Hospital Committees
Introduction:
Hospitals constitute several committees to ensure efficient functioning, proper administration, and delivery of quality healthcare services. Some committees are formed temporarily to address specific needs and are known as ad-hoc committees. These committees are dissolved once their objectives are achieved.
In contrast, hospital committees discussed in this chapter are permanent or standing committees. They function continuously and play an important role in policy formulation, coordination, supervision, and monitoring of hospital activities.
Definition:
Hospital committees are regular and permanent committees formed as prescribed by regulatory agencies and hospital administration. They are essential for formulating policies, coordinating activities, and monitoring critical hospital functions to ensure quality healthcare services.
Various Hospital Committees:
In large hospitals such as medical college hospitals and district headquarters hospitals, several committees are established due to the complexity and volume of activities. Some important hospital committees include:
- Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
- Antibiotic Committee
- Infection Control Committee
- Research and Ethics Committee
- Purchase Committee
Organization of Hospital Committees:
Hospital committees are constituted by the top hospital administration with approval from the Board of Directors, Trust, or Government authorities. Each committee is supervised by a senior official whose responsibilities align with the functions of that committee.
The committee supervisor reports to the Dean, Medical Director, or Hospital Superintendent regarding committee activities and decisions.
Types of Committee Members:
Committee members are generally classified into three categories:
- Regular members
- Ad-hoc members
- Ex-officio members
Regular Members:
Regular members are appointed for a fixed tenure, usually one year, which may be renewed. They are required to attend meetings regularly and actively participate in committee functions.
Ad-hoc Members:
Ad-hoc members are invited when their expertise is required. They do not attend all meetings and their tenure is also generally for one year, subject to renewal.
Ex-officio Members:
Ex-officio members are senior officials nominated to the committee by virtue of their position. They attend meetings as needed and provide guidance on important matters.
Documents Required for Committee Functioning:
For effective functioning, hospital committees maintain important documents such as:
- Minutes book
- Periodical reports
- Inter-office communications
The minutes book records meeting agendas, discussions, decisions taken, resolutions passed, and actions implemented. Members present sign the minutes at the end of each meeting.
Functions and Responsibilities of Hospital Committees:
The general functions of hospital committees include framing policies, coordinating activities, supervising implementation, conducting training, and supporting research.
Common Responsibilities of All Committees
- Conducting regular monthly meetings
- Submitting monthly reports to higher authorities
- Submitting annual reports to the Medical Board
Specific Committees and Their Responsibilities:
Antibiotic Committee:
This committee includes pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other relevant professionals. Its primary objective is to promote rational and safe use of antibiotics.
- Review antibiotic prescriptions
- Monitor antibiotic usage patterns
- Identify and investigate antibiotic resistance
- Provide guidance on infection control products
- Conduct research on new antibiotic formulations
Infection Control Committee:
This committee focuses on preventing and controlling infections within the hospital. Members include epidemiologists, nurses, and clinicians.
- Frame infection control policies and procedures
- Monitor sterilization practices and equipment use
- Investigate outbreaks and environmental risks
- Control spread of infections among patients and staff
- Evaluate infections occurring in hospital employees
Research and Ethics Committee:
This committee supervises and regulates research activities and clinical trials conducted in the hospital to ensure ethical standards.
- Approve new and ongoing clinical trials
- Monitor ethical conduct of research on patients
- Promote ethical use of drugs and medical devices
- Educate and guide staff involved in research
- Coordinate with external research organizations
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Purchase Committee:
These committees manage drug selection, formulary decisions, and procurement processes. Their structure and functions are discussed in separate chapters.
Role of Pharmacists in Hospital Committees:
Hospital pharmacists play an important role in various committees, especially the Antibiotic Committee and Research and Ethics Committee.
In the Antibiotic Committee, pharmacists help identify irrational antibiotic use and patient noncompliance, which are major contributors to antibiotic resistance. Due to their expertise, pharmacists often act as secretaries or coordinators of this committee.
In the Research and Ethics Committee, pharmacists contribute through their knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug interactions. They assist in evaluating drugs and ensuring patient safety during research activities.
Overall, the role of pharmacists in hospital committees is essential and indispensable for maintaining quality healthcare services.
Summary:
Hospital committees are vital components of hospital administration and governance. They ensure coordinated functioning, policy implementation, patient safety, and quality care. Active participation of pharmacists in these committees strengthens medication management, ethical research, and infection control within hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are hospital committees?
Hospital committees are permanent groups formed to plan, coordinate, and monitor important hospital activities to ensure quality healthcare.
2. What is the purpose of the Antibiotic Committee?
The Antibiotic Committee promotes rational antibiotic use and helps control antibiotic resistance in hospitals.
3. Who forms hospital committees?
Hospital committees are formed by hospital administration with approval from governing authorities.
4. What is the role of pharmacists in hospital committees?
Pharmacists contribute expertise in drug use, monitoring, safety, and research, especially in antibiotic and ethics committees.
5. Why are hospital committees important?
They ensure effective coordination, patient safety, ethical practices, and quality improvement in hospital services.
