American Pharmacist Month: Honoring the Critical Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare
October is American Pharmacist Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare. Established by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), this month-long observance highlights the essential services pharmacists provide, including their expertise in Medication Management and their growing role in patient care. Pharmacists have been an integral part of healthcare for centuries. The first recognized pharmacist, Hailian Ibn al-Husayn, operated an apothecary in 8th-century Baghdad. His contributions laid the foundation for modern pharmacy practices. The profession officially arrived in the U.S. in 1821, when the first college of pharmacy was established in Philadelphia. Pharmacists have since become central figures in promoting medication safety and improving patient outcomes.
The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare
Today, pharmacists are more than dispensers of medication. They provide direct patient care through services like medication therapy management (MTM), where they collaborate with doctors and nurses to optimize treatment plans. As medication regimens become more complex, pharmacists ensure that patients receive safe, effective treatments.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), pharmacists involved in MTM programs significantly improve outcomes for patients managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The rise of MTM highlights how pharmacists are helping patients achieve better health while reducing medication-related risks.
Aging in Place: A Growing Trend
As America’s population ages, the demand for home-based care is increasing. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in history. Among those aged 65 and older, 90% express a desire to “age in place”—to remain in their own homes while receiving the care they need. Aging in place offers benefits like enhanced independence, greater comfort, and often lower healthcare costs.
However, aging at home comes with challenges, particularly when managing multiple medications. According to a Pew Research Center report, 55% of older adults take four or more prescription medications daily, making adherence and proper management crucial to their health and safety. This is where pharmacists play a crucial role, ensuring patients can manage their medications effectively and avoid preventable complications.
Clarest Health: Supporting Pharmacists and Aging in Place
At Clarest Health, we support pharmacists in their mission to provide the highest level of patient care, especially for older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities or those aging in place.
MTMPath: Optimizing Medication Management in Long-Term Care
Our MTMPath program empowers pharmacists in LTC settings to provide comprehensive medication therapy management services. Through MTMPath, pharmacists review complex medication regimens, identify risks, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatments. This leads to better health outcomes and a reduction in medication-related hospitalizations.
CareFil Rx: Empowering Aging in Place
For those choosing to age at home, CareFil Rx offers a convenient home-delivery service that provides organized prescriptions directly to the patient. Pharmacists play a key role in this process, ensuring that medications are properly labeled and organized in easy to use tear-strip pouch packaging, which makes it easy for patients and caregivers to follow their treatment plans accurately. By supporting patients with compliance packaging, CareFil Rx helps prevent Medication Errors, ensuring that patients aging in place can manage their health independently and safely.
Pharmacists are instrumental in making aging in place a viable option for more people. By simplifying medication management and providing accessible pharmacy services, they help older adults maintain their health and independence at home.
Why Pharmacists Are Essential to Advancing Patient Health
As we celebrate American Pharmacist Month, we reflect on the critical contributions of pharmacists throughout history and their evolving role in modern healthcare. From Benjamin Franklin’s pioneering efforts to the lifesaving MTM services provided by today’s pharmacists, their impact on patient care cannot be overstated.
At Clarest, we are committed to empowering pharmacists through innovative programs like MTMPath and CareFil Rx. These solutions enable pharmacists to deliver exceptional care to patients in long-term care facilities and those aging at home. By providing the tools and support they need, we provide patients receive safe, effective, and personalized alternatives through the entire continuum of care.
Clarest Health: Advancing Patient Health at Every Step.