Larger pharmacies can access a network of resources, but smaller community pharmacies embrace their relationships with local communities.
The role of community pharmacists is becoming more important in recent years. We provide essential services such as point-of care testing, immunizations or medication advisory services. We can also make recommendations for minor ailments and self-care. We were more than just a pharmacy that could fill your prescriptions. These practices have been highlighted by the COVID-19 epidemic.1
Medicare beneficiaries visit their pharmacist twice as often on average than they see their primary care doctor. Due to our clinical responsibilities, there is a push for pharmacists being reimbursed for their services. There are advocacy efforts geared towards obtaining provider status under Medicare Part B.1-3
Pharmacists are an integral part of the health-care continuum and crucial to long-term medication safety. We are a valuable clinical resource for patients and prescribers. We must continue to build trust in our local communities.
Fostering trust
Pharmacy business models have changed due to the changing role of pharmacists.1,2Our primary focus is not on prescribing medications. We now work with patients and providers to make safer medication practices.1Trust is essential as we take on more responsibilities.1,2
Larger pharmacies can access a network of resources, but smaller community pharmacies embrace their relationships with local communities.6,9I have built relationships with my patients over many decades as a local pharmacist who serves a smaller population. Many of my patients prefer to visit me over larger pharmacies because of this.
These relationships have helped me to better serve my local community. Since he began visiting my pharmacy, I had become acquainted with one of my younger patients. After some difficult times, he overdosed. He was able to call me for help and I was able reach an ambulance in the time allowed. This call might not have been possible without the trust that we had built over our longstanding relationship.
Identifying and mitigating the risk
Many times, patients will receive multiple medications from different providers.1 As community pharmacists, our role is to identify and mitigate any medication-related risks. It empowers patients to take control of their own health by helping them to understand and improve their medication regimens.1,8
I have found that it is easy to determine a patient’s level of medication-related danger.
- Clinical judgment is based on patient interactions and conversations
- Notes from providers
- Caregiver observations of patients
- Patient feedback
- Tools for medication review such as PrescribeWellness MedWise Risk Scores
A comprehensive medication review can help you assess short-term and long-term risks. One of my long-term patients experienced confusion and forgetfulness. At 52 years old, she was diagnosed with dementia and required a cane.
But cognitive impairment was not the cause of her side effects. These side effects were not due to cognitive impairment. They were caused by an adverse reaction to her prescriptions. She no longer requires assistance walking and isn’t confused or forgetful. She also seems happier, healthier and more comfortable consulting me.
Looking ahead
Our role as a patient resource is crucial to the success of the Evolution of pharmacy practice. Many pharmacists have taken on clinical responsibilities, such as administering vaccines, screening for heart disease, and training patients in self-management.1These responsibilities are increasing, and they require appropriate compensation with provider status under Medicare Part B. This is especially important in the face of COVID-19 burnout.1,2
PrescribeWellness is a resource that helps us to maintain our position in the industry. MedWise Risk ScoresThis will allow us to optimize the medication regimens of our patients, reduce risks, and ultimately improve outcomes. These tools can be used to improve patient safety and build trust in local communities.
About the Author
Trevor Bertsch, PharmD and MBA is a community pharmacist at U-Save Pharmacy, his hometown of Norfolk. Dr. Bertsch holds a Wayne State College undergraduate degree and a Creighton University MBA and PharmD. Bertsch enjoys simplifying complex concepts and making them fun for patients. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his two children and friends.
References
- Roles of Community Pharmacists during the COVID-19 Pandemic Journal of Pharmacy Practice
- Evaluation of Frequency Of Encounters With Primary Care Doctors vs. Visits To Community Pharmacies Among Medicare Beneficiaries JAMA Network
- Pharmacys Top Priority: Medicare Provider Status Recognition, APhA
- Provider StatusAshp
- The Future of Community Pharmacy: Direct patient Care AACP
- Pharma Life Sciences
- Reflections on the Pharmacist-Patient Agreement NCBI
- A qualitative study to assess public trust in community pharmacists’ services relative to general practitioners: BMJ open
- A piece of the pie: Independents create new business models DSN
- The Impact of Provider Networks On the Co-prescriptions Of Interacting Drugs: A Claims Based Analysis NCBI
- Preventive & screening services Medicare.gov