From Product Dispensing to Patient Care: The Role of the Pharmacist in Providing Pharmaceutical Care as Part of an Integrated Disease Management Approach

Abstract

During the past decade, the profession of pharmacy has changed dramatically. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree has replaced the Bachelor of Science degree as the first professional degree offered at most accredited U.S. pharmacy schools. Advanced clinical training is now a mainstay of pharmacy training, and this has enabled pharmacists to contribute to disease management efforts. In addition, technological improvements in prescription processing have afforded pharmacists more time to participate in disease management activities. This paper describes how the role of the pharmacist has changed and reviews the results of programs involving pharmacists as disease management providers in the areas of asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Pharmacists' contributions in various practice settings are also discussed.