What Does a Clinical Pharmacist Do?
Healthcare is no longer just limited to doctors or nurses, but it is an ever-evolving and rising industry where many people and professions play a very key role. A clinical pharmacist is also that person whose role cannot go unnoticed. Although a clinical pharmacist is very important, many still ask this question: What does a clinical pharmacist do? The answer might surprise you. In this blog, we will be answering questions like, What does a clinical pharmacist do? What is a clinical pharmacist? Is a clinical pharmacist? Can a clinical pharmacist prescribe drugs? And other important questions. So let’s get into it!
What Does a Clinical Pharmacist Do?
This is one of the most asked questions, and we see that many people ask What does a clinical pharmacist do? Well, here’s the answer to it: a clinical pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional who specialises in the safe, effective and robust use of medications. Unlike many community pharmacists, a clinical pharmacist’s role is different. The role of a clinical pharmacist in general practice is that they primarily focus on dispensing and work directly with pharmacists and patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes, whereas the role of a pharmacist is different.
Other than that, the role of a clinical pharmacist in general practice is also that they work in this discipline called clinical pharmacy, which basically focuses on pharmacological knowledge with patients. They then asses how medications will affect the patients, adjust dosages and then monitor responses for the medications. A clinical pharmacist’s role is not limited to that, in fact, in the UK they are commonly found working in different hospitals, GP surgeries, PCN’s and care homes.
Specific Roles of a Clinical Pharmacist
Clinical pharmacists are increasingly working as part of general practice teams. They are highly qualified experts in medicines and can help people in a range of ways, but what does a clinical pharmacist do? The responsibilities of a clinical pharmacist go beyond the traditional view of a pharmacist standing at a counter. Here are some important things that a clinical pharmacist does that are come of as their responsibilities that are different from the role of a pharmacist;
1. Medication Review and Optimisation
If a patient is on a medication after being diagnosed with a disease, then a clinical pharmacist will look into the entire medication regimen. A clinical pharmacist’s role involves keeping a check on the entire medication process and regimen of a patient and seeing whether they are taking their medications on time or not. This also involves looking for changes in the body after the drug is being prescribed, duplication, inappropriate prescriptions and side effects.
2. Collaborative Care in General Practice
The question as to what a clinical pharmacist does also includes their role in the general practice. They work closely with general practitioners, helping manage chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. This partnership also helps reduce the pressure on the GP pharmacist and enhances the quality of care.
3. Patient Education and Counselling
Another very important role and responsibility of a clinical pharmacist is that they are very well-versed in educating and providing proper counselling to the patients. A core part of their duty is that they are responsible for educating the patients. They ensure that their patients are taking their medications on time and making them aware of any possible side effects of the drugs. Good communication is medicine that makes sure that quality of life is improved for the patient, which is critical in long-term health benefits and avoiding hospital readmissions. This is something which a GP pharmacist or a PCN pharmacist cannot do.
4. Monitoring and Follow-up
Another very important job and responsibility of a clinical pharmacist is they monitor and follow up on their patients. A clinical pharmacist will follow up on a patient’s overall progress, will assess lab results and adjust dosages accordingly. Thor makes sure that the process is seamless and that treatment stays on course.
Is a Clinical Pharmacist a Doctor?
In all honesty, people ask the question Is a clinical pharmacist a doctor, Well, the answer to the question is that it depends. While clinical pharmacists hold degrees that include the Pharmd or the Doctor of Pharmacy, they are still not equivalnet to the degrees a doctor holds which includes the MBBS. So, yes, they work very closely with doctors, but they are not doctors.
Read more: The Role of Pharmacists in NHS Primary Care
Can a Clinical Pharmacist Prescribe Drugs?
This is also one of the most asked questions, which is whether a clinical pharmacist can prescribe drugs, and the answer to this question is that yes, they can, but with limitations. In many regions, a clinical pharmacist can prescribe drugs without anyone’s approval or permission.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time someone asks you the question as to what a clinical pharmacist does, the answer to the question is very simple and clear; they are much more than we think! From prescribing medicines to checking up on patients, they can do it all. As the demands grow, they are bridging the gap between healthcare and patients.
FAQs
1. What is a clinical pharmacist?
A clinical pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional who specialises in the safe and effective use of medications, often working directly with patients and doctors in clinical settings.
2. What does a clinical pharmacist do on a daily basis?
They review medication regimens, monitor patient progress, adjust dosages, provide counselling, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal drug therapy outcomes.
3. Can a clinical pharmacist prescribe medication?
Yes, in many regions (like the UK), clinical pharmacists with independent prescriber qualifications can prescribe medications for certain conditions.
4. Is a clinical pharmacist the same as a pharmacist?
No. While both are trained in medications, clinical pharmacists work closely with patients in clinical settings, whereas traditional pharmacists mainly dispense medications in community pharmacies.
