Of Perceived Value

here is a need for pharmacy to actively demonstrate and communicate its value in health care.”1 This statement received almost unanimous agreement at the 1989 Pharmacy in the 21st Century Conference. On a similar theme, the attendees at the historic Hilton Head Conference held in February 1985 expressed consensus that “There is a lack of consumer demand for clinical pharmacy services based on a poor understanding by the public of services pharmacists can offer,” and “There is an inadequate substantiation of the value (cost effectiveness) of clinical pharmacy services.” They recommended that “Pharmacy should seek diligently to establish an image in the public’s eye that conveys the message that we are their advocates in all matters related to their need for and use of drugs.”2 This theme was amplified by ASHP Past President Thomas S. Thielke, who, in his presidential address, challenged the profession to “Reach out to other health-care professionals, hospital administrators, standards-setting bodies, legislators, and our patients.”3 While many other issues are also critical to the profession as we approach the “We need to broaden our past definitions, perceptions, and expectations.”