Pharmacist-Patient Relationship: Commitment to Care

Abstract

Pharmacy practice has changed substantially in recent years. The professionals have the opportunity to contribute directly to patient care in order to reduce morbi-mortality related to medication use, promoting health and preventing diseases. Healthcare organizations worldwide are under substantial pressure from increasing patient demand. Unfortunately, a cure is not always possible particularly in this era of chronic diseases, and the role of physicians has become limited to controlling and palliating symptoms. The increasing population of patients with long-term conditions are associated with high levels of morbidity, healthcare costs and GP workloads. This has raised questions about the role of many community pharmacists who traditionally have not had access to important data needed for the first step of the patient care process that defines a valid patient-practitioner relationship. However, community pharmacies are accessible and convenient primary care venues with long opening hours and non-appointment-based services. Community pharmacists are increasingly clinically trained healthcare professionals whose skills and knowledge could be further utilized.