A Primer on Critical Care Pharmacy Services (December)
Brian L Erstad PharmD FCCP FCCM FASHP1*
1 Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin - Pulido, PO Box
210207, Tucson, AZ 85721, fax 520/ 626-7355
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: erstad{at}pharmacy.arizona.edu.
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Abstract |
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The intensive care unit (ICU) continues to be a major focus of decentralized pharmacy activities in health systems that care for critically ill patients.
This is not surprising, given the need for rapid decision-making involving unstable patients, the large number of powerful medications typically used per
patient, the high cost of many drugs used in the ICU and, most importantly, the evidence demonstrating the benefits of having a pharmacist as part of an
interdisciplinary team. The purpose of this paper is to highlight important issues to consider when introducing or developing critical care pharmacy services
beginning with the establishment of basic services and continuing through practitioner development, guideline/protocol development and implementation,
patient safety, residency training, and research.
Key Words:
critical care, interdisciplinary pharmacy practice.
Reprints: Dr. Erstad
