Pharmacists considerations

The difference between the monthly salary of a GMP inspector and of a head of production in a private pharmaceutical plant is considerable. The salary of a head of production is 3.3 times greater than that of a GMP inspector in Tunisia, and double that of a GMP inspector in Uganda. In these two countries, the gap between the monthly salary of a distribution-channel inspector and that of a pharmacist working in a retail pharmacy is smaller, but still significant. In Australia and the Netherlands, salaries for pharmaceutical professionals in the public and private sectors are comparable. Only in Cypms are GMP and distribution-channel inspectors better paid than their private-sector counterparts. 

The avoirdupois system is also an old system used by the pharmacist, in the past, for ordering bulk chemicals. Since this system is no longer used, practice problems on this topic will not be provided. However, for reference considerations, the following conversions of avoirdupois weights are provided ... 

It is always difficult to provide the pharmacist with sufficient information to facilitate manufacture of an optimal formulation. The dose range of interest is not known, and careful consideration should be given to selection of unit doses that will provide the greatest flexibility. Good communication is essential and adequate lead time must be allowed. Compounds with poor absorption are difficult to formulate and may take considerable time and resources. Repeated in vitro and in vivo testing in animals may be required before a satisfactory formulation is found. 

Conventional evaluation of new medical technologies such as pharmaceutical products includes consideration of efficacy, effectiveness, and safety. The methodology for such analyses is well developed, and studies of safety and efficacy often are required prior to drug marketing. Health care researchers from a variety of disciplines have developed new techniques for the evaluation of the economic effects of clinical care and new medical technologies. Clinicians, pharmacists, economists, epidemiologists, operations researchers, and others have contributed to the field of clinical economics , an evolving discipline dedicated to the study of how different approaches to patient care and treatment influence the resources consumed in clinical medicine. 

Patient data collection is an extremely critical component of a value-added service. The information collected provides pharmacists with important baseline and monitoring parameters for patients. The amount and type of information needed from the patient or other health care providers may differ depending on the service, but nonetheless, this information is the foundation on which the other components of the service are built. Forms can be developed to help pharmacists collect this information (see Figs. 25-2 through 25-4). In addition, some consideration should be given to how this information will be stored (e.g., paper charts or electronic patient database). The information that should be collected from the patient includes demographic information, medical history, family history, and medication history. Since some of the information may need to be collected from other providers and health care institutions, an authorization to release medical information should be signed by the patient and kept as part of the chart (see Fig. 25-5). Lastly, pharmacists should ensure that their site is in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and reinforce to their patients that the information they provide is confidential and secure at the pharmacy. 

The definition of clinical pharmacy services may vary considerably under the generalist model. Services may consist of departmentally defined drug monitoring, collection of data for drug-use reviews, and target drug class screening. Pharmacists provide clinical ser-... 

A 27-year-old woman presents a prescription for nitrofurantoin tablets 50 mg q.d.s. for 3 days and asks to speak to the pharmacist. She explains that her GP has checked her urine with a coloured strip and diagnosed a urinary tract infection (UTI). She is suffering considerable discomfort on urination due to a burn-ing/stinging sensation and her GP has suggested she purchase some Effercitrate over the counter. A friend has recommended she also purchase cranberry extract tablets and the patient would like your advice. 

The RPSGB (2007) also advises that generally speaking it is not appropriate to deviate from a prescriber s directions, but this must be balanced against the pharmacist s professional duty to ensure that every prescription is appropriate for the patient. If the pharmacist feels that a significant risk to the patient s health is likely if the supply is made, then the option of refusing to supply should be given due consideration. ... 

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