Clinical pharmacy functions in ambulatory patient care

Abstract

A functional interpretation of clinical pharmacy as an implementing mechanism for extending the objectives and responsibilities of clinical pharmacology in ambulatory patient care is presented. Evidence is given to support the effectiveness of the clinical pharmacist in assisting primary care physicians with the design of optimal drug regimens and evaluating and managing patients on chronic drug therapy. Opportunities for the clinical pharmacist to carry out long-term drug trials and participate in the design and execution of epidemiological drug studies are also discussed. The clinical pharmacist can make important contributions to ambulatory patient care in areas of drug treatment and evaluation by working in concert with primary care physicians and clinical pharmacologists.