Abstract
This article summarizes the experience with the development of clinical pharmacy services in the Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. Implementation of clinical pharmacy services in Belgian hospitals has not been evident because these activities were initially not structurally financed. The aim is to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the clinical pharmacy development process, and the milestones that enhanced the progress. Furthermore, the organisation of clinical pharmacy in the Ghent University Hospital is explained, including back- and front-office activities, seamless pharmaceutical care and medication safety improvement. Some working methods, procedures and tools are explained for different clinical pharmacy services. In particular, the clinical pharmacy projects for geriatric patients as well as the preparation of clinical pharmacy services for the accreditation process are explained. We also reflect on the organisation model and the future development of clinical pharmacy, taking into consideration facilitators and potential barriers.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are indebted to all the participating clinical pharmacists, especially to the former head pharmacist Prof. H. Robays. This article is based on a presentation at the 42nd ESCP Symposium on the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Practice: Research, Education and Management, held in Prague, Czech Republic, October 2013.
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Somers, A., Claus, B., Vandewoude, K. et al. Experience with the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Services and Processes in a University Hospital in Belgium. Drugs Aging 33, 189–197 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-016-0356-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-016-0356-3