The evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare

As National Pharmacy Week approaches, it’s the perfect time to spotlight pharmacists' vital role in healthcare. They often work behind the scenes, but their contributions are indispensable to the health of individuals and communities alike. Let’s take a moment to celebrate their expertise, compassion, and commitment.

The role of a pharmacist

Pharmacists are frequently associated with filling prescriptions. But their role extends far beyond that. They are medication experts who ensure patients receive the correct drugs and understand how to use them. For example, you can ask your pharmacists about potential side effects and interactions. They can also answer questions about allergies and sensitivities, offer advice on over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and even recommend lifestyle changes to improve health.

Additionally, pharmacists are key to managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. According to the CDC, studies around clinical pharmacist participation in care teams have shown a consistent positive impact on patient outcomes. Plus, as healthcare systems deal with workforce shortages, pharmacists are filling the gaps and expanding their role to ensure continuity of care.

In local communities, pharmacists often build strong relationships with patients, offering personalized care and support. They are a trusted source of health information, advocating for the needs of patients. Many pharmacists also engage in public health initiatives, such as immunization clinics, health screenings, and educational outreach.

On a larger scale, pharmacists contribute to global health by participating in research, developing new medications, and improving medication safety. Their work supports advancements in medical science and enhances the quality of care worldwide.

 Talk with your pharmacist

Pharmacists can help answer questions or concerns about your care needs. To help guide your conversation, let’s walk through some of the commonly used terms. This will help you ask the right questions when discussing medications with your pharmacy team.

• Brand-name drug: a medication developed and protected by a patent. For example, Advil and Prilosec are brand-name versions of ibuprofen and omeprazole. These typically cost more than generic drugs.
• Drug interaction: when a medication is affected by another medication, food, beverage, or other substance.
• Formulary: also known as a prescription drug list, is a list of prescription drugs your insurance plan will pay for.
• Generic drug: a medication with the same active ingredient(s) as a brand-name drug but without the brand name. For example, ibuprofen and omeprazole are the generic versions of Advil and Prilosec, respectively. These typically cost less than brand-name drugs but are equally as effective and safe.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: drugs that do not require a doctor’s prescription and can be purchased at drugstores, grocery stores, and other retailers.
• Pharmacy benefits: your health plan may offer benefits to be used on your medications and at the pharmacy. Check your health plan documents for details. Mass General Brigham Health Plan members can visit the Pharmacy resource page to look up covered drugs, find a local pharmacy, and view medication recalls.
  • Additionally, members can access Rx Savings Solutions, a program that compares prescription costs and helps members switch to more affordable options. You can also activate savings on 90-day supplies of certain maintenance medications via home delivery. To activate an account, call 1-800-268-4476 or visit the Member Portal.
• Prescription medications: drugs that require a doctor’s prescription and are filled by a pharmacist.
• Rx: a doctor’s prescription.
• Biologic: Biologics are highly complex molecules that are grown rather than synthesized and have an inherent level of micro-variability. Biologics are made with biological materials, including materials from humans, plants, animals, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
• Biosimilars: mimic the active ingredient in the reference biologic. Biosimilars undergo extensive analysis to confirm they have the same characteristics as the reference biologics.

If you have questions about medication, it’s always best to check in with your pharmacist. That said, the next time you’re at the pharmacy, be sure to say “thank you” to your pharmacy team. They’re working hard to help ensure you understand your medications and receive the best care possible.

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