Investing in clinical pharmacy services saves lives
Review of patients' medicines by clinical pharmacists was
linked with lower hospital mortality ratings |
Patients who receive a high level of care from clinical pharmacy staff during a hospital stay are less likely to die during their stay than those who do not. This is according to research presented by David Webb, of London Eastern and South East Specialist Pharmacy Services, at the United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association autumn symposium held in Leicestershire last weekend.
Mr Webb and colleagues reached their conclusion by correlating hospital
mortality ratings with the scores trusts received for various clinical
pharmacy-related key performance indicators (KPIs). Data from almost
50 trusts were analysed. This showed that mortality ratings were lower
in trusts where more patients, for example, had their medication history
taken by a member of pharmacy staff and had their medicine regimens reviewed
by a clinical pharmacist. There was also a negative correlation between
hospital mortality ratings and the number of pharmacy staff employed
and a positive correlation between the number of pharmacy staff employed
and a trust’s KPI score.
Mr Webb explained that, although other factors in addition to the level
of clinical pharmacy services clearly have an impact on mortality rates,
the findings should prove useful in promoting the work of pharmacy staff
at times when budget constraints are affecting the NHS.
Mr Webb was presented with the UKCPA Hameln award for the best oral presentation. |
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