The Role of Pharmacists in Managing Chronic Diseases: Integrating Medication Therapy Management, Collaborative Care, and Technological Innovations

¹Joseph Obiezu Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu, ²Uhama Kingsley Chukwuka, ³Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima, ³Alum Esther Ugo, ⁴Ugwuanyi Anthony Chukwudi and ⁵Tambwe Patrick Rodrigue

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Kampala International University Western Campus, Uganda.

²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.

³Department of Publication and Extension Kampala International University Uganda.

⁴Department of Microbiology Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Public Health Kampala International University Uganda.

Email: kingsley.uhama@esut.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by leveraging their expertise in medication therapy management (MTM), collaborative care models, and the integration of technological innovations. This paper explores the diverse contexts in which pharmacists operate, including primary care, community pharmacies, hospital settings, and pharmacy-based clinics, emphasizing their potential to act as gatekeepers of safety and efficacy. The challenges pharmacists face, especially in developing countries, include improving patient adherence and persistence with long-term, multi-drug therapies, and addressing clinical inertia. Strategies such as providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care, integrating new models of care, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are discussed. The paper also highlights the impact of technological advancements on pharmacy practice and patient outcomes. Despite perceptions of limited knowledge and communication skills, pharmacists are well-positioned to enhance chronic disease management and improve health outcomes through their accessibility and medication expertise.

Keywords: Chronic Disease Management, Pharmacists, Medication Therapy Management, Collaborative Care and Technological Innovations

CITE AS: Joseph Obiezu Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu, Uhama Kingsley Chukwuka, Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima, Alum Esther Ugo, Ugwuanyi Anthony Chukwudi and Tambwe Patrick Rodrigue (2024). The Role of Pharmacists in Managing Chronic Diseases: Integrating Medication Therapy Management, Collaborative Care, and Technological Innovations. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 3(1):1-5.