An Analysis of Drug-Related Problems in the Neurology Ward of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Drugs that act on the central nervous system have a high potential to cause drug-related problems (DRPs). A clinical pharmacist aided by collaborative efforts within an interdisciplinary healthcare team can prevent, detect, and resolve DRPs, thereby contributing to the promotion of medication safety and improving the quality of life of individuals under care. This study aimed to assess DRPs identified in the neurology ward of a tertiary hospital from February 2016 to November 2019. Methods This was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional and retrospective design involving secondary data collected from pharmaceutical care (PC) records. Student's t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, Poisson models, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between age, number and type of medications, duration of hospitalization, and the occurrence of DRPs. Results A total of 130 patients were included in the study, and a total of 266 DRPs were detected, with 93 patients experiencing more than one DRP and 37 not presenting any DRPs. Necessity-related DRPs were the most prevalent (46.6%) type, followed by safety-related DRPs (28.6%). The prevalence of safety-related DRPs was higher in individuals older than 60 years (p<0.001). Conclusions Of note, 84.6% of the interventions suggested by pharmacists to resolve DRPs were accepted by the healthcare team. The high number of DRPs found underscores the importance of the clinical role of the pharmacist and interprofessional collaboration in the care of neurological patients, especially in the pharmaceutical follow-up of elderly individuals.

Development and validation of a national clinical pharmacy competency framework for hospital pharmacists in Austria: a multi-method study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the publication of a European wide competency framework for hospital pharmacy by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacist (EAHP) in 2017, not all countries have adopted and implemented such a framework. AIM: This study aimed to develop and validate a bespoke national hospital pharmacy competency framework for Austria that supports the hospital pharmacy workforce development. METHOD: A multi-method study was carried out in three phases. (I) A systematic literature review across 48 websites of healthcare-related associations and six scientific databases was conducted, identifying competency frameworks, guidelines and related documents. (II) Extracted behaviour competencies were reviewed for contextual national appropriateness by three researchers prior to mapping against the "Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills" domain of European Common Training Framework (CTF). (III) Validation of the resultant draft clinical skills competency framework took place by an expert panel (n = 4; Austrian Association of Hospital Pharmacists (AAHP) board members) discussion. Reporting of findings is aligned with the recommendations for reporting Competency Framework Development in health professions (CONFERD-HP guidelines) and the PRISMA 2020 checklist. RESULTS: The systematic review (SR) resulted in 28 frameworks, guidelines and related documents and the identification of 379 behaviour competencies, with nineteen mapped to the "Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills" domain of the CTF (after removal of duplicates). Expert panel discussion resulted in suggested changes to ensure contextual national appropriateness. CONCLUSION: This study resulted in the development and validation of the first clinical national pharmacy competency framework for Austria. Future studies should focus on political and practical structures necessary for its successful implementation.

Study of leachable compounds in hospital pharmacy-compounded prefilled syringes, infusion bags and vials.

Hospital pharmacy compoundings are crucial for maintaining patient care. They are time- and cost-effective in hospital pharmacy settings because they prevent waste, preparation errors, dosage errors, microbial contamination and breakage due to handling. Unfortunately, the drawbacks of hospital pharmacy compounding include the selection of inappropriate medical devices (MDs) for long-term storage, which could directly impact patients. In this study, three important hospital pharmaceutical compoundings, vancomycin in prefilled syringes (PFSs) made of polypropylene (PP) material, paediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags and diluted insulin in cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) vials, were selected for leachate study and risk assessment. These compounds were studied via a semiquantitative screening approach by means of an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) with postcolumn infusion and an in-house built database. 17 leachable compounds for the PFS, 25 for the PN, and 10 for the vial were identified, and their concentrations were estimated for toxicological assessments. In conclusion, all MDs used in hospital pharmacy compoundings were observed suitable thanks to risk assessments. However, suitable MDs recommended for long-term storage would remain with polymers like COC, for higher safety when exposed to frail and vulnerable patients like neonates and infants.

Pharmacy services in a freestanding emergency department.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Enhancing the quality of medicine handover at hospital discharge: a priority setting workshop.

