The Necessity of 24-hour Participation by a Pharmacist in Initial Treatment at the Emergency and Critical Care Center

Abstract

The number of all patients, intoxicated patients, the rate of the number and types of used injection drugs were investigated. Also the number of cases of drug information pharmacists gave to physicians or nurses whether orally or in writing was investigated. In this study the proportion of intoxicated patients to all patients was 25 (6.7％) in group 9-17, 27 (8.4％) in group 17-1, and 28 (14.1％) in group 1-9, indicating group 1-9 was significantly higher than group 9-17. The majority (73 cases (54％)) of information supplied in the initial treatment was about intoxication. In emergency and critical care, patients are admitted at anytime. Furthermore, intoxicated patients are more likely to be admitted at nighttime. Moreover, drug information about intoxication, drug dose and effects are needed. Therefore, it is suggested that pharmacists 24-hour participation in initial treatment is necessary and pharmacists are required to participate more in emergency and critical care.

A rapid method to screen poisoning causative agents in an acute care hospital in Japan

“…In recent years, team‐based medical care has become increasingly important, and the role of pharmacists in the emergency medical field has been increasing. Poisoning by medicinal toxicants is categorized under acute medical care, requiring the intervention of pharmacists . In Japan, pharmacists sometimes analyse the poisoning causative agents, determine the concentration of the poisoning causative agents and gather information on poisoning symptoms and detoxification of the agents, along with doctors.…”