This PPT covers the B. Pharm Pharmacy Practice Unit-I with topics 1. Hospital and it’s organization 2. Hospital pharmacy and its organization 3. Adverse drug reaction 4. Community Pharmacy
2. Unit I: Hospital and its Organization - Definition and classification of hospitals
- Organization structure of a hospital
- Medical staffs involved in the hospital and their functions
Unit I: Hospital Pharmacy and its
Organization - Definition and functions of hospital pharmacy
- Organization structure and staff requirements
- Responsibilities and functions of hospital pharmacists
Unit I: Adverse drug reaction - Classification and types of adverse drug reactions
- Drug interactions and methods for detecting them
- Adverse drug reaction reporting and management
Unit I: Community Pharmacy - Organization and structure of retail and wholesale drug stores
- Legal requirements for establishment and maintenance
- Dispensing of proprietary products and record keeping
4. What is a
Hospital?
Definition: A hospital provides
patient treatment with
specialized medical and
nursing staff and medical
equipment.
The main aim: To Provide
healthcare services to patients
to help them recover from
illness or injury.
5. Characteristics of a Hospital
- In-patient care - Emergency
services
- Surgical
services
- Diagnostic and
therapeutic
services
6. Classification
of Hospitals
Intro: Hospitals can be classified based on several
criteria, such as ownership, type of services
provided, length of stay, bed capacity, and clinical
basis.
7. Classification
by
Ownership
Public Hospitals: Owned and
funded by the government
Private Hospitals: Owned by
private entities or individuals
Non-profit Hospitals:
Operated by charitable
organizations, profits are
reinvested into the hospital
8. Classification
by
Service
General Hospitals: Provide a range
of services for various health
conditions
Specialty Hospitals: Focus on
specific areas like cardiac care,
orthopedics, etc.
Teaching Hospitals: Associated
with medical schools for education
and research purposes
9. Classification
by
Length
of
Stay
SHORT-TERM OR ACUTE CARE
HOSPITALS: TYPICALLY, THE STAY IS LESS
THAN 30 DAYS
LONG-TERM CARE HOSPITALS: CARE FOR
PATIENTS FOR 30 DAYS OR MORE, OFTEN
DEALING WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
12. Primary Hospitals
Services like general medicine,
preventive care, and minor
surgeries are typically offered.
Role in the healthcare system:
Provide the first point of contact
for patients.
13. Secondary
Hospitals
Services offered, including
specialized medical services and
minor and major surgical
procedures.
Role in the healthcare system:
Provides care to patients referred
from primary hospitals and
stabilizes patients before moving
to tertiary hospitals.
14. Tertiary Hospitals
Services like highly specialized
medical care, surgeries, and
advanced diagnostic services are
offered.
Role in the healthcare system:
Provides high-level care to
patients referred from secondary
hospitals and cares for complex
and rare health conditions.
15. Clinical Aspects
Patient care, diagnosis, treatment,
nursing services, etc.
Role in patient health outcomes
and overall hospital performance.
16. Non-Clinical Aspects
Administration, finance, health
information systems, facility
management, etc.
Importance in supporting clinical
services and the overall functioning
of the hospital.
17. Hospital Organization
Importance: Organized hospitals ensure efficient
patient care, optimal resource utilization, and smooth
workflow
Elements: Hospital governance (Board of Directors),
Administration, Medical Staff, Nursing Staff, Allied
Health Professionals, and Support Staff
18. Hierarchical Structure
in Hospitals
Illustrate the structure: Board of Directors -> CEO ->
Administrative Staff -> Medical Staff -> Nursing Staff -
> Allied Health Professionals -> Support Staff
20. Purpose of
Hospital
Organization
The organization of a hospital is
necessary to ensure the smooth
running of hospital operations. This
structure fosters collaboration and
coordination among staff members
and departments and helps efficiently
deliver healthcare services.
21. Basic Structure of
Hospital Organization
A typical hospital's
structure can be divided
into several key
components, including the
board of directors,
hospital administration,
medical staff, nursing
department, and other
auxiliary departments.
