Fluid Procedures Can Help Better Support Patients During Emergencies

Developing a fluid emergency care procedure can help pharmacy operations better support varying patient care needs that require rapid action or change, such as with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results of a study presented at the ASHP Midyear 2021 conference.

Automated dispensing cabinets (ADC), electronic health records (EHR), medication storage units, personal protective equipment, quantity of patient beds, and return procedures were among some of the assessment changes that were made because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department communication was critical for better support of individuals in hospital settings.

During a 1-year period, more than 15 care areas underwent rapid changes to support patient needs, including emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU) for both adults and children, and oncology units.

To adjust to these changes, communication was essential between pharmacists and other department personnel, such as nurses and physicians.

As a result, ADCs were adjusted for medications and quantities based on the number of beds and patient populations, which could affect hundreds of medications at the same time.

A dashboard was quickly developed to understand the use of medication in COVID-19 patient care areas, even when they were not traditionally used for ICU patients, such as pediatric wings.

EHRs were modified to include changes in dispensing locations, ICU additions, and order verification queues.

The rapid adjustment helped pharmacy professionals better adjust quantities of medications, medication storage, and equipment needs.

Reference

Avino LJ, Blackmer J, Priftanji D. (Management case study) a pharmacy leader's toolkit for adjusting operations during a pandemic. ASHP Midyear 2021. Accessed December 1, 2021. https://www.eventscribe.net/2021/midyear/agenda.asp?BCFO=ADV%7CCLIN%7CEDU%7CGEN%7CINT%7CM%7CMSC%7CSTU&BCFO2=ON-DEMAND&pfp=OnDemandSchedule