The critical care clinical pharmacist: evolution of an essential team member

Abstract

Objective: To review the history, training requirements, contributions to patient care outcomes, and workforce issues of critical care pharmacists.

Data source and selection: Literature obtained through Medline search with manual cross-referencing.

Data extraction and synthesis: Original and selected review articles and guideline documents were reviewed for references to critical care pharmacists and their role on the multiprofessional critical care team.

Conclusions: Critical care pharmacists are recognized as essential members of the critical care team as a result of contributions to medication safety, improved patient outcomes, and reduced drug costs and as a source of drug information and provider of education. A growing number of pharmacists practice in critical care. Additional opportunities exist and can be met if an adequate supply of trained specialists can be developed.