Pharmacy practice in the Indian Health Service

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmacy Practice
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides healthcare to over 960,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives.
• Pharmacy practice within IHS is patient-centered, requiring cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse values.
• The IHS pharmacy model emphasizes ambulatory care and direct patient interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the current status and scope of pharmaceutical services within the Indian Health Service (IHS).
• To highlight the unique roles and responsibilities of pharmacists serving American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
• To outline future directions and potential expansions of IHS pharmacy practice.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive overview of pharmaceutical services within the IHS.
• Emphasis on patient-pharmacist interactions, including primary care and prescribing authority.
• Inclusion of inpatient and outpatient pharmacy functions, quality assurance, and educational roles.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists provide extensive primary care and utilize prescribing authority in ambulatory settings.
• Prescriptions are managed through permanent health records, with extensive use of private consultation rooms.
• Pharmacists are involved in inpatient medication histories, discharge counseling, and facility-wide committees.

Conclusions:

• IHS pharmacy practice is characterized by direct patient care, cultural awareness, and comprehensive medication management.
• Future efforts will focus on expanding patient-care activities, primary care, and specialized services.
• Refinement of consultation, geriatric, home health, and inpatient clinical services is a key objective.