Independent community pharmacy practice

Identify evolutionary changes leading to current independent community pharmacy practice. 

It is important that stereotypes sharing a negative connotation of independent community pharmacists be addressed. In some cases, pharmacists who are business-oriented have been viewed in a negative light. Additionally, many individuals interested in independent community pharmacy practice have been falsely accused of generalities such as They are only going into business for the money, They are not very clinical, and They have a lack of professionalism. ... 

Based on the descriptions of independent community pharmacy practice and the characteristics of the individuals who pursue this career path, several points must be made. First, independent pharmacists are placed in a difficult situation because of their need to possess expertise in pharmacy practice and business. All pharmacy organizations must stay in business so that they may provide goods, services, and care to patients. Second, independent community pharmacy practice represents one of the most accessible health care venues for patients. Because of this, there exist numerous clinical opportunities for pharmacists in the provision of quality patient care and positive patient outcomes. Third, independent community pharmacists contribute to the overall health of any community not only in the care provided but also in contributions to the economic and civic health of the community. As a health care provider, the pharmacy adds a stable business to any town s economic structure. Additionally, through involvement of the owner and other staff members in civic organizations, these individuals serve as volunteer leaders in activities ranging from school and hospital boards to elected offices. 

Independent community pharmacy practice provides a vast array of opportunities for professional development and personal satisfaction. This venue accommodates all types of practitioners, ranging from allowing entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs the freedom to develop their ideas into actual goods or services to offering individuals interested in being their own boss the chance to start their own pharmacy and pursue unique practice niches. The independent community pharmacy continues to evolve from its earliest appearance in the United States to the technologically advanced patient care service entities of the twenty-first century. Independent pharmacists will continue to deal with unique issues facing their practices, and yet they will continue to innovate and provide quality patient care. 

After reading this chapter, what interests (or what does not interest) you about a career in independent community pharmacy practice ... 

Several national organizations serve the professional needs of U.S. pharmacists. These reflect the practice milieu of members, eg, independent community pharmacies, chain dmg stores, and hospitals. The American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), founded in 1852, is composed of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science, Academy of Pharmaceutical Practice and Management, and the Academy of Students of Pharmacy. Other organizations include the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP), National Association of Chain Dmg Stores (NACDS), and National Association of Retail Dmggists (NARD). 

Financial reports used in independent pharmacy practice are very similar to those used in chain community pharmacies. Managers in chain community pharmacies pay attention to the same financial ratios and key indicators on balance sheets and income statements. It was with this knowledge that Marco and Diana decided to spend some time with WHP s owner to gain more insight into the preparation and review of financial reports in community pharmacy practice. 

What comes to mind when the word pharmacy is mentioned Depending on your age, hometown size and location, personal health history, and experiences shared by family and friends, a number of examples might appear. While the descriptions would vary regarding the name and even the practice setting, many would envision a privately owned business that not only filled prescriptions but also took care of patients and their families. This type of pharmacy has been described in many ways a mom and pop shop, a drug store, a chemist s shop, an apothecary, a prescription shop, or hundreds of brand names ranging from Abe s Drug to Zimmerman s Pharmacy. The business that is described by most is an independent community pharmacy. 

Pharmacy practice in the United States was founded on the shoulders of independent community pharmacy owners. Beginning with the earliest apothecary shops in colonial America, independent practices manufactured most medications that were provided to customers. In the early 1800s, apothecaries and drug stores became more prominent in cities and towns (Higby,... 

While working for an independent owner can be a very fulfilling experience for many, one of the most attractive aspects of the independent setting is the opportunity to own a pharmacy. Interest in ownership has peaked and waned over the past 30 years. A significant decline in the number of independent community pharmacies occurred between 1990 and 1997 (NACDS, 2003). From the late 1990s to 2005, the number of independent practices has hovered around 24,000 sites. However, 2006 marked the first decline of independent community pharmacies in over 5 years, and even with that, this group represents 40 percent of all retail pharmacies in the United States (NCPA, 2007). 

In your opinion, what is the future of independent community pharmacy What are the largest challenges facing independent practice this year In 5 years In 10 years ... 

A network model HMO is a health plan that contracts with many large physician groups and community pharmacies to provide care to its members. As with group model HMOs, network HMOs do not own their own facilities and typically compensate each provider group at a negotiated, capitated rate. Finally, an individual practice association (IPA) is an HMO model that contracts with independent physicians, pharmacies and providers in their own practice settings to provide medical services to its enrollees. 

After qualifying, Alan Nathan was a lecturer in pharmacognosy at Sunderland School of Pharmacy for 2 years, before spending the next 23 years as a community pharmacist, 14 of these as an independent proprietor. In 1989, he was appointed Boots Teacher/Practitioner in the Department of Pharmacy, King s College, London and became a full-time lecturer in pharmacy practice there in 1994. In 2004, he retired from King s College to become a freelance pharmacy writer and consultant. 

Within pharmacy, there is often a specialization of labor. Specialization works not only with employees but departments as well. In pharmacy, this is seen on a large scale because there are pharmacists specializing in hospital pharmacy work and those specializing in community practice, with the subspecialization of independent vs. chain stores, and even long-term-care or managed-care pharmacy. Further, even within a given setting, pharmacists are divided based on their specialties. In hospitals, there are unit-dose phar-... 

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