Pharmacy Services

Inpatient Services

UMass Memorial Medical Center Inpatient Pharmacy Operations is responsible for dispensing medications daily to an average inpatient population of 740 patients. Pharmacists review physicians' drug orders for patients prior to administration. Advanced technology is utilized to achieve a high level of service. Inpatient drug distribution is primarily accomplished through automated dispensing machines on each nursing unit that is interfaced with the pharmacy computer system.

The inpatient pharmacy department provides a 24-hour sterile preparation service. The service offers total parenteral nutrition solutions, antimicrobial and large volume extemporaneous compounding. All pharmacists and technicians are credentialed in aseptic technique and safe handling of intravenous medications.

Outpatient Services

Hematology/Oncology: The hematology/oncology pharmacy is responsible for the management of all chemotherapeutic medications on both the Memorial and University Campuses. A pharmacist trained in oncology reviews all orders for appropriateness and prepares all intravenous medications utilizing aseptic techniques.

Investigational Drug Service (IDS): The Investigational Drug Service works in conjunction with physicians and researchers on investigational new drug trials in conformance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. IDS coordinates the dispensing, inventory management, IRB review, randomization and blinding of investigational drugs.

Additional Services

Medication Safety and Quality: The Department of Pharmacy is committed to providing a service that is both effective and safe. A clinical pharmacist reviews all reported adverse drug reactions and adverse events. Current medication safety initiatives include: Drug Safety Committee, ADR reporting and monitoring, medication error reporting and monitoring, Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals, medication reconciliation, ISMP Medication Safety Alert Bulletins and advanced technology.

Clinical Support: Clinical pharmacists are responsible for reviewing patient medication regimens and collaboratively monitoring patients' responses to their medications. They screen for potential problems with medications such as dosing, drug allergies, drug interactions, IV compatibilities, and food-drug interactions. Physicians are informed of potential problems to avoid potential problem orders.

Intensive Care Unit: Clinical pharmacists cover all intensive care units on both the Memorial and University Campus. Areas covered include Surgical ICU, Medical ICU, Newborn ICU, Pediatric ICU, Critical Care Unit and Emergency Department. Clinical pharmacists make rounds with each patient care team and provide expert review and analysis of therapeutic treatment plans. Clinical pharmacists and residents are available 24-hours a day via pager.

Anticoagulation Service: The Anticoagulation Service offers a comprehensive range of patient-focused pharmacy services. The goal of the service is to optimize safe anticoagulation therapy. Patients are carefully monitored and followed using established nationally recognized anticoagulation protocols. The clinical pharmacist/fellow/resident is available 24 hours a day via pager for emergency situations regarding the patient's anticoagulation therapy.

Drug Information Service: The Drug Information Service is responsible for answering drug-related inquiries, conducting drug utilization reviews, creating and maintaining protocols and guidelines and conducting original research. Drug information questions are researched by clinical pharmacists trained and in computerized literature retrieval and the evaluation of medical and scientific literature. In addition, the Drug Information Service publishes the Theragram newsletter and prepares drug reviews for the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.