PHARMACOLOGY
Guardians of Patient Safety: The Dynamic Role of the Emergency Medicine Pharmacist SAEM PULSE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024
By Morgan Kimball, PharmD; Megan Dibbern, PharmD; Luke A. Neff, PharmD; and Ellen Robinson, PharmD
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Have you ever wondered about the multifaceted role of pharmacists in emergency medicine? Contrary to the perception of merely being pill dispensers, we function as guardians of patient safety, actively preventing unnecessary medication use while prioritizing evidence-based, patientcentered care. In the high-stakes environment of the emergency department (ED), we stand as a vital force against medication errors, meticulously verifying prescriptions even in high-pressure scenarios. Operating within various acute environments, emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) seamlessly
collaborate with health care teams, providing real-time bedside assistance to providers and nurses. Our expertise extends beyond order verification and medication dispensing; we customize medication dosages in critical situations and promptly make patientspecific recommendations to optimize outcomes. Our evolving role keeps us at the forefront of cutting-edge therapies and enables other specialties to focus on their unique areas of expertise. During times of drug scarcity, we navigate available alternatives, act as stewards in antimicrobial usage, and serve as a compendium of pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics. Some hospitals are equipped to provide around-theclock support, while others may have less coverage. Nonetheless, your EMP strives to seamlessly integrate into interdisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive assistance at any hour of the day. In our shop, we actively engage in bedside patient care and much more. Specific details of the contributions made by EMPs are outlined below (Morgan et al):
Stroke Alerts
• Reconcile home medications for anticoagulation through interviews with patients, families, or caregivers.