Today’s demographics are not only diverse in terms of their medical needs, but there are also more enlightened. The above has been greatly contributed by telehealth as well as health consciousness among the masses. With this, the healthcare sector, especially the pharmacy, face challenges that are either directly or indirectly related to the above. Two of the most profound problems with pharmacy practice today could be taken to be non-uniformity in practice as well as medication non- adherence.
With a surge in the number of individuals practicing pharmacy related undertakings, the challenge of uniformity in terms of the quality of services they offer has been perceived to a large extent. Although the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board has continued to put in place regulations that ensure those in this branch of medicine possess standard qualifications and hence offer standard services to their customers, it has been a challenge due to the increase in the number of providers in this sector. Competency is closely related to the standard of services offered by the different individuals in this sector. Although a considerable amount of those in the field is certified to be pharmacists, a large number of them, after acquiring the license to practice, in turn, employ other specialists whose skills might not have been approved. This way, a huge number of individuals might be working and prescribing over the counter drugs as well as running personal clinics but in essence, are not qualified. The above possess a risk to patients, especially those who are ignorant about the conditions they suffer from. In addition, due to the failing public health system in many countries, a considerable number of individuals have turned to pharmacies for medication, and hence, are likely to be affected due to the fact that they cannot obtain uniform and standard services across the board.
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Medication non-adherence is another major challenge today. According to Association of Chain Drug Stores, only 20%-30% of drugs consumed annually are taken as required. The above has resulted in a high mortality rate as well as an increased cost of medication. Given the fact that most pharmacist offer over the counter drugs and a considerable number of them do not offer to follow up sessions to their customers, the likelihood of those treated in this institutions not to adhere to the prescription given is high. Besides, as a result of non-uniform practice, individuals in this sector, those who offer substandard services could contribute to adherence issues by either giving wrong prescriptions or being unable to deal with cases that arise due to non-adherence of standard medication. Also, with other problems such as the increase in medication cost arising, patients perpetuate non-adherence by not taking the prescribed drugs but rather, searching for alternatives that might not be as effective as the ones they are prescribed for. In the pharmacy sector, therefore, eliminating this challenge continues to be a big challenge in that it is not only the pharmacist that directly or indirectly contribute to it but the patients also, play a major role in this.
To handle the above, more policies should be formulated to ensure pharmacists are on the frontline in offering standard medication. Besides, with such policies, they should be required to advise individuals on the need to adhere to prescriptions. For any mistake that might arise, they should be held responsible. Thorough scrutinization of those who offer services should be done so as to ensure that those who are certified are the ones who practice.
In conclusion, medication non-, as well as non-uniformity, remain to be significant challenges facing pharmacy practice today. Although different regulations have been put in place by the concerned institutions to reduce the above, it has been difficult due to the increase in pharmaceutical practice as well as the general non-adherence to practice by both the patients as well as the healthcare providers in this sector.