22. The Board of Directors
The board of directors is
responsible for making high-
level strategic decisions, setting
policies, and overseeing the
general direction of hospital
operations.
23. Hospital
Administration
The hospital administration manages
daily operations. They ensure the
hospital functions smoothly,
providing the necessary resources
for medical staff to deliver quality
patient care.
24. Medical Staff
The medical staff includes
physicians, surgeons, and
specialists who directly
provide patient care. They
diagnose and treat patients,
perform surgeries, and play
a significant role in delivering
healthcare services.
25. Nursing Department
The nursing department comprises registered nurses, licensed practical
nurses, and other support staff. They provide critical support in patient
care, administering medications, monitoring patient health, and
maintaining patient records.
26. Auxiliary Departments
Auxiliary departments such as radiology, pathology, pharmacy, dietary
services, and others provide crucial support services that help in the smooth
functioning of the hospital.
27. Medical Staff in a
Hospital and Their
Functions
A hospital's medical staff includes
professionals with diverse roles and
responsibilities. Let's explore these
different roles and their
contributions to patient care.
28. Physicians: The
Core of Medical
Staff
Physicians are medical professionals
who diagnose and treat illnesses.
They might be general practitioners
or specialize in cardiology,
neurology, pediatrics, etc. They
form the backbone of medical care
in a hospital.
29. Surgeons: Masters
of the Operating
Room
Surgeons are specialized
physicians who perform
operations as part of a patient's
treatment plan. Their expertise
lies in their understanding of
human anatomy, surgical
procedures, and patient care
before, during, and after surgery.
30. Anesthesiologists:
Guardians of Pain
Management
Anesthesiologists are specialists
responsible for managing pain
during and after surgical
procedures. They administer
anesthesia and monitor the
patient's vital signs during surgery,
ensuring patient comfort and
safety.
31. Radiologists: The
Imaging Experts
Radiologists are doctors who
specialize in diagnosing diseases
and injuries using medical imaging
techniques, such as X-rays, CT
scans, and MRI scans. They
provide crucial information for
diagnosis and treatment planning.
32. Pathologists:
The Disease
Detectives
Pathologists analyze laboratory
samples, such as tissue
biopsies or bodily fluids, to
diagnose diseases. Their
expertise aids in detecting
diseases at the earliest stages,
contributing to effective
treatment.
33. Nurses: The Pillars
of Patient Care
Nurses provide direct care to patients,
administer medication, monitor patient
health, and maintain patient records. They
work closely with doctors and other
healthcare professionals to provide
comprehensive care.
34. Pharmacists:
Custodians of
Medications
Hospital pharmacists are responsible
for medication management. They
ensure the safe and effective use of
pharmaceutical drugs and collaborate
with physicians on medication
selection, dosage, and potential side
effects.
35. Conclusion for
Medical Staff Role
Each medical staff member plays
a vital role in a hospital setting,
contributing to the overall
patient experience and care.
Their combined expertise and
collaboration ensure the
hospital's successful operation
and patients' health and well-
being.
37. Hospital pharmacy
and its organization
A hospital pharmacy is a critical
department within a healthcare facility
responsible for safely and effectively
managing medications and
pharmaceutical supplies. It plays a vital
role in patient care by ensuring that
medicines are prescribed correctly,
dispensed accurately, and administered
safely.
The organization of a hospital pharmacy
varies based on the size of the hospital,
patient population, and available
resources.
38. Definition of
Hospital
Pharmacy
Hospital pharmacy refers to the specialized
pharmacy department within a healthcare facility,
primarily a hospital, responsible for the
procurement, storage, preparation, dispensing,
and safe use of medications for patients under the
care of the hospital's healthcare providers. It plays
a crucial role in ensuring the appropriate and
effective use of drugs and promoting patient safety
and optimal health outcomes.
39. Functions of
Hospital Pharmacy
Medication Dispensing
Function: Review and dispense
medications based on prescriptions.
Goal: Ensure accuracy,
appropriateness, and patient safety.
Medication Review and Verification
Function: Review medication orders
for interactions, allergies, and
dosages.
Objective: Prevent medication-
related errors.
