Classification of Hospital Based on Clinical Basis:
A. General Hospitals:
Serve the general public and treat a wide range of conditions.
In the context of pharmacy, they stock a broad range of medications to cater to the various departments and specialties within the hospital.
B. Specialized Hospitals:
Focus on a specific population, condition, or type of procedure. Examples include psychiatric hospitals, orthopedic hospitals, cardiac hospitals, and pediatric hospitals.
From a pharmacy perspective, these hospitals might stock medications specific to their specialization. For instance, a psychiatric hospital would have a comprehensive range of psychotropic medications.
C. Teaching Hospitals:
Affiliated with medical schools and participate in educating medical students, interns, residents, and sometimes other healthcare professionals, including pharmacy students.
Pharmacies in these settings often have a more academic orientation, with involvement in research, drug information services, and clinical rounds.
D. Rehabilitation Hospitals:
Focus on helping patients recover from various conditions, including surgeries, strokes, or injuries.
The pharmacy in such hospitals would focus on medications that support the rehabilitation process, pain management, and long-term recovery.
Classification of Hospital Based on Non-Clinical Basis:
A. Public (Government) Hospitals:
Funded and operated by the government.
The pharmacy services in these settings might be constrained by governmental budgets, policies, and protocols. The range of available medications might be determined by national or regional essential medicines lists.
B. Private Hospitals:
Operated by private organizations or individuals. They might be profit-oriented or run as non-profit entities.
Pharmacy operations might differ, with a potential broader range of medications, especially if they are not constrained by governmental formularies. Pricing and procurement policies might also vary.
C. Non-Profit/Charity Hospitals:
Operated by charitable organizations or religious entities and often provide services free or at reduced costs.
Pharmacy services might be funded through donations, grants, or other non-traditional funding mechanisms.
D. For-Profit Hospitals:
Operated with the primary goal of generating profit.
Pharmacy services might prioritize cost-effective drug procurement, inventory management, and potentially higher medication prices.
E. Rural or Community Hospitals:
Serve smaller communities in rural areas.
Pharmacies in these settings might have a more limited range of medications due to fewer resources and a lower patient volume.