BACKGROUND: When a patient is discharged from hospital it is essential that their general practitioner (GPs) and community pharmacist are informed of changes to their medicines. This necessitates effective communication and information-sharing between hospitals and primary care clinicians. OBJECTIVE: To identify priority medicine handover issues and solutions to inform the co-design and development of a multifaceted intervention. METHOD: A modified nominal group technique was used to reach consensus on medicine handover priority areas. The first hour of an interactive 2-hr workshop focused on ranking pre-identified issues drawn from literature. In the second hour, participants identified solutions that they then ranked from highest to lowest priority through an online platform. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse workshop data. RESULTS: In total 32 participants attended the workshop including hospital doctors (n = 8, 25.0%), GPs and hospital pharmacists (n = 6 each, 18.8%), consumers and community pharmacists (n = 4 each, 12.5%), and both hospital and aged care facility nurses (n = 2 each 6.3%). From the list of 23 issues, the highest ranked issue was high workload and time pressures impacting the discharge process (22/32). From the list of 36 solutions, the participants identified two solutions that were equally ranked highest (12/27 each). They were mandating that patients leave hospital with a discharge summary, including medication reconciliation information and, developing an integrated information technology system where medication summary and notes are accessible for primary, secondary and tertiary health provider. CONCLUSION: The consensus process highlighted challenges in hospital procedures where potential solutions may be implemented through co-design of a multifaceted intervention to improve medicine handover quality.

Approaching artificial intelligence to Hospital Pharmacy. / Acercando la inteligencia artificial a los servicios de farmacia hospitalaria.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad concept that includes the study of the ability of computers to perform tasks that would normally require the intervention of human intelligence. By exploiting large volumes of healthcare data, artificial intelligence algorithms can identify patterns and predict outcomes, which can help healthcare organizations and their professionals make better decisions and achieve better results. Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks or natural language processing are among the most important methods, allowing systems to learn and improve from data without the need for explicit programming. AI has been introduced in biomedicine, accelerating processes, improving safety and efficiency, and improving patient care. By using AI algorithms and Machine Learning, hospital pharmacists can analyze a large volume of patient data, including medical records, laboratory results, and medication profiles, aiding them in identifying potential drug-drug interactions, assessing the safety and efficacy of medicines, and making informed recommendations. AI integration will improve the quality of pharmaceutical care, optimize processes, promote research, deploy open innovation, and facilitate education. Hospital pharmacists who master AI will play a crucial role in this transformation.

Development and consensus of a dashboard model to evaluate research activity in Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Services. / Desarrollo y consenso de un cuadro de mando para evaluar la actividad investigadora en los servicios de farmacia hospitalaria en España.

OBJECTIVE: To develop by consensus a dashboard model to standardize and promote the evaluation of research activity in Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Services. METHODS: The study was carried out in 5 phases following the modified Delphi methodology: constitution of the coordinating group, elaboration of a list of scenarios, selection of participating centers, evaluation of the list of scenarios, and analysis of the results. The coordinating group designed a questionnaire with 114 questions. General research questions and different scenarios (indicators) were included to form the dashboard. The Hospital Pharmacy Services with the highest number of publications were identified to participate in the Delphi consultation. Two rounds of consultations were conducted in which the "Need" and/or "Feasibility" of their measurement was evaluated for each of the scenarios, using a numerical scale from 1 (lowest score) to 9 (highest score). RESULTS: Sixteen Hospital Pharmacy Services, belonging to 8 different autonomous communities, participated in the Delphi consultation. A total of 100% of them responded to all the questions in the 2 rounds of consultations. It was considered that the Hospital Pharmacy Services should have a research dashboard (need = 100%) with a basic structure and a common minimum set of data for all them (need = 87.5%). The consensus was reached on distinguishing research projects led by the Hospital Pharmacy Services from those led by other groups in which the Hospital Pharmacy Services collaborate (need = 87.5%), and a definition was approved on the leadership of these projects according to whether they are single-center or multicenter. A consensus was reached on 40 indicators to form the dashboard, which evaluates publications (13 indicators), human resources (12 indicators), research projects (9 indicators), doctoral theses (4 indicators), and patents and intellectual property registrations (2 indicators). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first consensus dashboard developed to evaluate the research activity of the Hospital Pharmacy Services, which will help to analyze the productivity and impact of research systematically and continuously. In addition, it will allow comparison between them and will help to establish synergies and identify trends, patterns, and challenges.

[Translated article] Development and consensus of a dashboard model to evaluate research activity in Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Services.

