Functions of a Clinical Pharmacist:
Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Review and manage patients' complete medication regimens to optimize outcomes, reduce adverse drug events, and improve adherence.
Patient Assessment: Collect and analyze patient histories, perform physical assessments when appropriate, and monitor drug therapies.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Adjust drug regimens based on patient response, which may involve the use of laboratory values and clinical findings.
Drug Information: Serve as a drug information resource for other healthcare providers, offering expertise on drug selection, dosing, interactions, and side effects.
Education: Educate patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers about medications, their use, storage, and potential side effects.
Anticoagulation Management: Monitor and manage patients on anticoagulant therapies to maintain therapeutic drug levels and prevent complications.
Pharmacokinetic Dosage Adjustment: Calculate appropriate drug doses based on individual patient factors and drug levels.
Formulary Management: Assist in the selection of medications for hospital or institutional formularies, ensuring optimal, evidence-based choices.
Responsibilities of a Clinical Pharmacist:
Patient Advocacy: Ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and safe medication regimens.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, to provide integrated patient care.
Research: Stay updated with the latest clinical research and evidence-based practices to ensure the best therapeutic strategies for patients. Additionally, some clinical pharmacists conduct their own research.
Continuous Learning: Regularly attend seminars, workshops, and other educational events to stay updated in the rapidly evolving field of medicine and pharmacy.
Quality Improvement: Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medication use within the institution.
Ethical Practice: Always prioritize patient welfare and uphold the ethical standards of the pharmacy profession.
Documentation: Maintain thorough and accurate records of patient interactions, interventions, and outcomes.
