- Briefly describe in 3 pages what you understand the role of the pharmacist to be in each of these two careers paths of ambulatory care pharmacist and obstetrics pharmacist..
- COMPARE & CONTRAST the two options. What are some similarities and differences between the roles of pharmacists in these two careers? You might consider (among others) the following aspects: daily routine, educational requirements to obtain this type of job, interaction / lack of interaction with patients, job security, independence in daily activities.
- While some of the essay will be your personal views, please appropriately cite all literature used.
- It is expected that the document should be appropriately referenced. All personal communications should be referenced as well as the use of information from textbooks, websites or journals. In the document please use superscript numbers at the end of the sentence, following final punctuation to refer to the reference. For example: “Dr. XXXX publishes literature related to her career as a clinical pharmacist in transplantation.1 “
- List all references in order of presentation (with appropriate numbering) at the end of the text. Note: referencing does not count towards the page limit or word count.
- Please use the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals found at Http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html (Links to an external site.).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare system and play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and well-being. They work in various settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. In this essay, we will explore the role of pharmacists in ambulatory care and obstetrics pharmacy fields. We will also compare and contrast the daily routines, educational requirements, patient interactions, job security, and independence in daily activities of pharmacists in these two career paths.
Role of Ambulatory Care Pharmacists:
Ambulatory care pharmacists work in outpatient settings such as clinics or physician offices. Their primary role is to promote patient health by ensuring that medications are prescribed, dispensed, and administered safely and effectively. They work closely with physicians to provide medication therapy management and make recommendations for drug therapy changes. They also counsel patients on the proper use of medications, including side effects, interactions, and potential complications. Ambulatory care pharmacists may also participate in disease management programs and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
Role of Obstetrics Pharmacists:
Obstetrics pharmacists work in healthcare facilities and provide care to pregnant women and newborns. They play a crucial role in ensuring that medications are used safely during pregnancy and after birth. Obstetrics pharmacists advise physicians and other healthcare professionals on the use of drugs during pregnancy and labor, including recommendations for dosage adjustments and contraindications. They also counsel patients on the proper use of medications and monitor fetal development to identify potential complications. Obstetrics pharmacists may also be involved in research activities to enhance pregnancy and neonatal care.
Comparison and Contrast:
There are some similarities as well as differences between the roles of ambulatory care pharmacists and obstetrics pharmacists. Both fields require excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong knowledge of pharmacology. However, there are some notable differences. In terms of daily routine, ambulatory care pharmacists typically work during regular business hours, while obstetrics pharmacists may be required to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays. Educational requirements for both fields include a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, but obstetrics pharmacists may also require specialized certification or training.
Interaction with patients may also differ between the two fields. Ambulatory care pharmacists work closely with patients to ensure that medications are used safely and effectively, while obstetrics pharmacists interact with pregnant women and their newborns. Job security may also vary, as ambulatory care pharmacists may have more opportunities for employment in clinics or physician offices, while obstetrics pharmacists may be limited to working in healthcare facilities that provide pregnancy and neonatal care.
Finally, there may be differences in independence in daily activities. Ambulatory care pharmacists may have more autonomy in making recommendations for medication therapy changes, while obstetrics pharmacists may work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of pharmacists in ambulatory care and obstetrics pharmacy fields are crucial in ensuring safe and effective medication use. While there are some similarities between the two fields, there are also differences in their daily routines, educational requirements, patient interactions, job security, and independence in daily activities. Pharmacists in both fields require specialized knowledge and skills, and their contributions to healthcare and patient safety are invaluable.
