More than just Dispensing: Pharmacists Safeguard Medication and Prescription Safety Despite Limited Recognition in Malaysia
Yet, despite their undeniable contribution, pharmacists in Malaysia and the broader region often face limited recognition. Stereotypes paint them as mere shopkeepers or dispensers, a perception that does a disservice to their expertise and dedication.
We walk past them every day, these white-coated figures diligently sorting medication behind pharmacy counters.
But the role of pharmacists in Malaysia extends far beyond dispensing pills. They are, in fact, the silent guardians of medication safety, a crucial yet often under-recognized force in our healthcare system.
Think about it: Every medication comes with potential side effects, interactions, or misuse. A simple mix-up on a prescription could have devastating consequences.
This is where pharmacists step in.
Their extensive knowledge of drugs allows them to identify potential issues, from drug interactions to incorrect dosages. They act as a vital safety net, double-checking prescriptions, educating patients, and preventing medication errors.
In some cases, they also guide patients towards supplements that can support overall health, such as probiotics for gut health or supplements to address general wellbeing.
Pharmacists help to reduce medication errors
Studies demonstrated that interventions from a pharmacist can significantly reduce medication errors, improving patient safety and potentially saving lives. Research highlights the role of pharmacists in identifying and correcting medication discrepancies, with one study reporting a 66% reduction in medication errors following pharmacist interventions (Jaam et al., 2021).
Pharmacists also serve as a vital first point of contact for patients seeking medication advice, offering guidance on proper usage and potential side effects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), along with other healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting the safe and effective use of medicines (WHO, 2020). This guidance empowers patients to make informed decisions about their treatments and become active participants in their own healthcare journey.
Health fact guardians in combating medication misinformation
Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals in combating medication misinformation due to their adherence to recommendations from health authorities and professional associations (Erku et al., 2020).
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, their role expanded significantly, which emphasizes their critical function in healthcare. Clinical pharmacists focus on monitoring adverse drug reactions and providing individualized treatments, while community pharmacists—being highly accessible to the lay public—managed medicine supply, offered telehealth consultations, provided psychological support, and facilitate education and awareness such as debunking myths about the disease (Osama et al, 2022).
Time to take a new look at Pharmacists
Yet, despite their undeniable contribution, pharmacists in Malaysia and selected regions in Southeast Asia often face limited recognition. Common stereotypes paint them as no more than mere shopkeepers or dispensers, a perception that does disservice to their expertise and dedication.
The time has come to recognise the role of pharmacists in our healthcare system.
Beyond medication prescription and advice, a pharmacist’s scope of practice may include medication reviews, consultations for various ailments, custom medicine (compounding), monitoring patient adherence to medication regimens and many more.
Their scope of contributions helps to enhance patient care, as pharmacists can provide more holistic guidance on medications and supplements that support areas like lung health, digestion, or managing stress-related health concerns.
Ultimately, a more empowered and recognized pharmacy profession benefits everyone. Patients and communities receive better medication management, healthcare systems become more efficient, and so will the overall well-being of fellow citizens.
It’s time to acknowledge these silent guardians, the unsung healthcare heroes – pharmacists who ensure our medication safety, day in and day out.
References:
- Jaam et al. “Pharmacist-led educational interventions provided to healthcare providers to reduce medication errors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 16,6 e0253588. 23 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253588
- WHO, 2020. Medication without Harm. https://www.who.int/initiatives/medication-without-harm
- Erku D.A., Belachew S.A., Abrha S., Sinnollareddy M., Thomas J., Steadman K.J., Tesfaye W.H. When fear and misinformation go viral: Pharmacists’ role in deterring medication misinformation during the “infodemic” surrounding COVID-19. Res. Soc. Adm. Pharm. 2020 doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.04.032.
- Mohamed Ibrahim, Osama et al. “Shedding the light on Pharmacists’ roles during COVID-19 global pandemic.” Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society vol. 30,1 (2022): 14-27. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2021.12.003
