Strengthening Neurology Care Through Clinical Pharmacy Integration and Collaborative Practice

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Jacquelyn Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, MSCS, professor of Neurology Pharmacy at the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, discusses the growing importance of having dedicated pharmacists embedded within neurology clinics. She emphasizes how pharmacists play a critical role in patient education, medication selection, and ongoing counseling, allowing for more comprehensive and personalized care. Bainbridge highlights the value of pharmacists in monitoring laboratory results, ensuring timely review, and communicating findings to the broader care team to inform treatment decisions. She explains that pharmacists are well positioned to take the lead in managing these responsibilities, helping close gaps in care that can otherwise be overlooked. The discussion also explores how collaborative practice agreements enhance pharmacist autonomy and clarify their role in prescribing and monitoring therapies.