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Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL
Published Online, July 17, 2007. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1K223
Format: This book is divided into 2 main sections and has 10 chapters. Each chapter ends with self-assessment questions and references. The book closes with 2 appendices, the answers to self-assessment questions, and an index.
Audience: The authors acknowledge that "...many of the changes in this edition are made with the student in mind." Although written primarily for students, this guide could be useful to pharmacy residents and new or seasoned practitioners who wish to refine their practice skills.
Purpose: As the title imples, this clinical skills "primer" is intended to introduce readers to a variety of topics without going into great depth about each one.
Content: The first section (Chapters 1-6) is an overview of skills necessary to provide effective pharmaceutical care. The first chapter defines pharmaceutical care and uses key literature to demonstrate its importance. Subsequent chapters describe the steps integral to providing pharmaceutical care. These chapters discuss the identification of drug therapy problems (Chapter 2), collection of patient data (Chapter 3), evaluation of patient data (Chapter 4), development of patient care plans (Chapter 5), and documentation of pharmaceutical care activities (Chapter 6). The second part (Chapters 7-10) provides patient cases to illustrate pharmaceutical care skills in the following clinical settings: community pharmacy (Chapter 7), hospital pharmacy (Chapter 8), long-term care settings (Chapter 9), and ambulatory care settings (Chapter 10). The appendices are reprints of statements by professional pharmacy organizations about pharmaceutical care.
Usability: Chapters are easily maneuverable. Each begins by listing concepts that will be discussed, and key excerpts from the text can be found in the side margins. Chapters vary drastically in the number of references included, from no references in some chapters to 78 in the first chapter. At $39.95, the guide appears to be appropriately priced.
Highlights: The authors simplify pharmaceutical care into a systematic process, which will be especially appreciated by pharmacy students. The tables and figures are particularly helpful in illustrating main points. Also, the authors provide insightful recommendations on communicating with physicians by using examples to demonstrate how pharmacists can sometimes be perceived.
Limitations: At times, the text overcomplicates some relatively basic concepts. In addition, answers to self-assessment questions are not always supported by references. If we are to encourage our students to practice evidence-based medicine, it is important to model such behavior.
Comparison with Previous Editions: The 3rd edition has been expanded to include cases from different practice settings. Previous editions had focused primarily on community practice.
Comparison with Other Related Books: There are other texts available with similar information. However, because of its straightforward approach and self-assessment questions, this book may be more appealing to students.
Summary: This book provides an overview of the steps needed to provide pharmaceutical care in a variety of settings. Faculty members may consider requiring or recommending this book for introductory practice experiences or other introductory courses.
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