Definition, functions of hospital pharmacy, Organization structure
Definition of Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital pharmacy functions for receiving, storing, and dispensing drugs and medicines to patients. The hospital pharmacy may also manufacture pharmaceuticals and parenteral products. The department provides a range of pharmacy services for hospitalized and ambulatory patients, including purchase, manufacture, compounding, storage, dispensing, distribution, and maintaining records for the same.
Hospital pharmacy is the health care service, which comprises the art, practice, and profession of choosing, preparing, storing, compounding, and dispensing medicines and medical devices, advising healthcare professionals and patients on their safe, effective, and efficient use.
Functions of Hospital Pharmacy
The various functions performed by a hospital pharmacy are:
1) It attains a supply of drugs, chemicals, and biological and pharmaceutical formulations only from licensed vendors and manufacturers.
2) It inspects the received items and maintains an inventory for the same.
3) It dispenses drugs, chemicals, and pharmaceutical preparations to the patients. The pharmacists repack the medicament in appropriate containers and label them.
4) It keeps a record of all the narcotic drugs and alcohol received and issued.
5) It predicts the demand for drugs, chemicals, antibiotics, biologicals, radiopharmaceuticals, etc., and takes suitable steps to fulfill the demand.
6) It keeps a record of each supply dispensed.
7) It manufactures large volumes of parenteral and other drug preparations in case of unavailability, high cost, or lack of authentic vendors or caution.
8) It implements strict control on the quality of the supplies received, manufactured, and dispensed.
9) It discusses drug-related information with the medical staff, resident nurses, health care team, and patients.
10) It participates in minimizing the incidence of illness and improves the general health of the population.
11) It provides patient counseling.
12) It implements the recommendations of the pharmacy and therapeutic committee.
Organization Structure
The hospital pharmacy has various divisions, like compounding and dispensing, manufacturing or production, quality control, central sterile supply, research, education and training, administration, and library.
The Chief Hospital Pharmacist is the head of the pharmacy and reports to the Administrator. The number of Assistant Chief Pharmacist, who assists the Chief in administration, depends on the work, nature, scope of operations, staff strength, etc. Assistant Chief Pharmacist supervises and controls the various functions of the pharmacy.
The Chief has a secretary and other office clerks to assist him. Staff pharmacists, technicians, pharmacy helpers, and other workers of the hospital pharmacy are involved in compounding, dispensing, manufacturing, drug supply, central sterile supply, and library duties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Function of Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications for patients within a hospital setting. Here are some frequently asked questions about the function of hospital pharmacies:
A hospital pharmacy is responsible for procuring, storing, compounding, dispensing, and managing medications used in patient care within the hospital. It also provides medication-related education to healthcare professionals and patients.
Hospital pharmacies implement processes and systems to prevent medication errors. They verify prescriptions, check for drug interactions, and ensure accurate dosing. Pharmacists collaborate with healthcare teams to select the most appropriate medications for patients.
Hospital pharmacies offer a range of services, including medication dispensing, medication therapy management, counseling on proper medication use, and answering patients’ questions about their medications.
Hospital pharmacies maintain an inventory of medications based on the hospital’s needs. Pharmacists monitor medication usage, order supplies, manage stock levels, and ensure medications are properly stored and rotated.
Compounding involves preparing customized medications based on individual patient needs, such as adjusting dosage forms or removing allergens. Hospital pharmacies often compound medications that are not commercially available or require specific formulations.
Hospital pharmacists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal medication therapy. They provide drug information, recommend appropriate therapies, and participate in clinical rounds and patient care meetings.
Physicians electronically transmit medication orders to the hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists review these orders, verify accuracy, and ensure compatibility with the patient’s medical history and other medications.
Hospital pharmacies adhere to strict regulations and protocols for storing, dispensing, and tracking controlled substances to prevent diversion and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Technology plays a significant role in hospital pharmacy operations, including automated dispensing systems, electronic health records, medication barcoding, and drug-interaction screening software.
Pharmacists in hospital pharmacies educate patients and caregivers about medication use, potential side effects, proper administration, and precautions to take while on certain medications.
Yes, hospital pharmacies provide MTM services to ensure patients receive appropriate medications, minimize adverse effects, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Hospital pharmacies are integral in providing medications needed for emergency and critical care situations. They ensure immediate access to life-saving drugs and collaborate with medical teams to make swift and informed decisions.
Clinical pharmacists in hospital pharmacies work directly with healthcare teams to review patient charts, assess medication regimens, recommend adjustments, and ensure patients are receiving the most effective and safe therapies.
Hospital pharmacies play a role in infection control by ensuring proper handling, storage, and dispensing of sterile medications, intravenous solutions, and antibiotics.
Hospital pharmacies support research and clinical trials by providing investigational medications, managing their distribution, and monitoring patients’ responses to study drugs.
Hospital pharmacies are pivotal in ensuring the proper use of medications within a healthcare facility. They collaborate, educate, and safeguard patient health through their diverse range of functions and services.
Final Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
Suggested readings
Recommended readings:
- Pharmaceutics I Theory
- human anatomy and physiology
- Social Pharmacy Theory
- Definition and Scope Social Pharmacy