ASHP NATIONAL SURVEY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES IN FEDERAL HOSPITALS - 1993

The results of a national mail survey of pharmaceutical services in fe deral hospitals conducted by ASHP from May to July 1993 are reported. Mailing lists were compiled of all Air Force, Army, Navy, Public Healt h Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, as well as some federal prison hospitals. Questionnaires were mailed to each c hief of pharmacy. The adjusted gross population size was 326. The net response rate was 76%. Complete unit dose drug distribution was offere d by 85% of respondents, and 83% offered complete, comprehensive i.v. admixture programs. About half of the pharmacies provided decentralize d services. Over 99% provided services to ambulatory care patients. A computerized pharmacy system was present in 99% of the departments. Mo re than 95% of hospitals participated in adverse drug reaction, medica tion error management, and drug;use-evaluation programs. A total of 93 % provided drug therapy monitoring, and 89% provided patient education . About 70% provided written documentation of pharmacist interventions in the medical records, and 57% participated in drug research. A tota l of 42% provided pharmacist-managed drug clinics, 41% participated in drug management of medical emergencies, 30% provided written medicati on histories, and 30% provided drug therapy management planning. Pharm acokinetic consultations were provided by 64% of departments. About 90 % had a well-controlled formulary system and prescribing restrictions. Therapeutic interchange was practiced by 64%. Diversified pharmaceuti cal services included telephone or mail-in refill services (80%), mail -out pharmaceutical services (58%), and services to long-term-care fac ilities (49%). A total of 70% of the hospitals were affiliated with a pharmacy school. The first ASHP national survey of pharmaceutical serv ices in federal hospitals showed that comprehensive distributive and c linical services were offered by most of the facilities.