A comprehensive hospital formulary includes various sections that provide detailed information about the medications and policies governing their use.
1) Introduction and Purpose of Hospital Formulary:
Mission Statement: Outlines the formulary's role in patient care.
Scope: Defines the formulary's applicability within the hospital settings.
2) Organizational Structure:
Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee: Details about the committee responsible for formulary management.
Roles and Responsibilities: Clarifies duties of healthcare professionals in medication management.
3) Drug Listings:
Medication Names: Both generic and brand names.
Dosage Forms and Strengths: Available formulations and concentrations.
Therapeutic Classifications: Grouping of drugs based on their pharmacological effects.
4) Policies and Procedures:
Prescribing Guidelines: Protocols for medication ordering.
Dispensing Procedures: Instructions for pharmacy staff on medication preparation and distribution.
Administration Policies: Guidelines for nurses and other staff on proper medication administration.
5) Therapeutic Guidelines:
Clinical Protocols: Evidence-based treatment pathways for specific conditions.
Formulary Restrictions: Information on medications requiring special approval or monitoring.
6) Medication Safety Information:
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs): Reporting procedures and known side effects.
Look-Alike, Sound-Alike (LASA) Drugs: Lists and precautions to prevent errors.
High-Alert Medications: Drugs that have a higher risk of causing significant harm.
7) Appendices and Reference Material:
Conversion Charts: Dosage calculations and unit conversions.
Abbreviations and Symbols: Standardized terms used within the institution.
Regulatory Compliance: Relevant laws and accreditation standards.