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Pharmacists today play a much different role in healthcare than they did just a few decades ago. Today, we focus on improving the quality and safety of medication use, and we serve as integral members of the patient care team. In fact, pharmacists in hospitals and integrated health systems are more involved in direct patient care now than ever before.[1]
In the inpatient setting, pharmacists routinely go on rounds with the medical team. Studies have documented shorter patient stays, fewer adverse drug events, and improved medication therapy outcomes when a pharmacist is on the care team.[2,3]
In ambulatory care, pharmacists work in many different clinic settings that focus on specific disease states, medication adherence, and complex medication therapy management.
Pharmacists also provide education for wellness and disease-prevention programs in a variety of managed care and integrated health-system settings.
Several trends within the pharmacy profession have helped foster these new roles: The transition to an entry-level doctor of pharmacy degree; the expansion of postgraduate residency training; and new credentialing programs for specialty pharmacists. There are now over 100 US pharmacy schools graduating nearly 10,000 pharmacists each year, and there are 750 residency programs in general practice or in medical specialties ranging from cardiology to oncology.
Changes in the pharmacist role are also being driven by the expanding role of pharmacy technicians, who are taking over many drug-dispensing duties. Portions of the dispensing process also are becoming more automated with the introduction of robotics and other new technologies.
Physicians and other healthcare workers should become aware of these dramatic changes in the pharmacy profession. Keeping up with such trends is an essential first step toward developing new professional relationships that will enhance patient care.
That's my opinion. I'm Doug Scheckelhoff
Douglas Scheckelhoff, MS, RPh, Director, Pharmacy Practice Sections, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, Maryland
Author's Email: dscheckelhoff@ashp.org
Author's Email: dscheckelhoff@ashp.org
Disclosure: Douglas Scheckelhoff, MS, RPh, has disclosed no relevant financial
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