Impact of In-Hospital Emergency Call Participation on Pharmacists’ Professionalism and Psychological Stress

Early, high-quality resuscitation of patients experiencing sudden deterioration within medical facilities is a critical intervention directly influencing patient outcomes. To ensure rapid response, in-hospital emergency call systems have been established, enabling timely implementation of basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS). As ACLS requires medications, the participation of a pharmacist is essential. At Kameda Medical Center, pharmacists receive BLS, ACLS, and departmental training and actively participate in emergency responses. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of participation in emergency calls on professionalism and psychological stress of pharmacists. A hypothesis was developed and tested by surveying pharmacists who had participated in in-hospital emergency calls. The results suggest that emergency response provides pharmacists with opportunities to fulfill their professional roles, potentially enhancing professionalism. However, due to the high-pressure nature of these circumstances, pharmaceutical interventions do not always contribute to the development of professional identity. Pharmacists with >2 years of clinical experience reported greater confidence and a sense of accomplishment, indicating that early-career exposure is important for professional development. Additionally, 35% of respondents reported mental strain and 20% noted disruptions to routine duties, highlighting the requirement for improved training and psychological support systems.