Pharmacy Profession Challenges

Study Notes

Challenges to the Pharmacy Profession

The pharmacy profession is facing several challenges
A shift in focus from product to patient is needed
Pharmaceutical care is defined as the responsible provision of drug therapy to improve patient quality of life
Pharmacists should work with patients and other professionals to develop, implement, and monitor therapeutic plans
This includes patient data collection, medical evaluation and formulating drug therapy plans
There are 5 core principles of patient-centered care: data collection, medical information evaluation, drug therapy plan formulation, plan implementation, and plan monitoring and modification.
Malaysia faces under-utilization of community pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care to the public
Training in new skills and life-long learning are essential for pharmacists
Specialisation with credentialing/privileging validates clinical expertise, for both pharmacists and patients
This includes specific practice areas such as clinical pharmacokinetics, geriatric pharmacy, and diabetes and warfarin management (MTAC)
Conflicts and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are vital for patient care and the continued survival of pharmacies
New skills in manufacturing "tailor-made" drugs and treatments with antibodies/gene therapy are emerging in biotechnology and gene therapy
These treatments are highly effective, but also very costly
There is a growing need for good-quality information for patients
Pharmacists must be knowledgeable, unbiased, and evaluate information
Integrating traditional, herbal, and complementary medicine while maintaining professional responsibility
Information technology is a critical tool for pharmacists in managing pharmacies
This includes using IT as a source of information, for pharmaceutical care delivery, fulfilling legal requirements, and for re-imbursement
Dispensing separation needs agreement and implementation in the National Medicines Policy
Public acceptance and distribution of pharmacists roles are concerns
National healthcare financing schemes are necessary
The Malaysian healthcare scenario is changing, with increased corporate players in retail pharmacies, and potential saturation of the workforce
Recent legislative changes include a New Pharmacy Act, amendments to the Poisons Act, Sale of Drugs Act, and Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act, along with registration of pharmacists act.
Government reports like MoH White Papers are shaping this healthcare sector

Health White Paper (Additional Information)

The Health White Paper addresses several pillars:
- Transforming Healthcare Service Delivery: Prioritising primary care, optimizing hospital services, leveraging partnerships, utilizing digital tools, and ensuring equitable access.
- Advancing Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Strengthening public health, inter-sectoral coordination, and incentivizing proactive health choices.
Ensuring Sustainable and Equitable Health Financing: Investing in comprehensive services while ensuring affordability and efficiency.
Strengthening the Health System's Foundations and Governance: Restructuring roles, reinforcing policies and regulations, building a strong health workforce, encouraging research and innovation, and utilizing evidence-based approaches.