How My Knowledge of Pharmacology Changed
My knowledge of pharmacology has increased significantly over time. First, I had rudimentary knowledge of drug actions, mechanisms of action, and the various categories. However, if I further study and practice advanced nursing, this knowledge will deepen. I am then more conscious of how pharmacology relates to patient care and the dosage differences between individuals and other drug reactions, side effects or successful procedures. My view of Pharmacology has also changed as it was before limited to the relationship between drugs, but now I value the importance of pharmacy in individualizing therapy according to the needs and conditions of a patient. I now see that medications should be prescribed according to a patient’s physiology, genetics and comorbidities. This insight has furthered my awe of the complexities involved in pharmaceutical interventions. It also underlines the continuous necessity to learn something new and always try to stay updated (Lat et al., 2020). In addition, I understood that the study of pharmacology must be interdisciplinary, involving Pharmacy professionals and nursing professionals to ensure safety with medication management. My pharmacology journey transformed from a basic form of knowledge to an all-embracing, patient-centred phenomenon. It is focused on personalized therapy and the necessity of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Thinking about my current job and Medication Use
In my current position, there was a significant transformation in the way I do drug administration. My main concern before was prescribing medicine based on established protocols and guidelines. I began to think more critically regarding the choice of medication, dosing and how this is administered in a patient’s specific situation. This arises because medications can affect different patient groups; hence, treatments must be personalized according to specific needs (Steeb et al., 2020). I have been more conscious of the potential risks and benefits associated with different medications, so my approach to the positive-negative equation is ongoing. This increased awareness has led to more informed conversations with the patients about their medications, such as potential side effects, adherence methods and frequent follow-ups. I have embraced a more collaborative approach where the patient works with other healthcare professionals to develop the best medication regimens and overall care. This shift has facilitated better patient outcomes because of a more holistic approach to medication therapy that did not focus just on the pharmacological aspect but considered the overall health of a person and even treatment objectives.
Appreciation of the Advanced Practice Role
My view of the advanced practice role has grown a lot, and I now have more appreciation for the complexities of responsibilities and the contributions made. First, I considered the advanced practice role mainly from the point of view of enhanced clinical capacities and independence. Nonetheless, my vision has expanded over time to consider the importance of this role in promoting patient-centred care, enhancing health outcomes and shaping healthcare policies. One significant difference is the recognition that advanced practitioners are critical in closing gaps across the healthcare continuum. I now see that these roles contribute to affordable, high-quality care due to the combination of clinical competence and advocacy for patient interests. They act as important intermediaries between patients, families and healthcare teams to coordinate care delivery while promoting health literacy. I am also more aware of and appreciate advanced practice roles, which are a source of outstanding leadership and innovation. Increased participation in evidence-based practice, driving research initiatives and healthcare policies can often be done by advanced practitioners. They show the true spirit of patient-centred healthcare delivery in their holistic approach to care for people, merging clinical knowledge and empathy with advocacy. Advanced practitioners positively impact patient outcomes and healthcare systems; seeing this has solidified my appreciation (Fernandez-Llimos et al., 2023). It has deepened my faith in the need for supplementary support to these positions in the care services world.
Using the Knowledge from this Course Future Advanced Practice Role
What I learned in this class is essential to my future as an advanced practice nurse. It helps me refine my clinical thinking, improve care for patients and interdisciplinary collaboration. Foremost, the knowledge I gained regarding pharmacology has provided me with a greater comprehension of medication administration and thus granted me a better ability to choose treatments more wisely while prescribing them. This knowledge does not focus on mere drug interactions but on individualized therapy, approaching patients from the angle of details such as genetics, comorbidities and lifestyles (Amin et al., 2020). Implementing this knowledge will enable me to develop effective treatment regimens and thus improve therapeutic outcomes by lessening possible risks. In addition, the in-depth knowledge of pharmacological principles gained through this course will allow me to communicate with patients at a personal level. I will enhance health literacy by elaborating on the available medication options and possible side effects of specific medications and highlighting good adherence. Through this conversation, I aim to empower patients in their healthcare choices, creating a collaborative way of treatment. Apart from that, the interdisciplinary aspect of topics discussed in classes has further reinforced an understanding of how teamwork is vital in healthcare settings. I see this collaborative strategy used in my future job by working with a wide range of healthcare professionals to ensure that patient care is comprehensive and holistic. I hope to leverage this knowledge to help develop a patient-centred approach that seeks the best interests of individuals. My goal is to align myself with the best practices and current research in pharmacology and advanced practice.
References
Amin, M. E. K., Nørgaard, L. S., Cavaco, A. M., Witry, M. J., Hillman, L., Cernasev, A., & Desselle, S. P. (2020). Establishing trustworthiness and authenticity in qualitative pharmacy research. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 16(10), 1472-1482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.02.005
Fernandez-Llimos, F., Desselle, S., Stewart, D., Garcia-Cardenas, V., Babar, Z. U. D., Bond, C., … & Tonin, F. (2023). Improving the quality of publications in and advancing clinical and social pharmacy practice research paradigms: The Granada statements. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 16(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-023-00527-2
Lat, I., Paciullo, C., Daley, M. J., MacLaren, R., Bolesta, S., McCann, J., … & Meyer, T. A. (2020). Position paper on critical care pharmacy services: 2020 update. Critical care medicine, 48(9), e813-e834. https://doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0000000000004437
Steeb, D. R., Miller, M. L., Schellhase, E. M., Malhotra, J. V., McLaughlin, J. E., Dascanio, S. A., & Haines, S. T. (2020). Global health learning outcomes in pharmacy students completing international advanced pharmacy practice experiences. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(3), 7586. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7586
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