American Pharmacists Month: Innovation Challenges Traditional Models, Favors Clinical Services

As traditional dispensing models give way to more comprehensive health care services, pharmacists are emerging as key players in a transformative health care landscape, according to Natalie DePietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University.

Modern pharmacists are increasingly positioned as accessible health care providers, particularly in underserved communities where primary care access remains limited. With health care professional shortage areas expanding across the United States, pharmacists are stepping into crucial roles that bridge critical gaps in medical service delivery.

Emerging trends point to a more holistic approach to pharmacy practice. Value-based payment arrangements are reshaping how pharmacists are compensated, moving away from traditional fee-for-service models toward outcomes-driven reimbursement. This shift incentivizes pharmacists to provide more comprehensive patient care, focusing on quality and measurable health improvements. Design is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Contemporary pharmacy spaces are being reimagined with flexibility and privacy in mind, incorporating consultation rooms, telehealth capabilities, and adaptable spaces that support diverse clinical services.

The potential for pharmacists to expand their clinical roles is significant. DePietro Mager said that pharmacist involvement can reduce hospital admissions, minimize unnecessary medication use, and improve overall patient outcomes. Moreover, patients increasingly view pharmacists as trusted health care partners, comfortable receiving broader preventative care and health guidance. As health care continues to evolve, pharmacists are poised to become more integral to patient care networks, leveraging their deep medication expertise while expanding their clinical and communicative capabilities.

"Sometimes in pharmacy, we may think, 'Well, we need to stay in our lane,'" she said. "There's a lot out there that indicates we could be talking to patients about broader topics, maybe more comprehensively, and really taking a bigger role in preventative care for our patients."

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month Resource Center

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