|
The Role of
the Pharmacist
By: J. M.,
Fifth year student at Wilkes University, Nesbitt Scho ol
of Pharmacy, Wilkes Barre, PA 2004
The role of
the pharmacist has advanced greatly over the past few years and I
intend to make my contribution by expanding the role of the
pharmacist in the chain community pharmacy. Patient care outcomes are
now the pharmacist's responsibility. In many aspects, community
pharmacists represent the first line of health care. Most patients
visit their local community pharmacy more often than any other member
of the health care team. In addition to dispensing medications and
monitoring for adverse effects and interacting drugs, I plan to
provide important counseling services to my patients. That would
include taking drug and medical problem histories, proper selection
of over-the-counter-medications, referral to other health care
providers, and/or advice about their drug therapies.
One major area
I plan on involving myself in is preventative medicine. Patients can
benefit from the pharmacist's involvement in disease preventing and
health promoting activities. I will incorporate screening for
hypertension and diabetes, asthma and flu clinics, seminars about
nutrition and weight control, and counseling on the proper use of
prescribed and OTC medication.
I also plan on
incorporating community activities and out-reach programs into my
pharmacy practices. I believe that speaking to groups, such as senior
citizens, on health related matters could give patients the knowledge
of their diseases necessary to be actively involved in their drug
therapies. We community pharmacists could also assist our patients by
referring them to community agencies, support groups and by
participating in community based programs such as nutrition, mental
health, substance abuse, poisoning, and cancer signals. These type of
out-reach programs are not regular activities of most community based
practicing pharmacists and I feel that by involving ourselves in our
patients neighborhoods we can make a greater impact.
I know that
the role of the pharmacist is continually growing and I intend to do
my part in enhancing the profession of pharmacy.
|
RPhLink.com
The
Pharmaceutical Care Network!