Justification: the initial step in the expansion of a pharmacy service

The tactics used by a director of pharmacy to get a new program approved are discussed. These include the use of justifications, both oral and written, the development of interpersonal relationship, the formation of coalitions with other department heads, timing, and various types of analysis. Some of the dangers of a written justification are emphasized. Among the precautions to be borne in mind are underestimating the abilities of the administrator, being too optimistic in one's predictions, being too conservative when planning the program, and not having a series of proposals for pharmacy expansion available at all times.