role of pharmacist in iv to po antibiotic switch therapy

Role of Pharmacist in I.V to P.O Switch

TherapyPrepared by

Samah M. Kullab(Hospital Pharmacist)

Naser Medical ComplexGaza - Palestine

2016

What is I.V to P.O Switch Therapy?

A process of reviewing all patients on select IV

antibiotics daily, assessing each patient’s eligibility for

conversion to PO, and recommending conversion to

the prescribing doctor.

Advantages of early IV to Oral Switch

Decreased risk of infection from IV lines

Decreased risk of thrombophlebitis

Significantly less cost than IV therapy

Reduction in hidden costs (diluents, equipment, needles…etc)

More patient friendly

May lead to earlier discharge

Reduction of nursing time and effort

Role of Pharmacist in Switch Therapy

1. Listing of patients on I.V antibiotics each morning (sometime after the first dose) during meeting and rounding.

2. Reviewing the list against the IV to PO inclusion/exclusion criteria below to assess each patient’s eligibility.

3. Filling out the suggested IV to PO sticker and placing it in the patient’s chart in the Orders section.

4. Suggesting of oral alternative antibiotics which match the documented diagnosis.

5. Ensuring that the selected oral antibiotic suits the laboratory culture according to microbial sensitivity (if present).

6. Reviewing the cardex to identify the probability of drug-drug interactions.

7. Following up till the physician reviews the recommendation and signs and dates if in agreement. Then the pharmacist enters the new PO order and documents the intervention.