between units, supplementing other objective measures of pharmacist workload. CONCLUSION The MRC-ICU score can be quickly implemented into the EMR for pharmacist use in real time. Future investigations into how pharmacists utilize this information and how to harness reporting capabilities for pharmacist workload assessment are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Webb
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, and Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Rowe
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora Newsome
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Murray B, Sikora A. Teaching the pursuit of sustainable excellence. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:1406-1409. [PMID: 35670475 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Murray
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA.,Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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25
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Smith SE, Shelley R, Sikora A. Medication regimen complexity vs patient acuity for predicting critical care pharmacist interventions. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:651-655. [PMID: 34864850 PMCID: PMC8975577 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantifying and predicting critical care pharmacist (CCP) workload has significant ramifications for expanding CCP services that improve patient outcomes. Medication regimen complexity has been proposed as an objective, pharmacist-oriented metric that demonstrates relationships to patient outcomes and pharmacist interventions. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare the relationship of medication regimen complexity versus a traditional patient acuity metric for evaluating pharmacist interventions. SUMMARY This was a post hoc analysis of a previously completed prospective, observational study. Pharmacist interventions were prospectively collected and tabulated at 24 hours, 48 hours, and intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, and the electronic medical record was reviewed to collect patient demographics, medication data, and outcomes. The primary outcome was the relationship between medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and pharmacist interventions at 24 hours, 48 hours, and ICU discharge. These relationships were determined by Spearman rank-order correlation (rS) and confirmed by calculating the beta coefficient (β) via multiple linear regression adjusting for patient age, gender, and admission type. Data on 100 patients admitted to a mixed medical/surgical ICU were retrospectively evaluated. Both MRC-ICU and APACHE II scores were correlated with ICU interventions at all 3 time points (at 24 hours, rS = 0.370 [P < 0.001] for MRC-ICU score and rS = 0.283 [P = 0.004] for APACHE II score); however, this relationship was not sustained for APACHE II in the adjusted analysis (at 24 hours, β = 0.099 [P = 0.001] for MRC-ICU and β = 0.031 [P = 0.085] for APACHE II score). CONCLUSION A pharmacist-oriented score had a stronger relationship with pharmacist interventions as compared to patient acuity. As pharmacists have demonstrated value across the continuum of patient care, these findings support that pharmacist-oriented workload predictions require tailored metrics, beyond that of patient acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Shelley
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Abstract
Disclaimer
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian Murray
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Arredondo E, Udeani G, Horseman M, Hintze TD, Surani S. Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Intensive Care Units. Cureus 2021; 13:e17929. [PMID: 34660121 PMCID: PMC8513498 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The cost of health care has been rising in the United States and globally and will continue to increase. Intensive care unit (ICU) care carries a significant portion of the cost for the hospitals. The Institute of Medicine and subsequent studies have suggested that medication errors account for significant morbidity, mortality, and cost, frequently encountered in the ICU. Over the past three decades, clinical pharmacists have emerged from dispensing medication to getting involved in direct patient care and have become an integral part of the multidisciplinary critical care team. Clinical pharmacists play a significant role in reducing medication errors and costs, medication reconciliation, antibiotic stewardship, and patient and health care provider education. This review will discuss the health care and ICU cost, the evolving role of clinical pharmacists in managing critically ill patients, and their contributions in the ICU to mitigate the risks, improve patient outcomes, and decrease health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Arredondo
- Pharmacy, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, USA
| | - George Udeani
- Pharmacy, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, USA
| | - Michael Horseman
- Pharmacy, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, USA
| | - Trager D Hintze
- Pharmacy, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, USA
| | - Salim Surani
- Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
- Medicine, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, USA
- Medicine, University of North Texas, Dallas, USA
- Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Associates, Corpus Christi, USA
- Clinical Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
- Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, USA
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28
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Griffiths CL, Kosmisky DE, Everhart SS, Marshall KS, Knight CP. Impact of first and second shift
tele‐critical
care pharmacy services and virtual rounds on interventions at Atrium Health Lincoln. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie L. Griffiths
- Wingate University School of Pharmacy Levine College of Health Sciences Wingate North Carolina USA
- Atrium Health Virtual Critical Care Mint Hill North Carolina USA
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29
