Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the role of clinical pharmacists is becoming increasingly pivotal. Recent research titled "Seven key parameters that facilitate clinical pharmacy practice: a comparison between Israel and the United States" offers valuable insights into how practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to patient care. This blog post will explore the key findings of this study and provide actionable steps for practitioners to implement these insights into their practice.
Understanding the Seven Key Parameters
The study identifies seven critical parameters necessary for the advancement of clinical pharmacy practice. These parameters are:
- Advanced Degree: The necessity of an advanced degree, such as a PharmD, for practicing clinical pharmacy.
- Residency: The importance of postgraduate residency programs for skill refinement.
- Credentialing: Recognition of clinical pharmacy as a specialty through specific credentialing.
- Supply: Ensuring an adequate number of clinical pharmacists to meet demand.
- Scope of Practice: Legal permissions for semi-independent practice and billing for services.
- Demand: Employer demand for hiring and fully utilizing clinical pharmacists.
- Acceptance: Acceptance of clinical pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team.
Comparative Insights: Israel vs. the United States
The research provides a comparative analysis of the development of clinical pharmacy in Israel and the United States. While the U.S. has made significant strides in all seven parameters, Israel is still in the early stages of development. For instance, the U.S. has fully integrated PharmD as the standard degree, whereas in Israel, a small minority of pharmacists hold this qualification.
Postgraduate residency programs are well-established in the U.S., offering extensive training opportunities. In contrast, Israel lacks formal residency programs, though some clinical components are included in advanced degrees. Credentialing is another area where the U.S. excels, with a robust system for certifying clinical pharmacists, which Israel currently lacks.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
For practitioners looking to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to patient care, consider the following steps:
- Pursue Advanced Education: Enroll in advanced degree programs such as PharmD to gain specialized knowledge and skills.
- Engage in Residency Programs: Seek opportunities for postgraduate residency training to refine your clinical skills.
- Advocate for Credentialing: Support efforts to establish a credentialing system for clinical pharmacists in your region.
- Expand Your Scope of Practice: Stay informed about legal changes and advocate for expanded practice rights.
- Promote Your Role: Work towards gaining acceptance as a vital member of the healthcare team by demonstrating your value in patient care.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a roadmap for advancing clinical pharmacy practice, it also highlights the need for ongoing research. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research activities to contribute to the body of knowledge in this field and to stay abreast of new developments.
Conclusion
By understanding and implementing the key parameters outlined in this study, practitioners can enhance their clinical practice and contribute more effectively to patient care. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper provides a comprehensive analysis and can be accessed here.
