Contributions to Patient Care

Primary Care Clinical Pharmacists (PCCPs) provide evidence-based comprehensive medication management services to patients with complex health needs to assist in therapeutic decision-making and drug therapy problem-solving. PCCP expertise within the patient’s circle of care helps to optimize drug therapy outcomes for patients. 

Comprehensive medication management services include:

• Reconciliation and review of all prescription, non-prescription, supplement, natural health and traditional medicines.
• Preparation of a current list of medications and details on their use, called a Best Possible Medication History (BPMH).
• Provision of education and information for patients, caregivers and family members.
• Identification, prioritization and resolution of drug therapy problems via detailed care plans, action plans and recommendations.
• Collaboration with patients and health care team members, including physicians, nurse practitioners and other pharmacists.
• Follow-up on patient progress with medications and adjustment of care plans as required to optimize outcomes.

Patient appointments with a PCCP can be one-on-one, or together with other health care team members. Appointments can be in-person at a clinic, by telephone or by video call. Home visits are not part of this program. The first appointment is usually scheduled for 60 minutes and follow-up appointments are for 15-60 minutes, depending on patient needs.

During an appointment with a PCCP, a patient has the chance to talk about each of their medications (prescription, non-prescription, supplement, natural health and traditional medicines) and how they are working. Patients can ask questions and receive answers, as well as tailored information for their health conditions. Each patient has time to ensure their voice and preferences are heard, and that they are included in decisions about their health. The PCCP will also follow-up with a patient over time, as needed, to ensure each patient is achieving optimal results from their medications.

A PCCP may provide additional services to meet the local needs of patients in certain communities, such as group patient appointments, group education sessions and case conferences.