Clinical pharmacists have a responsibility to provide efficacy, safety, cost effectiveness and precision with drugs that are used in patient care besides advancement, according to Dr D Krishna, professor, University College of Pharma Sciences, Kakatiya University. Pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutics, interpretation of lab investigation and awareness of radiology, biochemistry and pathology are other vital areas for which a clinical pharmacist has to be depended.

Throwing light on the need of clinical pharmacists equipped with knowledge on various elements in this field, he says that a clinical pharmacist should have an understanding of pathophysiology of common diseases, TDM, ADR, food- drug and drug-drug interactions, statistical concepts, computer learning, parental care etc.

A clinical pharmacist should realize that he is required to perform various services effectively and efficiently, which include operating a drug information center through which specific services relating to physicians, patients, nurses can be administered besides maintaining a profile of new drugs. Inpatient counseling becomes vital where he has to provide answers to questions relating to dosage and mode of administration, patients concern regarding earlier medication, differentiating cure from control of symptoms.

Patient counseling is also a key function where patients are taught steps to maintain good health and treatment modalities after discharge. Providing information on both prescription and non-prescription drugs is another responsibility. Regular contact with the patient by ensuring medication compliance would make a great difference.

Clinical pharmacists should make the patients aware how to use medical equipment, inhalers, eye and ear drops, in addition to teaching them tropical medication, wound care, and home healthcare. Therapeutic drug monitoring should be more efficient while dealing with cases such as epilepsy, cancer, depression, and asthma. They can play a key role in formulating hospital formulary, and developing policies in using drugs like antibiotics and anti-ulcer drugs.

Patient education can have a great impact, which can include educating patients on general health and also on specific diseases, value of drug therapy, abuse, overuse, underuse, and misuse, besides on dosage, self-medication and borrowing medication. They can also actively take part in training and education programmes focusing on issues such as genetics linked diseases, vaccines, smoking and alcoholism.