PREHOSPITAL MANAGEMENT OF MEDICATIONS

To assert that variation in the prehospital management and use of medications is a risk to patient safety and continuity of care; further,

To advocate for pharmacy workforce involvement in clinical and operational decision-making for prehospital management and utilization of medications; further,

To collaborate with stakeholders involved in prehospital medication-use decisions to improve patient safety, minimize variation, and reduce inefficiencies.

Rationale

ASHP advocates that the pharmacy workforce “assume responsibility for medication-related aspects of ensuring the continuity of care as patients move from one care setting to another” (ASHP policy 2205). Prehospital management and utilization of medications is within the continuum of care of patients and varies greatly through patient emergency services, transport, and transfers. The pharmacy workforce has established clinical and operational expertise across the spectrum of medication use, which would add value and safety measures to the prehospital management and utilization of medications. Leveraging that expertise will inform decision-making regarding standardization, management of medication shortages, and prevention of medication errors, among other things. Ensuring pharmacy workforce involvement in these medication-related activities and decisions will optimize medication use and thereby improve prehospital care and patient safety during emergent situations and patient transfers.