Clinical pharmacy is the branch of Pharmacy where pharmacists provide patient care that optimizes the use of medication and promotes health, wellness and disease prevention. Clinical pharmacists care for patients in all health care settings but the clinical pharmacy movement initially began inside hospitals and clinics.
Clinical pharmacy process requires the application of specific knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics & therapeutics.
Clinical pharmacists work directly with doctors, other health professionals, and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed for patients contribute to the best possible health outcomes. Clinical pharmacists practice in health care settings where they have frequent and regular interactions with doctors and other health professionals, contributing to better coordination of care.
Clinical pharmacists:
• Provide a consistent process of patient care that ensures the appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety of the patient’s medication use.
• Consult with the patient’s doctor(s) and other health care provider(s) to develop and implement a medication plan that can meet the overall goals of patient care established by the health care team.
• Apply specialized knowledge of the scientific and clinical use of medications; including medication action, dosing, adverse effects, and drug interactions, in performing their patient care activities in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
• Call on their clinical experience to solve health problems through the rational use of medications.
• Rely on their professional relationships with patients to tailor their advice to best meet individual patient needs and desires.
