How to Become a Successful Pharmacist in 2022?

Posted on 19 May, 2022 by Sarah Madany

Since time immemorial, people have looked upon other people as "good" - as good neighbors, good coworkers, good teachers, good friends, and, in general, as good people. For the concept of "good" to be related to pharmacy, we must realize that both past and present remedies (medications) can be beneficial or harmful. There is a difference between someone who means to do good and someone who means to harm when it comes to a remedy (medication). Even a few decades ago, evidence-based quality and outcomes were not a major consideration in the use of medications, you can always visit websites in this regard. However, this has been changing as the pharmacy profession and health care has grown.

Our healthcare system today is defined by scores for process management, research, outcomes, funding, procedure success rates, star ratings, and numerous other aspects that are evaluated, assessed, and reviewed, you can always cross check if you visit a website. Despite this, it seems two areas have been overlooked-the specific needs of individual patients as well as the characteristics of "good" healthcare providers, that are mentioned in a number of other places that you can find if you visit the websites. There is a phrase commonly heard that says "He is a good pharmacist" or "She is a good pharmacist". Such compliments raise the pharmacist's status in the community. The question is, how does this raise the pharmacist's status? In the past, the quality of a "good pharmacist" has been obscure, particularly from the perspective of the patient.

Pharmacy practitioners can become better practitioners if they know what patients look for in a "good pharmacist." If we understand this patient need, we can move the profession toward a more patient-centered approach, in which patients (and caregivers) are involved throughout the prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal process.

Providing Patient-Centered Care

One of the IOM's 6 domains of quality is "patient-centered care," which ensures that care transitions are coordinated, efficient, and respectful, as well as incorporating the patient's preferences and values. In the IOM's words, "research has shown that orienting the health system around patients' needs and preferences can improve both their satisfaction with care and their clinical outcomes."2 The question is how to apply this model to communities. The results of a community pharmacy survey conducted a few years ago were disappointing - most patients had no idea what they expected of their pharmacist. Among the top expectations that patients have of pharmacists, the top five were: (1) correctly fill the prescription; (2) maintain confidentiality; (3) check for dosage; (4) check for drug interactions; and (5) check for drug allergies (most of this is done now with technology). 94% of patients said that pharmacists showing care to them was very important or important. The survey found that only 40 percent of patients and 50 percent of pharmacists believed that they had a close relationship.

As our pharmaceutical care role has expanded in the community setting over the past few years, we have made great progress. Services such as medication therapy management, vaccinations, and health screenings are becoming more prevalent. It will, however, take even greater responsibility for each pharmacist to make informed decisions about their patients' outcomes and to establish a more meaningful communication exchange to help patients adhere to their therapy plan.

A Good Pharmacist’s Characteristics

The gathered information helped to form a baseline of characteristics, virtues, and qualities that patients and others seek in a pharmacist. In another study, patients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists were asked a series of open-ended questions about what makes a good pharmacist4. We will follow up with a discussion of the highlights of the study to find out how patients perceive important qualities and characteristics that help pharmacists make a difference in their patients' lives. Our profession requires us to be knowledgeable. We have a covenant with our patients as part of our education and learning process. However, knowledge alone cannot guarantee success. Knowledgeable pharmacists who lack the other characteristics do not provide the foundation for building a solid relationship with patients. Building a therapeutic alliance with patients requires a high level of "caring". We should ask ourselves, however, whether we should even consider measuring caring as a component of quality clinical care? As we examine the list of behavioral-related characteristics in Table 1, we can begin to see why patients are more engaged with us if we pay attention to "caring," "attentiveness," and "being friendly." Despite the difficulties we still face regarding patients who are in a hurry and want their medications fast, we must consider that these patients do not know what we offer nor have they been exposed to or provided the characteristics that they seek. Future community-based "good pharmacists" need to possess the characteristics identified above. This will help us ensure that they are hired, trained, and developed professionally.

Some Major Qualities

In addition to the characteristics of a pharmacist, there are broader qualities that patients seek in a pharmacist. The open-ended questions allowed patients to provide information on a variety of topics. An expert is someone who is knowledgeable, smart, clinically competent, and follows evidence-based practices. Patients weren't looking for an expert who could read directions on a bottle or medication guide, nor were they looking for a walking medical dictionary. Patient's want an expert to explain how their medication can improve their health in a way they will understand.

It is important to be a Professional who collaborates with others, takes a leadership role in the advocacy of patients, and possesses high integrity. It's interesting to see that it's also stressed that "the patient comes first." It makes sense, also, that patients seek someone with a great work ethic -- someone who is dedicated, meticulous, accurate, and focused on results (clinical outcomes). The pharmacist should have a high level of moral character and display honesty, be responsible for a patient's medication and pharmacy care, be mature, and support their patients' questions and needs by providing information to meet their needs. Final note: a pharmacist with a patient-centered focus likes to be approachable, responsive, and readily available when the patient asks, as well as proactive about monitoring the patient's pharmaceutical care as it progresses. On the first fill, as well as on refills of chronic medications and concerns when acute medications are added, the pharmacist must provide this information.

A Patient-Centered Approach That Is Visible

When a pharmacist practices in an environment that supports patient-centered care, the patient is at the center of their focus. Taking into account diversity in the patient population, emphasizing patient participation and giving patient options are some of the ways pharmacists can provide this visible care. Patient-centric means putting the patient first-that means being 100% focused on the patient when counseling them or answering follow-up questions.

If the pharmacist treats the patient well, he or she is more likely to be a patient engaged in the relationship and looking for more than just medication from the pharmacist. They are practicing at the top of their licenses; not only are they providing the most up-to-date information, but they are doing so in a genuine patient-centered manner. Their care for patients is proactive, and they treat them with compassion and friendliness. Patient-centered care patients appreciate the value of the care they receive and aren't bothered if they have to wait a few extra minutes because they know the pharmacist will provide them with full attention. Pharmacists make sure that customers are well taken care of even when prescriptions are not available.

The pharmacist profession needs future "good pharmacists" if it wishes to become a true clinical profession, to be recognized as a true healthcare provider, and to receive compensation for providing positive clinical outcomes, quality patient care, and evidence-based services.