40. Functions of Hospital Pharmacy
Medication Counseling and Education
Function: Counsel patients on proper
medication use.
Importance: Enhance patient
understanding and adherence.
Medication Management
Function: Manage medication
inventory to avoid shortages and
wastage.
Goal: Ensure a steady supply of drugs.
41. Functions of
Hospital Pharmacy
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Function: Participate in patient care
rounds, and provide drug information.
Purpose: Offer therapeutic
recommendations and address
medication-related issues.
Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T)
Committee
Function: Evaluate and approve
medications for the hospital formulary.
Importance: Ensure appropriate drug
selection and use.
42. Functions of
Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmacokinetic Dosing Services
Function: Perform pharmacokinetic
dosing for certain medications.
Benefit: Ensure optimal dosing in
patients with narrow therapeutic ranges.
Parenteral Nutrition Compounding
Function: Prepare parenteral nutrition
solutions.
Goal: Tailor solutions to individual
patient needs.
43. Functions of Hospital Pharmacy
Medication Reconciliation
Function: Ensure the accuracy of a
patient's medication regimen during care
transitions.
Importance: Maintain medication
continuity.
Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring
Function: Monitor and report adverse
drug reactions.
Role: Improve drug safety.
44. Functions of
Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmacy Quality Assurance
Function: Implement programs to
prevent medication errors.
Purpose: Ensure compliance with
standards.
Infection Control and Sterile
Compounding
Function: Prepare sterile medications
using aseptic techniques.
Importance: Prevent infections.
45. Functions of
Hospital Pharmacy
Medication Safety Initiatives
Function: Promote medication safety within
the hospital.
Strategies: Use of barcode scanning systems
and other technologies.
Pharmacy Information Systems
Function: Manage medication orders,
dispensing records, and drug data.
Benefit: Streamline pharmacy operations.
46. Hospital Pharmacy
Organization
Structure
The hospital pharmacy
organization structure is a
hierarchical framework that
outlines the roles,
responsibilities, and relationships
of personnel within the pharmacy
department of a hospital. It is
designed to efficiently manage
pharmacy services and ensure
the safe and effective use of
medications for patients.
47. Pharmacy
Director / Chief
Pharmacist
• Oversees the entire
pharmacy department
• Sets strategic goals and
objectives
• Ensures compliance with
regulations
• Collaborates with hospital
administration and
healthcare departments
48. Pharmacy
Managers /
Supervisors
• Responsible for specific areas
within the pharmacy department
• Manages daily operations and
staff performance
• Roles may include Inpatient
Pharmacy Manager, Outpatient
Pharmacy Manager, Clinical
Pharmacy Manager, etc.
49. Pharmacists
• Key players in the pharmacy
organization
• Review medication orders and
dispense medications
• Provide drug information and
counseling to patients
• May specialize in areas such as Clinical
Pharmacists, Oncology Pharmacists,
etc.
51. Pharmacy Interns / Residents
• Students completing practical
training (Interns)
• Licensed pharmacists pursuing
advanced training (Residents)
• Contribute to pharmacy
department activities
54. Medication
Safety
Officer /
Pharmacist
• Focuses on identifying
and preventing
medication errors
• Implements safety
protocols and conducts
training
• Ensures medication
safety within the
pharmacy
56. Thought
• The hospital pharmacy
organization structure is
crucial for optimizing patient
care and medication safety.
• Collaboration among
pharmacists, technicians, and
support staff ensures the
smooth functioning of the
pharmacy department.
• Specialized roles like Clinical
Pharmacy Specialists and
Medication Safety Officers
contribute to enhanced patient
outcomes.
57. Location of
Hospital Pharmacy
The location of the hospital
pharmacy within a healthcare
facility plays a vital role in
ensuring efficient
pharmaceutical services for
patients and healthcare
professionals.
58. Location of
Hospital
Pharmacy
1. Ground Floor or Main Entrance
Positioned on the ground floor or near the main entrance for
easy access to inpatients and outpatients.
Convenient location for patients as they enter or exit the
hospital.
2. Adjacent to Outpatient Clinics
Close proximity to outpatient clinics for swift prescription
processing.
Enables patients to obtain medications conveniently after
appointments.
