Establishing a pharmaceutical care database

This article has presented basic tools for collecting, using, storing, and retrieving patient information needed for the delivery of pharmaceutical care in the community pharmacy, using case studies that illustrate the practical application of this material. The documentation of collected information is a vital component in providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care. Whether a pharmacist uses handwritten forms or automated computer programs for documentation, an ongoing, updated pharmaceutical care database remains an essential tool. Only by appropriately evaluating and documenting patient outcomes will pharmacists be able to receive payment for cognitive services. The future of our profession lies in our ability to document the benefit of pharmaceutical care for our patients.