Issues that Require Pharmacist Intervention

Pharmacist Duties

Fill and dispense prescriptions and provide information regarding the safe use of medications; supervise pharmacy technicians

Pharmacy Technician Duties

Assist the pharmacist w/ filling and dispensing prescriptions, helping with the technical aspects of pharmacy operation

• Can’t work independently

Pharmaceutical Care

Medication-related care (drug therapy) for the purpose of achieving outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life

What are the duties of a PT?

• Measuring, Counting, Mixing Medications

• Packaging and Labeling Prescriptions

• Maintaining drug inventory

• Drug ordering/restocking inventory

• Return to stock prescriptions

• Checking shelves for outdated drugs

• Filing prescription records

• Collecting & entering patient info/Rxs in computer system

• Updating patient records, including insurance info

• Communicating w/ insurance companies

• Collecting Payment for prescriptions

• Referring patients w/ medical questions to pharmacist

• Answering the phone

• Cleaning pharmacy & equipment

Skills allows pharmacists to focus more on patient health/safety

What are the General Duties of a Pharmacist?

• Checking prescriptions for safety issues

• Checking filled prescriptions for accuracy

• Instructing patients how to take medications safely

• Providing information about medications, such as side effects

• Providing general health and wellness advice to patients

• Making recommendations to patients for nonprescription medications

• Interacting w/ other healthcare providers regarding prescriptions

• Immunization information & follow up

Drug Utilization Review (DUR)

Involves evaluation of patient medication use to ensure that the meds are appropriate, medically necessary, and unlikely to result in adverse reactions

Adverse Drug Event (ADE)

When someone is harmed by a medication

OTC Recommendation

Giving advice about Over-the-Counter (non-prescription) medications

Drug Misuse

Issues that arise regarding taking medications in a way other than how it’s prescribed for someone else

Adherence

Taking medication the correct way; including by the correct directions, at the correct time, not missing doses, etc…

Drug Interaction

Reactions that occur between a drug and another substance that cause a change in the action or side effects of the drug

Allergies

Allergic reactions to a medications; screening patient allergies that can potentially cause reactions to medications

Vaccine Questions/Post-Immunization Follow-Up

Addressing patient questions about immunizations and follow-up with patients after the administration of immunizations

Therapeutic Substitution

Switching a prescribed drug to another drug in the same class (with prescriber approval)