General Guidelines for Clinical Pharmacy Practice
Clinical pharmacy practice is a specialized area of pharmacy that focuses on the safe and
effective use of medications. Here are some general guidelines:
Core Principles:
1. Patient-Centered Care:
○ Prioritize the patient's needs and preferences.
○ Develop strong patient-pharmacist relationships.
○ Provide personalized medication therapy management.
2. Evidence-Based Practice:
○ Utilize the best available scientific evidence to guide decisions.
○ Stay updated on the latest research and clinical guidelines.
○ Critically appraise medical literature.
3. Collaboration with Healthcare Team:
○ Work effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
○ Contribute to interdisciplinary rounds and care conferences.
○ Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Medication Therapy Management (MTM):
○ Conduct comprehensive medication reviews.
○ Identify and resolve medication-related problems.
○ Optimize medication therapy regimens.
○ Educate patients about their medications.
2. Drug Information Services:
○ Provide accurate and timely drug information to healthcare providers.
○ Answer drug information inquiries from patients and the public.
○ Develop and maintain drug information resources.
3. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Monitoring:
○ Monitor drug concentrations to optimize therapy.
○ Adjust drug dosages as needed to achieve therapeutic goals.
○ Assess for adverse drug reactions and drug interactions.
4. Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation:
○ Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medications and drug therapies.
○ Identify cost-saving strategies.
○ Promote the use of generic and biosimilar medications.
Ethical Considerations:
1. Patient Confidentiality:
○ Protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
○ Adhere to HIPAA regulations and other relevant privacy laws.
2. Professionalism:
○ Maintain high standards of professional conduct.
○ Adhere to the code of ethics of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
(ASHP) or other relevant professional organizations.
3. Conflict of Interest:
○ Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
○ Avoid situations that could compromise patient care.
By following these guidelines, clinical pharmacists can play a vital role in improving patient
outcomes and reducing medication-related errors.
