Preparation and Revision of a Hospital Formulary

1. Preparation of a Hospital Formulary:

Purpose:

• To create a list of medications approved for use within a hospital or healthcare institution.

Steps:

1. Formation of a committee: Often called the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee, which typically includes pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other relevant healthcare professionals.

2. Review of medications: The committee reviews medications based on efficacy, safety, costs, and specific needs of the patient population served

3. Selection of medications: Medications are chosen based on evidence-based practices and the therapeutic needs of the hospital or institution.

4. Documentation: The selected medications are then documented in the formulary, which provides guidelines on their use, dosing, contraindications, etc.

1. Approval: The finalized formulary is then submitted to relevant higher authorities, like the hospital board, for approval.

Here's a diagram illustrating the steps involved in the preparation of a Hospital Formulary

2. Revision of a Hospital Formulary:

Purpose:

• To update and maintain the formulary's relevance and applicability based on the changing therapeutic needs, new research data, and availability of newer medications.

Frequency:

• Regularly, such as annually or biannually, but may also occur when new significant data or medications emerge.

Steps:

1. Continuous monitoring: The P&T Committee keeps an eye on drug usage patterns, new drug approvals, updated clinical guidelines, and feedback from healthcare professionals.

2. Assessment: Medications are assessed for their continued relevance in the formulary. This involves reviewing new evidence, potential drug-drug interactions, cost-effectiveness, and patient outcomes.

3. Additions/Deletions: Some drugs may be added based on new evidence or needs, while others may be removed due to safety concerns, obsolescence, or other reasons.
   

1. Updates: Changes in dosing recommendations, drug interactions, indications, or any other relevant information are updated.

2. Approval: The revised formulary is then approved by the relevant authority, ensuring the changes are communicated to all stakeholders.

Here's a diagram illustrating the steps involved in the revision of a Hospital Formulary

In both preparation and revision, patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes are of primary concern.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based tool that aids healthcare professionals in making safe and effective medication-related decisions.