The results of a survey characterizing pharmaceutical services in rural hospitals in Illinois are reported and compared with results of a similar survey conducted in 1991. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to pharmacy directors at rural hospitals in Illinois to obtain information about product-related services, the use of technology, clinical pharmacy services, and human resources data (including vacancies) for 2001. Of the 71 surveys that were mailed, 47 pharmacy directors (66%) responded. Respondent hospitals were smaller compared with those responding in 1991 (mean average daily census, 41.0 versus 51.2, respectively). As in 1991, nearly all respondents reported the provision of unit dose services and complete and comprehensive i.v. admixture programs (100% and 83%, respectively, for 2001). Three respondents (6%) reported having a cleanroom facility. The most commonly used technology reported was nursing-unit-based automated drug dispensing cabinets (35%). Nearly all hospitals reported providing drug therapy monitoring, patient education and counseling, pharmacokinetic consultations, and nutritional support. Consistent with national reports, staffing levels and vacancies increased between 1991 and 2001. In 2001, the mean number of full-time equivalents was 7.1, with a pharmacist to technician ratio of 1.0:1.08 and a ratio of pharmacists to occupied beds of 1.0:22.6. The overall vacancy rate was 8%, with a vacancy rate of 14% and 5% for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, respectively. A 2001 survey of pharmacy departments in rural hospitals in Illinois showed progression in the provision of distributive and clinical pharmacy services since 1991. Employee vacancy rates in pharmacy departments were high in 2001, especially among pharmacist positions, but were lower than those reported for the general population of hospitals.

 

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