DOCTOK

The Importance of an in-house Pharmacy in a Rehabilitation Centre

Continuum care or a rehabilitation centre serves as a bridge between serious ailments and optimal recovery. This is the reason why the facility has to ensure that all the aspects of recovery are well looked after. One component that is most often overlooked is the in-house pharmacy. Having an in-house pharmacy may seem like just an added value but it significantly benefits both the centre and the patrons and contributes to the recovery process.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Globally, medication-related errors are responsible for 5% to 41.3% of all hospital admissions and 22% of readmissions after discharge. The incidence of medication errors is 30% higher in patients who are prescribed five or more drugs and 38% higher in those 75 years or older.

Keeping in mind this disturbing data, some of the best rehabilitation centres are now offering in-house pharmacy services to their patrons to ensure that their treatment outcomes and recovery process is optimal.

This is How an in-house Pharmacy Helps

1. Timely access to medicines- Most of us have faced this situation at some point. Running to multiple pharmacies due to the non-availability of certain medicines. This usually happens when complex drugs like muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicines, etc are prescribed. A delay in procuring the medicines can affect the treatment and also cause unnecessary mental and physical exhaustion. Having an on-site pharmacy solves this intrinsic problem. It not only ensures that the patrons get the required medicines on time but also makes sure that the specific medication prescribed by the doctor is made available easily.

2. Seamless care- In-house pharmacists work closely with the healthcare staff at the rehabilitation centre to provide coordinated and smooth care. This leaves minimum room for disruptions in the treatment process like delays in procuring the correct medications, better and prompt monitoring of the side effects, dosage adjustments, understanding the requirement and condition for providing alternative medicines, and reducing complications.

3. Education and information- An in-house pharmacy is committed to providing any kind of information related to the drug prescribed as they are an integral part of the facility and the treatment outcome. This includes educating the patient and their family about the proper consumption and management of the medication if required. This further helps in long-term care as the continuity of the medications and their management is maintained after discharge from the rehab centre by the pharmacy.

4. Safety- Since the pharmacists are constantly coordinating with the healthcare staff there is a reduced risk of wrong medicines or incorrect dosages being administered. Moreover, there is close supervision regarding the sale of medications to the family members to avoid any misuse of drugs and non-adherence to the prescription.

5. Cost-effectiveness- The presence of an in-house pharmacy can no doubt save a lot of time, and effort but since the medications are bought in bulk, frequently, and over a long period, a discounted price can be negotiated with the pharmacy to reduce the overall cost and the financial burden on the family.

 

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that a well-run in-house pharmacy does not only supply medication for the patient but also actively participates in the process of the patient’s rehabilitation process in any kind of facility. The pharmacy not only is responsible for the easy availability and accessibility of medications but also ensures the proper administration and distribution of the drugs. It also plays a main role in the weaning process of medications and the continuation of certain medications in many rehab centre where outpatient programs are available. 

Availability of quality medications in rehab centres is enhanced by an established in-house pharmacy hence increasing efficiency and effectiveness in delivering quality results for patients requiring rehabilitation services and increasing the chances of a successful recovery.