Evidence-Based Pharmacist Care: Palliative and Home Care

This chapter examines the vital role of pharmacists in palliative and home care, highlighting their contributions across clinical, economic, and humanistic domains. Pharmacists manage complex medication regimens, optimize symptom control, prevent adverse drug events, and ensure continuity of care across transitions. Their expertise enhances quality of life through personalized medication plans, education, and caregiver support. Economically, pharmacist-led interventions reduce healthcare costs by minimizing hospital admissions, managing polypharmacy, and promoting cost-effective therapies. Humanistically, pharmacists improve patient and caregiver knowledge, foster compassionate, culturally sensitive care, and advocate for treatments aligned with patient values. The chapter also addresses facilitators such as interdisciplinary collaboration and telehealth, alongside barriers including regulatory limitations and reimbursement issues. By integrating pharmacists into palliative and home care teams, healthcare systems can achieve safer, more effective, and patient-centered care, particularly for individuals with life-limiting conditions.