43 Healthcare Professionals and Interdisciplinary Care Suvapun Bunniran and David J. McCaffrey III* 2 CHAPTER Case Scenario Bob Jones has been a patient of WeCare Pharmacy for almost 20 years. Two months ago, he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. After discussing his options with his oncologist and after careful consideration and discussions with his family Mr. Jones decided against treatment and began the process of preparing for his death. His wife, Agnes, visits the pharmacy regularly to collect prescriptions and other health- care needs for herself and her husband. On one visit, she mentions that lately Bob has been experiencing a great deal of pain and it has affected his ability to sleep as well as his mood. She says that Bob no longer wants his children and grandchil- dren to visit and that he barely communicates any longer because of his level of discomfort. The pharmacist empathizes with Mrs. Jones and offers to contact Bob’s doctor to discuss the problem and to find a solution. Two days later someone from the pharmacy contacts Agnes Jones and informs her that a new prescription for pain medication is ready for Mr. Jones and she can pick it up at her earliest convenience. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this chapter, the student shall be able to: • Discuss the characteristics of a profession and how professions are distinguished from other occupations • Describe the education/training, scope of practice, and availability of various healthcare professions • Compare and contrast multidisciplinary care and interdisciplinary care • Recognize the various stages of the pharmacist–physician collaborative working relationship and identify strategies available to the pharmacist to establish these cooperative arrangements with physicians *With acknowledgment to Alice M. Sapienza. © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
