The Essential Role of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists in Enhancing Care and Patient Outcomes in Emergency Departments
Adil Mubarak Alotaibi 1*, Saadi Saad Alanazi 1, Ramzi Hasan Al Hamad 1, Abdullah Marzouq Alotaibai 1, Tareq Salem Alsewar 1, Saadi Saad Alanazi 1, Badr Talhab Ayed Al-Anzi 1, Ahmed Ibrahim Alahmad 1
Journal of Primeasia 1.3(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.1110074
Submitted: 01 November 2019 Revised: 14 January 2020 Published: 15 January 2020
Abstract
Background: The role of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (EMPs) in emergency departments (EDs) is evolving to meet the increasing complexity of patient needs and the urgency of medical interventions in acute care settings. Traditionally, pharmacists have focused on medication management, but their role is expanding to include direct patient care responsibilities, which has significant implications for patient outcomes and safety. Methods: This systematic review evaluates the impact of EMPs on patient care in EDs, analyzing data from various studies that highlight their involvement in critical procedures, medication management, and treatment initiation. The review also examines EMP contributions to rapid sequence intubation (RSI), trauma, and acute myocardial infarction care, focusing on their effect on medication error reduction and treatment efficiency. Results: The review reveals that EMPs contribute to a significant reduction in time to analgesia and sedation during RSI, enhancing overall treatment efficiency. Additionally, their involvement is associated with a decrease in medication errors, thereby improving patient safety. The presence of EMPs also correlates with faster treatment initiation, particularly in critical cases such as trauma and acute myocardial infarction, demonstrating their crucial role in optimizing emergency care. Conclusion: The integration of EMPs into emergency medicine practice is essential for improving patient outcomes, enhancing safety, and reducing medication-related errors. The evolving responsibilities of EMPs should be formalized through practice guidelines, which include their engagement in direct patient care, resuscitation efforts, and antimicrobial stewardship. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term benefits of EMP involvement and the development of standardized protocols to optimize their roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Keywords: Emergency Medicine Pharmacists, Patient Safety, Medication Management, Acute Care, Multidisciplinary Teams
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