Abstract

In order to ensure safe and optimized patient medication management, transitions of care must be a vital component of the healthcare process. However, medication safety extends beyond just times of transition, but similarly relies on effective and accurate communication regarding accurate medication lists. Many health systems do not communicate effectively, missing changes to medication lists that do not require a new prescription sent to the community pharmacist. Universally, successful care plan development and communication for a patient is creation of an effective interdisciplinary healthcare team. However, there is one interdisciplinary relationship that many times is not fostered, communication to the community pharmacists. The focus of this commentary is to address a gap in the literature and develop a more functional relationship between ambulatory care and community pharmacists.

Keywords:Communication; Community pharmacy; Ambulatory care; Patient safety

Abbreviations: MD: Doctor of Medicine; DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; NSAID: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug; ACEi: Angiotenisin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor