Clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical care

Abstract

The authors describe some of the professional practice issues faced by pediatric clinical pharmacists. In low-income countries (LICs) these challenges are complicated by poverty, and a frequent lack of adequate resources and supporting infrastructure. Pharmaceutical care (the responsible provision of drug therapy for the purpose of achieving defined outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life) offers a partial solution that includes preventing, identifying, and resolving drug-related problems. The underlying principles apply to all populations, including infants and children, although the provision of pediatric pharmaceutical care presents additional unique challenges and these are particularly amplified in the developing world. Even in limited-resource settings, pharmacists must take responsibility for improving drug therapy for all patients and clinical pharmacy provides an important tool for achievement of optimal therapeutic outcomes. Pediatric pharmacists in developed countries appear enthusiastic about the opportunity to assist their LIC colleagues.