Clinical roles for pharmacists
Pharmacists have many potential clinical roles during a standard interaction with a patient. Below is a list of potential clinically effective pharmacist interventions that are relevant to the scenarios within the module. Hypertension is a condition with multiple risk factors including several health behaviours and other factors. Tobacco use is an individual health behaviour and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other conditions. What they have in common is that they are both independent and modifiable determinants of health, and share several themes for good management.
Screening and monitoring
Screening is the systematic individual evaluation of health status or risk of developing a particular health status. Conversely, monitoring involves routine evaluation of changes to health or health risks. Effective screening and monitoring share the need for standard assessment procedures, and protocols to ensure proper management of patients. Read more...
Education
As informed health professionals, we sometimes forget to tell patients the most basic information that they require to support their own self-management and motivation for behavioural change. We also need to make time to ask patients what they know, rather than rushing to tell them what we think they need to know! Read more...
Lifestyle modificationSuboptimal health behaviours (eg diet, physical activity, and smoking) are implicated in the onset and deterioration of many common chronic diseases including hypertension. Behavioural change to improve lifestyle is therefore a major challenge for today's health practitioners. Read more...
Medicines management
- Using the best medicines regimen
Optimising medicines use is a key component of management for both hypertension and tobacco use. A key issue is the failure to treat patients with sufficient intensity, and to consider the use of combination therapy. National guidelines offer clear advice on these issues. Read more...
- Medicines adherence
It is estimated that adherence to medicines for chronic conditions stands on average at only about 50%. Health professionals need to be aware of adherence issues and work with patients to address them in an acceptable manner. Read more...