Lu DH, Dopheide JA, Wang D, Jeffrey JK, Chen S. Collaboration Between Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Mental Health Pharmacists to Improve Treatment Outcomes.
Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2021;
30:797-808. [PMID:
34538449 DOI:
10.1016/j.chc.2021.06.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Access to mental health care is a long-standing challenge. The high, rising prevalence of mental health disorders and a shortage of mental health professionals has further strained an already fragile system. The clinical pharmacy is underutilized within the mental health space. Interdisciplinary collaboration between child psychiatrists and mental health pharmacists gives the psychiatrist more time for patient evaluation and treatment, while the psychiatric pharmacist provides drug monitoring, medication coordination, and education for providers. This collaborative approach improves outcomes, prevents adverse drug events, reduces hospital stays, lessens emergency department visits, and improves engagement and adherence.
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