The role of Hospital Pharmacy services is increasingly vital in managing innovative medications, as highlighted by Tránsito Salvador Gómez, Head of Pharmacy at Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa. During a recent Sedisa Aragón meeting,she emphasized the complexities involved in preparing and dispensing these advanced therapies,which require close collaboration with clinical teams and a deep understanding of treatment protocols. With an investment of 18 million euros in personalized therapies, the hospital is addressing the rising costs and complexities associated with oncology treatments, which can reach up to 300,000 euros per regimen. As the pharmaceutical expenditure in Aragón surges, accounting for 690 million euros in 2023, the need for skilled professionals and robust digital tools becomes paramount to ensure equitable access to these groundbreaking therapies.
Q&A with Tránsito Salvador Gómez: The Evolving Role of Hospital Pharmacy Services
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us, Tránsito.Your recent insights from the Sedisa Aragón meeting shed light on the pivotal role of hospital pharmacy services in managing innovative medications. Can you elaborate on the complexities involved in preparing and dispensing advanced therapies?
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: Absolutely. The planning and dispensing of innovative medications in hospital settings is notably intricate. Advanced therapies, especially in oncology, ofen involve a plethora of protocols that pharmacists must thoroughly understand.Our pharmacists collaborate closely with clinical teams to ensure that these therapies are tailored to each patient’s needs. This collaboration is crucial not just for patient safety, but also to maximize the effectiveness of the treatments we provide.
Editor, Time.news: This depth of collaboration sounds essential. You mentioned an impressive investment of 18 million euros in personalized therapies. What drove this investment, particularly in the context of escalating oncology treatment costs?
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: The rising costs of oncology treatments, which can soar to 300,000 euros per regimen, pressed us to take decisive measures. By investing in personalized therapies, we aim to provide equitable access to groundbreaking treatments. The investment is not just about acquiring new medications; it also encompasses the tools and professional advancement needed to manage these therapies effectively.As our pharmaceutical expenditure in Aragón nears 690 million euros in 2023, this investment is more critical than ever.
Editor,Time.news: It’s clear that managing such notable financial commitments requires skilled professionals. What challenges do you face in securing a workforce that can meet these demands?
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: One of the most pressing challenges is the increasing specialization required in our field. As therapies become more advanced,the skill set of our professionals must evolve correspondingly. Therefore, we must offer ongoing education and training opportunities to our pharmacy staff, ensuring they have the necessary expertise.Additionally, robust digital tools are paramount to streamline processes and enhance decision-making capabilities in pharmacy services.
Editor, Time.news: Speaking of digital tools, how do you see technology influencing hospital pharmacy services in the future?
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: Technology is set to revolutionize hospital pharmacy. Digital tools can automate routine tasks, manage medication inventories efficiently, and facilitate better communication among healthcare teams. They also enable pharmacists to monitor patient responses to therapies in real-time, ensuring timely adjustments. With continued advancements, we will see an even more integrated approach to patient care where pharmacists play a crucial role in treatment management.
Editor, Time.news: what advice would you give to young pharmacists entering this challenging but rewarding field?
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: I encourage them to embrace continuous learning. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and staying informed about new therapies and protocols is essential. Engaging in collaborative practices with clinical teams can also enhance their professional growth. Moreover, being adaptable and open to leveraging technological advancements will serve them well as they navigate the complexities of modern pharmacy practice.
Editor, Time.news: Thank you, Tránsito, for sharing your invaluable insights. Your outlook highlights the critical evolution of hospital pharmacy services and the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare today.
Tránsito Salvador Gómez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial topics. It’s an exciting time for hospital pharmacy,and I look forward to seeing how we continue to evolve in supporting patient care.