Challenges in Pharmacy Profession

Study Notes

The pharmacy profession faces challenges related to shifting focus from drug products to patient-centered care.
Pharmaceutical care is defined as the responsible provision of drug therapy to improve patient quality of life.
A pharmacist works collaboratively with patients and other healthcare professionals to develop, implement, and monitor therapeutic plans tailored to individual patient outcomes.
Five key principles guide pharmaceutical care: data collection, medical information evaluation, plan formulation, plan implementation, and plan monitoring/modification.
Under-utilization of community pharmacists in Malaysia in providing pharmaceutical care to the general public is a concern.

Training in new skills and continuous learning are crucial.
Specialization and credentialing are necessary for pharmacists to excel clinically.
Key areas of pharmacy specialization include clinical pharmacokinetics, geriatric pharmacy, and management of conditions such as diabetes and warfarin.
Collaboration and conflict resolution with other healthcare professionals are vital for a team approach benefiting patients.
The future of the profession may depend on this shift in focus.

New manufacturing skills are required for customized drug/treatment products.
Antibody and gene therapies are becoming more commonplace and highly effective, but also costly.

Pharmacists need to be knowledgeable and unbiased in evaluating and distributing information.
Integrating traditional and herbal/complementary medicine is essential, while vigilance against commercial interests overriding professional responsibility is paramount.

Technology plays a key role as a source of information, improving pharmaceutical care provision, managing pharmacies, complying with legal requirements, and facilitating reimbursements.
Newer and more innovative IT applications are constantly developing for pharmacy practices.

Dispensing separation is an agreement included in the National Medicines Policy; however, additional work in the area remains.
The role of pharmacists needs wider public acceptance, along with a clear number and distribution plan.
National healthcare financing schemes should support this change.

National healthcare financing is changing, with a growing involvement of corporate players in pharmacies (e.g., Jusco, Cosway).
The pharmacy profession's workforce has reached a saturation point, warranting attention.
The New Pharmacy Act, revisions to existing acts, and the MoH White Paper 2023 are part of the changes impacting the Malaysian healthcare system.

The White Paper outlines a multi-tiered approach for healthcare transformation—transformation of healthcare services, advancing health promotion & disease prevention, ensuring sustainable and equitable health financing, and strengthening the health system's foundation and governance.

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