Abstract

APPRAISAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY SERVICES IN MENTAL HEALTH UNIT OF A SOUTH INDIAN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

*Jisha M. Lucca, Jintu.Kurian, Madhan Ramesh, Dushad Ram

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The role of psychiatric pharmacists in patient care has been extensively advocated, and this type of practice model has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and reduce psychotropic medication-related morbidity. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in mental health department of a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of one year. The study was carried out by a final year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) student, with the assistance of an experienced senior psychiatric clinical pharmacist. On monthly basis, the quality of pharmaceutical services was evaluated by the consulting doctors and their satisfaction was expressed as a feedback. Results: A total of 292 clinical pharmacy services were provided to 360 patients. Identification and management of ADRs [n=173(47.39%)] were the most common pharmaceutical service provided followed by patient counseling [n=77 (27.01%)]. Of the 60 drug information requested, mainstream queries [n= (66.6%)] were for the better patient care. A total of 55 recommendations made in 99 patients, 89.08 % (n=49) of interventions were accepted and changes to drug therapy were observed in 76.36% (n=42). The incidence of ADRs was 47.77%. Majority of the clinical pharmacy services were rated as excellent (42%) to good (43%) by the psychiatric team. Conclusion: Based on the results we conclude that collaborative care of clinical pharmacist along with the psychiatric team is vital for improving the mental health illness.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical services, Psychiatry, Adverse drug reactions, Patient counseling, Clinical pharmacist.