Evolution of Clinical Pharmacy in the USA and Future Directions for Patient Care

Abstract

This paper describes key events in pharmaceutical education, training, practice and research that have occurred over the past 55 years. Some of these events included the development of the doctor of pharmacy degree, residency training and co-location of clinical pharmacists in patient care areas. These changes not only necessitated more specialized training but then led to board certification to ensure quality patient care. Specific examples of the research that has supported the involvement of clinical pharmacists in direct patient care will be discussed.

Clinical Pharmacists in Chronic Care

“…The role of clinical pharmacists underwent significant changes from the 1960s through 1990s as their participation in direct patient care enhanced. In the early 1970s, federal funding assisted with greatly expanding clinical pharmacy faculty in Colleges of Pharmacy [4]. Pharmacy education debated where clinical pharmacy fit within pharmacy training.…”

Comparative Study Between China 2018 National Accreditation Standard for Teaching Quality of Clinical Pharmacy and ACPE 2015 Accreditation Standards and Guidelines

“…So, in March 2018, China Teaching committee has made a considerable progression decision to improve clinical pharmacy education by providing the first national accreditation standard for teaching quality of pharmacy in China offered by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (MOE). 3 The mission of these accreditation standards is to evaluate and ensure continues quality improvement of education. They also address some structural and process related elements within pharmacy education necessary to implement evidence based outcome measures that document accomplishment of these standards.…”

Differences and similarities in clinical pharmacy practice in China and the United States: a narrative review

“…In the USA, pharmacists routinely participate in multidisciplinary and specialty ward rounds with the explicit aim of reviewing and optimising the appropriateness of medications prescribed and providing patient education 31. In China, clinical pharmacy services have not been incorporated into routine inpatient care in many hospitals, especially in remote areas 32.…”

“…Since 2000, the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) decreed that all colleges of pharmacy had to convert to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)as the sole professional degree 31. In the USA, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education requires pharmacy students to complete 300 introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) hours before they start their advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) 46.…”