Protocol for the implementation of pharmaceutical care in geriatrics: strategy for safety in health care

Protocolo para la implementación de la atención farmacéutica en geriatría: estrategia de seguridad en la atención sanitaria

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To describe the experience of the implementation of pharmaceutical care in a geriatric hospital unit and to propose an instructional protocol for the practice.

Methods:

Experience report that became the practice manual of pharmaceutical care in geriatrics (MaP-CFarmaGeri) of a Brazilian hospital and was structured in three topics (1. Situational diagnosis; 2. Adequacy of the procedure and service provision; 3. Practice exercise).

Results:

The situational diagnosis comprised the collection of data on the structure of the ward and the epidemiological profile. The pharmaceutical services provided included pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, medication reconciliation and pharmacotherapy review. The certification of the content of this procedure was attested by specialists from a multiprofessional team and the technique served more than 60 patients in practice, with good acceptance by the participants.

Final considerations:

The MaP-CFarmaGeri proved to be a satisfactory strategy in the implementation of pharmaceutical care in geriatrics and can support this insertion in similar locations.

Keywords:
Patient safety; Patient-centered care; Patient care team; Evidence-based pharmacy practice; Geriatrics