59. Location of
Hospital
Pharmacy
3. Near Emergency Department (ED)
Located near the emergency department
for immediate access to critical
medications.
Supports efficient emergency care for
patients in urgent need.
60. Location of Hospital
Pharmacy
4. Adjacent to Inpatient Units
Satellite or decentralized pharmacies close
to specific inpatient units (e.g., critical care,
surgical ward).
Ensures rapid medication delivery,
reducing the time between prescription
orders and administration.
5. Central Pharmacy Department
Central medication preparation and
distribution hub in larger hospitals or
medical centers.
Streamlines medication inventory
management and fosters coordination
among different hospital departments.
61. Location of Hospital
Pharmacy
6. Pharmacy Inpatient Unit
A dedicated pharmacy within specific
inpatient units.
Serves patients’ medication needs within
that area, which is especially beneficial for
patients with complex medical conditions.
7. Near Operating Rooms (ORs)
Positioned close to hospital operating
rooms with a focus on surgical services.
Allows prompt access to medications
required during surgeries and immediate
post-operative care.
62. Location of
Hospital
Pharmacy
The hospital layout, size, and
patient volume influence the
location of the hospital pharmacy.
Primary objective: Ensure safe
and efficient management of
medications to support optimal
patient care.
63. Layout and Staff
Requirements of Hospital
Pharmacy
A hospital pharmacy's layout
and staff requirements are
crucial in providing efficient
pharmaceutical services and
ensuring patient safety.
64. Pharmacy
Layout
Consideration
s
• Optimal Workflow: Design the pharmacy layout to
facilitate a smooth prescription processing and
medication dispensing workflow.
• Storage Space: Sufficient storage for medications and
medical supplies, ensuring proper organization and
inventory management.
• Patient Privacy: Dedicated areas for patient counseling
and consultation to respect patient privacy and
confidentiality.
• Technology Integration: Incorporate technology for
electronic prescription processing and medication
tracking.
65. Staffing
Positions in
Hospital
Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Director / Chief Pharmacist:
Overseeing the entire pharmacy department
and setting strategic goals.
• Pharmacy Managers / Supervisors:
Responsible for specific pharmacy areas and
daily operations.
• Pharmacists: Reviewing medication orders,
counseling patients, and providing drug
information.
• Pharmacy Technicians: Assisting pharmacists
with medication preparation and administrative
tasks.
66. Staffing
Positions in
Hospital
Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Interns / Residents: Students
completing practical training or licensed
pharmacists pursuing advanced training.
• Clinical Pharmacy Specialists: Pharmacists
with specialized expertise in specific clinical
areas.
• Medication Safety Officer / Pharmacist:
Focusing on identifying and preventing
medication errors.
• Pharmacy Support Staff: Additional staff to
assist with non-clinical tasks and administrative
duties.
67. Staffing
Ratios
Staffing requirements depend on
hospital size, patient volume, and
pharmacy services.
Ratios may vary for different
shifts (day, evening, night) to
meet fluctuating demands.
68. Role of
Technology
Pharmacy Management System: Facilitates
prescription processing, medication tracking,
and inventory management.
Automated Dispensing Machines: Streamline
medication dispensing and reduce errors.
Electronic Health Records (EHR): Enhance
communication and information sharing with
other healthcare departments.
69. Ensuring Patient
Safety
Proper Staff Training: Regular training
keeps staff updated on medication
safety protocols and best practices.
Medication Error Reporting: Encourage
a culture of reporting and learning from
errors to prevent future incidents.
Quality Assurance: Implement
processes for medication verification
and double-checking.
70. • A hospital pharmacy's layout and staff
requirements significantly impact its efficiency
and patient care.
• Proper staffing, technology integration, and
patient safety measures are essential for
successful pharmacy operations.
71. Responsibilities and
Functions of Hospital
Pharmacists
Hospital pharmacists are crucial in
patient care and medication
management within a healthcare facility.
79. Drug
Information and
Consultation
Serving as a drug information resource for
healthcare professionals and patients.
Providing evidence-based answers to
medication-related inquiries.
