Today's Bill of Health looks at the nation's latest shortage -- of pharmacists. Our nation's bulge bracket of aging baby-boomers and changes in the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system are driving this shortage.
I find it something of an irony that physicians spend less and less time with individual patients because of the demands and pressures of operating a practice and getting paid by HMOs, while, at the same time, pharmacists are spending more and more time helping to advise those same clients on the drugs they take. If you visit new chain-store pharmacies, you're likely to see small booths or "private areas" near the pharmacy counter. That's a location increasingly set aside as a place where pharmacists and patients can consult in private about their prescription, possible ways to lower drug costs, and the interactions of multiple drugs on their bodies.
The increased interaction between pharmacists and their clients is also filtering down to the colleges of pharmacy where new generations of pharmacists are being trained. Do you know what is increasingly being demanded as an entry requirement in pharmacy schools? A class in public speaking. Why? Because pharmacists are developing a much closer role with the public. They are no longer mere "pill counters," but vital links in the nation's fragile healthcare system.
Comments
As a customer/patient I like the fact that pharmacists are taking the time to consult with patients about their medication. Hopefully this is educating the patient about dosage, drug interaction and other potential hazards. I'm sure that many people are concerned about potential side effects. With the physicians having to please not only the patient but the HMO's it is likely causing some cases of mistakes, whether it is with the scripts, or insurance coverage, having someone else take a second look at the prescription should help out in the end.
The pharmacist has always been the most accessible health care professional in any community. The curriculum to educate the pharmacist supports their knowledge of medication therapy and management. Enhanced training to be effective communicators of this information has always been an additional strength of your pharmacist whether they are in the community or health system pharmacy, the nursing home,or ambulatory care clinic, etc. Tap into this resource, realize the benefits and empower your healthcare.
Many health positions will face critical shortages. These include nursing, clinical lab technicians as well as vets and others.
This is especially true as baby boomers will require more medical attention.