November 14, 2024

Definition, functions of hospital pharmacy, Organization structure

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:

What is the role of a hospital pharmacy?

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.

How does a hospital pharmacy ensure patient safety?

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.

What services does a hospital pharmacy provide to 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.

How does a hospital pharmacy manage medication inventory?

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.

What is compounding, and how does it relate to hospital pharmacy?

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.

How do hospital pharmacists collaborate with healthcare teams?

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.

How are medication orders processed in a hospital pharmacy?

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.

How does a hospital pharmacy handle controlled substances?

Hospital pharmacies adhere to strict regulations and protocols for storing, dispensing, and tracking controlled substances to prevent diversion and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

What is the role of technology in hospital pharmacy?

Technology plays a significant role in hospital pharmacy operations, including automated dispensing systems, electronic health records, medication barcoding, and drug-interaction screening software.

How do hospital pharmacies contribute to patient education?

Pharmacists in hospital pharmacies educate patients and caregivers about medication use, potential side effects, proper administration, and precautions to take while on certain medications.

Do hospital pharmacies play a role in medication therapy management (MTM)?

Yes, hospital pharmacies provide MTM services to ensure patients receive appropriate medications, minimize adverse effects, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

How do hospital pharmacies support emergency and critical care situations?

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.

What is the role of a clinical pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy?

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.

How do hospital pharmacies contribute to infection control?

Hospital pharmacies play a role in infection control by ensuring proper handling, storage, and dispensing of sterile medications, intravenous solutions, and antibiotics.

How does a hospital pharmacy contribute to research and clinical trials?

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

Final Year B Pharm Sem VIIBP701T Instrumental Methods of Analysis Theory
BP702T Industrial Pharmacy TheoryBP703T Pharmacy Practice Theory
BP704T Novel Drug Delivery System TheoryBP705 P Instrumental Methods of Analysis Practical
Final Year B Pharm Sem VIIBP801T Biostatistics and Research Methodology Theory
BP802T Social and Preventive Pharmacy TheoryBP803ET Pharmaceutical Marketing Theory
BP804ET Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science TheoryBP805ET Pharmacovigilance Theory
BP806ET Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals TheoryBP807ET Computer-Aided Drug Design Theory
BP808ET Cell and Molecular Biology TheoryBP809ET Cosmetic Science Theory
BP810ET Experimental Pharmacology TheoryBP811ET Advanced Instrumentation Techniques Theory
BP812ET Dietary supplements and NutraceuticalsPharmaceutical Product Development

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