Letters in High Energy Physics (Feb 2024)
The Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Services on Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review examines the impact of clinical pharmacy services on patient safety and healthcare quality. The study aims to evaluate how various pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication reconciliation, therapeutic drug monitoring, and patient counseling, contribute to reducing medication errors, preventing adverse drug events (ADEs), and improving overall healthcare outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, for studies published from 2016 onwards. Studies were included if they investigated clinical pharmacy interventions in healthcare settings and measured outcomes related to patient safety or healthcare quality. The selection process followed PRISMA guidelines, and data were extracted on intervention types, patient safety, and healthcare quality outcomes. The quality of each study was assessed using risk of bias tools appropriate for randomized and observational studies. Results: Findings from the review reveal that clinical pharmacy services are associated with significant reductions in medication errors and ADEs, improved medication adherence, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Specifically, medication reconciliation reduced medication discrepancies by up to 30%, and therapeutic drug monitoring led to safer dosing practices in vulnerable populations. Pharmacist involvement in multidisciplinary teams contributed to increased patient safety and better healthcare quality through reduced hospital readmissions and emergency department visits. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacy services play a vital role in enhancing patient safety and healthcare quality. The integration of pharmacists into healthcare teams is essential for achieving optimal medication management, reducing adverse events, and supporting a higher standard of patient care. Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and economic benefits, as well as strategies for overcoming implementation challenges.
