Do we have to document pharmacotherapeutic interventions?
We have suggested that some pharmacotherapists may resist documentation because they view it as administrative intrusion rather than an essential component of continuity of care. In the final analysis, it is also a matter of the pharmacotherapist's belief. Pharmacists must understand what it is that they contribute, and must believe that it is both valuable and unique. It is not just an information management function--they are making patient-specific decisions and must be willing to be held accountable for their outcome. The pharmacy manager must also believe that such a responsible decision-making role represents that preferred future for the profession. Unfortunately, because many pharmacy managers have never truly functioned in such a role, developing such a belief system is difficult at best. The hospital administrator must also be made to believe that the contribution of the pharmacist to patient care not only extends beyond materials management but represents an entirely separate professional function. This will not occur simply through documentation of interventions. Yes, we believe that it is necessary to document pharmacotherapeutic interventions, however, not for the reasons that it is most frequently demanded.
School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC.
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D003657:Decision Making; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States