American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Logo

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is a professional organization that represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization aims to support its members by improving medication use and enhancing patient safety. ASHP provides a wide range of services to its members, including education, advocacy, information resources, and opportunities for professional networking.

History

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists was founded in 1942. Since its inception, ASHP has been dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy in hospitals and health systems and improving patient care outcomes. Over the years, ASHP has grown significantly and now represents a large number of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students across the United States.

Mission and Goals

The mission of ASHP is to empower its members to achieve excellence in pharmacy practice in hospitals and health systems. The organization's goals include advocating for the optimal use of medications, promoting the value of pharmacists as essential members of the healthcare team, and providing high-quality resources and education to support the professional development of its members.

Membership

Membership in ASHP is open to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students who are interested in the practice of pharmacy in health systems. Members benefit from access to a variety of resources, including professional development programs, certification opportunities, and publications. ASHP also offers members the chance to participate in advocacy efforts to advance the profession and improve patient care.

Education and Certification

ASHP provides a range of educational programs and resources designed to support the professional development of health-system pharmacists. These include continuing education courses, residency programs, and certification opportunities. The organization also hosts an annual meeting and several specialty conferences throughout the year, offering members the chance to learn about the latest advancements in pharmacy practice and network with their peers.

Advocacy

One of the key roles of ASHP is to advocate for policies that support the practice of pharmacy in health systems and improve patient care. The organization works at both the state and federal levels to influence legislation and regulation that affect pharmacists and the patients they serve. ASHP's advocacy efforts focus on issues such as medication safety, access to medications, and the recognition of pharmacists as vital members of the healthcare team.

Publications

ASHP publishes a variety of materials to support the professional development of its members and to advance the practice of pharmacy. These include scholarly journals, such as the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, and practical resources, such as guidelines and toolkits for improving medication use and enhancing patient safety.

Conclusion

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists plays a crucial role in supporting the professional development of pharmacists and advancing the practice of pharmacy in health systems. Through its wide range of services, including education, advocacy, and resources, ASHP helps its members provide optimal medication management and improve patient care outcomes.