Leverage points for establishing clinical decision-maker as a vital component of pharmacists’ professional identity

Abstract

This commentary explores how a change in the professional identity of pharmacists from medicines supplier to clinical decision-maker might take place. Three leverage points are identified that support this change. The first leverage point involves workplace culture. Pharmacists require workplaces that support them to assume direct responsibility for drug therapy decisions that may not have traditionally been part of pharmacy practice. The second leverage point involves terminology. Pharmacists need to be able to name and describe the process they use when making decisions about drug therapy. The third leverage point encompasses pharmacy education. Future pharmacists require a foundation that enables them to mobilize their knowledge and skills about drug therapy to act as clinical decision-makers with patients that require complex care. By acting on multiple leverage points, advocates for change in the pharmacy profession can assist pharmacists to establish themselves as decision-makers about drug therapy, shift their professional identity, and reformulate their view of the profession.