Executive Director’s Viewpoint • Dispensing of drug orders • Participation in drug and device selection • Drug regimen review • Provide patient counseling • Provide pharmacist care • Medication Therapy Management. According to the Pharmacy Practice Act and Rules, a patient may be offered patient counseling. Pharmacists need to take every opportunity to communicate and educate patients on their medication regimen. These communications open opportunities to provide preventative health services and to educate about health conditions. Patient counseling may also reveal issues that could require communication with other members of patient’s health care team. Patient’s excel when all members of their health care
team are in communication with each other and ultimately the patient. Patient safety, medication education, and delivery of care services are essential to the practice of pharmacy. Pharmacists are the medication experts. We are specifically educated and trained in drug regimen analysis and medication optimization. It is a pharmacist’s responsibility and duty to educate our patients on their medication regimen and disease states. And when needed, a pharmacist is to intervene on behalf of the patient to verify with members of the health care team concerning the treatment being proposed and to offer alternatives that are in the best interest of the patient. Health care needs to be a team approach and must always be patient-centered. Pharmacists are part of the patient’s health care team. Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and other health care
providers and professionals all participate and accept responsibility for a patient’s care and safety. IPhA has been and will continue to be at the table for the advancement of our profession and protection of our patients. The Tribune article and others like it bring attention to the profession and is an opportunity to reflect and renew our purpose. But these articles do not replace the professional and clinical judgement and especially the patient care that is delivered by each of you every day. Pharmacists must be committed to our patients and their safety. This is our sacred vow and cornerstone of our relationship that we build together. Note: This article was written prior to publication of this issue. For continued updates on this situation please stay alert for member-only communications and at ipha.org.
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VOL. 79 - NO. 2 (2nd/3rd/4th QTR 2016)