Possibilities of continuous care. Part II

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Care

Background:

• Growing trend towards shifting healthcare from in-patient to out-patient settings.
• Need to define the evolving role of hospital pharmacists in this new paradigm.
• Existing obstacles hindering the full transition to home-based and out-patient care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the necessity of transitioning from in-patient to out-patient care.
• To analyze the potential role and limitations of hospital pharmacists post-transition.
• To identify necessary provisions and explore broader healthcare contributions.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and discussion of healthcare trends.
• Evaluation of hospital pharmacist capabilities and constraints.
• Exploration of alternative contributions to public health and pharmaceutical services.

Main Results:

• The direct patient care role of hospital pharmacists in out-patient settings may be limited, contingent on overcoming specific obstacles.
• Several prerequisite provisions are necessary before hospital pharmacists can be fully integrated into out-patient care.
• Significant opportunities exist for hospital pharmacists to enhance contributions in research, public information, and pharmaceutical consultation.

Conclusions:

• While direct patient care roles may be constrained, hospital pharmacists can play a vital role in supporting the out-patient care shift.
• Further structuring, expansion, and intensification of pharmacists' contributions to research, education, and advisory roles are recommended.
• Proactive adaptation and strategic development are crucial for hospital pharmacists to maximize their impact in evolving healthcare landscapes.