The Pharmacist and Pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Clinical pharmacy services aim to optimise health outcomes and improve patient safety throughout all steps of the medicines management pathway, by ensuring the quality use of medicines and minimising medication-related problems. The role of the pharmacist includes gathering and documenting medication histories, performing medication reconciliation and undertaking clinical medication reviews. These services support collaborative approaches between patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team to develop patient-centred medication management plans. The practice of pharmacotherapy at the Walker Unit shares features in common with prescribing in acute child and adolescent mental health inpatient units, but there are some differences. This chapter will in particular seek to highlight the characteristics of pharmacotherapy that are distinct to longer stay intensive psychiatric care.