OBJECTIVE: To develop by consensus a dashboard model to standardise and promote the evaluation of research activity in Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Services. METHODS: The study was carried out in 5 phases following the modified Delphi methodology: constitution of the coordinating group, elaboration of a list of scenarios, selection of participating centres, evaluation of the list of scenarios, and analysis of the results. The coordinating group designed a questionnaire with 114 questions. General research questions and different scenarios (indicators) were included to form the dashboard. The Hospital Pharmacy Services with the highest number of publications were identified to participate in the Delphi consultation. Two rounds of consultations were conducted in which the "Need" and/or "Feasibility" of their measurement was evaluated for each of the scenarios, using a numerical scale from 1 (lowest score) to 9 (highest score). RESULTS: Sixteen Hospital Pharmacy Services, belonging to 8 different Autonomous Communities, participated in the Delphi consultation. A total of 100% of them responded to all the questions in the 2 rounds of consultations. It was considered that the Hospital Pharmacy Services should have a research dashboard (Need=100%) with a basic structure and a common minimum set of data for all them (Need=87.5%). The consensus was reached on distinguishing research projects led by the Hospital Pharmacy Services from those led by other groups in which the Hospital Pharmacy Services collaborate (Need=87.5%), and a definition was approved on the leadership of these projects according to whether they are single-centre or multicentre. A consensus was reached on 40 indicators to form the dashboard, which evaluates publications (13 indicators), human resources (12 indicators), research projects (9 indicators), doctoral theses (4 indicators), and patents and intellectual property registrations (2 indicators). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first consensus dashboard developed to evaluate the research activity of the Hospital Pharmacy Services, which will help to analyse the productivity and impact of research systematically and continuously. In addition, it will allow comparison between them and will help to establish synergies and identify trends, patterns, and challenges.

Tackling the future in hospital pharmacy: Training as a pillar of success. / Conquistando el futuro en farmacia hospitalaria: la formación como pilar del éxito.

The training of hospital pharmacists in the coming years must adapt and respond to constant current and future social and technological challenges, without neglecting the basic areas of the profession. It is necessary to acquire knowledge in what is known as digital comprehensive health: Artificial intelligence, technology and automation, digital skills, and new forms of communication with patients, such as telemedicine and telepharmacy that are already a reality in many hospitals. We must provide knowledge in automated systems for the distribution and dispensing of medicines, robots for preparing sterile preparations, traceability systems, the use of drones in clinical care, etc., as well as including training in the application of technology in pharmaceutical care, through devices and applications that help identify patients who require specific care early and effectively. In this digital scenario, new risks and challenges must be faced, such as cybersecurity and cyber-resilience, which makes the training and education of healthcare professionals in general, and hospital pharmacists in particular, essential. On the other hand, the appearance of increasingly complex and innovative therapies has a great impact not only on health population but also on economic and environmental issues, which makes new competencies and skills essential to develop and implement disruptive and competent financing, equity, and sustainability strategies. In this demanding and hyper-connected environment, it is understandable that the well-known "burned out worker syndrome" appears, which prevents the correct personal and professional development of the team and highlights the importance of quality training for its prevention and management. In short, in the next decade, the training of hospital pharmacists must be aimed at providing knowledge in innovation and in basic skills needed to adapt and succeed to current demands and changes.

[Translated article] Hospital pharmacy towards 2030.

Hospital Pharmacy is today a profession marked by therapeutic advances, with a proactive attitude, focussed on people and their health. The evolution of processes is constant, with the full presence of digitalisation, robotisation, and even artificial intelligence, in an environment that also requires the efficient and sustainable use of these tools. In this context, it is necessary to have a roadmap that guides the advancement of the profession and Hospital Pharmacy Services. Continuing with the philosophy of the 2020 initiative which, with the slogan "Towards the future, safely", defined the strategic lines to advance in the improvement of Hospital Pharmacy practice, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy wanted to raise the challenges the profession is currently facing and with a view to 2030. With this strategic planning objective, 20 challenges have been identified and developed, which cover the different areas of action and involvement of Hospital Pharmacy and which cover clinical activities, transversal aspects, training, and research, as well as areas related to people and to the organisations or health systems. For each of them, the objectives, standards, tools, and resources have been defined. It is also planned to provide tools that facilitate monitoring of implementation and the impact on the profession, patients, and the environment.

[Translated article] Introducing artificial intelligence to hospital pharmacy departments.

