Pharmacists Are Indispensable Partners in Delivering Safe, Effective Atrial Fibrillation Care

In an interview with Pharmacy Times® for American Pharmacists Month, Christian Ruff, MD, director of general cardiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, emphasized the indispensable role pharmacists play in ensuring safe and effective patient care in atrial fibrillation. Ruff noted that modern medication management is highly complex, requiring expertise to balance appropriate drug selection, dosing, and potential interactions.

According to Ruff, pharmacists serve as vital collaborators in identifying the right therapy for each patient and addressing complications as they arise. Their specialized knowledge and partnership within the clinical team, he explained, are key to achieving optimal outcomes and maintaining patient safety.

This transcript was edited for grammar and clarity using artificial intelligence.

Pharmacy Times: Can you describe the value of pharmacists in your practice?

Christian Ruff, MD: Yeah, it’s a tremendous value. We know that the medical armamentarium—the drugs that we prescribe—is such a complex process to navigate: figuring out the appropriate drug for the right patient, how to manage it with their other medications and comorbidities. Pharmacists are really our expert colleagues who assist in making sure we’re selecting the right medication for the right patient, at the right dose, and managing any potential complications that arise. In my practice, pharmacists are truly an indispensable and integral part of our team, and we rely on them heavily to ensure we’re delivering the most effective and safest care possible for our patients.