Impact of pharmacists in mental health over the past decade

Abstract

Purpose: As healthcare moves towards an interdisciplinary approach to improve clinical outcomes, it has become increasingly important for health care providers to collaboratively work together. Pharmacists have been working with psychiatrists for several decades to improve patient outcomes. However, their utility in psychiatry has not been recently elucidated. The purpose of this article is to describe and evaluate the impact of pharmacists in psychiatric settings over the past ten years. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Studies published between 2002 and 2011 were included. Additional studies were identified through references contained within the studies. Case reports and case series were excluded. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria: 15 studies in outpatient settings, two in inpatient settings. Outcomes measured included: patient symptoms, economic outcomes, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. The majority of studies found improvements (e.g., resolution of symptoms, cost savings). However, controlled trials found no significant difference in clinical improvement from pharmacists' interventions. Conclusion: Although the majority of studies suggest pharmacists provide positive outcomes, the trials vary widely in quality and measured outcomes. Additional controlled trials with more standardized methods are recommended to support the role of pharmacists in psychiatric settings.