Geriatric Pharmacy Practice

The field of geriatric pharmacy practice centers around relationships between the geriatric pharmacist—also known as a consultant pharmacist—and their patients. These pharmacists are trained to work with a specialized patient population where they are strictly counseling and handling the medications of older patients. Geriatric pharmacy practice deviates from normal pharmacy practice in that many of these geriatric pharmacists are not actually dispensing medications, but working specifically as the role of a consultant for a team of healthcare professionals, helping to care for these older patients. Most geriatric pharmacy practice settings include nursing homes, assisted living programs, hospice, long-term care facilities, and other locations as well. However, geriatric pharmacy practice is becoming more common in retail pharmacies as well, helping to better aid patients long before they reach the previously mentioned typical geriatric care settings. The number one goal of geriatric pharmacy practice is to make sure that the elderly are being well educated on their medications, receiving the best medication management and therapy available to overall better their health, while tailoring services to best fit the needs of the patients. The demand for geriatric pharmacists is one that is currently growing as the “Baby boomer” generation continues to age, and this type of pharmacy practice can require additional training and education to provide the patients with the best care possible. According to the Center for Human Services, Bureau of Health Professions, pharmacists who wish to focus their area of expertise on geriatrics should be well educated in the needs of older adults, be able to understand different aspects of aging and care, and take on new methods of patient centered care specializing in geriatrics and gerontology. The following is a video clip showing the role of a geriatric pharmacist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-7ic197sUc.

“Geriatric Pharmacist.” Institute for Oral Health, 16 Feb. 2012. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/166/Geriatric_Pharmacist>.

Peggy S. Odegard, PharmD, et al. “Geriatric Pharmacy Education: A Strategic Plan for the Future.” PubMed Central: American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 15 June. 2007. Volume 71. 27 Feb 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1913301/>.

Because of the arising geriatric patient population there has recently been a new publication put out for many different healthcare workers to read through to be able to better help their patients.  It's referred to as the "Communicating With Older Adults: An Evidence-Based Review of What Really Works" 

This publication will better help healthcare professionals be able to relate to their clientele and also understand what they're going through. "It covers the full range of communication issues experienced by older adults and health care providers, and gives concrete suggestions for dealing with problems when they arise."  (Harwood).