Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENT CARE–A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Geethu C.*, Anjali George, Unnimaya Premkumar, Apollo James, Dr. Haja Sheriff S. and Dr. Sivakumar T.

ABSTRACT

Background: Pediatrics, are not small adults and the most vulnerable group to medication errors as they possess a unique set of risks predominantly due to wide variation in physical and pharmacokinetic parameters which requires appropriate medication regimen, administration and pharmaceutical care. Medication errors may increase the length of stay at hospital, expense, mortality and morbidity. Aim: The goal is to identify the drug related problems and assess the impact of clinical pharmacist intervention to improve the medication adherence in pediatric population through patient counselling. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational and interventional study was carried out in pediatric inpatient department of a tertiary care hospital using well-designed proforma including Morisky Medication Adherence scale from January to May, 2016. Results: There was gradual decrease in drug related problems from the month of January (70%) to May (17.5%). Also the medication adherence improved as the percentage of low score 48.6% reduced to 22.3% after counselling. Inconvenience in sticking to treatment plan was a major obstacle during treatment plan. Conclusion Unit based pediatric clinical pharmacist are recommended to overcome the significant gaps in pediatric pharmaceutical care through tactical approach.

Keywords: Pediatrics, medication adherence, medication errors, clinical pharmacist.