Historically, the functions of the pharmacist centered on the preparation and provision of a drug product to a patient. Pharmacists, in collaboration with other health professionals, have the responsibility of assuring optimal outcomes from drug therapy for their patients. The pharmacist is the most accessible member of the health care team. A pharmacist is often the first health professional with whom patients will confer regarding a health question and is likely to be the final one with whom patients consult about their medications and their use. Today's pharmacist must not only dispense prescriptions, but also communicate information and provide medication-related primary health care.
Pharmacists provide pharmaceutical care in a variety of settings.
Most visible is the community pharmacist who practices in the local, independently-owned pharmacy, chain pharmacy, pharmacy department in a food or discount store, or professional health center. Other practice opportunities exist for pharmacists in hospitals, home health care, nursing homes and extended care facilities, neighborhood health centers, and health maintenance organizations. In all these practice settings, pharmacists are responsible for direct patient care. They manage systems designed to assure that each patient receives the appropriate medication in the correct form and dosage, at the correct time, and that the patient understands the intended and proper use of the medication. Pharmacists are also employed by firms that discover, develop, and produce chemicals, prescription and nonprescription drugs, and other health products.