10 Reasons for Pharmacy Professionals Presence in the ICU
link.springer.comThe momentum exists for establishing and expanding ICU pharmacy practice throughout Europe. A first step should be a White Paper, describing the roles and key priorities for ICU pharmacy professionals.
Education should ideally be combined with fellowships in countries where ICU clinical pharmacy is established.
This will not only give benefit to the multidisciplinary team, but most importantly for our patients.
Here are the ten reasons why ICU pharmacy professionals are vital for high-quality care in the ICU:
1. Evidence shows that clinical pharmacists may improve ICU patient and clinical outcomes
2. Expertise in pharmacovigilance improves patient safety
3. Pharmacological expertise is vital for ICU medication optimization
4. ICU pharmacists understand drug dosing in multiple organ failure and therapeutic drug monitoring
5. ICU pharmacy professionals are well placed to conduct medication reconciliation at transitions ofcare
6. Pharmacy technicians support nursing colleagues and contribute to sustainable healthcare
7. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for adequate drug delivery and stock supply
8. Clinical pharmacists have a lead in drug use research
9. Clinical pharmacists contribute toeducation and delivery of evidence‑based pharmacotherapy
10. Clinical pharmacy services are associated with cost–benefit