The Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Activity on Intravenous Fluid and Medication Administration

Abstract

Utilization patterns and cost data were collected for intravenous therapy in two populations. Patients in two units were considered to be study, and the clinical pharmacist on these units emphasized appropriate use of and acceptable alternatives to various modes of intravenous therapy. In two other comparable units, the clinical pharmacist did not pay special attention to intravenous therapy. The study was conducted for approximately six weeks to assure a minimum of 50 patients on each of the four units. The results of this study indicate that utilization patterns for intravenous therapy can be significantly altered by clinical pharmacist activity. Substantial savings in costs to the patient were demonstrated.