Medication Safety Quality Indicators
Point-of-care pharmacists
Traditionally, hospital pharmacists have spent most of their time in the hospital pharmacy, but today, more pharmacists are working on patient care units or at the "point of care." Physicians, nurses, and patients benefit by having a knowledgeable team member readily available for questions regarding medications. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (July 21, 1999; 282(3): 267-270), a 66 percent reduction in preventable adverse medication events was demonstrated when a pharmacist was present during patient care rounds.
Does UVa use point-of-care pharmacists?
Yes. UVa pharmacists take care to:
- identify medication-related problems
- enter medication orders
- clarify questions and discrepancies with prescribers
- provide patient discharge medication teaching
- educate staff and physicians on new medications
- review ADE reports daily to look for potential adverse events when comparing medications with lab values
- report medication errors in Quality Tracking while making patient rounds with the clinical team.
