Initiation of clinical pharmacy in Greece

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Abstract
INTRO. There was neither Clinical Pharmacy practice in Greece nor Hospital Formularies. Clinical Pharmacy (CP) services started experimentally during a 3-month period (February 1995–April 1995) at the 2nd surgical Department of «Apostle Paul-KAT» Hospital in Athens. Since then there has been a strategy plan for further CP development. Our aim is to give information about these first steps in introducing CP in Greece. METHOD The work at the Department was based on the prescription monitoring of every patient, realizing the prescribing trends and giving priority to certain prescribing problems. Eventually there was a focus on antibiotics and respiratory system drugs. RESULTS 250 patients. 91 interventions for alternative drug treatment and the duration of antibiotic treatment. 25 interventions for individualization of drug dosage. 15 cases of monitoring adverse effects. 12 discussions with patients consulting them about their drug treatment. 4 educational presentations. High acceptance by the medical staff. Comparison of 2 months (pre and post CP services) revealed 50.7% reduction in antibiotics and respiratory system drugs. Total cost saving 1,034120 drs » £ 2,787 for one month. CONCLUSIONS The results of the 1 st experimental 3-month period are indicative for the consequences of CP services both for the quality of pharmaceutical care and pharmacoeconomics. Implementation of CP sevices by organizing a CP dept or Unit will influence the pharmaceutical policy of the Hospital and lead to institutional changes, such as a Hospital Formulary.