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This writing assignment was completed in English 212: Technical Communication. Its purpose was to utilize primary and secondary research in order to gain a deeper understanding of the writing practices used in a career I am interested in.
Pharmaceutical Documentation
Writing is a crucial component in every profession. While each occupation uses its own form, an endless number of writing types exist. For pharmacists, documentation is done on a daily basis and is the most crucial form of writing in their field. With each change in medication and patient consultation, documentation must occur. According to the Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, pharmacists assume the responsibility to advise physicians on the most appropriate medication for their patients (Morkes). If a conversation with a physician about a patient’s medication is not documented, it is considered to have never happened. In order to learn the regulations of documentation, many years of college with pre-pharmacy courses are required.
Pharmaceutical classes in college require students to have an in-depth knowledge of every prescription drug. Students also learn how to professionally deal with physicians and know the appropriate medications to dispense for each patient. However, not all pharmacy courses are based on chemical equations and medications. “Advanced writing classes are crucial,” says community pharmacist Jeffrey VanWormer, “they focus on how to write scientific papers in the correct format and language so that people in the field of science can understand.” In these types of classes pre-pharmacy students also learn how to critically analyze their audiences. Pharmacists must always be aware whether or not their audience is able to comprehend pharmaceutical language. This is especially important when writing prescription directions or giving a patient consultation. A National Adult Literacy Survey completed in 1992 proved that 46% of adults have a difficult time understanding sentences that contain both words and numbers (Croasdale). This appalling statistic simply means that physicians and pharmacists must be able to use clear, simple language without including medical jargon.
After attaining a degree from college, acquiring a license to practice pharmacy, and passing an examination, one must decide what type of pharmacy practice is most appealing. Some pharmacists are hired by pharmaceutical manufacturers to strictly do research. Their documentation involves writing reports and filling out data sheets. Although VanWormer is a community pharmacist, he also has chances to do research for groups like Hospice of Helping Hands. VanWormer has studied the use of anti-depressants in terminally ill patients and also prepared a presentation about the general use of herbal medications. Secondary research takes place for the types of presentations VanWormer gives and he states, “All sources must be documented in the form of a written bibliography and handed out to the audience.” Other research pharmacists strive to improve or find new uses for old drugs or develop new ones. This type of pharmacist may write literature about new products for professional journals and also write detailed information about medications for package inserts.
Pharmacists who run their own pharmacies must maintain other forms of documentation. They are required to have an adequate inventory of all medication in the store and keep records of the quantities that are dispensed on a daily basis. Working alongside the pharmacy owners is the type of pharmacist that the public has access to. Community pharmacists advise health care physicians and practitioners about dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Most of their writing is completed on the computer or through faxes. Written documentation of communication with physicians must also take place. For instance, documentation must occur if a pharmacist has a conversation with a physician about a new medication he/she has prescribed that has negative drug interactions with another one of the patient’s medication. If the pharmacist does not think the medication is appropriate but the physician is adamant on prescribing the medication, the pharmacist must record the physician’s decision for liability purposes.
Community pharmacists must also have sufficient people skills and knowledge to counsel patients about the purpose of their medications and how to properly use them. As stated in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, with the increase of mail-order pharmacies, those who use robotic technology to dispense prescriptions, job growth among pharmacists may become limited (Chao and Utgoff 281). Having adequate people skills will aid community pharmacists in keeping patients who loathe speaking to automated voices on the telephone. Community pharmacists not only counsel patients about their prescriptions but they also spend a significant amount of time explaining benefit plans because of the increasing number of insurance companies. Today’s pharmacists must be especially knowledgeable about Medicare prescription coverage because the “Baby Boomers” are approaching the receivable age. Furthermore, community pharmacists complete third-party insurance forms, process claims over the Internet, and maintain government records. Types of government records include hard copies of original prescriptions from physicians and a listing of all medications that each patient has received from the past seven years.
To uphold their license, pharmacists are required by all states to continue their education. Taking college courses beyond graduation or reading pharmaceutical material keeps pharmacists up-to-date on new medication, insurance plans, and other important information. Some pharmacists fill their continued education requirements by writing responses to pharmaceutical articles (Morkes). While other pharmacists complete note-taking sessions and multiple-choice questions in response to pharmaceutical journals or magazines (VanWormer).
No matter what type of pharmacy practice is most appealing, written communication with physicians, patients, and co-workers occurs on a daily basis. Most commonly, communication comes in the form of documentation and is one of the most crucial components of the occupation. Being a pharmacist, it is most important to always remember that if documentation does not occur, the change in medication, or conversation with a physician never took place and liability claims may arise. Extensive courses in college and continued education further enhance pharmacist’s abilities to adequately write and document information.
Works Cited
Chao, Elaine L., and Kathleen P. Utgoff. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2004-2005 ed. Indianapolis: JIST Works, 2004.
Croasdale, Myrle. "Keep It Clear and Simple For Your Patients." American Medical News 45 (2002). ProQuest. SVSU Zahnow Library, University Center, MI. 26 January 2005.
Morkes, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. 12th ed. Chicago: Ferguson, 2003.
VanWormer, Jeffrey. Personal Interview. 22 Jan. 2005.
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