Physical assessment in the community pharmacy

As pharmacists continue to define their role in the health care system of the future and implement pharmaceutical care, they will need new or enhanced skills in managing patient care cost-effectively. Their ability to perform basic physical assessments will be a vital tool in managing their patients' health status. By using the SOAP method of evaluation and plan development and by using a systematic approach to obtaining physical data, pharmacists can properly perform initial assessment and monitor the patients they now serve. This enhanced level of care will be well accepted by patients and other health care team members when pharmacists provide them in a professional manner and serve as partners with these practitioners in developing and managing appropriate care plans.