Challenges to the pharmacist profession from escalating pharmaceutical demand.
Unexpected growth in medication use has escalated demand for pharmacists that has outpaced supply. Responses to the pharmacist shortage include larger workloads and greater use of pharmacist extenders and technology. As the profession has moved from a product orientation (dispensing medications) to a patient focus, clinical training requirements have expanded. However, structural and process barriers, particularly in community and retail pharmacies, must be addressed to improve the medication-use process. These issues merit greater attention from health care leaders and policymakers.
Cooksey
Judith A
JA
Illinois Regional Health Workforce Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
Knapp
Katherine K
KK
Walton
Surrey M
SM
Cultice
James M
JM
D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006291:Health Policy; D006280:Health Workforce / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000639:trends; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data