80. Medication
Supply Chain
Management
Ensuring an adequate inventory of
medications and managing medication stock
levels.
Collaborating with supply chain and
procurement teams to maintain a continuous
supply.
82. Research and Quality Improvement
Initiatives
Engaging in research projects to
enhance medication-related
knowledge and patient
outcomes.
Contributing to quality
improvement initiatives to
optimize pharmacy services.
84. Hospital pharmacists play a multifaceted role in
medication management, patient care, and safety.
Their expertise contributes significantly to
achieving positive health outcomes for patients.
85. Adverse Drug Reactions
Unintended and harmful effects caused by
medications
Occur due to individual differences, drug
interactions, or drug properties
86. Classifications
of ADRs
Type A (Augmented) Reactions
Common and dose-dependent
Result from known pharmacological
actions of the drug
Examples: Nausea, vomiting,
dizziness
Type B (Bizarre) Reactions
Less common and unpredictable
Idiosyncratic or immune-related
responses
Examples: Severe allergic reactions,
drug-induced liver injury
87. Classifications of
ADRs (contd.)
Type C (Chronic) Reactions
Occur with prolonged drug use
The result from cumulative effects
Examples: Drug-induced
osteoporosis, drug-induced
diabetes
Type D (Delayed) Reactions
Manifest after some time of drug
administration
Associated with long half-life drugs
Examples: Certain drug-induced
skin reactions, tardive dyskinesia
88. Classifications of
ADRs (contd.)
Type E (End-of-treatment)
Reactions
Occur upon drug discontinuation
Related to withdrawal or rebound
effects
Example: Sudden withdrawal leading
to withdrawal symptoms
Type F (Failure of Therapy)
Reactions
Related to the drug's inability to
achieve the therapeutic goal
May be due to drug resistance or
non-response
89. Excessive
Pharmacological
Effects
ADRs due to excessive
pharmacological effects occur when
the drug’s usual therapeutic dose
produces an exaggerated response.
Examples include severe sedation
from an overdose of sedative
medications or hypotension from
excessive antihypertensive drugs.
90. Secondary
Pharmacological
Effects
ADRs resulting from secondary
pharmacological effects occur when the
drug produces unintended responses
due to its influence on other body
systems or receptors.
Example: Antihistamines used to treat
allergies may cause drowsiness due to
their effects on the central nervous
system.
91. Idiosyncrasy
Idiosyncratic ADRs are unpredictable
and occur in only a tiny percentage of
individuals.
They may be related to genetic
factors, individual drug metabolism,
or immune response differences.
Example: Severe liver toxicity in some
individuals after taking a specific
medication.
92. Allergic Drug
Reactions
Allergic ADRs are immune-
mediated responses to a drug.
The body's immune system
recognizes the drug as foreign
and triggers an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can range from mild
skin rashes to life-threatening
anaphylaxis.
93. Genetically
Determined Toxicity
Some individuals may have genetic
variations that predispose them to
drug toxicity.
Genetic testing can help identify
individuals at risk of adverse
reactions to certain medications.
95. ADRs can be classified into various types based
on their characteristics.
Vigilance and monitoring are crucial for
identifying and managing ADRs effectively.
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in
preventing and mitigating ADRs.
97. Beneficial Drug Interactions
Beneficial drug interactions occur when combining two or more drugs
leads to enhanced therapeutic effects.
Examples:
- Combining two antibiotics to increase effectiveness against bacterial
infections.
- Synergistic effects of antihypertensive medications, leading to better
blood pressure control.
98. Adverse Drug Interactions
Adverse drug interactions result in harmful effects when drugs are taken
together.
Examples:
-Increased risk of bleeding when combining anticoagulants and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Serotonin syndrome is caused by combining multiple drugs that increase
serotonin levels.
99. Pharmacokinetic
Drug Interactions
Pharmacokinetic interactions involve drug
absorption, distribution, metabolism, or
elimination changes.
Examples:
- Drug A inhibits the metabolism of Drug B,
leading to increased levels of Drug B and
potential toxicity.
- Drug C enhances the absorption of Drug D,
resulting in higher drug concentrations and
improved efficacy.