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Role of pharmacist during COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study focused on critically ill COVID-19 patients. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:1050-1055. [PMID: 34305425 PMCID: PMC8282452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim During the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, there has been a huge demand for medications and unprecedented utilization of intensive care unit (ICU) services that subsequently and profoundly impacted the quality of medical care provided to COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to shed light on the role of pharmacists on the health care provided to critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods A retrospective study, was conducted in Diriyah hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on all COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between June 27th and August 15th, 2020 until patients were transferred to the medical ward, discharged, or deceased. All medication related interventions performed by pharmacists have been documented electronically, collected and subsequently categorized and analyzed. Results The mean age of patients was 58.8 years (±12.98 SD), with age of >64 years in approximately 37%. Four hundred and seventy interventions (470) were made by pharmacists of which 32%, 11.7%, 4%, 2.6%, 2.1% were due to error in dosing regimens, drug duplication, missing drug information, drugs requiring prior authorization, and missing critical information, respectively; while 40.6% were due to medication shortage of which 40.3% were substituted with alternative medications. Based on the analysis of drugs involved in interventions, medication groups that were mainly associated with interventions included antibiotics (16.8%), electrolytes/minerals (11.7%) and vitamins (9.4%). Conclusion During health crises such as COVID-19 pandemic, the role of pharmacists in the ICU services becomes extremely crucial for providing better patients’ outcomes. Further studies should be conducted to follow up these findings in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
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30
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Newsome AS, Murray B, Smith SE, Brothers T, Al-Mamun MA, Chase AM, Rowe S, Buckley MS, Murphy D, Devlin JW. Optimization of critical care pharmacy clinical services: A gap analysis approach. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:2077-2085. [PMID: 34061960 PMCID: PMC8195049 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sikora Newsome
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian Murray
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susan E Smith
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Todd Brothers
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, RI, and Department of Pharmacy, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mohammad A Al-Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Aaron M Chase
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, and Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sandra Rowe
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mitchell S Buckley
- Department of Pharmacy, Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - David Murphy
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John W Devlin
- Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, MA, and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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31
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Kurttila M, Saano S, Laaksonen R. Describing voluntarily reported fluid therapy incidents in the care of critically ill patients: Identifying, and learning from, points of risk at the national level. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 2:100012. [PMID: 35481122 PMCID: PMC9030324 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fluid therapy is a common intervention in critically ill patients. Fluid therapy errors may cause harm to patients. Thus, understanding of reported fluid therapy incidents is required in order to learn from them and develop protective measures, including utilizing expertise of pharmacists and technology to improve patient safety at the national level. Objectives To describe fluid therapy incidents voluntarily reported in intensive care and high dependency units (ICUs) to a national incident reporting system, by investigating the error types, fluid products, consequences to patients and actions taken to alleviate them, and to identify at which phase of the medication process the incidents had occurred and had been detected. Methods Medication related voluntarily reported incident (n = 7623) reports were obtained from all ICUs in 2007–2017. Incidents concerning fluid therapy (n = 2201) were selected. The retrospective analysis utilized categorized data and narrative descriptions of the incidents. The results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results Most voluntarily reported incidents had occurred during the dispensing/preparing phase (n = 1306, 59%) of the medication process: a point of risk. Most incidents (n = 1975, 90%) had reached the patient and passed through many phases in the medication process and nursing shift change checks before detection. One third of the errors (n = 596, 30%) were reported to have caused consequences to patients. One quarter (n = 492, 25%) of the errors were reported to have required an additional procedure to alleviate or monitor the consequences. Conclusions Utilizing national incident report data enabled identifying systemic points of risk in the medication process and learning to improve patient safety. To prevent similar incidents, initial interventions should focus on the dispensing/preparing phase before implementing active medication identification procedures at each phase of the medication process and nursing shift changes. Strengthening clinical pharmacy services, utilizing technology, coordinated by IV Fluid Coordinators and Medication Safety Officers, could improve patient safety in the ICUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Kurttila
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
- KUH Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy of Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), Finland
- Corresponding author at: KUH Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy of Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), PL 100, 70029 KYS, Finland.
| | - Susanna Saano
- KUH Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy of Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), Finland
| | - Raisa Laaksonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
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