Pharmacotherapy and the primary care physician

Clinical pharmacy services and pharmacotherapy specialists did not begin in primary care settings. Rather, the initial interdisciplinary teams took root in large hospitals and tertiary medical center inpatient services during the middle 1960s. By the early 1970s, however, numerous papers appeared that described a unique and exciting practice model that incorporated primary care physicians and clinical pharmacists. The sole purpose of the interdisciplinary concept was to allow each member to contribute their own expertise to improve patient care. In my experience, primary care physicians have been eager to consult clinical pharmacists and other health professionals. I believe that the reason for this is a fundamental philosophy that distinguishes these physicians from other medical specialists. Ingrained in their philosophy are concepts such as continuity of care and care of the entire patient. The latter relates, not only to multiple organ systems, but also the spiritual and behavioral characteristics of the person. The primary care physician is also viewed as the coordinator for all health care services required by their patients. Most primary care physicians welcome others' expertise as long as they continue to be the health care coordinator for the patient. The health care structure of the United States continues to shift to ambulatory care. This will provide additional opportunities for the types of group models described in this article. After 20 years, the positive impact that physician and pharmacotherapist teams can have on drug therapy is being recognized on a broader scale. These models should continue to move from the academic laboratory to private group practice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)