A pharmacist is an expert on medications. They work in community pharmacies (such as drug stores where you go to fill prescriptions), as well as health-care settings, including hospitals, clinics and family health teams. They are specially trained to understand:
- how medications work to treat or prevent disease
- potential side effects and how to manage them
- which medications can be taken together safely and which combinations should be avoided
- how to use and store medications safely
An important part of a pharmacist’s job is to share their expert knowledge with the health-care team, patients and families.
How is the hospital pharmacist involved in your child's treatment?
Pharmacists work closely with the rest of your child's health-care team to make sure your child receives the most appropriate medications. Hospital pharmacists take part in patient and family-centered discussions (also known as "rounds") about your child's medication needs and responses.
The pharmacist has a number of specific roles within your child's health-care team.
Confirming medications
The pharmacist:
- makes sure that the health-care team knows what medications your child takes at home so your child can continue taking them while in hospital, if recommended
- confirms that your child is receiving the appropriate type of medication and in the most suitable form (for example tablet or liquid)
- confirms that the medication dose is correct and can recommend dose adjustments based on weight changes, lab testing, or other factors
- checks if your child has any allergies
- makes sure that a medication is not likely to cause problems or interact with other medications that your child is taking
- monitors your child's ongoing response to a medication
- assists your child with accessing their medication in the community by checking coverage with drug insurance plans
Providing information and education
The pharmacist teaches you about your child's medications during your child's hospital stay and/or medications to be taken at home. They will explain:
- why your child's medications were prescribed and how they work
- how to give the medications at home
- what side effects to monitor for and how to manage them
- how to store medications safely
- which foods and activities your child should avoid while taking different medications, if needed
- what to do if you forget to give your child a dose of medication
The pharmacist can also answer any questions from you or a health-care team member about your child's medications.
Helping you give medications at the right time
The pharmacist can prepare a schedule called a "medication calendar" to help you and your child keep track of when to take each medication at home.
What is the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician supports a pharmacist by:
- preparing medications based on the pharmacist's instructions
- delivering these medications to the patient ward
- managing drug inventory
When will you meet the pharmacist?
You may meet the hospital pharmacist during rounds or when the pharmacist comes to speak with you about your child's medications. You may also meet the pharmacist during an outpatient clinic appointment or when picking up your medications at the pharmacy before going home. If you want to speak with a pharmacist at any time, ask a member of your child’s health-care team to arrange a meeting.