Challenges in Pharmacy Profession

Study Notes

The pharmacy profession faces several challenges, including a shift in focus from the product to the patient.
Pharmacists now need to consider patient outcomes, improving their quality of life. This was defined as the responsible provision of drug therapy to achieve these outcomes.
Pharmacists collaborate with patients and other professionals to design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive therapeutic plan for each patient.
Five key principles guide this approach: patient data collection, medical information evaluation, therapeutic plan formulation, plan implementation, and plan monitoring/modification.
Malaysia's community pharmacists are not fully utilizing their potential in providing pharmaceutical care to the public.

Pharmacists need training in new skills and must embrace continuous professional development.
Specializations or certifications may be needed for certain areas of practice. Examples given include clinical pharmacokinetics, geriatric pharmacy, and diabetes/warfarin management.
Pharmacists must work effectively with other healthcare professionals in a team-oriented approach for optimal patient care.
This collaborative approach is essential for the continued survival and growth of the profession.

The manufacturing of biotechnology products and gene therapies requires new skills.
These therapies are often highly effective but are also very expensive treatments.
"Tailor-made" drugs and treatments are becoming more common.
Treatments with antibodies and gene therapy are included in this.

Pharmacists need strong knowledge and evaluation abilities to provide unbiased information.
Pharmacists must collaborate with practitioners of complementary medicines (herbal remedies) while maintaining professional integrity.
The commercialization of information shouldn't unduly impact professional responsibilities in this area.

Information technology is crucial in modern pharmacy practice.
Pharmacies use IT for research and storing data. This is used for providing pharmaceutical care, managing pharmacies, fulfilling legal requirements, and for reimbursement processes.
IT can introduce innovation in pharmacy practice.

An agreement exists, incorporated into the National Medicines Policy, about dispensing separation.
However, significant work still needs to be completed.
Progress includes the need for better public understanding and acceptance of the pharmacist role, increased numbers of pharmacists, and effective distribution.
The healthcare financing scheme needs improvement/review.

National healthcare financing and workforce saturation are important factors.
Increasing numbers of corporate pharmacy players is noted.
The New Pharmacy Act and amendments to existing legislation and regulations have been implemented. (e.g. Poisons, Sale of Drugs, Medicines, and Registration of Pharmacists Acts)
Recent government reports and relevant policies have been released.

The Health White Paper outlines four pillars relating to health service, advancements in prevention, ensuring equitable financing and strengthening the health system's foundations/governance.

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