JCPP Approves Pharmacists' Patient Care Process

PRESS RELEASE

July 14, 2014, Washington, DC — Members of the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) approved, on May 29, 2014, a new resource document that describes the pharmacists’ patient care process. Development of the document occurred over a two-year period and included an examination of key pharmacy source documents and several organizational comment periods to reach consensus. A working group of representatives from 10 national pharmacy organizations developed the document for consideration and approval by JCPP.

Implementing and promoting a scalable, viable and consistent pharmacists’ patient care process is a major goal in the JCPP strategic plan and is recognized as a key driver in achieving the JCPP vision that “Patients will achieve optimal health and medication outcomes when pharmacists are included as essential and accountable members of patient-centered healthcare teams.” The document promotes the need for a consistent process of care in the delivery of a wide array of pharmacists’ patient care services in any practice setting.

Collaboration, communication and documentation are key components that are foundational to the pharmacists’ patient-centered care process. The care process is delivered using a 5-step approach that is described in the document. The document also advocates for interoperable information technology systems to facilitate efficient and effective communication among all individuals involved in patient care. JCPP will implement a communications plan to facilitate uptake of the patient care process. The document can be accessed at: http://www.pharmacist.com/mtm_library.