Artificial intelligence is a broad concept that includes the study of the ability of computers to perform tasks that would normally require the intervention of human intelligence. By exploiting large volumes of healthcare data, Artificial intelligence algorithms can identify patterns and predict outcomes, which can help healthcare organizations and their professionals make better decisions and achieve better results. Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, or natural language processing are among the most important methods, allowing systems to learn and improve from data without the need for explicit programming. Artificial intelligence has been introduced in biomedicine, accelerating processes, improving accuracy and efficiency, and improving patient care. By using Artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning, hospital pharmacists can analyze a large volume of patient data, including medical records, laboratory results, and medication profiles, aiding them in identifying potential drug-drug interactions, assessing the safety and efficacy of medicines, and making informed recommendations. Artificial intelligence integration will improve the quality of pharmaceutical care, optimize processes, promote research, deploy open innovation, and facilitate education. Hospital pharmacists who master Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in this transformation.

[Translated article] Conquering the future in hospital pharmacy: Training as a pillar of success.

The training of hospital pharmacists in the coming years must adapt and respond to constant current and future social and technological challenges, without neglecting the basic areas of the profession. It is necessary to acquire knowledge in what is known as digital comprehensive health: artificial intelligence, technology and automation, digital skills, and new forms of communication with patients, such as telemedicine and telepharmacy that are already a reality in many hospitals. We must provide knowledge in automated systems for the distribution and dispensing of medicines, robots for preparing sterile preparations, traceability systems, the use of drones in clinical care, etc. as well as training in the application of technology in pharmaceutical care, through devices and applications that help identify patients who require specific care early and effectively. In this digital scenario, new risks and challenges must be faced, such as cybersecurity and cyber resilience, which makes the training and education of healthcare professionals in general, and hospital pharmacists in particular, inexcusable. On the other hand, the appearance of increasingly complex and innovative therapies has a great impact not only on health population but also on economic and environmental issues, which makes new competencies and skills essential to develop and implement disruptive and competent financing, equity, and sustainability strategies. In this demanding and hyper-connected environment, it is understandable that the well-known "burned out worker syndrome" appears, which prevents the correct personal and professional development of the team and highlights the importance of quality training for its prevention and management. In short, in the next decade, the training of hospital pharmacists must be aimed at providing knowledge in innovation and in basic skills needed to adapt and succeed to current demands and changes.

Hospital pharmacy towards 2030. / La farmacia hospitalaria rumbo al 2030.

Hospital pharmacy is today a profession marked by therapeutic advances, with a proactive attitude, focused on people and their health. The evolution of processes is constant, with the full presence of digitalization, robotization and even artificial intelligence, in an environment that also requires the efficient and sustainable use of these tools. In this context, it is necessary to have a roadmap that guides the advancement of the profession and hospital pharmacy services. Continuing with the philosophy of the 2020 initiative which, with the slogan "Towards the future, safely", defined the strategic lines to advance in the improvement of hospital pharmacy practice, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy wanted to raise the challenges the profession is currently facing and with a view to 2030. With this strategic planning objective, twenty challenges have been identified and developed, which cover the different areas of action and involvement of hospital pharmacy and which cover clinical activities, transversal aspects, training and research, as well as areas related to people and to the organizations or health systems. For each of them, the objectives, standards, tools and resources have been defined. It is also planned to provide tools that facilitate monitoring of implementation and the impact on the profession, patients and the environment.

Assessment of the hospital pharmacy quality assurance system in selected hospitals in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Pharmacy services in hospitals are designed to meet the needs of all patients. This is undoubtedly one of the most complex services provided by hospitals. In government hospitals, including those in Ethiopia, pharmacies mainly serve as drug stores and dispensaries. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to assess and ensure better quality assurance for hospital pharmacy services in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this article was to assess the current status of the quality assurance of pharmacy services in hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The data were collected from hospital pharmacy heads using the Kobo Collect mobile application and then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables are presented as percentages and frequencies. Results: All (100%) of the studied hospital pharmacies had a qualified pharmacy director and worked in the pharmacy full-time. Only 40% had a drug information center and a functional drug formulary committee. All pharmacies had their own disposal facilities but did not regularly dispose of expired or unfit medications. The results revealed that all hospital pharmacies did not have a responsible body delegated for quality evaluation. Conclusion: The findings of this study clearly show that quality assurance services in hospital pharmacies are compromised. The findings can be used to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to enhance the quality of hospital pharmacy services.

[Translated article] The role of artificial intelligence in scientific publishing: perspectives from hospital pharmacy.

