The pharmacist, the medical laboratory and rural populations: thoughts on traditional family medicine

In rural areas, the pharmacist is seen as a knowledgeable scientist capable of practicing in many different areas, including drug dispensing and laboratory biological medicine. Based on our experience, we discuss the evolution of this dual role.     

The role of the pharmacist in family planning. A Pennsylvania survey

1490 pharmacists, members of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association were surveyed by mail in October 1970 to compare attitides with a similar survey in Washington State reported May 1970. Questions were asked of personal background, population size served and location of pharmacy in the community, whether contraceptives were sold and if so were they displayed, frequency customers requested advice on contraception, pharmacist's attitude toward sale to unmarried or married minors, and opinion on control of sale and distribution. 52% responded. The majority were male (93%), married (91%), Caucasian (99%), aged 20-59 years--statistics which corresponded with the Washington survey. Attitudes were similar with regard to kinds of contraceptives displayed, and sales to unmarried minors (1/4 responding negatively with age and religion significant). Pharmacists were rarely asked for contraceptive advice. 2/3 thought there should be some control over distribution of contraceptives. Since their reasons for this stand were unknown, it was suggested that there be further study of why this response was made. This study differed from the Washington study in that it showed no correlation between size of community, location of pharmacy, ages and sex of children, or sex and race of pharmacist with sale of contraceptives to unmarried minors or in display of contraceptives. In response to an additional question not on the original survey, 89% had never been approached by an authorative organization concerning the selling or display of contraceptives.     

The pharmacist as a trauma team member.

Mission Community Hospital in a 220-bed medical center. The pharmacy department is involved with services for the trauma center, neonatal ICU, oncology, nursery, critical care, pediatric, and medical/surgical patients. The role of the pharmacist in both the acute phase and the follow-up care of the trauma patient is described. The purpose of this article is to show contributions pharmacists can make in the care of trauma patients. Areas such as drug distribution, patient monitoring, and cost containment will be discussed.     

Implementation of standardized forms to increase pharmacist/physician communication.

This article reports on the development and use of carbonized, standard communication forms by pharmacists in a 150-bed osteopathic teaching institution. The use of these communication forms has resulted in increased physician awareness of the clinical services offered by pharmacy and standardized responses to recurring drug therapy recommendations. Communication between physicians and pharmacists has been expanded, and a cost savings in drug therapy has resulted.