Transferring Key Success Factors from Ambulatory Care into the Community Pharmacy in the United States.

Alex J Luli,Jonathan H Watanabe,Mark Bounthavong,Linda Awdishu,Jan D Hirsch,Candis M Morello

doi:10.3390/pharmacy9030116

Alex J Luli, Jonathan H Watanabe + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9030116

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Abstract

In the United States, pharmacists’ scope of practice continues to expand, with increasing opportunities for pharmacists in all practice settings to enhance health in society. In ambulatory care, pharmacists remain integral members on the healthcare team and have demonstrated positive impacts on patient care. Sharing similar characteristics as pharmacists in the community setting, a deeper look into common elements of a successful ambulatory care practice that can be applied in the community pharmacy setting is warranted. Key success factors identified from ambulatory care include (1) maximizing a pharmacist’s unique knowledge base and skill set, (2) forming collaborations with physicians and other providers, (3) demonstrating outcomes and value, and (4) maintaining sustainability. Opportunities exist for pharmacists in the community setting to utilize these success factors when developing, implementing, and/or expanding direct patient care services that improve accessibility to quality care and population health.

Highlights

In the United State, the scope of pharmacists’ practice continues to expand, including opportunities for pharmacists to play an increasingly important role in patient care and public health
Pharmacists took on expanded key roles to reduce the impact of the virus—including administering vaccines, preparation of hand and surface disinfectants, renewing chronic treatment prescriptions, and performing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests [2]
Citing the need to shift resources to help lower costs and improve patient care, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Forecast 2016–2020 report found that 69% of forecast panelists predicted that at least 25% of health systems will transition 10% or more of inpatient positions to ambulatory care [19]

Summary

Introduction

In the United State, the scope of pharmacists’ practice continues to expand, including opportunities for pharmacists to play an increasingly important role in patient care and public health. More than 8 in 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy, and many visit their community pharmacy more than their physician office [12] This accessibility, along with a recognized role supporting public health measures, patient care, and improving outcomes, has helped drive new opportunities for community pharmacists. Despite these opportunities, challenges remain in expanding patient care services in the community pharmacy setting [13]. We encourage a similar thought exercise for those operating in a different system and hope this may serve as a blueprint for that endeavor

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Findings

Conclusions