An evaluation of standardised pharmaceutical handover on critical care units

Abstract Introduction Patients cared for in the Critical Care unit are severely ill and may require multiple changes to their usual medication new medicines manage current clinical condition. Due pharmacist working patterns at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) patients on will receive pharmaceutical care from more than one pharmacist. It is vital that any communicated between members of pharmacy team as deliberate decisions not accidental omissions or errors. recognised transfer professionals teams caring them “one very high-risk transactions health service” 1. Errors omission chronic conditions lead continuing this therapy following discharge hospital.2 Aim To assess impact time patient a formalised handover UHS. Methods Handovers part routine ethics approval was required. A tool developed within existing Microsoft Access database used Prior implementation cohort were identified followed up discharge. Data collected regarding documented pre-Critical medication, ITU prophylaxis therapies. Following implementation, second further data set collected. analysed using series chi-squared tests two-sample t-tests. Qualitative about ward perceptions issues pharmacists’ use system its introduction. Ethical required service development initiative evaluation. Results Favourable trends detected introduction standardised tool: these did reach statistical significance most outcomes measured. There wasa difference number pre-ITU (p=0.028). The pharmacists consulted often had queries changes. Within critical regarded easy useful. Discussion/Conclusion well received by who considered it be simple useful tool. Statistical reached majority measures although positive trend detected, probably due small sample size. Further standardisation ensure consistency group complex patients. Since project completed, has been incorporated into information now Trust an integrated system. also other areas reviewed specialist including neonatal paediatric intensive where hand over different priority highlighted. Ward able access led reduction post-critical queries. References Royal College Physicians. Handover documents: headings definition. Available from: www.rcplondon.ac.uk. Accessed 8 December 2009 2. Bell CM, Brener SS, Gunraj NG, Huo C, Bierman AS, Scales DC et al. Association ICU hospital admission with unintentional discontinuation medications disease. JAMA. 2011;306(8):840-847