The very first one

Caring for the health of others is a complex challenge. A claim that it is the most complex of challenges is no exaggeration. I used to think, and I am sure this belief is shared by many others, that medicine is so easy. The doctor just has to detect the symptoms, make a diagnosis and then prescribe the medicine. I was totally wrong. Working at the bedside along with other healthcare professionals made me see the naked truth. Diagnosis is many times differential, management is always sophisticated, response to therapy is hugely variable and medications are often associated with adverse effects. It is a burden so heavy that it shouldn’t be on the shoulder of one person no matter how mighty he/she is.

The concept of gathering the expertise of all healthcare professionals into patient care could reduce the burden. A collaborative team with all the members devoted to patient care would definitely lead to better outcomes; I know it did from a pharmaceutical point of view at least.

It’s been almost five years since I started working with the ICU team. The complexity of the environment, the intense rhythm of workload and the profound negativity surrounding the interaction between pharmacists and physicians were obstacles not many people could overcome.

Pioneering something new is indeed difficult but it is also rewarding. The feeling when providing a successful recommendation is just indescribable. Clinical pharmacy has a long way to go to establish itself into secondary care as there are still hurdles; but we sure took the most important step; the very first one.