Strategic approach for improving the medication-use process in health systems: the high-performance pharmacy practice framework.

Purpose: A strategic approach to improving the medication-use process in health systems by using a framework for setting priorities on the basis of feasibility, the potential for financial return, and the effect on quality and safety is described.

Summary: A panel consisting of leaders in health-system pharmacy identified seven dimensions of high-performance pharmacy (HPP) framework: medication preparation and delivery, patient care services, medication safety, medication-use policy, financial performance, human resources, and education. Performance elements, which are specific policies, procedures, activities, and practices that indicate high performance and result in a financial or clinical return on investment of resources, within each dimension were identified.