Retrospective evaluation of resident pharmacists’ services in a liver intensive care unit: a single-center experience

Abstract

Background: The engagement of clinical pharmacists in ward-based care remains limited in our hospital. This study explores a novel pharmacist working model (resident pharmacists) and evaluates its effectiveness to provide evidence for optimizing pharmaceutical services in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: From February 2024 to January 2025, resident pharmacists were embedded within the Liver ICU as part of a pilot program, delivering multidisciplinary pharmaceutical services including clinical care, teaching, research, and management. Specialized interventions targeting pediatric and infectious disease populations were implemented based on departmental needs. A retrospective analysis was conducted over 12 months to assess the impact of resident pharmacists on pharmaceutical indicators, service quality, and staff satisfaction; key outcome measures included cost reduction, prescribing appropriateness, and antibiotic use metrics. Results: All pharmaceutical management metrics met institutional standards in 2024-2025, including Antibiotic Use Density (AUD; 112.30 vs. threshold 120.47), antimicrobial usage rate (78.68% vs. 88.54%), and proton pump inhibitor prescription rationality (100%). Pharmacists conducted 78 clinical consultations (65.38% multidisciplinary), addressed 132 medication inquiries, developed two clinical guidelines, and achieved full satisfaction scores from medical staff. The average drug cost per patient decreased by 20.05% (RMB 28,806 vs. 36,028 in 2023), with drug cost proportion declining from 30.85% to 23.59%. Conclusion: By deeply participating in various aspects of drug use in the wards, including medical work, management, scientific research cooperation, continuing medical education, resident pharmacists provided more high-quality pharmaceutical services and promote the improvement of pharmaceutical quality control indicators. Resident pharmacists have become important members of the medical team responsible for medication safety and optimizing treatment plans.