this presentation is prepared to describe the role of pharmacist in switch therapy within hospitals particularly Naser Medical Complex.

1. Role of Pharmacist in I.V to
P.O Switch Therapy
Prepared by
Samah M. Kullab
(Hospital Pharmacist)
Naser Medical Complex
Gaza - Palestine
2016

2. What is I.V to P.O Switch Therapy?
 A process of reviewing all patients on select IV antibiotics
daily, assessing each patient’s eligibility for conversion to PO,
and recommending conversion to the prescribing doctor.

3. Advantages of early IV to Oral Switch
 Decreased risk of infection from IV lines
 Decreased risk of thrombophlebitis
 Significantly less cost than IV therapy
 Reduction in hidden costs (diluents, equipment, needles…etc)
 More patient friendly
 May lead to earlier discharge
 Reduction of nursing time and effort

4. Role of Pharmacist in Switch
Therapy
1. Listing of patients on I.V antibiotics each morning
(sometime after the first dose) during meeting and
rounding.

5. 2. Reviewing the list against the IV to PO
inclusion/exclusion criteria below to assess each patient’s
eligibility.

7. 3. Filling out the suggested IV to PO sticker and placing it
in the patient’s chart in the Orders section.

9. 4. Suggesting of oral alternative antibiotics which match
the documented diagnosis.

11. 5. Ensuring that the selected oral antibiotic suits the
laboratory culture according to microbial sensitivity (if
present).

13. 6. Reviewing the cardex to identify the probability of
drug-drug interactions.

15. 7. Following up till the physician reviews the
recommendation and signs and dates if in agreement.
Then the pharmacist enters the new PO order and
documents the intervention.