Role of the specialty pharmacist in public health: A focus on sharps disposal

Abstract

An intersection of the pharmacy profession and public health is the role of the specialty pharmacist. The specialty pharmacist is in a unique position to prevent unnecessary financial burden on the health care system by preventing community-acquired needlestick injuries through patient education regarding the proper disposal of sharps. Many specialty medications are injectable agents with varying injection frequencies ranging from multiple injections per day to 1 dose per year. Programs should be implemented at specialty pharmacies to fill this patient education gap. This distinct service to patients and the profession will continue to grow alongside the niche of specialty pharmacy.