Linked to EAHP Statements:
Section 6: Education and Research
Section 1: Introductory Statements and Governance

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-16-007-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

In this current era of healthcare transformation, changes in hospital pharmacy have resulted in new models of practice, new activities and roles for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff.

In practice, implementation of new roles requires research to provide the underpinning evidence base to demonstrate added value. Several examples mentioned below point to these emerging roles and responsibilities for pharmacists. While some of these examples may be typical for various patient care settings, most refer to a specific work setting. It has been suggested that it would be better to divide the roles and responsibilities so that the focus is on a healthcare system work that is across the primary-secondary care interface, and in particular on achieving a safe, efficient use of medication. Hospital pharmacy technicians are also expanding their roles beyond the traditional job descriptions in order to help patients manage medications, monitor stocks of medicines on wards and also to manage the technical aspects of dispensing services and manufacturing medicines, including the use of automated equipment.

The growing expectation is that the pharmacy unit would act as the interface between the patient and the doctor - all that in the current context of limited financial possibilities.The department is expected to manage the health system's drug cost-reduction, to manage drug shortage issues, alternative therapies, and to manage various drug-related care programmes.