WHAT IS THE ASHP SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
The Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners provides a distinct membership home within ASHP for pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy technicians who practice in community/ ambulatory pharmacy-based settings and who are involved in direct patient care, leadership and management, and implementation of advanced practice models and education. The section also supports practices that offer ASHP-Accredited Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Programs and those who may wish to start a program. Additionally, it provides a home for student pharmacists exploring careers as patient care providers in community pharmacy settings.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
- To advise on member benefits and services related to community-based practice, community/ambulatory pharmacy business practices, care continuity, and the needs of the pharmacy workforce;
- To recommend professional and interprofessional healthcare resources and policies related to community-based practice, in order to best promote safe, optimal, and effective patient care;
- To inform ASHP of issues and best practices relevant to community-based practitioners;
- To support and contribute to key clinical, business, and professional advancement initiatives such as ASHP’s PAI 2030;
- To discuss opportunities for community-practice innovations with respect to care delivery, operations, and integration;
- To develop engagement and leadership within ASHP.
WHY WAS THIS NEW SECTION CREATED NOW?
More than 70% of health systems over 300 beds surveyed in 2017 operated an outpatient dispensing pharmacy. The ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings indicates a shift from acute care to comprehensive care. In 2019, nearly half of all health systems surveyed reported a business relationship with community pharmacies. The shift in care is also reflected in the workforce. Health systems employ a large number of outpatient or community pharmacists that are differentiated from pharmacists working in clinics. Integration of community pharmacy practice is a natural progression of implementing patient-centered care across the entire medication-use continuum. The new section allows for additional focus and new perspectives to be placed on outpatient, ambulatory pharmacy, and retail components, and is in full alignment with the mission and vision of ASHP, similar to the focus of existing ASHP Sections and Forums.
HOW DOES THIS SECTION DIFFER FROM THE ASHP SECTION OF AMBULATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS?
Although the clinical care provided by community-based pharmacists is often supported and in alignment with the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners, the new section will address unique needs related to innovative practice delivery models in community-based care, opportunities for administrative and leadership support for community practice settings, and regulatory and operational challenges and opportunities for community pharmacies. ASHP’s Sections and Forums often collaborate on initiatives that affect multiple interests and practice settings. Similarly, ASHP anticipates the new section will augment existing initiatives and create new opportunities for all membership segments.
HOW DOES THIS SECTION COMPLEMENT ASHP’S MISSION AND VISION?
ASHP’s commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy practice and recognition of pharmacists as essential members of the interprofessional care team spans across the care continuum. ASHP’s mission and vision remains steadfast to support patient care and promote optimal health outcomes. As health-system practitioners and leaders encourage and promote practice innovation and integration, community-based care is expanding. The new Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners enhances ASHP’s efforts to support leaders and practitioners who are involved in every aspect and setting of care.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL I RECEIVE WHEN I JOIN THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
- Continuing professional development resources and CE relevant to community-based pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy technicians;
- Timely and relevant news and information about community-based practice trends and practice advancement initiatives;
- Virtual and in-person networking opportunities;
- Online education and resources specific to community-based practice;
- AJHP and other publication content relevant to community-based practitioners;
- National meeting offerings, including the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting - the largest gathering of pharmacy professionals in the world;
- Other benefits and services as recommended and developed by section members.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
- Five (5) volunteer members will be appointed to serve on the inaugural Executive Committee;
- Selection and appointment will ensure a diverse pool of knowledge and practice expertise;
- The section will have an appointed Board Liaison and Staff Liaison;
- Regular meetings of the section’s leadership will be held as with other ASHP Sections.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS OR NOMINATE SOMEONE TO SERVE?
ASHP’s online call out for nominations and recommendations is the best way to apply or nominate individuals.
HOW CAN I ENROLL IN THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
To register for the ASHP Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners visit the Member Sections page in your ASHP account. This page will reflect your current section selections.
Once there, select "Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners" as your primary section or add it as one of your secondary sections of interest and click "Save."
WHAT ARE THE DUES FOR THE SECTION?
ASHP members may join as many sections as desired at no added membership fee. The launch of the new section is an added value for all ASHP members for free.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SECTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS?
Individuals may contact the Office of Member Relations at [email protected] for further information about the section.
Thank you for your interest in the ASHP Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners.