Public lecture by Prof. Joseph T. DiPiro was invited to give his presentation on “Building Consistent Models of Clinical Pharmacy”, conducted by collaboration of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD), Universitas Muhammadyah Yogyakarta (UMY) and Universitas Airlangga (Unair). This lecture is held in Asri Medical Centre Hall UMY Wirobrajan Yogyakarta on Saturday, July 29, 2017.
Prof. Joseph DiPiro is one of the famous textbook author on clinical pharmacy. His book titled “Pharmacotherapy : a Pathophysiologic Approach” is main reference read by a lot of pharmacy students from undergraduate to postgraduate who are fascinated to extend more knowledges in drugs therapy. The topic talked was highly relevant with the recent issues related to clinical pharmacy practice, especially in Indonesia. Such field is still new and the system is on progress to be concepted and clearly constructed.
What issues Prof. Joseph DiPiro given, could be regarded as complement of what delivered by Prof. Charles Lacy. After gaining communication skills and knowledges improvement, pharmacists should interact with patients and health care team in attain succesfull medication. It is very important since the prevalence of chronic diseases are climbing up in this decade. Besides, there are many problems still unsolved such as medication error, drug abuse and misuse, adulteration and high expense of drug products. Pharmacists are responsible to struggle providing solution and solving such problems. However, tidy up those needs a solid work team instead of individually. For that, Prof. Joseph DiPiro noticed that we need clear system and consistent models in implement pharmaceutical care.
In whole of his lecture, Prof. DiPiro persuade all pharmacist to be consistent in what they actually do. In addition, he also said that pharmacy practicioners should achieve the recognisition not only from other health profession but also government and industry of pharmacy. “You should be approved as health provider and get involved in health services. In US, pharmacists are permitted to give immunization by giving the vaccines, smoking cessation and dietary services”, he emphasized. Furthemore, he impressed that pharmacists have competencies on speciality fields like oncology, pediatrics and mental health medication. All of these are possible to deeply introduce pharmacist existence in the community. He gave the example of California Provider Status Law (2014) which allows pharmacist to assess, order and interpret clinical data, to adjust prescripton, discontinue medication. Those are, however, as the results of hardwork, high dedication and desire to be recognized and respected.
On the following session, Prof. Jospeh DiPiro gave introduction and dissemination on the concept of PPMI (Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative) and EPAs (Entrustable Professonal Activities) which have become a far-reaching national movement that has sparked exciting patient care improvements in health systems, hospitals, and ambulatory care settings in US. There are 5 focus areas in PPMI includes create a framework, determine services, identify emerging technologies, develop the models and implement the change. According to DiPiro, 3 aspects which enables effective pharmacy practice i.e. documentation, collaboration and communication should be developed in Pharmacy School. Closing his lecture, DiPiro declared, “Clinical pharmacists need to develop clinical practice models so that the patient and other health care providers know what to expect from pharmacists.” (Fajar Aji/Farmasi UGM)