APhA urges closer links between pharmacist, patient

WASHINGTON —The nation’s oldest national pharmacy organization has launched a campaign to encourage Americans to consult with their pharmacists and learn more about the medications they take.

The American Pharmacists Association is urging consumers to get to know their pharmacist as part of its Know Your Medicine—Know Your Pharmacist campaign. The effort, which is tied to American Pharmacists Month in October, includes appearances by APhA representatives on ABC TV’s “Good Morning America” and other programs, online information and other forms of outreach to consumers and pharmacists.

Driving the effort are the findings of a recent APhA poll that showed nearly 70 percent of consumers do not know their pharmacist’s name.

“As our population ages, and more people become dependent on medications than ever, pharmacists will play an increasingly prevalent role on the healthcare team and in improving medication use and advancing patient care,” APhA vice president and chief executive officer John Gans said.

During its campaign, APhA will underscore the link between knowing the pharmacist and the safe and effective use of medications, as well as the various patient care services available from pharmacists. Patients can find information at www.pharmacist.com, including answers to questions about missing doses, drug interactions and other issues.

“The more information patients have, the better able they are to prevent errors and take care of themselves,” said Karen Reed, a Kmart pharmacist and the campaign’s national spokeswoman. “APhA strongly suggests that consumers choose a pharmacist and establish a relationship with that pharmacist to maximize the benefits of medication therapy.”