How to get the most from your pharmacistby Michael BakerPublic Relations The typical perception of a pharmacy visit includes a trip to CVS or Eckerd, a few pleasantries between the pharmacist and the customer, 10 minutes of waiting, and payment for the required medication. But National Pharmacy Week, Oct. 24-30, reminds the public that pharmacists provide a vast number of services in addition to standard medication dispensing. According to Chris Fortier, Pharm.D., pharmacy practice management resident, the perceived simplicity of an outpatient pharmacy visit at MUSC conceals a tightly coordinated process to ensure patient safety. “It’s not just putting pills into containers,” he said. “Pharmacists go through a number of steps after a patient drops off a prescription.” First, a pharmacy technician enters the prescription into a computer program that cross-checks the patient’s information to detect potential health risks. The program determines whether or not the newly prescribed medication will interact adversely with any of the patient’s existing prescriptions. It also identifies whether or not a patient could experience an allergic reaction from taking the new medication. After the computer prints a label for the prescription, the technician double-checks the information and prepares the medication for the patient. Finally, a pharmacist checks and dispenses the medication. But the process doesn’t end there. “Ideally, a pharmacist will ask questions to improve the patient’s care,” Fortier said. “Asking questions about a patient’s prescription produces some excellent alternatives to their medication,” said clinical specialist Dominic Ragucci, Pharm.D. “We can identify generic alternatives that are just as effective as name-brand medications. A few questions can make the difference between the patient paying $10 and $35.” Fortier added that when dispensing medication, MUSC pharmacists also print out a patient-friendly information sheet, including the proper use and storage of the prescription and its potential side effects. Such concern for their patients indicates that Fortier and Ragucci are among a staff of MUSC pharmacists who take their positions very seriously. “People visit their pharmacists about five times more often than any other health care provider,” Fortier said. “We have a lot of opportunities to interact with the patients and provide continuity of care.” Ragucci expanded upon the latter idea, explaining that certain pharmacies at MUSC deal with specific ailments. “Some doctors maintain agreements with pharmacies around campus, referring patients to specialty clinics, such as those dealing with anticoagulants or smoking cessation,” he said. The collaboration between doctor and pharmacist allows both sides to stay abreast of a patient’s care. Pharmacists also need to monitor the latest advancements in medicine. With new drugs and treatments entering the market every day, maintaining current information is imperative. At MUSC, preparation begins in the classroom. “The College of Pharmacy has a rigorous curriculum,” Ragucci said. “After students graduate, they have the opportunity to get additional training in one- or two-year residency programs.” Fortier, in the midst of his residency, recognizes the unique importance of both school and practice. “The educational aspect is really important, but being a pharmacist is really a lifelong learning opportunity,” he said. “As you gain practical experience, you realize that staying on top of every advancement is impossible, so you have to be resourceful. You have to be able to consult reference sources and find answers that aren’t readily available.” Furthermore, both men noted that licensed pharmacists must take continuing education courses each year. “Pharmacy practice is a constantly evolving field,” Ragucci added. “Coming out of school, pharmacists start with a certain amount of knowledge, and hopefully it continues to grow.” MUSC allows its pharmacists to grow into specialty positions as well. While many people cling to the superficial perception of pharmacists as pill-dispensers, Fortier asserted otherwise. “One thing that sets MUSC apart is the variety of positions in which pharma-cists practice,” he said. “We have patient-care and centralized pharmacists and clinical specialists.” Patient-care pharmacists generally work on a specific floor in the hospital, entering and evaluating orders and working with house staff. They also respond and assist the emergency response team during an emergency. Centralized pharmacists and pharmacy technicians prepare, dispense or distribute medication for patients in the hospital. Some centralized pharmacists specialize in reviewing and preparing medications used in operating rooms, pediatric specialty areas, long-term acute care, emergency services and psychiatry. They verify the accuracy of many high-alert medications and manage the automated system that ensures medications are available for immediate, safe distribution. Of the three options, Fortier plans to join Ragucci as a clinical specialist after his residency. “We have a large number of clinical specialists at MUSC—pharmacists like Dominic who are out on the floor, trying to improve overall patient care,” Fortier said. “Clinical specialists make rounds with residents and interns on a regular basis,” Ragucci explained. “We directly interact with physicians, and we’re at the bedside helping the medical team make decisions on the patient’s care. We’re part of that team.” Bolstering their integration in clinical care, MUSC pharmacies also
have an on-call system. The house staff can utilize this resource to assist
with medication-related questions.
By aiding others within the hospital, MUSC pharmacists hope to raise awareness of their services and increase patient safety. “Patients see physicians and nurses every day, but our work can have
a significant impact behind the scenes,” Fortier said. “We’re trying to
become more visible and more involved with the team effort.”
Events for Pharmacy Week Oct. 25 - 29Monday, Oct. 25“Know your Medicine/Know your Pharmacist” *11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Hospital/Lobby near Gourmet Coffee Tuesday, Oct. 26
Potluck Luncheon
Ice Cream Social
SCSHP/ACPE Program
Wednesday, Oct. 27
Thursday, Oct. 23
“Know your Medicine/Know your Pharmacist”
Ice Cream Social
“South Carolina Pharmacy Association Annual Fall
Rally”
Pharmacy Career Day Reception
Friday, Oct. 29
*Pharmacists and pharmacy students will be available to answer questions
from patients, employees or visitors about their medications: Monday through
Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the locations listed above.
Friday, Oct. 22, 2004
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