Pharmacists as healthcare providers

Pharmacists are increasingly seen as healthcare providers, not just medication dispensers. Their role now includes assessing how patients take their treatments, understanding potential side effects, and offering guidance, as emphasized by Jean-Didier Bardet, vice president of the French Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SFPC).

Clinical pharmacy focuses on the patient

Clinical pharmacy is defined by the SFPC as a discipline focused on the patient’s overall care. It goes beyond medication by including interviews, health screenings, and preventive measures, all aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient well-being.

Pharmacists provide care through listening and guidance

According to Bardet, a clinical pharmacist provides care through actions like listening, explaining, and reassuring patients. These activities are seen as essential parts of healthcare, and the SFPC has worked to ensure pharmacists are recognized as full healthcare professionals.

Expanding the role of pharmacy staff

The clinical approach requires all pharmacy staff to be involved, not just pharmacists. Preparers, logisticians, and administrative staff must take on more responsibility to allow pharmacists to focus on patient care, and regular team discussions are encouraged to improve collective understanding of patient needs.

Clinical pharmacy reveals the caregiver already present

Ultimately, the clinical pharmacist is defined by the questions they ask and the focus on the patient’s experience. Rather than creating a new role, this approach highlights the caregiver aspect of pharmacists, who are already present behind the counter, offering support and guidance.