Yesterday marked the last day of my first APPE rotation during which I had the opportunity to learn more about ambulatory care practice at a rural community hospital. This regional medical center offers progressive pharmacy services to several financially disabled patients. Working with clinical pharmacists to provide care for this patient population was rewarding. I enjoyed transitioning from the classroom to clinical rotations.
It was fulfilling to finally be able to apply my knowledge and provide direct patient care. I was pleased to realize how big of an impact I could have in some of our patients’ lives. I had the opportunity to provide medication therapy management, anticoagulation care, and warfarin counseling. I was also able administer vaccines, counsel patients on their new/chronic medications, deliver discharge medications at bedside, and participate in the hospital’s care transition program to help optimize post-discharge care.
Some of my encounters were big eye-openers. For example, one of our patients was discharged on eleven new medications including levalbuterol inhalation solution and insulin. After speaking to him, I realized that the patient did not own a nebulizer and had never used an insulin pen before. He wasn’t aware of what medications he had been prescribed and had several questions about his home medications. This patient interaction made me realize how big of an impact pharmacists can have in patient care. It also made me appreciate how important interprofessional communication is and how crucial our role is in improving transitions of care.
My ambulatory care rotation was very enriching. I learned a lot from transitioning to clinical rotations. Adopting active learning strategies, seeking additional opportunities to help, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and assuming more responsibilities in the care of patients were key in making my experience even more fulfilling.