Creation, implementation, and impact of an emergency medicine formulary and therapeutics subcommittee at a large health system.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
PURPOSE: The rise of multihospital health systems has complicated formulary and therapeutics (F&T) governance. Subcommittees can assist by addressing complex aspects of formulary management within a specific patient population and overseeing clinical or operational challenges. This article describes the rationale, implementation, and impact of a Subcommittee of Emergency Medicine Therapeutics (SEMT), which was developed to address the unique medication management challenges in emergency departments (EDs) across a large healthcare system. SUMMARY: Established in 2021, the SEMT is a multidisciplinary subcommittee within the enterprise F&T committee that tackles the complexities of medication use in the ED environment. With a focus on optimizing medication safety, improving access, and formulating clinical guidelines, the SEMT has implemented several key initiatives. These include the creation of standardized medication kits, the introduction of medication safety protocols, and formulary enhancements that led to significant cost savings. Additionally, the SEMT has facilitated the development of clinical decision support tools and electronic health record enhancements to ensure consistent, safe, and effective medication use across the health system's EDs. CONCLUSION: The formation of the SEMT underscores the value of specialized subcommittees within large healthcare systems to address the unique needs of specific clinical environments. The committee's work has improved patient safety and care efficiency, as well as delivered cost savings, making it a valuable model for other large health systems seeking to enhance their emergency medicine therapeutics. As healthcare organizations continue to grow, integrating such focused subcommittees can lead to improved outcomes and a more standardized approach to evidence-based care.
