Do Pharmacists Work Directly with Medical Doctors?

Introduction

Pharmacists and medical doctors have played a crucial role in healthcare for decades. Traditionally, there was a close relationship between pharmacists and local doctors, where pharmacists provided valuable insights based on their extensive expertise. However, as the healthcare landscape has evolved, the dynamics of these relationships have changed. While independent retail pharmacies may have less direct contact with doctors, there are still frequent and essential interactions in hospital settings and specialized medical practices. This article explores how pharmacists and medical doctors collaborate to provide comprehensive patient care.

Collaboration in Hospital Settings

The relationship between pharmacists and doctors in a hospital environment is characterized by frequent and vital interactions. At a small 50-bed hospital where I work, the pharmacist plays an integral role in patient care. We round with the hospitalists daily and manage the initiation, monitoring, and adjustment of complex therapies such as Vancomycin, TPN, aminoglycosides, and warfarin. Daily, doctorscall me to ask about medications and patient drug therapies. We also assist in resuscitation efforts, manage drugs for emergency intubations, and work closely with nurses and respiratory therapists.

Pharmacy Consultations in Hospital Settings

Pharmacies in hospitals are not just dispensing medications; they are actively involved in patient care through consultations. Retail pharmacists often call us to clarify or verify prescriptions, and to advise about any concerns that may arise. Similarly, hospital pharmacists regularly talk with house physicians to ensure medication safety and efficacy. These interactions are crucial in managing complex patients.

Pharmacist Input and Patient Care Reviews

Many progressive hospitals, particularly teaching hospitals, follow a practice model where pharmacists round with the entire medical team to review patient care. This model ensures that medication management is a collaborative effort. Input from pharmacists is provided as needed and when requested by other team members, including doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists. In private medicine, each professional rounds on their own schedule, with communication primarily captured in the medical record. However, even in these settings, pharmacists often provide crucial consultations.

Pharmacy Integration in Medical Practices

Some medical practices integrate pharmacists as extender professionals, providing additional services such as medication reviews. These pharmacists offer valuable insights and advice on medication use to optimize patient outcomes. For example, I personally work with many physicians as a physician extender, managing complex compounded prescriptions for patients with compromised gastrointestinal tracts. This involves ordering and interpreting laboratory results, providing consultation, and coordinating care with home infusion pharmacies and home health nursing.

Conclusion

In summary, while the traditional model of close collaboration between pharmacists and doctors has evolved, there are still numerous opportunities for these professionals to work together to enhance patient care. Through direct consultations, patient care reviews, and specialized services, pharmacists continue to play a vital role in ensuring that medical treatment is safe, effective, and efficient.

Further Reading

For more insights, you may want to explore the AMA Module that discusses integrating pharmacists into medical practices.