Speaker: Linda B. Uchal, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP, Clinical Pharmacist - Critical Care at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Abstract: Health-system pharmacists have taken on a more visible team-based role with providers to serve the needs of patients and their families. Being a part of team-based patient care combined with complex drug therapy choices and issues involving medication access and payment make understanding the values of the patient, members of the health care team, and the organization necessary to inform decisions that provide effective and ethical patient care. The ability to process the nuances found in ethical dilemmas can be essential for professional success and resilience, and at times as important as the science and pharmacotherapy. Although universities, organizations, and employers have begun to reflect on the importance of this more human-values side of pharmacy practice, there needs to be an increase in systems and educational opportunities to support clinical ethics decision making for health-system pharmacists.