The Role of a Pharmacist
Pharmacy is a professional health science that ensures the safe use of medicines. Its core activities are dispensing prescription drugs, providing patient advice and information, and conducting research. It is a profession that has evolved from its roots in the manufacture and sale of natural products for medicinal purposes, through to its modern roles as an integral part of healthcare. Traditionally, pharmacists have been responsible for the dispensing and supply of medication. This includes ensuring that the correct medication is given to patients, confirming that the prescription is written correctly, advising patients on how to take their medicine and identifying potential side effects. Pharmacists also play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the provision of vaccinations.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to develop and expand, new roles for pharmacists are emerging, such as clinical services and pharmacoepidemiology. This means that there is an increasing need for pharmacists to work with other health care professionals and experts from other disciplines, such as sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, historians, health economists and organizational scientists. This multidisciplinary approach is a necessity in order to ensure that the right medication is given at the best time, for the most effective outcome.
There is a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications available in pharmacies, and they can advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They are also trained to offer clinical advice for common minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles and aches and pains, and can help you decide whether it is best to self-treat or see your GP or nurse. They are able to prescribe and administer some vaccines, including the flu vaccine, and can provide blood pressure monitoring and advice on healthy living.
Pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and you don’t need to make an appointment. They can be a quiet and private place to discuss your personal and medical concerns, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. The staff are well trained to respect your privacy and to protect you from any adverse reactions or side-effects. Most pharmacies have private consulting rooms if you prefer to speak in confidence, and they should be able to provide you with the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about your medication.
It is important to remember that although pharmacies are the main source of healthcare in many countries, they should not be seen as a substitute for seeking medical advice from your doctor. If you have any concerns about the way your medication is working, or if you are concerned that you may be experiencing side effects, speak to your pharmacist who can advise you on the Yellow Card scheme, which allows you to report suspected adverse reactions to certain medicines and vaccines. This can be done online or over the phone and is completely free of charge. You can also find out more about the scheme by visiting the government website.
Pharmacy is a professional health science that ensures the safe use of medicines. Its core activities are dispensing prescription drugs, providing patient advice and information, and conducting research. It is a profession that has evolved from its roots in the manufacture and sale of natural products for medicinal purposes, through to its modern roles as an integral part of healthcare. Traditionally, pharmacists have been responsible for the dispensing and supply of medication. This includes ensuring that the correct medication is given to patients, confirming that the prescription is written correctly, advising patients on how to take their medicine and identifying potential side effects. Pharmacists also play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the provision of vaccinations. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to develop and expand, new roles for pharmacists are emerging, such as clinical services and pharmacoepidemiology. This means that there is an increasing need for pharmacists to work with other health care professionals and experts from other disciplines, such as sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, historians, health economists and organizational scientists. This multidisciplinary approach is a necessity in order to ensure that the right medication is given at the best time, for the most effective outcome. There is a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications available in pharmacies, and they can advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They are also trained to offer clinical advice for common minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles and aches and pains, and can help you decide whether it is best to self-treat or see your GP or nurse. They are able to prescribe and administer some vaccines, including the flu vaccine, and can provide blood pressure monitoring and advice on healthy living. Pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and you don’t need to make an appointment. They can be a quiet and private place to discuss your personal and medical concerns, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. The staff are well trained to respect your privacy and to protect you from any adverse reactions or side-effects. Most pharmacies have private consulting rooms if you prefer to speak in confidence, and they should be able to provide you with the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about your medication. It is important to remember that although pharmacies are the main source of healthcare in many countries, they should not be seen as a substitute for seeking medical advice from your doctor. If you have any concerns about the way your medication is working, or if you are concerned that you may be experiencing side effects, speak to your pharmacist who can advise you on the Yellow Card scheme, which allows you to report suspected adverse reactions to certain medicines and vaccines. This can be done online or over the phone and is completely free of charge. You can also find out more about the scheme by visiting the government website.