Justification for a pediatric satellite pharmacy at a tertiary-care institution

Abstract

The justification for a pediatric satellite pharmacy is described. Of the 742 inpatient beds in a tertiary-care medical center, 150 are dedicated to pediatric patients. The pharmacy department provides services to both adult and pediatric patients from a central pharmacy. However, unit dose drug distribution services are not provided to the nurseries. Furthermore, the department lacks a core of pharmacists specializing in pediatric practice. As a result, the ability of the pharmacy to support pediatric drug use has been compromised, and medication errors and infection control problems have occurred that can be attributed to this situation. A pediatric satellite pharmacy was proposed to improve the quality of pediatric care. Service objectives were established, and benefits were identified. A financial analysis was included in the proposal that documented a total gain attributable to a pediatric satellite pharmacy of approximately $285,000 over five years. The satellite pharmacy was approved by hospital administration. The pharmacy department's quality assurance committee will monitor the satellite's impact. The justification for a proposed pediatric satellite pharmacy included indications that the satellite could correct medication-related problems and improve pediatric care and that implementation would have a positive effect on finances.