Rational Drug Use, Formulary Management, Pharmaceutical Care/Medication Therapy Management/Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process

Drugs/medicines are part of most common clinical interventions. The terms drug and medicines are synonymously used in this chapter. Promoting the rational use of drugs is a priority for pharmacists. This is done not only by proper dispensing but pharmacists also participate in prescribing and drug administration processes with other healthcare professionals and consumers. These involvements are at both clinical and administrative levels. Being part of the drug and therapeutics committee, a pharmacist develops, implements, and monitors formulary systems. Drug use evaluation and other practice research methods support such clinical decision-making processes. Standards of practice and education evolve with frameworks such as pharmaceutical care, medication therapy management, Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Educational Outcomes, pharmacists' patient care process, and entrustable professional activities.