The role of the Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator

Every hospital, clinic, and pharmacy has an intricate system of managing patient care, and every detail matters. Patients may just see a pharmacist counting pills, but what happens behind the scenes is like opening a gearbox to view several components all running together for a larger purpose. Everything needs to be properly in place in order to continue functioning.

The “larger purpose” in the pharmaceutical industry is to offer optimal care and to put the needs of the patient above all else. In order to do so, the entire team needs to be well-trained, well-organized, and meticulous in their work. A hierarchy needs to be maintained and differing roles assigned, and near the top of that hierarchy is the pharmacy clinical coordinator.

What is a Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator?

The clinical coordinator pharmacist keeps everything running smoothly. The essential duties vary depending on the needs of the particular pharmacy, but the main responsibility across the board is to coordinate. This may include setting the schedule, conducting meetings, communicating throughout the pharmacy and all departments, and managing patient care.

The clinical coordinator also works diligently to detect and prevent medication errors and to reduce pharmaceutical risks. They educate their staff and patients on medications and procedures, and they retrieve drug information upon request. The clinical coordinator can be seen as the supervisor of all day-to-day activities in the pharmacy, and that is why they must have excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. He or she is required to lead the team and communicate across all departments, and to develop and implement a schedule of procedures that best suits the pharmacy.

Education Requirements

Because the pharmacy clinical coordinator deals directly with the medication therapy of patients, a PharmD is required. It is also recommended to complete at least one residency, and to maintain a solid knowledge of global drug initiatives and advancements through continuing education courses, national organizations, and individual research. Since the job itself is a leadership role, many positions require a number of years experience in addition to the educational requirements.

What’s in Store?

Patient safety and optimal care are at the forefront of the healthcare industry. Each hospital and clinic has been working to provide the best for their patients and to offer unbeatable services that are free from errors. Clinics are beginning to staff each and every department with a whole, functioning team of specialized workers, and the pharmacy is no exception.

As the demand for more specialization and error-free care rises, the need for more pharmacists will continue to climb as well. The gears will continue to turn, and the clinical coordinator is a small (but important) part of a large entity. If you have a keen eye for management and organization and you want to take your pharmacy skills to the next level, call the recruiting specialists at 561-434-4311tDMR - Recruiting Specialists