Speaking about pharmacist–physician collaborations to improve patient care

Abstract

This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story, “Physicians speak: Medicine’s point of view on working with pharmacy,” highlights innovative practices that rely on pharmacist–physician collaborations (page 30). In these practices, pharmacists partner with local physicians to improve care by helping to change opioid prescribing patterns, achieve better outcomes for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, and more. In this article, John W. Kennedy, MD, chief medical officer for AMGA, said we’ll see more such partnerships that expand traditional professional responsibilities to allow pharmacists to “play an increasing role in outpatient quality care improvement.” Throughout this issue, the most important speaker isn’t the physician or the pharmacist—it’s the patient who is asking for better care who is being heard loud and clear. The types of community-based partnerships described in this issue of Today provide new avenues for pharmacists to improve the lives and outcomes of our patients. When it’s August, it’s time for our annual Special Immunization Section. This August issue includes articles on 10 steps to prepare for influenza season (page 38), immunization registries (page 39), and opportunities to bring patients up to date on recommended immunizations (page 40). This issue also covers a review of OTCs for respiratory symptoms (page 26), soaring insulin prices (page 43), and the risks of benzodiazepine use (page 28). This month’s CPE is on the role of combination therapy or coformulation treatments of type 2 diabetes (page 50). And our Health-System Edition explores the national saline and injectable opioid shortages (page HSE 2). Innovative practice models and pharmacist–physician partnerships are making a difference. On a day-to-day basis, though, patients probably aren’t thinking about these details. They simply know they are receiving excellent and professional care. Because of that, when your patients speak, it is likely they are saying, “Thank you.” Have a great Today!