The article examines the impact of artificial intelligence on scientific writing, with a particular focus on its application in hospital pharmacy. It analyses artificial intelligence tools that enhance information retrieval, literature analysis, writing quality, and manuscript drafting. Chatbots like Consensus, along with platforms such as Scite and SciSpace, enable precise searches in scientific databases, providing evidence-based responses and references. SciSpace facilitates the generation of comparative tables and the formulation of queries regarding studies, while ResearchRabbit maps the scientific literature to identify trends. Tools like DeepL and ProWritingAid improve writing quality by correcting grammatical, stylistic, and plagiarism errors. A.R.I.A. enhances reference management, and Jenny AI assists in overcoming writer's block. Python libraries such as langchain enable advanced semantic searches and the creation of agents. Despite their benefits, artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns including biases, misinformation, and plagiarism. The importance of responsible use and critical review by experts is emphasised. In hospital pharmacy, artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency and precision in research and scientific communication. Pharmacists can use these tools to stay updated, enhance the quality of their publications, optimise information management, and facilitate clinical decision-making. In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for hospital pharmacy, provided it is used responsibly and ethically.

Cross-sectional description of hospital pharmacy services in Puerto Rico in 2022 using the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 Self-Assessment Tool.

DISCLAIMER: In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) developed the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 (PAI 2030) to support the continuous improvement of hospital pharmacy services in the United States. Puerto Rico (PR) hospitals' level of compliance with PAI 2030 recommendations is not currently known. The primary objective of this study was to describe the hospital pharmacy scenario in PR in the 5 areas addressed in PAI 2030 recommendations. SUMMARY: Through a collaboration between the state affiliate, a school of pharmacy, and ASHP, completion of the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool was promoted among hospital pharmacy directors between August 2022 and March 2023. A total of 18 out of 66 hospitals completed the survey. The results were compared with national data provided by ASHP from 163 US hospitals. Areas where PR hospitals rated high were in PAI 2030 domain A (Pharmacy Technician Role, Education, and Training) and domain E (Pharmacist Leadership in Medication Use and Safety). PR hospitals rate their performance lower in domain A (Patient-Centered Care) and domain B (Pharmacist Role, Education, and Training). Specific focus areas for improvement by PR hospitals include pharmacist participation in medication reconciliation, 24/7 access to advanced clinical pharmacy services, expansion of the pharmacist's scope of practice, and training through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and residency programs. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates how the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool can be used to benchmark pharmacy services at the state level. We suggest that changes are needed to close the gap between hospital pharmacies working towards optimizing the role of pharmacists in healthcare systems and those still struggling with dedicating staff to well-recognized pharmacist roles and responsibilities.

Factors Determining Quality of Drug Information by Hospital Pharmacies-Results from Five-Year Annual Quality Assessment.

Drug information (DI) provided by hospital pharmacies aims to promote rational and safe drug therapy. While quality assessment for this task is recommended, more knowledge on the factors determining the quality is needed. We aimed to evaluate the impacts of different factors on the quality of DI provided by hospital pharmacies to healthcare professionals. Retrospectively, answers on fictitious enquiries about annual DI tests for German hospital pharmacies over five years were evaluated for content-related and structural requirements. Multivariate analysis was performed for the impact of the enquiry complexity, DI organization (specialized DI center; pharmacist responsible per day; DI on top of other routine tasks), and quality measures (second look; experience of answering pharmacist in DI/on ward; use of documentation database). In 2017-2021, 45, 71, 79, 118, and 122 hospital pharmacies participated. The enquiry complexity had a statistically significant impact on the content-related quality, with poor results for a higher complexity (years 2018/2021, OR 0.25/0.04, p < 0.01). The DI centers achieved better results regarding content-related quality than for a pharmacist responsible per day (OR 0.76/p = 0.65) or DI on top of routine tasks (OR 0.35/p = 0.02). The DI centers scored better in structural quality. The second look showed an overall trend of a better content-related and structural quality. In conclusion, specialized DI centers and second looks are recommended as quality-improving measures. Training for answering complex enquiries should be intensified.

Retrospective analysis of adverse drug reaction enquiries to a hospital drug information service: lessons to be learned to increase in-hospital drug safety.

