THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN PATIENT SAFETY AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Pharmacists are increasingly integral members of the team-based approach to patient care, providing counsel on medication use to both patients and providers and playing a major role in promoting patient safety associated with medication use processes. We describe three ongoing research programs that have implications for patient and medication safety in the community and hospital settings. The Health Outcomes Advancement Research study in rural Indiana is tracking health self-management strategies for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and focusing on the way community pharmacies support medication and chronic disease self-management, with the ultimate goal of improving adherence, resulting in better outcomes and fewer exacerbated episodes. The PharmIST study uses remote patient monitoring and telehealth services, in collaboration with a patient-centered medical home.
Key Findings: Pharmacists work with patients and providers in multiple settings to ensure that patients’ medication regimens are safe and optimally effective. Pharmacy practice is constantly changing in its response to the technology that provides medications and the knowledge necessary to use them safely and effectively. Pharmacists’ reach has increased globally and now encompasses a purposeful expansion into more clinical roles in outpatient and hospital-based settings. Over the last 20 years, the epidemic of chronic diseases has been met by these and other changes in the American healthcare system to meet the need for better patient self-management. Public-private sector partnerships remain central to the success of federally legislated programs, creating a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured, as well as for successful interventions in patient treatment and care management, implementing evidence-based process measures facilitated by health information technology. The classic management of necessary medications from a pharmacist’s perspective outlined here remains a fundamental core process in the healthcare delivery system. The management of various drug-related problems, as well as the promotion of medication safety, wellness, and adherence, is part of pharmacists’ many contributions to reducing healthcare costs.
Keywordspharmacy, pharmacist, medication, patient safety, adverse drug event, medication errors, community pharmacy
