Emergency Drugs: Definition, Categories, and Uses

Definition Emergency drugs are medications that are administered in critical or life-threatening situations to address immediate medical needs. These drugs are crucial in various healthcare settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, and pre-hospital care, where rapid intervention is essential to stabilize patients and prevent further harm. Categories of Emergency Drugs 1. Cardiac Arrest and […]

High-Risk Drugs: Understanding, Management, and Mitigation

Definition: High-risk drugs are medications that have a higher potential for causing significant harm if used improperly. These drugs often require careful monitoring, specialized administration techniques, and stringent safety protocols due to their inherent risks. Characteristics of High-Risk Drugs 1. Narrow Therapeutic Index (NTI): Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index have a small margin between […]

Supply Chain and Inventory Control in Healthcare: Preparation of Drug Lists

Supply Chain in Healthcare The healthcare supply chain involves the processes of planning, sourcing, manufacturing, distributing, and managing the flow of medical goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. In the context of drug supply, it is critical for healthcare organizations to establish efficient supply chains to ensure the […]

Role of Pharmacist in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that threatens treating bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections effectively. Pharmacists play a crucial role in addressing and preventing AMR through their involvement in various stages of the healthcare process. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the pharmacist’s role in preventing antimicrobial resistance: 1. Education and Awareness […]

Infection Control Committee

The Infection Control Committee (ICC) is a vital component of healthcare organizations that plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient safety and preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. This committee is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring infection control policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers. […]

Hospital formulary: Development and Uses

A hospital formulary is a continually updated list of medications and related information that is approved for use within a particular healthcare institution, such as a hospital. The formulary is a reference guide for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, to make informed decisions about prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications to patients. Key components […]

Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee: Objectives, Composition, and Functions

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee is a crucial component of healthcare organizations and is responsible for making decisions related to the formulary and medication management. This committee is vital in ensuring the safe, effective, and cost-efficient use of medications within a healthcare institution. Below, we explore the objectives, composition, and functions of the Pharmacy […]

Introduction to NAQS Guidelines and NABH Accreditation: Role of Pharmacists

1. Introduction to NAQS (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) Guidelines NAQS, also known as NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), is an autonomous body established by the Quality Council of India to establish and operate accreditation programs for healthcare organizations. The primary objective is to ensure high quality and […]

Hospital pharmacy standards (FIP Basel Statements, AHSP)

Hospital pharmacy standards ensure safe, effective, and high-quality pharmaceutical care within healthcare institutions. The FIP Basel Statements and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Standards are two notable standards. Let’s delve into each: FIP Basel Statements on the Future of Hospital Pharmacy The FIP Basel Statements were developed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) […]

Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in Hospital

Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in hospital settings is a set of principles and standards designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care and services. GPP emphasizes the role of pharmacists and other pharmacy professionals in optimizing patient outcomes, promoting patient safety, and maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical profession. The following are key aspects […]