OBJECTIVES: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major drug safety concern and a frequent topic of enquiries to hospital drug information services. Our goal was to analyse these enquiries regarding background, complexity, nature of ADR, and involved drug classes to improve in-hospital drug safety. METHODS: Retrospectively, ADR enquiries to a German university hospital pharmacy drug information 2018-2022 were analysed regarding enquirer (profession, medical specialty) and enquiry details (drugs, suspected ADR/enquiry prior to drug initiation, ADR system organ class, probable cause identified, and enquiry complexity). KEY FINDINGS: Of 543 enquiries, 516 (95%) were asked by physicians, 493 (91%) patient-specific, 390 (71%) on suspected ADRs, and 153 (28%) prior to drug initiation. Enquiries originated frequently from internal medicine (74/13.6%), paediatrics (71/13.1%), neurology (70/12.9%), and haemato-oncology (62/11.4%). Most frequent ADRs were haematologic (94/17%) and hepatic (72/13%). The median number of drugs per enquiry was three (range 0-37), 209 (38%) enquiries referred to one specific drug, 165 (30%) concerned ≥11 drugs. A probable cause for suspected ADRs was identified in 75 (36%) enquiries concerning one drug and 155 (94%) with ≥11 drugs. Most frequent drugs were antineoplastic (54/25.8%), nervous-system-drugs (42/20.1%), and anti-infective (40/19.1%). Most enquiries (342/63%) were complex (multiple/specialist resources). CONCLUSIONS: Enquiries were usually asked by physicians referring to suspected ADRs in specific clinical situations. A probable cause was identified in many cases pointing to a direct positive impact on patient care. Enquiries prior to drug initiation should be encouraged to increase drug safety. Information on main ADR effects and drug classes helps with targeted counselling.

The role of artificial intelligence in scientific publishing: Perspectives from Hospital Pharmacy. / El rol de la inteligencia artificial en la publicación científica: perspectivas desde la farmacia hospitalaria.

The article examines the impact of artificial intelligence on scientific writing, with a particular focus on its application in hospital pharmacy. It analyzes artificial intelligence tools that enhance information retrieval, literature analysis, writing quality, and manuscript drafting. Chatbots like Consensus, along with platforms such as Scite and SciSpace, enable precise searches in scientific databases, providing evidence-based responses and references. SciSpace facilitates the generation of comparative tables and the formulation of queries regarding studies, while ResearchRabbit maps the scientific literature to identify trends. Tools like DeepL and ProWritingAid improve writing quality by correcting grammatical, stylistic, and plagiarism errors. A.R.I.A. enhances reference management, and Jenny AI assists in overcoming writer's block. Python libraries such as LangChain enable advanced semantic searches and the creation of agents. Despite their benefits, artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns including biases, misinformation, and plagiarism. The importance of responsible use and critical review by experts is emphasized. In hospital pharmacy, artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency and precision in research and scientific communication. Pharmacists can use these tools to stay updated, enhance the quality of their publications, optimize information management, and facilitate clinical decision-making. In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for hospital pharmacy, provided it is used responsibly and ethically.

ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings: Operations and Technology - 2023.

PURPOSE: Results of the 2023 ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings are presented. METHODS: Pharmacy directors at 1,497 general and children's medical-surgical hospitals in the United States were surveyed using a mixed-mode method of contact by email and mail. Survey completion was online using Qualtrics. IQVIA supplied data on hospital characteristics; the survey sample was drawn from IQVIA's hospital database. RESULTS: The response rate was 21.6%. Inpatient pharmacists independently prescribe medications in 26.7% of hospitals. Advanced analytics are used in 5.7% of hospitals. Basic analytics are used in 87.3% of hospitals. Pharmacists work in ambulatory or primary care clinics in 54.2% of hospitals operating outpatient clinics. Most hospitals (86.1%) use automated dispensing cabinets as the primary method of maintenance dose distribution. Machine-readable coding is used in 73.6% of hospitals to verify doses during dispensing in the pharmacy. Autoverification functionality in the electronic health record system is used in 73.4% of hospitals. Most hospitals report some integration of pharmacy services to optimize patient care transitions (60.0%), while 24.9% report no integration. Traditional technician activities still predominate, but more advanced roles are emerging. Technologies to assist sterile product preparation are used in 62.8% of hospitals. CONCLUSION: Drug distribution continues to trend toward decentralized models with medications available closer to patients. Technologies are enabling this transition to occur without a significant negative impact on patient safety. The pharmacy workforce is stable, and more advanced responsibilities are being assigned to pharmacy technicians, enabling pharmacists to increase their clinical role.