Medical review: what to think about this new project? (Dr. Luc Herry)

Medical examination by a pharmacist is now a definite possibility. But what can you think about this new project? While we await the results of UCLouvain’s research on this matter, Dr. Luc Herry (ABsyM) gives us some thoughts.

ABsyM does not necessarily advocate that pharmacists should be able to change patients’ treatments. “Our health system is based on an adequate distribution of work and skills” reminds firmly Dr Luc Herry (ABsyM). “The doctor examines the patient, examines him and gives treatment. The pharmacist dispenses the medicine, is responsible for its quality and must ensure that it is taken correctly by the patient. He also has a role to play in helping the doctor identify potential contraindications and drug interactions. » This distribution of roles obviously assumes a good exchange of information between the two actors. “It is not a problem for the pharmacist to be informed about the patient’s treatment. It is common for him to pay for a medical examination. Let’s be very careful that if there is an exchange of information with the doctor, it ends up being disrespected,” emphasized Luc Herry.

“It is better for the patient and for both professionals that the pharmacist informs the doctor if he has noticed an allergic reaction or dosage problem. »he added. It is possible that he knows better than the doctor about all medicines which the patient is given. He has the opportunity to get what his colleagues were able to get to the same patient, while we doctors, could not get it because of the inconsistency of the methods. of computers. Lately, it has been possible to see what the colleagues ordered from the patient, but not what was given to them.

But Dr. Herry insists on remembering that the diagnosis and treatment decision is the doctor’s. “The possible change of treatment made by the pharmacist’s plan can have many risks. » The pharmacist does not have all the medical information. However, many patients have comorbidities or complex pathologies. Not paying attention to this can be dangerous. And to pass this information on to a pharmacist would be tantamount to betraying medical confidentiality. Changing treatment can also confuse the patient, or weaken their trust in their doctor. And if there was a problem, how could responsibility be seen?

“By giving pharmacists more freedom than they are capable of, we are destroying the foundations on which our health system is built. The doctor and the pharmacist have two different and complementary roles. Let us use the each in particular. » concluded Dr. Herry.

For the first time, the opinion of general practitioners is requested in a short survey (10 to 15 minutes) carried out by a team from UCLouvain. What do doctors think about this project and especially how do they see the collaboration with the pharmacist? A concrete development of the process still needs to be done. In order to be able to continue a better analysis of what drug testing can bring, the benefits it can provide and the risks it involves, ABsyM supports this research and invites everyone to respond.

> Respond to the survey