Introduction
Pharmacy practice is a regulation that entails training of individuals on various roles of a pharmacist. The roles include pharmaceutical concerns, prescriptions, drug administration, control and prevention of drug abuse, innovation and evaluation of drugs among others.
Pharmacy practice has evolved from ancient times to what it is in the contemporary times. Most pharmacy practices such as purchasing, procurement, training of pharmacist and delivery of pharmaceutical services has since changed. Technological advancement has greatly improved delivery of pharmaceutical services since most of the services have been automated. Before pharmacy World War II pharmacy practice was not upheld as a health professional and very few women practiced it.
In his book, Studs Terkel explores how the war brought about revolution of pharmacy practice. Studs Terkel explains how various process such purchase of drugs, storage, inspection and dispensing of drugs have changed over time. He advised pharmacist to establish standard laboratory equipments and to embrace automated equipment in order to improve pharmacy practice. The essay seeks to explore how pharmacy practice has changed over time in reference to Studs Terkel contribution in the field of pharmacy (Studs, 2009, p.290).
Discussion
Before World War II pharmacy practice suffered from economic difficulties, prescriptions were given but there were no drugs in the store. After prescription patient use to take back the prescription sheet to the counter and left without drugs. During the war many drugs were not obtainable and the few which were available were rationed. Lack of adequate drugs caused a major problem in the health sector, patient left hospitals and retail pharmacies without drugs. Training of pharmaceutical professionals was neglected; few people went to college to train on pharmacy. This was contributed by the fact Pharmacy was not recognized as a health profession.
In the military, pharmacists were not allowed to practice pharmacy. Poor technology existed and purchase of drugs, storage and inspection processes were also poorly carried out. Confirmation of drugs bought by different pharmacies was carried out manually, many errors occurred in distribution and dispensing of drugs.
Pharmaceutical laboratories lacked essential equipment since pharmacy practice was not considered as a major health profession. There were no professional organizations to address issues related to pharmacy practice as opposed to other heath professionals such as medicine and nursing. Pharmacy practice by navy and army was poorly regulated and undermined, professional bodies to enhance its regulation were lacking (Studs, 2009, p.390).
Goriup had graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of pharmacy, before joining military he worked in a retail pharmacy. Since pharmacy practice was not commissioned in navy and military Goriup stopped practicing and started working in the supply and operation department of Air Transport. Effort to establish the Pharmacy Corps Legislation in the navy were not successful as it was strongly opposed those in power. Pharmacy practice continued to face oppression especially in the military.
In 1944, legislation to commission hospital corps to have pharmacist as a primary part was set. The aim was to allocate pharmacy officers to roles in specific areas such as distribution, procurement and supervision of drugs. An agreement to terminate use of pharmacist companion for the purpose of ranking was passed. Commissioning of Hospital corps was heavily regulated and they were required to be graduates from accredited pharmaceutical colleges. The good War as noted by studs Terkel contributed greatly to the revolution of pharmacy practices notably in navy and army sector. Pharmacy officers in these sectors can practice pharmacy as opposed to olden days bodies to regulate pharmacy practice have been established (Studs, 2009, p.194).
Changes
World War II brought about positive changes in the pharmacy practice, positive growth of in the practice was realized during the war. Retail pharmacies realized economic success during the war from huge sales of drugs. Navy and army officers were permitted to practice pharmacy freely this promoted success of pharmacy practice further. However, many stores were closed down due to lack of adequate supply, pharmacist worked for fewer days as opposed to the usual seven days per week workers had more free time.
Academic requirements for training of pharmacist were upheld, government and other bodies began to regulate education standards of pharmacy trainees. Individuals training for bachelor degree were required to undergo the training for four years and bachelor’s was upheld as the entry cadre to the pharmacy profession. Students were required to perform excellently in all courses so that they are licensed to practice both in the government and military sectors. All practicing pharmacist operating private pharmacies were supposed to be issued with a license, licensing procedure was thoroughly scrutinized. Illegal pharmacy operations were controlled as individuals who operated pharmacies without a license were heavily punished (Studs, 2009, p.209)
Technological development made pharmacy practices easier saved time and the different processes more efficient. Pharmacists are able to order for drugs online and deliveries can be made without them traveling to the supplier. Better technologies of dispensing drugs have been developed, pharmacist do not have to count drugs manually as there are automated machines for dispensing drugs. Pharmaceutical laboratories are well equipped with essential equipment that enable pharmacist to carry out vital tests and procedures. This has enhanced delivery of quality pharmaceutical services in the contemporary world as oppose to old days.
Patients are served at a faster rate in the pharmacies, pharmacy graduate in the army and navy can comfortably practice their career. Prescriptions are better handled and late filed for accountability of drugs dispensed to the patients. Many women can now train and practice pharmacy as a profession as even in navy and army sector (Studs, 2009, p.239).
Conclusion
In old days military officers were not commissioned to practice pharmacy, World War II which was termed as a good war by stud Terkel brought revolution of pharmacy practice. Navy and army officers’ pharmacists were commissioned to, pharmacy was permitted in the military and it is still practiced to date. More women went for training currently there are many women in the profession which was in the case in olden days notably in navy and army sector. Regulation of pharmacy practice improved, licensure of privately operated pharmacies is a must. The process is thorough done before the license is issued which was not the case in old days.
Boards which regulate pharmacy practice have been formed for instance formation of permanent Medical Service Corps to oversee pharmacy practice of navy and army officers. Pharmacy practice is now upheld as a health just like other professions such medicine and nursing. Increased number of people military and civilians are now training and practicing pharmacy as a career.
Reference List
Studs, T. (2009) Working. Web.