Clinical Pharmacist: Understanding Their Key Role

Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in a healthcare team. These professionals provide direct patient care using medicines and consultancy to improve health and wellness. 

A clinical pharmacist in healthcare practices can improve screenings, diagnose, and manage long-term patient conditions. 

Clinical pharmacists are specialists with a deep knowledge of different medicines, and they make a huge impact on the lives of their patients through their expertise. 

Below, we discuss the role of a clinical pharmacist and its responsibilities in more detail. Also, we've made a guide on how to progress your career as a clinical pharmacist.

The clinical pharmacist’s role

A clinical pharmacist often works in a multi-disciplinary team within a pharmaceutical practice. They collaborate with other care professionals, such as physicians and nurses. 

Clinical pharmacists are responsible for assessing patients' health problems, suggesting solutions, and prescribing medicines to help them. 

The role of a clinical pharmacist involves a high level of decision-making because they’re responsible for developing medication therapy, choosing medication and instructing patients on what they can do to improve their health. 

Furthermore, clinical pharmacists also have to ensure patients receive the correct medication dosage and analyse all aspects of treatment plans. A clinical pharmacist’s role is demanding and requires an investigative approach.

How do you become a clinical pharmacist?

To become a clinical pharmacist, professionals must have acquired a Pharmacy degree, which usually takes three to four years to complete, including practice-based teaching. 

Clinical pharmacists need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong attention to detail. Professionals must continue training and developing to stay updated with the latest medicines, data and research. 

Clinical pharmacists also have the opportunity to work in different environments, including hospitals, surgeries and community pharmacies. This means clinical pharmacy offers a diverse and interesting career path.

What’s the future of clinical pharmacy & patient care?

Pharmacy is an ever-evolving landscape, with many medicines becoming more personalised and tailored to patients in the home. 

This means there’s likely to be an increased demand for clinical pharmacists. Keep in mind that there is a difference between a pharmacist and a clinical pharmacist. According to research, the number of students accepting undergraduate courses at pharmacy schools has doubled in 2021 compared to the previous year. 

It also marks the third year admissions have increased by 10%. These figures were published in UCAS reports, showing a strong interest in pharmaceutical careers.

Furthermore, technology will no doubt play a huge role in pharmacy in the future and in the clinical pharmacist’s role. As a result of technology, healthcare has become much more focused on digital experiences. 

One of the most significant developments that suggest a tech-led future is the UK’s launch of its first-ever pharmacy-first digital service. The aim is to provide patients with direct access to pharmaceutical care. 

The future looks bright for the industry, and clinical pharmacists will continue to play a key role in improving the health and care of patients.

Are you looking for a new job in clinical pharmacy?

At IQVIA, we use science and data to help healthcare businesses achieve better solutions for their clients. We’re a diverse community of different individuals, and we’re committed to safety, ethics and patients. 

We offer a strong recruitment process to help us find the best talent, and our consultants will help you at each stage of your application. 

Our team of consultants deeply understands clinical pharmacy and can assist you with your search for a new role. So, if you’re interested in a career as a clinical pharmacist, browse our clinical pharmacist jobs today to find the perfect role for you.