Clinical training program for distributive pharmacists.

Abstract

A training program to enable staff pharmacists in a state correctional system to shift their practice from distributive to clinical is described. Under a contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the University of Houston College of Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical services to 145,000 patients in 100 correctional facilities. An automated centralized distribution site was built in 1993 and four regional pharmacies were subsequently closed, resulting in the reallocation of eight distributive pharmacists positions to clinical services. Four of the eight pharmacists who would be displaced began a retraining program in preparation for decentralized clinical positions. The 18-month program, developed by university staff on contract to TDCJ and college faculty members, included 34 home-study modules, case studies, case presentations, seminars, and supervised practice experience. Three of the pharmacists completed the program, passed competency tests, and were certified for clinical practice privileges, including drug therapy assessment and written consultations. The three pharmacists now operate ambulatory care clinics at prison units. A clinical skills training program developed by a college of pharmacy correctional services division in cooperation with faculty members enabled staff pharmacists to convert their roles from distributive to clinical.