How Does Pharmacy Intersect with Patient Advocacy?
I get asked by friends, family and mentors in the pharmacy community if I am still practicing pharmacy? One of my mentors that got me interested in healthcare and the pharmacy profession initially, recently asked, “Patrick, are you using your education and training as a pharmacist in your business Your Tampa Healthcare Advocate? I do not see where this is the best use of your talents.”
I can see where moving off the traditional paths of the pharmacy profession may evoke questions about the use of my knowledge and skills, however, I answered, “I use my pharmacy knowledge everyday and feel as if I am practicing to the fullest extent of my scope and license.” She looked at me puzzled and I gave her some examples. First and foremost, Pharmacists are medication experts, we have a great knowledge of the top most prescribed medications. This expertise includes proper dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, knowledge of supplements, lifestyle modifications, non-pharmacological solutions, insurance systems and so much more. So how does this play into my role as a healthcare or patient advocate? America is the most prescribed country in the world, many Americans over the age of 50 are considered polypharmacy patients, or prescribed more than five medications, not to mention supplements and over-the-counter medications utilization. In fact, the number of patients prescribed more than five medications has doubled since the year 2000 and still trending upward. Having a pharmacist advocate ensures your medication list, past medical history, knowledge of medical conditions and other health information is organized and communicated to all doctors, limiting the risk of blind spots and errors. I am constantly looking for ways to make medications work more efficiently, for example, some medications like statins work better when taken at night. Some medications like blood thinners have a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning they need to be dosed appropriately or the patient could be in danger of a clot if too low or a bleed if dosed too high. Now throw in other medications that may interact and you have the potential for some real danger.
As a healthcare advocate and a pharmacist I can provide the continuous monitoring to keep the prescribing doctors informed of how the patient is responding to medications, constant monitoring can ensure quicker dose adjustments and most importantly keep patients out of the hospital. This saves the patient and the healthcare system money in the long run. The providers I collaborate with enjoy my service, their patients are on-time, organized and ready to see the doctor. The doctor knows the health information provided is accurate and up to date. I like to turn my clients into A+ patients for their doctors. Streamlining this process ensures safety and allows the patient to focus on what is most important, their health. Filling this necessary gap in healthcare is so important to me and my clients because it eliminates stress and confusion for them.
Finally, I am so passionate about changing the way the pharmacy profession is perceived. I have stated this many times, “Pharmacists provide a much greater skillset outside of standing behind a counter at a big box pharmacy. While this aspect of the profession is totally necessary for safe dispensing of medications, pharmacists can provide so much more to their patients and the healthcare system as a whole.” I am taking on the challenge and risk of changing that perception and I am so proud to do it. If you are interested in learning more about how I can advocate for you or a loved one, please contact me via email or (813)534-0293 and set up a virtual or in person consult. The initial consultation is always FREE to see where and how I can help you or your family member.
I appreciate my Tampa Bay community so much for embracing my service and I cannot wait to meet and help as many people as I can, navigate the healthcare system and empower them with the tools and knowledge necessary to optimize their quality o life and health.
All the best,
Your Pharmacist and Your Advocate
Patrick Alonso
