You do more than dispense medications in your pharmacy. But a good majority of people in your community may not know that.
The reality is that you see mental health patients much more frequently than your patients see their psychiatrists or doctors. In fact, with your expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and therapeutics, you can:
- Guide your patients on the safe use of psychiatric medications.
- Monitor for potential drug interactions.
- Advise them on side effects.
You play a critical role in the treatment and management of mental health conditions. Your role goes way past traditional dispensing duties. You are an important segue between patients and the healthcare system, thus enhancing the delivery of mental health care and promoting an holistic approach to your patients’ health.
Independent community pharmacists have the potential to contribute a lot to mental health care, such as:
Educating your patients.
You can explain how psychotropic medications work, how your patients can properly take them, and the side effects the medications can cause. It’s important to discuss with your patients the importance of adhering to treatment plans.
Identifying potential signs of mental health concerns.
When you engage actively with your patients, you’ll be able to identify potential mental health concerns. Be proactive in one-on-one conversations with patients during medication consultations or counseling sessions to discuss mental health topics, address any concerns they may have, and provide personalized guidance. By using screening tools and observing their behavior, you can help identify whether they have anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.
Reviewing patients’ medication lists.
While looking over your patient’s list of medications they take, you can identify unnecessary medications or potential drug interactions that may impact their mental health.
Supporting your patients’ adherence.
Provide reminders and come up with strategies to help your patients take their medications as they’re prescribed. By doing so, you’re helping them understand the importance of adherence.
Referring patients who need mental health services.
When a patient needs more specialized care, you can give them a referral to a psychiatrist, therapist, or another provider.
Be sure to offer informative materials like brochures, pamphlets, posters, and flyers in your pharmacy. By doing so, these materials can shine a light on the prevalent mental health conditions, their symptoms, and what resources are out there for support. Make this information easy to access so that your patients can educate themselves without feeling uncomfortable asking for help.
Use social media, websites, and email newsletters to share educational content, resources, and tips on mental health. You’ll reach a wider audience and can promote ongoing awareness. You can also collaborate with local mental health organizations, support groups, or healthcare providers by allowing them to co-host educational initiatives.
It’s important to note that as a pharmacist, it’s crucial to maintain patient privacy during these type of discussions with patients. You also need the right amount of training in mental health before you can effectively identify concerning traits, provide appropriate interventions, and make accurate referrals. And don’t forget to collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as mental health specialists and primary care physicians.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
