Roles of infectious diseases consultant pharmacists and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists: A survey of Canadian tertiary care academic hospitals

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases consultant (IDC) pharmacists work within an IDC service to care for inpatients with complex infections. With Accreditation Canada's new Required Organizational Practice promoting the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, AMS pharmacists are being employed in acute care hospitals. There is potential for overlap in responsibilities between IDC and AMS pharmacists, but there is no literature outlining the current duties for each group in Canada. Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics and roles of IDC and AMS pharmacists in Canadian tertiary care academic hospitals. Methods: A survey of IDC and AMS pharmacists at Canadian tertiary care academic hospitals was conducted between February and April 2015. The questionnaire included questions about the pharmacist's experience, education, and training; the institution where the pharmacist was practising; the IDC or AMS team characteristics; and the pharmacist's roles in clinical, educational, administrative, and research sectors. Results: The survey response rate was 77% (68/88). The 68 respondents self-identified as IDC pharmacists (14 [21%]), AMS pharmacists (34 [50%]), or dual-role IDC and AMS pharmacists (20 [29%]). Compared with AMS pharmacists, IDC pharmacists reported more of the following unique clinical activities: directly communicating with patients, attending rounds, involving patients in decision-making, and providing patient education. The 3 groups of pharmacists described similar educational responsibilities. The AMS pharmacists performed more of the following administrative and research duties: development of antibiograms and preprinted orders, collection of antimicrobial metrics, and drug-use evaluations for antimicrobials. Dual-role IDC and AMS pharmacists were involved in fewer of the unique activities described by those who practised within a single subspecialty. Conclusions: Self-identified IDC and AMS pharmacists in Canadian tertiary care academic hospitals were performing many similar roles; however, distinct differences within the clinical, administrative, and research domains were identified among IDC pharmacists, AMS pharmacists, and those who identified as dual-role IDC and AMS pharmacists.