THIS week's contributor is Gerard Stevens, Managing Director at Webstercare - The 'Supply' Contradiction: If it was up to me I'd ban the term 'supply' pharmacy or pharmacist. It's oxymoronic to consider what we do as simply supplying medication.
Aged care especially reminds us that the actual 'supply' function is the tip of the iceberg of how we support the communities we serve.
The detailed process of medication reconciliation is a professional responsibility that underpins society's safe and efficacious use of medication. It is particularly crucial with the elderly who are often frail and take multiple medicines, sometimes from multiple sources.
We get to personally know our elderly customers, their families and carers, and provide important emotional support. We deliver their medication to their homes. We help them to navigate the health system.
And, of course, we support their quality use and adherence to the medication we dispense via various services.
Most of us go 'above and beyond' to support the quality of our elderly customers' lives. But the term 'supply pharmacy' passively reinforces a "pick, lick and stick" perspective.
'Pharmacy service provider' better reflects the many levels and iterations of service underpinning the safe supply and quality use of medication. Visit www.webstercare.com.au for more information.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Feb 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 24 Feb 20
