Improving patient-oriented pharmacy services: what the director can do.

How pharmacy directors can further the development of patient-oriented services is described. A philosophy of responsibility for patient outcomes instead of for specific functions is necessary for achieving pharmacy's full potential. Overall, pharmacy practice today does not reflect this sense of responsibility for drug-use control. Management that encourages greater accountability; a mission statement and goals; specific definitions of performance criteria; evaluation of services in terms of patient-care outcomes; and increased interaction with physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators are needed. A director can guide pharmacists in a recommitment to professional services that will result in positive patient-care outcomes.