Changing Perceptions

To provide an accurate picture of what pharmacists do, the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) has developed a piece called Changing Perceptions.

Changing Perceptions, a promotional brochure showcasing the clinical activities of pharmacists in Michigan, was developed in 2001. The idea for the project was the brainchild of former MSHP president Bob Coffey. During his presidential year, Coffey's primary objective was to develop a medium to display the numerous innovative cognitive services provided by pharmacists throughout the state. He felt that if state legislators are able to more clearly understand the role of the pharmacist in direct patient care activities, reimbursement for cognitive services might be expanded, as well as other opportunities for the profession.

Click here to download a .pdf of Changing Perceptions.

Since its creation, Changing Perceptions has been distributed to state and federal legislators, as well as other government officials. In addition, the brochure has been used to promote the profession of pharmacy to students, high school counselors and the general public.

The interest stimulated by Changing Perceptions has been so positive that the MSHP Board of Directors will be creating a second version of the promotional piece, which is anticipated to be available in 2008.

The areas of practice covered in the updated version of Changing Perceptions include: anticoagulation, asthma, cancer, cardiac care, diabetes, emergency medicine, geriatrics, HIV, immunization, intensive care, nephrology, organ transplant, osteoporosis, pain management, pediatrics and public safety.

In addition, MSHP will maintain a web-based list of pharmacies with specialty services in these areas. Please e-mail us to be included in the listing.

If you have questions about this important MSHP project, please contact Dianne Miller, MSHP Staff Liaison, at (517) 377-0223 or by e-mail to dianne@michiganpharmacists.org.