A Portrait of the Pharmacy Profession Globally: Pharmacist Universal Professional Identity and Establishment of Global Pharmacy Council

Abstract

The roles of pharmacists are transforming throughout history and modern pharmacist has a crucial role in ensuring the efficacy and safety of applied drugs. It is a wonder that the pharmacy profession is still being viewed through an antiquated lens that is inconsistent with the diversity and extent of pharmacists’ current scope of practice. There is still much debate in the academic as well as the policy literature about the role of pharmacists and their unique contribution to healthcare. However, pharmacists have been variously characterized as makers of medicines, as pill pushers, pill counters, and bottle labelers, as managers, and as entrepreneurs. Given this variety of roles, the ‘professional identity’ of pharmacists could be viewed as problematic or confused. Having a clear professional identity provides a sense of worth, belonging, or purpose for the individual as well as the group and if that identity is unambiguous then the profession also becomes clearer and more focused. Thus, the purpose of this article was to provide an idea of the universal professional identity of pharmacists as healthcare practitioners’ under the Global Pharmacy Council (GPC). This GPC will enhance the impact of the profession of pharmacy on people’s lives in the context of healthcare trends.

Competence in Sports Pharmacy among Pharmacy Students in Norway

“…Pharmacists can play an essential role in promoting the safe and proper use of medications by athletes and can be active players in anti-doping activities [ 20 , 21 ]. The landscape of pharmacists’ roles within the healthcare system has undergone a profound transformation over the last fifty years [ 22 ]. Evolving into integral healthcare professionals, pharmacists now play a central role in delivering patient-centered services, championing public health through professional counseling, active participation in healthcare initiatives, and establishing connections with other healthcare practitioners [ 23 ].…”

Acceptance rate of clinical pharmacists’ recommendations—an ongoing journey for integration

“…Today, the role of clinical pharmacists is still evolving with wide regional variations in pharmacist roles, regulations, and educational qualifications. In countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, the establishment of Pharm D programs and independent prescribing regulations have significantly advanced the role of pharmacists in clinical services ( Abousheishaa et al, 2020 ; Ahmer Raza et al, 2022 ). However, in other countries, the impact of clinical pharmacists on patient care is still evolving and adapting to current gaps in the healthcare system ( Said et al, 2022 ).…”

“…However, in other countries, the impact of clinical pharmacists on patient care is still evolving and adapting to current gaps in the healthcare system ( Said et al, 2022 ). In Europe and the United Kingdom, the scope of clinical pharmacy practice is on pharmacy inspection, medication management, and ensuring quality of care, with generally more limited ability for clinical pharmacists to prescribe compared to the United States ( Abousheishaa et al, 2020 ; Ahmer Raza et al, 2022 ). In other nations like Israel, clinical pharmacists primarily focus on medication counseling, guideline development, and medication-related research ( Rose et al, 2021 ; Schwartzberg and Marom, 2021 ).…”

“…Understanding this complexity, the American Diabetes Association recommends a multi-disciplinary approach composed of a professional expert team, including both clinical pharmacists and clinicians ( Lipsky et al, 2012 ). Some counties, like United States, United Kingdom and Australia, advanced beyond these recommendations which have already significantly impacted clinical pharmacists engagement in clinical services and the extent of their involvement in patient care ( Abousheishaa et al, 2020 ; Ahmer Raza et al, 2022 ). Nevertheless, in other nations, the role of pharmacists and their impact on patient care is still evolving and adapting to current gaps in the healthcare system ( Rose et al, 2021 ; Schwartzberg and Marom, 2021 ).…”

Public's Perception of Pharmacist

“…10 Henceforth, pharmacists are in a strong position to educate patients about their diseases, afford information about the appropriate use of medications and potential side effects, encourage adherence, and identify, resolve, and prevent drug-related problems in collaboration with other healthcare providers. 1 Despite this good position, according to the International Pharmaceutical Federation, pharmacists are underutilized resources. A key element for underutilization could be the existing controversies in the field, which include the introduction of new professional roles in healthcare, 16 and controversy within the profession.…”