Redesign of the Clinical Pharmacy Practice Model in a Tertiary Academic Hospital in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The pharmacy function in hospitals is, by nature and history, associated with administrative activities, such as logistics and the purchase, storage, preparation, and distribution of drugs. This model, which focuses on medication as a product, has evolved over decades. Since the late 1960s and early 1970s, it has progressed rapidly, mainly in the United States and some European countries, toward a patient-centred model, in response to changes required by the health care system intended to ensure the effectiveness of medicines and their safe and cost-effective use.1 Currently, direct patient care by clinical pharmacists within multidisciplinary teams is recognized as one of the best pharmacy practice models because it minimizes risks, care costs, morbidity and mortality rates, as well as time spent in hospital; it also improves pharmacotherapy results.2-9 Several initiatives and standards of practice for clinical pharmacy have been proposed around the world. These proposals promote the transformation of clinical pharmacy services through participation of pharmacists as providers of direct patient care, counselling, and support to medical and nursing staff in their decision-making. This transformation results in the optimization of pharmacological therapy and facilitates the participation of pharmacists in multidisciplinary care teams.