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Forrester TG, Sullivan S, Snoswell CL, Pillans P, Barras M, Sturgess D. Integrating a pharmacist into the perioperative setting. AUST HEALTH REV 2020; 44:563-568. [PMID: 32192572 DOI: 10.1071/ah19126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the integration of a pharmacist into a perioperative environment and the ensuing quality and economic benefits. Deficiencies were identified in medication management in operating theatres (OT) at a large tertiary hospital. A perioperative pharmacist was employed for a 6-month pilot period, with permanent funding dependent on demonstration of agreed economic benefits. A multidisciplinary committee set goals, drove strategic initiatives and was accountable for delivery of outcomes. Pharmaceutical expenditure was analysed and high expenditure items targeted. Cost savings and staff satisfaction were measured at 6 months. Savings of A$63884 were achieved during the pilot period, resulting from optimised pharmaceutical unit pricing, OT medication stock on hand (imprest) review and redesigned medication management strategies. Improvements in medication management included better access to medications in the OT, rationalising available products to minimise wastage and implementation of guidelines and protocols for high-cost and high-risk medications. At 6 months, 97% of theatre staff supported continuation of the role; the project was extended with demonstrated cost savings of A$157265 at 12 months. The integration of a perioperative pharmacist resulted in cost savings and medication management improvements in the OT setting. A permanent position was funded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori G Forrester
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. , ; and Corresponding author.
| | - Sara Sullivan
- Metro South Health, Building 5, Garden City Office Park, 2404 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113, Australia.
| | - Centaine L Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. , ; and Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, 34 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Peter Pillans
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ; and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 20 Weightman Street, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia.
| | - Michael Barras
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. , ; and School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - David Sturgess
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 20 Weightman Street, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia. ; and Department of Anaesthesia, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
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