Evidence-Based Pharmacist Care: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the essential role pharmacists play in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), emphasizing its clinical, economic, and humanistic value in patient-centered care. Pharmacists apply their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic expertise to ensure safe and effective drug use, particularly for medications with narrow therapeutic indices. Their responsibilities include selecting appropriate drugs for monitoring, guiding dosage and timing, interpreting serum levels, and providing patient education. Pharmacist-led TDM improves therapeutic outcomes by optimizing dosing, reducing adverse drug reactions, and enhancing adherence. Economically, it minimizes hospitalizations, reduces treatment failures, and supports cost-effective resource use. From a humanistic perspective, TDM improves quality of life, empowers patients through education, and facilitates collaborative care. Despite barriers such as limited recognition, reimbursement issues, and technological constraints, the chapter highlights key facilitators and strategies to strengthen pharmacist-led TDM practices. As healthcare shifts toward precision medicine, the integration of pharmacists in TDM is crucial to achieving safer, more personalized care.