Pharmacy Practice at a Glance

Pharmacy is the art and science of preparing and dispensing medications and the provision of drug-related information to the public. It involves the interpretation of prescription orders; the compounding, labeling, and dispensing of drugs and devices; drug product selection and drug utilization reviews; patient monitoring and intervention; and the provision of cognitive services related to use of medications and devices. The current philosophy or approach to professional practice in pharmacy is designated as pharmaceutical care. This concept holds that the important role of the pharmacist is "the responsible provision of drug therapy for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve a patient's quality of life." Pharmacists, then, are those who are educated and licensed to dispense drugs and to provide drug information-they are experts on medications. They are the most accessible member of today's health care team, and often are the first source of assistance and advice on many common ailments and health care matters.