The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist is responsible for both direct and indirect patient care, drug therapy monitoring, formulary management, staff education, some prescription inputting, patient counseling, cost containment and acts as Pharmacy's liaison with physicians and other health practitioners. Clinical Functions The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist interfaces with physicians and other members of the health care team in the design of treatment regimens; Serves as an authoritative information source on drugs and their utilization in therapy; Evaluates the drug literature by analysis of experimental design and evaluation in order to compare and contrast therapeutic regimes and roles for new drugs at the request of the Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee, the Chief of the Service, or the Clinical Coordinator; Attend interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings to represent Pharmacy Service. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will contribute by recommending dosage regimens following current pharmacokinetic principles based on patient-specific parameters and established clinical guidelines in accordance with evidence-based practices. Document through chart review notes on the specific patient reviewed. Develops a therapeutic regimen or plan based on patient-specific information; establish the appropriate therapeutic endpoint, assist in the selection of appropriate drug and related therapy, and offer recommendations to the provider to establish an appropriate dosage regimen. Collect and interpret data to design, recommend, implement, monitor, and modify patient-specific pharmacotherapy in collaboration with patients and other health care professionals to optimize drug therapy. Orders appropriate laboratory tests for monitoring drug therapy in consultation with the primary physician(s). Educational Functions In conjunction with other Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, provides in service education programs directed to the development of the Pharmacy staff and education of other health care disciplines; Develops the environment and motivation for the participation of Pharmacy; personnel in providing drug information to the medical center staff as deemed appropriate. Educates patients, family members, or caregivers on the proper use and storage of medications through interactions and the use of medication profiles. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining his/her professional competency by keeping up with information on new drugs, new drug therapies, innovations in Pharmacy practice, and integrating this information in his/her daily practices. Program Management Functions The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist assists in conducting and reporting internal audits as required. Maintains all pertinent professional and administrative records as necessary. He/She assists in data collection for drug utilization evaluations and adverse drug events. Acts as liaison between Pharmacy Service and other health care providers. Prepares or aids in preparing investigational Drug Information Record Form (VA Form 10-9012) for investigational drugs. Outpatient Scheduling Incumbent schedules outpatient clinic appointment using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) scheduling options. Uses established business rules to schedule appointments for veterans. This included clinic visits, consultations and entries into the Electronic Wait List (EWL). Research Functions Actively collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals in the design and implementation of drug research protocols, collection of data and in the analysis and interpretation of results. Actively collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals in the design and implementation of drug research protocols, collection of data and in the analysis and interpretation of results. When appropriate, participates in the preparation of articles for publication of results of such research activity. Designs or participates in clinical pharmacy research activities and projects which may ultimately serve to upgrade the quality of patient care provided at the medical center. Distribution Responsible for screening and entering new prescriptions initiated by primary care providers when staff pharmacists require assistance. Dispensing Evaluates physician's orders as to appropriateness based on patient medication profiles, inputs information into computer system if assigned, dispenses medication in accordance with dosage form requirements. Provides quality control analysis for dispensing activities of automated dispensing equipment of Pharmacy technicians. Follows all aseptic techniques when admixing sterile solutions and chemotherapy. Receives and accurately interprets all written orders received from physicians, dentists and other health care professionals utilizing professional knowledge of drugs and VA policy and procedures contacting the practitioner when an order is unclear or questionable. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
