Read more
Quality systems improve the quality and consistency of the practice of health care professionals, leading to increased patient safety, rational care and reduced costs. Hospitals worldwide are becoming more aware of the importance of implementation of quality systems to standardise health care processes. The introduction of quality systems in health care is occurring at a relatively slow pace in European countries compared to the USA, especially with respect to clinical pharmacy services. During this research, standards to match current clinical pharmacy service provision and also to guide evolution of new services in a geriatric and rehabilitation hospital were developed, validated, implemented and evaluated. Whilst being easy and practical to adopt, the quality system implemented provides a comprehensive approach to clinical pharmacy services which can be adapted to any hospital setting.
About the author
The authors are members of the Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta. Francesca Wirth graduated in pharmacy in 2007 and completed a Master of Philosophy in 2011. She is a research officer reading for a Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy. Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi is Head of Department. Anthony Serracino-Inglott is a professor of pharmacy.
