When you think of the word “policy,” what are some words that jump immediately to mind? Perhaps “rules” or “laws”? Maybe “politics” or “government”? These are all words that many student pharmacists, pharmacists, and patients have told me when I use the word policy in conversation. However, I would encourage you as well to reframe this word to mean an “idea.”
The APhA–ASP policy process begins with a single idea from a single student pharmacist member. These ideas are aspirational and provide a glimpse into the world that pharmacy can be. These ideas encourage student pharmacists and pharmacists to better their practice today to better serve our patients of tomorrow. Often, ideas come best from a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective from the norm. There is no one better positioned to offer that fresh perspective than our newest entrants to the pharmacy profession: student pharmacists.
Since 1973, student pharmacists have conducted their own House of Delegates to push forward new ideas on how we can improve our profession for both our patients and our pharmacy team. Many of these ideas have spearheaded radical change in the pharmacy profession or represent the first expression of what is now commonplace. Student pharmacists have used this forum to broadcast their ideas and their policies.
The “Big House” or APhA House of Delegates takes notice of what ideas move through the APhA–ASP House of Delegates because of many of the innovative ideas that have come through the student pharmacist policy process. Below is a summary of 24 of these ideas that I found particularly inspiring, groundbreaking, and interesting over the years.
1970s
1974.5 “Health Care Role of Pharmacist”
Talks about the importance of educating our patients on the importance of the role of a pharmacist. Sound familiar? This is still a prominent initiative today. Student pharmacists are working to correct this narrative through patient care projects and media appearances. Keep up the good work!
1976.3 “Hypertension Screening and Education Projects”
Was part of the genesis of Operation Heart. Now thousands of patients receive their hypertension screening and education from student pharmacists across the nation!
1977.4 “Student Member of the APhA Board of Trustees”
This was the first mention of a student pharmacist serving on the APhA Board of Trustees. This push ultimately led to the establishment of the APhA–ASP National President as our student pharmacist representative on the Board.
1979.1 “Computers in Pharmacy School”
The first mention of the importance of incorporating technology into the pharmacy workflow. Now, most pharmacy schools require you to have your own laptop, and you would be hard-pressed to find a pharmacy without computers.
1979.4 “CPR/First Aid Course in the Pharmacy Curriculum”
This policy is the recognition that pharmacists can do more than medications. CPR training is one of the essential tenets of all health professionals and is an easy way to build rapport with other providers.
1980s
1982.4 “Interprofessional Awareness”
Recognizes the value of working as part of a health care team. This was one of the major shifts in health care and student pharmacists noticed this trend early. Current curriculums require interprofessional education and push for the recognition of pharmacists as valuable members of the team.
1984.3 “Non-pharmacy Continuing Education Accreditation”
Attempts to take interprofessional education to the lifelong level. This idea reinforces pharmacists as valuable members of the team by encouraging pharmacists to participate and engage in multidisciplinary continuing education.
1986.2 “Re-entry of the Impaired Student Pharmacist”
Expressed a re-emergence in today’s opioid crisis. This resolution sought to provide a pathway for student pharmacists with addiction to seek treatment without causing a permanent end to their career. Many state associations have set up similar programs to help pharmacists and student pharmacists alike who are battling with addiction.
1986.3 “Involvement of the Pharmacist in Discharge Counseling”
Has led to the emergence of “Meds-to-Beds” and other programs. This also increases the patient “face time” with a pharmacist and further recognition of our role as part of the health care team.
1989.2 “Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Containing Products in Pharmacies”
Sought to remove sale at pharmacies of these products, unless FDA-approved for tobacco cessation. Fifteen years later in 2014, CVS Health announced the cessation of sale of these products. Many states are also looking at this idea proposed by student pharmacists.
1990s
1994.9 “Payment for Cognitive Services”
The first mention in the APhA–ASP resolutions book of the importance of payment to pharmacists for non-dispensing services. This is still a big idea today, with the Pharmacists Provide Care campaign and the push for recognition by CMS as providers.
1996.8 “Safety and Efficacy of Alternative Remedies”
Expresses the importance of understanding the safety and efficacy of alternative medications. In addition, this resolution sought for public education of this information to help our patients make more informed decisions.
1998.6 “Antibiotic Use and Adherence”
Our recognition on the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. This trend has grown over the last 20 years and is now a cornerstone of the pharmacist role in both community and institutional settings.
1999.1 “Board of Pharmacy Specialties Expansion”
Stated that there should be more opportunities for certification and the Board of Pharmacy Specialties listened. There are currently 12 specialties offered with more on the horizon. Have you thought about getting your certification?
1999.4 “Tele-Health Prescribing and Dispensing”
Recognizes the shift in technology toward providing remote health care services. This resolution speaks to the importance of providing the same level of pharmaceutical care via tele-health as pharmacists do face-to-face.
2000s
2000.5 “Collaborative, Non-Protocol, Post-Diagnostic Prescriptive Authority”
Emphasizes the importance of pharmacist establishment of collaborative practice agreements that promote cognitive services. With the advent of ambulatory care, pharmacists across the nation are setting up their practices using this method.
2001.6 “Quality of Work Life for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Interns – Breaks”
Has been a major discussion point over the last 2 decades. Articles highlighting the dangers of overworking pharmacy staff has led many pharmacies to make changes to their protocols and encourage healthy work life for staff.
2002.15 “Pharmacists Using Computerized Prescriber Order Entry Systems”
Was the first push by student pharmacists toward electronic prescribing and record keeping for prescriptions. This push into the technology age has continued with some states attempting to require electronic prescribing for all controlled substances.
2003.4 “White Coat Ceremonies”
One that all student pharmacists have been affected by. Schools and colleges of pharmacies host these ceremonies in the time-honored tradition of health professionals, where you recite your oath as a professional and symbolically begin your health care journey.
2008.6 “National Controlled Substances Registry”
Especially timely with the current opioid crisis. This resolution calls for a nationwide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Many states have joined their individual PDMPs to create a network to ensure safe and legitimate medication use.
2010s
2012.1 “Antimicrobial Stewardship”
Focused on student pharmacists and pharmacists taking ownership of optimization of antibiotic use. This has continued to be a major arena for pharmacists in all settings to combat antimicrobial resistance and optimize patient treatment.
2012.3 “Proper Medication Disposal and Drug Take-Back Programs”
Focuses on developing procedures for disposal of unused and/or expired medications for the safety of both patients and our environment. DEA hosts Medication Take-Back Days and police offices nationwide now provide opportunities for patients to dispose of their old medications.
2014.1 “Pharmacogenomics”
Expresses the importance of pharmacists managing and understanding this newest idea of drug response prediction. Curricula are incorporating this topic into the education of current and future pharmacists. Groups like the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium are developing guidelines for the usage of pharmacogenetic data into daily practice.
2017.3 “Efforts to Reduce Mental Health Stigma”
Has come a long way in 2 years. The 2018 APhA House of Delegates incorporated similar language based on a new business item proposed by APhA–ASP. APhA and APhA–ASP are developing resources to help pharmacists provide optimal care for our patients with mental health conditions.