Pharmaceutical care

Pharmaceutical care

The pharmacist's contribution to the care of individuals to optimize medicine use and improve health outcomes.

Four main stages of the UoA Patient Care Framework

Information gathering, Assessment and decision making, Communication of decisions with patient and/or healthcare team, Follow-up: Monitor and evaluate.

Importance of effective communication in pharmaceutical care

Reduces medical errors, improves patient safety, reduces staff stress, supports efficient resource use, and increases patient satisfaction.

Benefits of safe teamwork in healthcare

Better health outcomes and reduced risk of adverse events.

ISBAR

A communication framework that stands for Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

Subjective information in SOAP notes

Patient-reported symptoms or opinions.

Objective information in SOAP notes

Measurable or observable data like lab results or vital signs.

Example of a medicine-related problem caused by a patient factor

Patient speaks very little English and has difficulty understanding medicine instructions, requiring an interpreter.

Purpose of follow-up in the pharmaceutical care process

To evaluate therapy effectiveness, detect adverse effects, ensure goals are met, and adjust the care plan as needed.

Cultural competence in care planning

Understanding and respecting patients' cultural beliefs and values, and using resources like interpreters.

Example of a medicine-related problem caused by a drug interaction

A patient taking warfarin starts rifampicin, which reduces warfarin’s effect, increasing stroke risk.

Types of adherence-related problems

Non-adherence and Over-adherence.

Example of non-adherence

A patient avoids steroid due to side effects and ends up hospitalized for asthma.

Example of over-adherence

A patient takes two brands of the same medicine unknowingly and experiences low blood pressure.

Technological trend impacting pharmacy practice (Topol Review)

Use of electronic prescribing and shared digital health records.

Shared decision-making in patient-centered care

Involves the patient in choosing their treatment, aligning care with their values and preferences.

Unnecessary medicine therapy problem

The patient is taking a medicine they no longer need, such as continuing omeprazole after stopping ibuprofen.

Method to monitor medicine effectiveness and safety

Using lab results or clinical signs to evaluate if the medicine is working and safe.