Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
“This study shows that in three years you can more than pay for the program,” said Charles F. Seifert, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, pharmacy regional dean in Lubbock and co-principal investigator. “What I would like to see is hospitals and other health care institutions, taking the model and utilizing it to improve patient care. I think if the population is selected correctly it can be beneficial in any situation.”
Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist
Northwest Healthcare System
Amarillo, Texas
Owner/Consultant Pharmacist
Manage Meds LLC
Sulphur Springs, Texas
BRAKEBILL: I look at all the antibiotics and round with doctors. Twenty years ago, we were in the basement verifying orders; you would not have seen us on the hospital floor suggesting medications.
Why should pharmacists be involved in treatment processes?
WHITE: Pharmacists advocate for patients, so they can be on the least amount of effective medications possible. Sometimes the medications are no longer viable or cause complications when used as a long-term treatment option.
How is a pharmacist/physician partnership beneficial?
BRAKEBILL: Patient needs fall into one of two categories: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. There is a reciprocal relationship between the drugs and the body. Pharmacists help physicians tailor medication to the individual.
How can pharmacists help with provider shortages?
WHITE: Collaborative practice between pharmacists, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc., is very important. We’re even seeing pharmacists advocating for a role in COVID-19 testing. There are a lot of things that pharmacists can help with so physicians can spend more time with their patients — medication therapy management is one example. There is even more opportunity for collaborative partnerships in rural areas, due to high demand for providers.