The Rise of Clinical Pharmacy in Irish Healthcare
Clinical pharmacy in Irish healthcare is expanding rapidly, moving beyond traditional dispensing roles to deliver advanced patient care, medication management, and direct clinical services. This shift is driven by demographic changes, government initiatives, the need for chronic disease management, workforce innovations, and technological advancements. Key factors contributing to the rise of clinical pharmacy in Ireland include: Aging Population and Chronic Disease : Ireland’s aging population and increasing rates of chronic conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension) have fueled demand for medication review, disease management, and enhanced patient monitoring by clinical pharmacists. Expanded Clinical Roles : Pharmacists are now administering vaccinations, conducting medication reviews, managing minor illnesses, and in some cases have prescribing authority. This helps to relieve pressures on general practitioners and suppo...