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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami N Galea |
| Abstract | Introduction: Validation of standards of practice in patient care should consider the perception held by patients and non-pharmacist health professionals of the pharmacist intervention. Aim: To develop methods to validate the hospital clinical pharmacists intervention in patient care as perceived by patients and other health professionals. Method: Two quantitative measurement instruments directed towards patients and other non-pharmacist health professionals were developed for use within a hospital setting. The tools evaluate the intervention of clinical pharmacists in patient care during admission, ward rounds, and patient discharge on a scale with a maximum of 100. The instruments were psychometrically evaluated and implemented at Zammit Clapp Hospital (ZCH). Face and content validity, reliability, and practicality of the instruments were assessed. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results: Face and content validity: the team of experts agreed upon the structure of the instruments, presentation, layout, and statements included. Reliability testing: the kappa-value was <0.80 indicating reproducibility of data generated. Implementation: 60 patients (19 males, 41 females) completed the instrument intended for patients while 51 out of 54 health professionals practicing at ZCH returned the instrument intended for health professionals. The average scores achieved were: 94 for the patients (range 44-98) and 88 for the health professionals (range 74-100). Conclusion: These tools provide a quantitative evaluation of the intervention of hospital clinical pharmacists in patient care as perceived by patients and other health professionals and can be adapted for an external validation exercise of hospital clinical pharmacy services. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | clinical pharmacy, hospital, intervention, validation |