100. Mechanisms of
Pharmacokinetic
Interactions
Inhibition of drug
metabolism by enzymes
in the liver or gut.
Induction of drug
metabolism, leading to
decreased drug levels.
Alterations in drug
transporters affecting
drug absorption or
excretion.
101. Importance
of Drug
Interaction
Management
Drug interactions can lead to
therapeutic failure or severe
adverse effects.
Healthcare professionals should
consider potential interactions
when prescribing medications.
Regular medication reviews are
essential, especially for multiple
drug patients.
102. Preventive
Strategies
Thorough medication reconciliation to
identify potential drug interactions.
Adjusting drug dosages or schedules to
minimize interactions.
Monitoring drug levels and patient
response to detect interactions early.
103. Drug interactions can be beneficial or
adverse, and pharmacokinetic interactions
are critical considerations.
Proper management and monitoring of drug
interactions are crucial for safe and effective
medication use.
Collaborative efforts among healthcare
providers can minimize the risks associated
with drug interactions.
104. Methods for Detecting Drug Interactions,
Spontaneous Case Reports, and Record Linkage
Studies
105. Drug
Interaction
Detection
Pharmacological Knowledge: Understanding
drug mechanisms and pharmacology to
predict potential interactions.
Drug Interaction Databases: Comprehensive
repositories (e.g., DrugBank, Micromedex,
Clinirex, Lexicomp) cataloging known drug
interactions.
Computerized Drug Interaction Checkers:
Built-in features in electronic health record
(EHR) systems to check interactions during
prescribing.
Pharmacovigilance Systems: Post-marketing
surveillance data for monitoring adverse
reactions and reporting potential interactions.
106. Spontaneous
Case Reports
Adverse Event Reporting Systems:
Authorities (e.g., PvPI, FDA FAERS,
EMA EudraVigilance) for collecting
reports from healthcare
professionals and the public.
Signal Detection: Statistical
techniques (data mining,
disproportionality analysis) to
identify safety issues from case
reports.
107. Record
Linkage
Studies
Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Linking
data from EHRs to analyze drug use and
associations with outcomes.
Health Insurance Claims Databases:
Utilizing insurance claims data to study drug
safety.
National Registries: Leveraging national
drug and patient registries for
comprehensive data.
Data Linkage Techniques: Deterministic and
probabilistic linkage methods to match data
across sources while preserving privacy.
108. THESE METHODS
COMPLEMENT EACH
OTHER IN ENSURING
DRUG SAFETY AND
MONITORING.
COLLABORATIVE
EFFORTS LEAD TO
IMPROVED PATIENT
CARE AND REGULATORY
DECISIONS.
SURVEILLANCE IN DRUG
INTERACTIONS AND
ADVERSE EVENTS IS
CRUCIAL FOR PUBLIC
HEALTH.
111. ADR
Reporting
Spontaneous Reporting: Healthcare
professionals and the public report ADRs to
regulatory authorities (e.g., PvpI, FDA,
EMA) through dedicated systems.
MedWatch (US): The FDA's program for
voluntary reporting of ADRs and medication
errors.
EudraVigilance (EU): European Medicines
Agency's database for collecting ADR
reports.
112. Pharmacovigilance
Process
ADR Detection: Collecting
spontaneous reports, signal
detection, and analysis of clinical
trials.
ADR Assessment:
Evaluating reported
ADRs' seriousness,
causality, and severity.
ADR Documentation:
Comprehensive documentation
of ADR reports in
pharmacovigilance databases.
ADR Reporting:
Submitting safety
reports to regulatory
agencies within
specified timeframes.
113. ADR Management
1
Patient
Assessment:
Identify and
manage ADRs
through patient
interviews and
medical history
review.
2
Causality
Assessment:
Determine the
likelihood of the
drug causing the
reaction using
standardized
algorithms (e.g.,
Naranjo scale).
3
Severity Grading:
Classify ADRs
based on severity
(e.g., mild,
moderate,
severe) to guide
treatment
decisions.
4
Treatment
Modifications:
Adjust dosage,
discontinue, or
switch
medications as
appropriate.
5
Supportive Care:
Provide symptom
relief and
medical support
to manage ADR
effects.
