The Evolution of Neurocritical Care Pharmacy: Historical Perspectives and Future Horizons

  • Denise H. Rhoney
  • , Aaron M. Cook
  • , Karen Berger
  • , Sherif Hanafy Mahmoud
  • , Gretchen M. Brophy
  • , Salia Farrokh
  • , Theresa Human
  • , John Lewin
  • , Jeffrey J. Mucksavage
  • , Kiranpal S. Sangha
  • , Eljim P. Tesoro

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This article reviews the history and evolution of the neurocritical care (NCC) pharmacy, a subspecialty of critical care pharmacy that focuses on the care of patients with acute neurological disorders. The origins of NCC pharmacies in the 1960s and 1970s are described, when pharmacists began to participate in patient rounds, clinical pharmacokinetic consults, and translational research with neurosurgeons and neurologists. The article also discusses the current state of NCC pharmacy practice, research, and education, highlighting the role of pharmacists as essential members of the NCC team, the contributions of pharmacists to NCC research and guidelines, and the challenges and opportunities for education and training in this unique subspecialty. Finally, the article envisions the future of NCC pharmacy, emphasizing the need for high expectations, visionary leadership, innovative education models, a robust scientific foundation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to advance NCC pharmacy and improve patient outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)318-332
Number of pages15
JournalNeurocritical Care
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and Neurocritical Care Society 2025.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Keywords

  • Clinical pharmacy
  • Critical care
  • Neurocritical care
  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy

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