In fact, clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in reversing the trend of higher cost and weakened health by improving medication adherence, educating patients, and working alongside healthcare teams to deliver stronger care.
Understanding how pharmacists’ expertise in medication therapy management, chronic disease control, medication adherence, and patient education can help support improved outcomes can help provide a unique glimpse into the future of clinical pharmacy and its transformative impact on healthcare.
Clinical pharmacists are much more than the people who dispense medication, they’re experts. More than just writing prescriptions, clinical pharmacists also assist with health screenings, providing immunizations, and conducting medication reviews and patient education. All this work is done in close coordination with physicians, nurses, and providers.
Their expertise falls at the intersection of pharmacology and patient care, which makes them an asset to any primary care team.
Typical responsibilities of a pharmacist include:
As pharmaceutical research has expanded, the role of medication therapy has as well. For many patients, that means prescriptions are an integral part of their treatment plan and essential for long term health goals.
This means that, much like medication, clinical pharmacists play a key role in improving patient outcomes.
One of the most impactful ways clinical pharmacists contribute to patient outcomes is through MTM. By thoroughly reviewing and optimizing medication routines, pharmacists can identify and resolve medication issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, during a patient consultation, pharmacists can catch duplicate medications, contraindications, inaccurate dosages, and, overall, make sure all medication combinations are safe and effective.
Additionally pharmacists can also tailor these consultations to meet the unique needs of each patient. These needs can involve communicating in the patient’s preferred language for clarity, understanding cultural sensitivities, and even using insights from living in the same community to provide locally relevant advice. And, those skills can help them avoid traditional barriers to medication adherence.
This ability to work closely with patients and tailor therapies to their individual needs, builds trust and encourages patient engagement during their consultations. This personalized approach to care improves health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and trust.
With chronic conditions on the rise and increasingly difficult to manage, clinical pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support patients in gaining control over chronic conditions. From diabetes and hypertension to asthma and more, chronic conditions all require ongoing management, much of which hinges on medication and prescriptions.
Through regular consultations, clinical pharmacists can assist patients in adhering to their medications, monitoring disease progression, and recommending therapy adjustments as needed. This hands-on proactive approach ensures medications are adjusted depending on changes in disease progression or other comorbidities and helps patients manage their chronic conditions. This kind of engagement can help prevent complications that may come with poor health management.
Finally, clinical pharmacists also provide patient education which plays a vital role in medication management. When patients understand how their medications work and why they need them, they’re more likely to take an active role in their health.
For healthcare providers and patients alike, hospital readmissions are a significant challenge. Unfortunately, a lot of readmissions are driven by medication-related issues like poor adherence, side effects, or misunderstandings about prescriptions. However, clinical pharmacists can help address those concerns, thereby reducing hospital readmissions.
Non-adherence to medications is a widespread issue with up to nine million Americans not taking their medications as directed for a number of reasons. Thanks to the expertise of clinical pharmacists, these challenges can be addressed head-on, making sure patients get the most out of their medications.
During consultations, pharmacists explain the ins and outs of medication – why it has been prescribed and how it works to better a patient's health. They also address barriers such as the cost of medications, side effects, or complex medication regimens and how to overcome these obstacles – offering solutions like generic alternatives or simplified dosing schedules. When a patient understands what their medication is for, they are more likely to take it as prescribed. In addition, it also improves health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
As healthcare evolves, the role of a clinical pharmacist is also expanding in exciting ways.
Pharmacists are beginning to be seen as more than dispensers of medication. They are becoming essential providers, with health systems integrating them into primary care teams thanks to their expertise in medication management. This shift is timely given the challenges facing the pharmacy landscape today. The closures of local and chain pharmacies are reducing patient access to needed education and personalized support, which leaves a significant gap in healthcare accessibility.
To alleviate some of the challenges caused by these closures, technological advancements have given patients an increase in access to care and convenience. With web-based SaaS platforms such as Aspen RxHealth’s new BeWell application, remote pharmacists can perform consultations with patients from any device and location. This is particularly impactful for individuals living in rural areas or communities where pharmacy closures have left them without nearby options for care.
In addition to remote care, BeWell further aids in making healthcare more accessible by matching pharmacists to patients based on factors like language, location, and health conditions. Thanks to these advanced features, patients can receive personalized, patient-centered care that aligns with their specific needs. BeWell looks to transform the healthcare industry by bringing patients closer to a future where access and quality are intertwined, not optional. As more patients turn to pharmacists for care, the role of a pharmacist will continue to expand, making trusted, high-quality support accessible to all. Their ability to optimize medication use, manage chronic diseases, and educate patients have a significant impact on health outcomes. The future of healthcare is truly underway, and pharmacists are set to be at the forefront of this transformation.
At Aspen RxHealth, we’re committed to giving health plans and pharmacists the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn how we can help improve health outcomes for your plan members.