114. Preventive Measures
Education: Healthcare professionals and
patients should be educated about ADRs
and their reporting.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor patients
during drug therapy to detect potential
ADRs early.
Risk Minimization: Implementing risk
management plans for high-risk
medications.
Drug Interactions: Identify and manage
drug interactions to reduce ADR risk.
Labeling Updates: Timely update of drug
labels with new safety information.
115. ADR reporting is crucial for monitoring drug safety and
protecting public health.
Effective ADR management involves prompt detection,
assessment, and appropriate interventions.
Collaboration between healthcare providers, regulators,
and patients is essential for successful
pharmacovigilance and ADR management.
116. Community Pharmacy
Organization and Structure
A community pharmacy, or a retail pharmacy, is a healthcare
facility where prescription medications and over-the-counter
(OTC) drugs are dispensed to the public. The organization and
structure of a community pharmacy typically include the
following components:
117. Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC): The pharmacist-in-charge is responsible for
overseeing the pharmacy's operations, ensuring compliance with laws and
regulations, supervising staff, and handling any issues that arise.
Pharmacists: Licensed pharmacists are responsible for dispensing
medications, counseling patients, conducting medication reviews, and offering
healthcare advice.
Pharmacy Technicians: Trained pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in
tasks such as prescription processing, medication preparation, inventory
management, and customer service.
118. Support Staff: This may include cashiers, clerks, and other personnel who
handle administrative and customer service functions.
Prescription Area: This is where prescriptions are received, verified, and
dispensed. It usually includes computer workstations, medication storage, and
prescription counseling areas.
OTC Section: Over-the-counter medications, health products, and personal
care items are displayed for self-selection by customers.
Counseling Area: A private area where pharmacists can offer medication
counseling and answer patient questions confidentially.
119. Medication Storage: Secure storage areas for prescription and OTC
medications, following proper storage conditions to maintain product
integrity.
Compounding Area (if applicable): Some community pharmacies offer
compounding services to create customized medications as per physician
orders.
Records and Documentation: Pharmacies must maintain accurate and up-to-
date records of prescriptions, sales, and other relevant information.
121. Licensing: Pharmacies must obtain
the necessary licenses and permits
from the appropriate regulatory
authorities, usually the state
pharmacy board or equivalent
agency.
Pharmacist Requirements: A
licensed pharmacist must be
designated as the pharmacist-in-
charge, and the pharmacy must
employ a sufficient number of
licensed pharmacists and pharmacy
technicians per state regulations.
122. Physical Space: The pharmacy must
have a suitable physical layout,
including separate areas for
prescription processing, counseling,
and OTC sales.
Security Measures: Pharmacies must
implement security measures to
prevent theft and ensure the safe
storage of controlled substances.
123. Drug Inventory Management: Pharmacies
must maintain accurate records of drug
inventory, including purchases, sales, and
disposition of medications.
Patient Privacy: Pharmacies must comply
with Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to
protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Patient Counseling: Pharmacists must
often counsel patients about proper
medication use, potential side effects, and
drug interactions.
124. Dispensing of
Proprietary Products
Community pharmacies may dispense
proprietary products, including
prescription and OTC medications.
Pharmacists ensure that the correct
medication and dosage are provided
to patients and offer counseling on
proper use.
125. Maintenance of Records
of wholesale and retail
Drug Stores
Prescription Records: Patient information,
prescriber details, medication dispensed,
directions for use, and date filled.
Inventory Records: Records of all
medications purchased, received, and
dispensed, including controlled substances.
Patient Profiles: Pharmacists often
maintain patient profiles containing
medication history, allergies, and relevant
health information.
126. Maintenance of
Records of wholesale
and retail Drug Stores
Sales Records: Records of all sales,
including OTC medications, along
with details of purchasers.
HIPAA Compliance: Pharmacies
must maintain patient
confidentiality and comply with
HIPAA regulations regarding
protecting patient information.
127. It's important to note that pharmacy
regulations and requirements may
vary by jurisdiction, so pharmacy
owners and staff must stay informed
about the specific laws and
regulations that apply in their area.