The APhA defines “pharmacy advocacy as being actively engaged in a meaningful, specific action to make sure members of the government and those around them are educated about pharmacy issues and our concerns and priorities as pharmacists.” Effective advocacy creates positive change for both professionals and patients, fostering a more robust healthcare system.
The APhA also indicates that pharmacy advocacy benefits pharmacists by fostering professional development through recognition, encouraging measures to create better working conditions, and an expanded role in patient care. For patients, advocacy ensures improved access to healthcare and medications, which enhances the quality of care, medication education, and public health initiatives.
In the ASHP’s Statement on Advocacy as a Professional Obligation, the ASHP indicates that advocacy is a professional obligation and encourages pharmacists to act as advocates for patients and the pharmacy profession. The ASHP defines “advocacy as an activity by an individual or group to plead a case, support a cause, or recommend a course of action related to patient-care, political, economic, social, or institutional issues.” The ASHP also notes, “When attempting to define the advocacy responsibilities for pharmacy, it is instructive to examine the guidance from other healthcare professionals or organizations regarding advocacy.”
The ASHP also indicates that advocacy in the pharmacy profession includes supporting and improving patient care, promoting issues that advance the profession, and engaging in activities such as policy change and public health initiatives to ensure optimal medication-related outcomes. These initiatives include remaining updated on advocacy issues, educating colleagues and patients, and actively participating in community and professional organizations.
The ASHP 2024 Advocacy Agenda Report can be found here.
For additional information and resources on pharmacy advocacy, please visit:
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
• American College of Clinical Pharmacy
• American Pharmacists Association
• National Community Pharmacists Association
By actively participating in these advocacy efforts, pharmacists can promote the profession, improve work environments, and enhance patient care regarding medication delivery and access, thus improving overall clinical outcomes. Advocacy efforts ensure that pharmacists' contributions as essential healthcare providers are continually valued and recognized as integral components of the healthcare team.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
