Principles of Patient Assessment
摘要
Patient assessment is an integral component of pharmacists’ day-to-day practice in community pharmacies, hospitals, and specialized practices. This wide range of practice settings gives pharmacists the opportunity to be involved in patient care for a variety of patients, from those who are acutely ill to those in long-term care. There are different types of patient assessments due to the wide range of symptoms, diseases, and medications that can be encountered by the pharmacist. A symptom assessment could be conducted when a patient presents to the pharmacy requesting a recommendation for a minor ailment, such as a cough. Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, could require a chronic disease assessment at both their initial diagnosis and at regular follow-up visits. In addition, patient assessment involves an approach in assessing adverse reactions, allergies, and drug–drug interactions. Patient assessments are part of the patient care that pharmacists provide and play a significant role in the provision of clinical services. Pharmacists’ involvement in patient care can make a significant difference to clinical outcomes and patient care and can decrease medication-related adverse events.