Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Intensive care units (ICUs) have a highly complex structure in terms of both diseases and medications used in treatment. Therefore, the management of ICU patients is possible with a multidisciplinary team. With their evolving skills and roles, clinical pharmacists have become indispensable parts of the ICU team. This section reviews ICU-specific issues such as the control of delirium, sedation, pain, stress ulcer prophylaxis, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, sepsis, septic shock, prevention of drug-related problems (DRPs), healthcare-associated infections, and literature on the roles of clinical pharmacists. The studies carried out in the ICU are mainly within the scope of medication cost savings, DRPs, medication management, and compliance with the guidelines on various issues. In conclusion, it has been emphasized that including clinical pharmacists in the ICU team has improved many issues affecting DRPs, treatment costs, and patient health outcomes.

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