Clinical Pharmacist

INTRODUCTION

The Clinical Pharmacist is responsible for the provision of specialized clinical and/or MTM services to patients in an ambulatory setting. This position is responsible for the direct clinical supervision of patients, and ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and institutional directives. The Clinical Pharmacist will interact directly with patients, prescribers and care coordinators to develop an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. Additionally, the Clinical Pharmacist will be responsible for the development and implementation of additional Specialty Pharmacy opportunities and will be expected to contribute to the financial viability of the program, department and institution.

Examples of Essential Duties
Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

Interprets and evaluates physician orders and prescriptions for accuracy, completeness and appropriateness.
Recognizes therapeutic problems including drug interactions, contraindications, improper dosing, and precautions of therapy for a highly specialized patient population.
Recognizes actual or potential problems and provides therapeutic recommendations for their resolution.
Monitors medication therapy for response and adverse reactions.
Collaborates with providers to ensure safe and appropriate therapy.
Appropriately reports all adverse drug reactions, drug defects, and medication errors.
Conducts prospective and retrospective drug utilization reviews to ensure optimal therapy.
Counsels and trains patients regarding the appropriate use of their medications (i.e., purpose, actions, dosage, side effects, storage, precautions etc.).
Participates in drug product selection, counsels’ providers regarding the selection of non-formulary drugs while offering therapeutic, cost-effective alternatives.
Is responsible for overseeing the medication prior authorization process in conjunction with the PA support person.
Researches and evaluates professional literature in response to questions and requests and provides drug information to clinic staff.
Assists with devising, developing and operationalizing programs to ensure proper use of medications and continuous quality improvement.
Participates in professional development programs to ensure progressive pharmacy practice and actively demonstrates service excellence.
Review patient records, assessing individual needs, and developing medication plans that align with overall patient care goals.
Monitoring patient responses to medications, adjusting dosages, and identifying potential drug interactions.
Education patients on medications, including proper dosage, administration, and potential side effects.
Working with physician, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care and medication management.
Providing drug information to patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacy staff.
Stay informed about new drug developments.
Maintaining accurate records of patient assessments, medication plans, and treatment outcomes.
Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and guidelines for medication dispensing and administration.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this role is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

Knowledge of pharmaceutical care principles.
Knowledge of disease related modification of drug therapy.
Excellent knowledge of third-party payers and insurance billing guidelines of Specialty Medications.
Skills

Project management skills and experience in contemporary medication use systems.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Systematic problem-solving skills.
Patient interviewing and teaching skills.
Computer skills including use of MS-Word, Excel and Access databases.
AbilitiesAbility to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to successfully complete initial and continued competencies as required for maintenance of standard of practice, legal regulatory compliance and OHSU policies.
Ability to counsel patients, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and documenting patient information.
Ability to evaluate drug information, assess patient needs, and make recommendations for medication therapy.
Ability to understand patient needs and provide compassionate care.
Ability to understand drug mechanisms, interactions, and potential side effects.

Qualifications

Experience

Community pharmacy practice experience and ambulatory or clinic pharmacy practice experience.
Certifications or Licenses

Licensure in the State of Oregon from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy
Preferred Qualifications

Advance Pharmacy Practice Residency.
BCPS, BCACP – OR- 5 years of equivalent experience.
Experience in clinical and/or business program development.
Direct patient care or medication therapy management experience.
State of Oregon Preceptor License.
Other QualificationsMust pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation.

Supplemental Information
Supervisory Responsibilities

Not a supervisory role but provides informal training/orientation to volunteers, or newly assigned personnel.  Works independently within a broad framework, managing a complex area of responsibility. The supervisor provides direction on overall goals, and performance is reviewed periodically based on outcomes and expected results.

Working Conditions
Mental effort High degree of concentration with above normal periods of attention, above normal deadlines, or a high degree of creative thinking.

Physical effort

The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as tables, equipment, and medium-sized parts. The work may require specific but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment
Risks/Discomforts: requires special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; exposure to contagious diseases or irritant chemicals. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.