Advancing Patient Safety and Health Care Efficiency: The Critical Role of Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in advancing patient safety, optimizing health care efficiency, and managing complex therapies. By addressing medication errors, implementing cost-saving strategies, and navigating the challenges of novel treatments, pharmacy professionals contribute to improved treatment outcomes and enhanced care delivery.

Image credit: Halfpoint | stock.adobe.com

In a peer-reviewed case report on page 16, authors Kwang Yoon, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP; Stephanie Mojumdar, PharmD; Rodney Fullmer, DO, MBS, FACEP, FACOEP; and Kimberly McCarthy, MS, BSN, RN, discuss the case of a 50-year old man with mild allergic symptoms who was mistakenly given a high dose of intravenous epinephrine (1 mg) instead of the intended 0.3-mg intramuscular injection. This led to the patient experiencing chest pain, abnormal electrocardiogram findings, elevated cardiac enzymes, and prolonged hypotension. The patient’s condition improved with fluid resuscitation, avoiding the need for vasopressors or invasive interventions, and he was discharged after stabilization. This case highlights the rare paradoxical hypotensive effects of epinephrine overdose and underscores the importance of implementing safe guards, such as prefilled epinephrine auto-injectors, to prevent dosing errors and enhance patient safety.

In the peer-reviewed case description on page 21, authors Miranda Beaudoin Rampone, PharmD, MSCS, CSP; Bryce A. Edwards, PharmD, RPh; Allison Spaulding, PharmD; and Leslie Ochs, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, discuss the significant impact of an infusion and specialty clinical pharmacist (ISCP) position at a Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system in improving cost efficiency and satisfaction among veterans and specialty providers. Over $1.3 million in annual projected cost avoidance was achieved through medication conversions and dose optimizations, while 89% of veterans and 94% of providers expressed high satisfaction with the ISCP’s services. These findings emphasize the value of ISCPs in optimizing specialty medication use, enhancing patient care, and supporting health care teams in both VA and private sector clinics.

In a peer-reviewed case report on page 12, authors Jordan Krumanocker, PharmD, CPP, BCACP; and Geena Eglin, PharmD, BCACP, CSP, CPP, describe a case of a 61-year-old woman experiencing a probable infusion reaction during her first evinacumab-dgnb (Evkeeza; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc) home infusion, marked by a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, and shortness of breath, requiring discontinuation of the infusion and the administration of emergency treatment. Evinacumab-dgnb, an angiopoietin-like 3 inhibitor, is a novel cholesterol-lowering agent approved for treating homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The report highlights safety concerns with evinacumab, limited clinical practice data on its use, and the need for more research on infusion reactions and potential strategies to mitigate them.

These cases underscore the diverse and essential contributions of pharmacists in improving patient care, reducing costs, and addressing safety concerns. From preventing medication errors to managing complex therapies and enhancing health care efficiency, these peer-reviewed papers highlight the critical role of pharmacy professionals in navigating the evolving health care landscape.