The pharmacy profession has been agile in seeking transformation within the industry and contributing to its overall sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly connected and the demand for healthcare services rises, pharmacists are positioned to take part in leading the global health transformation.
Forward-Thinking Approaches in Pharmacy
Breaking out of traditional roles
Many pharmacists are exploring other facets of their responsibilities outside of dispensing. For instance, immunizing pharmacists played a key role in the vaccination rollout during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locally, the government made efforts to involve pharmacists in COVID-19 inoculation through the setup of vaccination drives at local pharmacies. One study further illustrated how Filipino immunizing pharmacists displayed positive attitudes towards promoting COVID-19 vaccination to combat patient hesitancy. They also demonstrated strong foundations in critical thinking and decision making when it came to Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)—a vital aspect in ensuring safety of vaccines among patients.
Collaborations
Transformation within the healthcare industry can arise from a robust and collaborative working relationship among various healthcare professionals. Pharmacists particularly understand the importance of collaboration in managing patients’ health. In addition to dispensing medication, they are also becoming increasingly involved in clinical practice, working alongside other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
New-Age Practices
Going digital
The pharmacy profession has since evolved into a more patient-centric approach. They have taken on new functions and adapted modern-day practices that put patient health at the core of the profession. For instance, many pharmacists have explored conducting remote patient consultations via telephone during the pandemic to remain connected with patients despite restrictions on on-ground engagement. Efforts are also being made to implement digital video consultations. These initiatives on remote consultations help reduce patients’ need to travel and make for an easier and more convenient access to pharmacy services.
Upskilling
Part of making the pharmacy practice more sustainable is ensuring that they continuously take part in global transformation. This involves expanding their scope of expertise and leading innovation within the healthcare industry.
Now, more and more opportunities are available for pharmacists to upskill. Doctoral degree programs such as the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) allow aspiring pharmacists to further specialize in various aspects of their careers, including patient care, pharmacotherapy, pharmacy education, and more. This is achieved through experiential education to help graduates immerse themselves first-hand in patient care.
Unilab aims to provide continued support to pharmacists by offering opportunities to diversify their skillset and acquire new knowledge related to their field. Webinars on various topics are regularly conducted to support pharmacists in their pursuit towards redefining holistic patient care and improving sustainability in healthcare delivery. Keep checking the Unilab Health+ for Pharmacists app so you won’t miss out on invites to upcoming webinars. If you don’t have the app yet, you may download it on Android here or on iOS here.
Unilab would like to extend its appreciation for pharmacists’ active involvement in transforming the healthcare industry to achieve our shared ambition of a healthier Philippines.
Sources:
https://www.pgeu.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PGEU-Best-Practice-Paper-on-Green-and-Sustainable-Pharmacy-in-Europe.pdf
https://www.rpharms.com/recognition/all-our-campaigns/policy-a-z/pharmacys-role-in-climate-action-and-sustainable-healthcare
https://www.pharmacist.com/Publications/Transitions/pharmacy-sustainability-what-is-our-role
https://www.pwc.com/ph/en/publications/ph-columns/pwc-needles-in-a-haystack/embracing-new-healthcare-technologies-that-empower-Filipinos.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30573373/
https://brisbane2023.fip.org/congress-theme-and-topics/
https://www.philippinepharmacists.org/blogs/18/ppha-national-convention-2023
https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(18)30439-4/pdf
