Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical pharmacy is a branch of pharmacy that involves the provision of patient care with the use of medications to optimize the health outcomes of patients. Clinical pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in this area and work directly with doctors, other health professionals, and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed contribute to the best possible health outcomes.

History

The concept of clinical pharmacy emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as pharmacists began to take on more active roles in patient care. This shift was driven by the increasing complexity of drug therapy and the need for specialized knowledge to manage medication regimens effectively. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) was founded in 1979 to support the advancement of clinical pharmacy practice.

Role of Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists are involved in a variety of activities, including:

• Conducting medication therapy management (MTM)
• Providing drug information and education to patients and healthcare providers
• Monitoring patient responses to drug therapy
• Identifying and resolving medication-related problems
• Participating in multidisciplinary healthcare teams

Education and Training

Clinical pharmacists typically hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and have completed additional training through residencies or fellowships. Many clinical pharmacists also obtain board certification in a specialty area, such as pharmacotherapy or ambulatory care.

Areas of Practice

Clinical pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Community pharmacies
• Ambulatory care clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Academic institutions

Impact on Patient Care

Research has shown that clinical pharmacists can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing medication errors, improving medication adherence, and optimizing drug therapy. Their involvement in patient care has been associated with reduced hospital readmissions and improved management of chronic diseases.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the benefits of clinical pharmacy, challenges remain, such as:

• Integration into healthcare teams
• Reimbursement for clinical services
• Recognition of clinical pharmacists as healthcare providers

The future of clinical pharmacy is likely to involve greater use of technology, such as electronic health records and telepharmacy, to enhance patient care and expand access to clinical pharmacy services.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Pharmacology
• Medication therapy management

References

• American College of Clinical Pharmacy. "About ACCP." Retrieved from [1]
• Hepler, C. D., & Strand, L. M. (1990). Opportunities and responsibilities in pharmaceutical care. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 47(3), 533-543.