The imperative for pharmacists to become more patient centered is apparent and clear as crystal, now more than ever. The work required to achieve the vision of pharmacists working in a patient oriented health care setup represents a transformational change in the evolution of the profession. The pharmacy practice in Kenya is changing as there is a shift from the historical technical role of dispensing to a focus on services that improve patient outcomes.
The first and most noble responsibility of the Pharmacist is to the patient. The pharmacist is the access and channel between the patient and his/her medicines. ‘Medication safety’ implies that any exposure to the medication results in no harm while ‘Effectiveness of the medication’ implies that the medicine administered achieves the desired response.
The pharmacist plays a crucial role in medication safety in terms of evaluation for medication errors, adverse drug reactions , adverse drug events and how to mitigate the same should there be an occurrence. Since all this begins with the patient, the pharmacist should be cognizant of the fact that when it comes to medicines, individualization of every patient is key. Patient parameters such as age, genetic component, allergies and other conditions that the patient may present with really do inform and determine which choice of drugs will be safe for a specific patient.
The pharmacist therefore has to be very inquisitive and engage the patient with relevant questions as this will not only enhance the patient’s autonomy over their health but also inform a lot concerning therapy. As a pharmacist one cannot risk a medication error as this may lead be fatal, increasing mortality and treatment costs which is something that can be averted.
The accuracy of the dosing is key to achieving the desired therapeutic effect. Correct medication use occurs when the right dose of the right medication is administered to the right patient, at the right time through the right route of administration. From the pharmacist’s side, this then calls for a thorough understanding of the history of the patient you are dealing with, their primary diagnosis and being able to account for and rationalize the specific indication for every drug the patient is on.
I would say, ensuring safe and effective medicines to all is just but part of an entire jig saw puzzle of the patient care plan. The pharmacist must develop a care plan for every patient. This is the tool that one can use to evaluate the medication appropriateness as it focusses more on creating an environment where the patient can freely communicate and express their concerns as they take their medication. This provides a channel to review how patients are using medications and can help with improving medicine adherence, reviewing the medicines and addressing patient’s concerns.
It therefore goes without saying that patient involvement as the main stakeholder is key in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medication use. Improved communication with the patient can enhance patient satisfaction and this will instill confidence and reliability in the efficiency of the health care service delivery.
This is a call to implore pharmacists to take up the mantle and be at the fore front of patient care in their areas of practice through positive work ethic and addressing the heart of the matter which without any doubt is the wellbeing of our patients.
Only then can we as pharmacists revolutionize health care by creating a sustainable future for all through promoting good health and well being with a key interest in ensuring access to safe and effective medicines to all.
Written by :
Dr. Maryanne Favour Ong’udi
Pharmacist
Co - Founder Medware Supplies
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