Department
of Pharmacy Policies & Procedures
Number: 2.11
Effective Date: 07/2007
Revisions:
Review: 6/09
Approval: 07/2007
Subject: PHARMACY
COMMUNICATIONS
POLICY:
1. The Department uses multiple methods for communicating
with staff. These methods are used to effectively convey information required
for the appropriate functioning of the Department. Effectiveness of
communications is evaluated through verbal feedback and staff observations.
2. Multiple methods are used for communication between staff
related to the care of patients and Department operations to assure timely,
accurate and effective information “hand-offs” to provide continuity and
completeness of care.
3. It is the responsibility of all Department staff to
effectively communicate with other appropriate Departmental staff.
PROCEDURES:
1.
Departmental
Communications
Methods are used to effectively convey information required
for the appropriate functioning of the department on an ongoing basis include:
Verbal: Monthly
staff meetings
Monthly
manager meetings
Educational
meetings
Special
ad hoc meeting
Individual
and small group discussions
Written: Meeting
minutes
“Problem”
orders placed in Communication Book
Electronic: Pharmacy
Computer messages
Monthly
P&T Updates
Various information on Pharmacy website
E-mail
2.
Communications
between staff
Staff is to utilize all of the
communication methods when transferring or seeking information. These methods
include:
Verbal: Daily
Shift Change Communication
Monthly
staff meetings
Educational
meetings
Special
ad hoc meeting
Individual
and small group discussions
Written: Written
notes
“Problem”
orders placed in Communication Book
Electronic: Pharmacy
Computer Messages
E-mail
A.
Communication
“Hand-Offs” related to patient care issues.
Whenever issues related to the care of
a patient or patients are unresolved or require involvement of other staff,
effective inter-active communications are to take place. Such “hand-off
communications may be necessary at shift change, lunch/break times, transfer of
care responsibilities and request for patient / situation follow up. The method
of communication will depend on the given situation. In all cases of
information hand-off related to patient care:
1.
2. Whenever
appropriate /possible individuals leaving an assignment are to verbally
communicate any ongoing / unresolved/potential issues with the individual
replacing them in their job function, or, an individual who can serve as an
information source when a replacement returns. (Example: order entry
pharmacists are to verbally discuss appropriate unresolved issues at /during
shift change that may be unclear to those responsible for follow-up actions.)
This process should entail an appropriate amount of detail to allow effective
patient care.
3. Communications
are to include some type of verification that the received information is
accurate / available. (eg,
written messages on problem orders requiring follow-up should be clear as to
the problem, status and follow-up need). When critical, the individual
communicating is to assure that the staff responsible for follow up is aware of
the issue to be addressed.