Developing Patient-Centered Services, Part 4: Considerations in Implementing a Pediatric Pharmacy Practice Model

Abstract

The Director's Forum series is edited by Robert J. Weber and Scott M. Mark and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This article is the next in a series that reviews various pharmacy practice models. Pediatric pharmacy practice poses many challenges that are unique. Pediatric patients are not just “small adults.” Differences in dosing and disease states require pharmacists with adequate training in pediatrics. Operational challenges from a lack of suitable dosage forms and a lack of pediatric-specific automation create additional work for pharmacy departments. The pediatric pharmacy practice model must consider these operational challenges and manage them effectively to deploy pharmacists to direct patient care. Through the commitment of the director of pharmacy, care to the pediatric patient can be centered on meeting their unique pharmacy needs and educating parent and caregivers on the safe and effective use of medications.