Emergency medicine pharmacy practice in Australia: a national survey

Abstract

Background Emergency medicine (EM) clinical pharmacy is a rapidly growing area of practice. The purpose of this study was to describe current EM pharmacy services in Australia, specifically the number of clinical pharmacy services, services provided within the emergency department (ED), working hours and the qualifications of pharmacists practising in the ED. Methods Experienced EM clinical pharmacists in collaboration with an emergency physician developed an online survey that was sent electronically to Australian hospital directors of pharmacy. The survey questions related to hospital demographics, EM pharmacy clinical service and EM pharmacist working hours, level of staffing and qualifications. Results Between 4 November 2016 and 9 December 2016, 57 hospitals completed some or all of the survey from the 248 emails sent (response rate = 23%). Thirty‐five of 57 hospitals (61%) identified having a dedicated EM pharmacy service, and 11 of 35 hospitals (31%) indicated a 7‐day EM pharmacy service. All hospitals with a dedicated EM pharmacy service were involved in medication reconciliation, discharge counselling and clinical consultation for ED patients. Nine of 34 hospital responses (26.5%) indicated that the EM pharmacist was involved during resuscitation (stroke callouts, cardiopulmonary arrest and/or trauma) during weekdays. Two hospitals also provided this service on weekends. Conclusion Current clinical activities of EM pharmacists appear to be based on traditional areas of practice, but also include emerging roles of participation during resuscitation.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Use in Kazakhstan for the Period 2017–2019 Based on WHO Access, Watch and Reserve Classification (AWaRe 2019)

“…Along with this, in most developed and some developing countries (Canada, USA, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, Egypt, India, etc. ), the functions of clinical pharmacologists for the rational use of medicines are successfully performed by clinical pharmacists, whose main responsibilities are to check prescriptions and advise medical staff and patients on the use of drugs [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Clinical pharmacists and general pharmacists can detect and correct errors in prescriptions by reviewing medical prescriptions and reduce costs associated with misuse, errors and avoidable adverse events [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Involvement of emergency medicine pharmacists in stroke thrombolysis: A cohort study

“…Furthermore, a national survey investigating EM pharmacy practice in North America reported increasing involvement of EM pharmacists in acutely unwell patients, with evidence for improved timely medication administration and a reduction in medication errors 15‐18 . In contrast, Australian EM pharmacy practice uncommonly includes participation in this high acuity setting 14,18,19 …”

Steps in the right direction…but are they big enough?

“…In her editorial, Bhavini Patel shares her thoughts on SHPA’s decision to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Speciality Practice Group and the positive impact this can have . Roman et al highlight the breadth of emergency medicine pharmacy practice in Australia, the significant increase in these services over the last twenty years, and the emergence of roles for pharmacists during resuscitations. And as demonstrated by Tesfaye et al , the impact of pharmacist‐led medication reviews in hospitalised patients over 65 years of age with chronic kidney disease (CKD) shows the benefits of pharmacist contributions to medication appropriateness.…”

“…Ted Williams, Chair of the Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance, believes it is time for pharmacists to take a different approach – the approach of genuine partnership, improving not just health outcomes but also fostering two‐way learning . Roman et al ’s national survey of emergency medicine practice shows that over a third of hospitals do not have a dedicated emergency medicine pharmacy service . This includes major emergency departments across the country.…”