American journal of hospital pharmacy
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The function of a pharmacist in emergency medicine, encompasing clinical practice, education and research, are described, and an evaluation of physicians' and nurses' attitudes toward pharmacist involvement in these areas is presented. In July 1974, a pharmacist joined the staff of a department of emergency health services in a medical center. ⋯ All respondents felt the pharmacist was an important component of the department and a benefit to its patient care and educational programs. Eighty-seven percent of the physicians stated that the pharmacist is capable of offering primary care to certain patients once the diagnosis has been made by a physician; 95% felt the role of the pharmacist is transferrable to other emergency room facilities and 83% were willing to have their patients charged for his services.
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Blood substitute products for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock are discussed with regard to their composition, physical and therapeutic characteristics, adverse effects, cost, and market availability. Commercially available plasma expanders discussed include blood derivatives (whole blood, packed red blood cells, plasma, normal human serum albumin, and plasma protein fraction), synthetic colloids (dextrans 40 and 70) and a balanced salt solution (lactated Ringer's injection). ⋯ Normal serum albumin 5% and plasma protein fraction 5% are excellent colloidal plasma expanders without the potential hazard of hepatitis. Lactated Ringer's injection is the fluid of choice to replace lost blood up to 10% of the vascular volume.
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The role of the pharmacist in helping to guide the patient and his family through the grief and bereavement process of death is described. The somatic and psychological components of grief and the five psychological stages of dying--denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance--are discussed. The pharmacist's role is one of understanding, tolerance and empathy for the dying patient and his family.
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Hospital pharmacists in a Midwestern, metropolitan area were surveyed to determine levels of job satisfaction. Of the 195 pharmacists who received the 120-item questionnaire, 132 (68%) responded. The questionnaire included facet-free questions which reflect the overall satisfaction of an individual with his job. ⋯ Compensation relative to others and amount of compensation were the sources of greatest satisfaction. Staff pharmacists had the lowest level of satisfaction; clinical pharmacists the highest--other personnel categories compared were directors, associate and assistant directors, and supervisors. The profession of pharmacy should decide whether or not to be concerned with the general low level of satisfaction among hospital pharmacists.
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Historical Article
American hospital pharmacy: a bicentennial perspective.
The history of American hospital pharmacy is reviewed. The development of hospital and health care, the evolution of medical and pharmaceutical sciences, and the growth of pharmacy as a profession are described as prologue to the development of hospital pharmacy. ⋯ Whitney, and the necessity of hospital pharmacy services are discussed. The clinical pharmacy movement is reviewed in terms of its potential for changing the nature of pharmacy practice.