What is one of the key roles of a pharmacist in a nursing home?

Providing consultation on all aspects of pharmacy services is a critical role of a pharmacist in a nursing home setting. This responsibility encompasses reviewing medication regimens, ensuring appropriate drug use, monitoring for drug interactions, and advising the healthcare team on best practices for medication management. Pharmacists play a vital role in optimizing therapeutic outcomes for residents by collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans. This role is especially important in a nursing home environment where residents may have complex medical needs and are often taking multiple medications.

Although other functions such as administering medication directly to patients or leading health workshops can occur in some contexts, they do not represent the core responsibilities typically associated with a pharmacist's training and expertise. Establishing recreational programs is outside the pharmacist's scope of practice, which focuses more on clinical and consultation activities related to medication management. Thus, the role of a pharmacist as a consultant ensures quality pharmacy services, aligning closely with patient safety and effective healthcare delivery in a nursing home.