Clinical Pharmacists in Chronic Care [Part 2]

Pharmacy practice has changed significantly lately. The professionals have the chance to contribute straightforwardly to patient consideration so as to lessen morbi-mortality identified with medication use, promoting well-being and preventing diseases. Healthcare organizations worldwide are under substantial pressure from increasing patient demand. Unfortunately, a cure is not always possible particularly in this era of chronic complications, and the role of physicians has become limited to controlling and palliating symptoms. The increasing population of patients with long-term conditions are associated with high levels of morbidity, healthcare costs and GP workloads. Clinical pharmacy took over an aspect of medical care that had been partially abandoned by physicians. Overburdened by patient loads and the explosion of new drugs, physicians turned to pharmacists more and more for drug information, especially within institutional settings. Once relegated to counting and pouring, pharmacists headed institutional reviews of drug utilization and served as consultants to all types of health-care facilities. In addition, when clinical pharmacists are active members of the care team, they enhance proficiency by: Providing critical input on medicine use and dosing. Working with patients to solve problems with their medications and improve compliance.