Clinical decision-making: An essential skill for 21st century pharmacy practice

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2019 May;15(5):600-606. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.08.001. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Abstract

Clinical decision-making skills are recognized as a central component of professional competency but are under-developed in pharmacy compared to other health professions. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of how pharmacists can best develop and use therapeutic decision-making skills in clinical practice. The aims of this commentary are to define clinical decision-making in pharmacy practice, and to present a model for clinical decision-making that aligns with a philosophical framework for pharmacy practice. The model has utility in education programs for pharmacists and provides a framework for understanding patient-facing clinical services in practice.

Keywords: Clinical-judgement; Clinical-reasoning; Decision-making; Education; Pharmacy practice.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making*
  • Education, Pharmacy
  • Humans
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration*
  • Pharmacy
  • Professional Role*