Our Mission
The
mission of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is
to empower pharmacists to enhance quality of care for all
older
persons through the appropriate use of medication and the promotion of
healthy aging. In doing so, our vision is to provide optimal
medication management and improved health outcomes for all older
persons.
The
ASCP student chapter of the University of Florida also aims to promote
the profession to future pharmacists by advocating the positive effect
consultants can make in the care of the geriatric population.
What is Consultant Pharmacy?
A simple answer is that a consultant pharmacist is a
pharmacist who is
paid to provide expert advice on the use of medications by individuals
or within institutions, or on the provision of pharmacy services to
institutions.
The phrase "consultant pharmacist," coined by George F.
Archambault who is referred to as the “founding father” of consultant
pharmacy, originated in the nursing home environment when a group of
innovative pharmacists focused on improving the use of medications in
these facilities. However, consultant and senior care pharmacists are
found today in a wide variety of other settings, including subacute
care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice
programs, and in home and community-based care -- wherever seniors
reside.