Pharmacy Professionalism Toolkit for Students and Faculty Provided by the APhA-ASP/AACP Committee on Student Professionalism

PREAMBLE

Pharmaceutical care has been described as the “direct, responsible provision of medication-related care for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life.” Pharmaceutical care responsibilities include obtaining and reviewing the patient’s medication history, screening for potential adverse side effects or allergies, providing recommendations for appropriate therapy, educating patients on the proper use of their medications, monitoring the patient’s ability to take the medication correctly, monitoring the patient’s drug therapy over time, and collaborating with other health professionals and the patient to ensure that optimal health outcomes are achieved. Pharmaceutical care also involves the provision of services (e.g., administering immunizations) that improve access to health care and promote public health. At the core of patient-pharmacist relationships is a pledge to the patient (or covenant) that the pharmacist will exercise competent judgment and place the patient’s safety and welfare above all other considerations. It is a privilege to practice as a pharmacist and, as such, requires not only competence in the specialized knowledge and skills unique to our profession, but a continuing commitment to excellence, a respect and compassion for others, and adherence to high standards of ethical conduct.¹

In order to enhance pharmaceutical care, students, faculty and practitioners must enhance professionalism with pharmacy education and practice. To define professionalism, the committee looked to the material developed by the APhA-ASP/AACP Task Force on Professionalism. The following summarizes its important findings.

¹ ASHP Statement on Pharmaceutical Care

Ten Traits that Distinguish a Professional
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