APhA encourages more patient-pharmacist communication

WASHINGTON The American Pharmacists Association is urging customers to get to know their pharmacists for American Pharmacists Month, APhA said Wednesday.

“Pharmacists are on the frontlines of helping patients get the most out of their medications,” APhA chief executive officer and executive vice president John Gans said.

“As our population ages, and more people become dependent on medications than ever before, pharmacists will play an increasingly prevalent role on the healthcare team and in improving medication use and advancing patient care.”

An APhA survey has shown that almost 70 percent of consumers don’t know their pharmacists’ names, so during its campaign, the organization plans to “underscore the link between knowing your pharmacist and the safe and effective use of medications” and inform consumers of some of the patient-care services that pharmacists offer.