Initiation of an emergency department pharmacy program during economically challenging times.

Purpose: The initiation of a medication reconciliation program and other pharmacy services in the emergency department (ED) of a community hospital is described.

Summary: Despite a lack of funding for additional staff, the pharmacy department of a community hospital led an initiative to establish an ED pharmacy program; a major goal of the program was to address errors and inconsistencies in ED admission and discharge medication reconciliations. Implementing the program in a cost-neutral manner required the realignment of staff duties and schedules and an arrangement with the hospital's off-site central order-entry pharmacy contractor for expanded coverage hours.