From dispensing to consulting: The future-focused role of pharmacists

How pharmacists are transforming healthcare

Pharmacists as clinical consultants

Pharmacists today take on a consultative role that makes them integral to care coordination. Their expertise allows them to assist in areas such as medication therapy management, chronic disease monitoring, and patient education programs.

Their day-to-day activities increasingly include:

• Reviewing and reconciling complex medication regimens.
• Identifying and mitigating potential drug interactions or duplications.
• Supporting chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
• Advising on over-the-counter therapies and lifestyle modifications.

By embedding themselves in interdisciplinary care teams, pharmacists are available to help therapy outcomes, to support reduction in adverse events, and to enable increased patient satisfaction.

Technology as a force multiplier

Cutting-edge technology enables pharmacists to streamline processes and access real-time evidence-based data. Tools like UpToDate^®, UpToDate^® Lexidrug^™, Medi-Span^®, and UpToDate^® Member Engagement provide pharmacists the resources needed to support quick, patient-focused decisions.

• Real-time, evidence-based information to support safe, fast prescribing decisions.
• Integrated workflows to minimize time spent on administrative tasks.
• Consumer engagement solutions to help improve health literacy for patients.
• Drug cost and availability tools that help pharmacists guide patients toward affordable alternatives.

Incorporating clinical decision support (CDS), digital medication content, and patient health engagement and outreach programs into daily workflows reduces administrative burden and allows more time for meaningful patient interactions.

Pharmacies as care hubs

Retail and community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to serve as decentralized care centers. Pharmacists, with their accessibility and expertise, can triage non-emergency concerns, offer personalized guidance, and refer patients for follow-up care when appropriate. This supports value-based care models and reduces the strain on urgent care and emergency departments.

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Pharmacists are catalysts for better health outcomes

Pharmacists have become trusted allies in public health by meeting patients where they are. Their expanding responsibilities now encompass wellness advice, preventive care, and assistance with social determinants of health.

With their community reach, pharmacists can:

• Advocate for preventative measures like screenings and vaccinations.
• Address health barriers, including cost concerns and lack of access.
• Reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions through personalized guidance.

By expanding their roles, pharmacists’ daily interactions can help uncover barriers to care, providing a bridge between the clinical system and the community.

Looking ahead: The pharmacists’ path forward

Pharmacists are well-positioned to lead the future of accessible, collaborative healthcare. Embracing the shift from dispensing to consulting requires:

• Continued investment in clinical education and credentialing.
• Integration into care teams and access to shared health records.
• Strategic use of technology to streamline workflow and improve decision-making.

As retail pharmacies transform into patient-focused health destinations, pharmacists must be empowered with the right tools, evidence-based insights, and confidence to navigate this change.

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