Current and future pharmacy initiatives in institutional and corporate practice

The future of pharmacy in organized health-care settings is discussed in light of changes in the health-care industry. The shift of health-care financing from cost-based reimbursement to prospective pricing provides pharmacists with the challenge of providing high-quality, cost-effective pharmaceutical services. Implementation of clinical pharmacy services will be a key factor in containing costs and improving patient care. The consolidation and corporate restructuring of hospitals will permit diversified services to develop in a highly competitive market. The formulary system, within which the medical staff may authorize and place conditions on the use of therapeutic equivalent drug products, will continue to play an important role in hospitals. Changes in the health-care industry will offer institutional pharmacists opportunities to enhance their roles as health professionals and as providers of economical quality care.