What is one of the primary tasks of a pharmacist in collaborative practice?

One of the primary tasks of a pharmacist in collaborative practice is providing patient care and education. In collaborative practice models, pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes. This role goes beyond just dispensing medication; it involves assessing patient needs, managing medication therapies, and educating patients about their conditions and treatments.

Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to offer medication therapy management, ensuring that patients understand their medications, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to prescribed regimens. This education is critical for empowering patients to take an active role in their health care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

While other options may pertain to activities related to a pharmacist's role, they do not encompass the holistic and patient-centered approach inherent in collaborative practice. For example, purely dispensing medication lacks the interactive component of patient education, and conducting laboratory tests or administering vaccines may require additional training or fall outside the traditional scope of pharmacy practice in many instances. Thus, providing care and education is key to the collaborative practice model, aligning with the overall goals of improving patient health through comprehensive medication management.