Pharmacist involvement in a tuberculosis outpatient clinic.

The role of a pharmacist in a rural tuberculosis outpatient clinic is described. The clinic functions primarily in a follow-up capacity, necessitating complete records of each patient's medical progress, including a summary of prior drug therapy and observed response. The pharmacist is responsible for maintenance of patient records, patient consultation, onsite drug preparation and dispensing, and teaching responsibilities. The pharmacist-physician interaction in this setting is discussed. This program was devised to help improve patient compliance with antituberculosis drug therapy.