The contemporary role of the pharmacist in society is to ensure that patients receive optimal medication therapy. The process of dispensing a prescription written by a medical practitioner or dentist involves the pharmacist in much more than just the preparation and supply of medication. To ensure optimal use of medicines, the pharmacist provides information to the patient about the dose, how and when to use the medication, what side effects may occur and how to deal with them. The pharmacist also performs a monitoring role, checking for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, adverse reactions, contra-indications, and compliance with prescribed therapy. Computerised patient medication records assist with this task.
Pharmacists also provide medication information to other health care professionals.
Primary Health Care - Pharmacists are called upon to assist members of the community with the identification and treatment of both major and minor ailments. Suggested treatment may be by use of non-prescription medication for minor ailments or by referral to other health care practitioners where warranted. Health Promotion - People are becoming more aware of life styles which promote improvements in health. The community pharmacist is readily accessible to the public as a source of advice on the prevention of illness and the promotion of good health. In hospitals, pharmacists provide a number of professional services as part of the health care team.