Publication Date: January 2nd, 2006
Publication Type(s): Policy Brief
Topic(s): Hospitals and Clinics, Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs, Quality
Author(s): Casey, M.
Assesses the capacity of rural hospitals to implement medication safety practices. The study found that many small rural hospitals have limited hours of on site pharmacist coverage. About three-quarters of the hospitals are using pharmacy computers, but a significant proportion either do not have a pharmacy computer or are not using it for clinical purposes. Hospital financial status is significantly related to pharmacist staffing, the use of technology, and implementation of medication safety practices, supporting a continuation of Medicare policies to help ensure financial stability for small rural hospitals.