Why You Need Health Coaching in Your Pharmacy Toolkit

Ready to transform your pharmacy practice with empowering health coaching strategies? Deepen your connections with patients and become a catalyst for real change. Then join me in this episode of Pivoting Pharmacy Nutrigenomics. to Pivoting Pharmacy with , part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network, a must-have resource for pharmacists. Entrepreneurs seeking to enhance patient care while enjoying career and life. Join us as we pivot into , fusing pharmacy and nutrition for true patient-focused care. Explore how to improve chronic conditions rather than just manage them. Celebrate entrepreneurial triumphs and receive priceless advice. Align your values with a career that profoundly impacts patients. Together, we'll raise the script on health and pivot into a brighter future. Hello, hello and welcome to episode 10 of Pivoting Pharmacy with . I'm Dr Tamar Lawful, Doctor of Pharmacy and Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist. Before we jump in, I've got to give a shout out to our featured listener of the week, daisy. Daisy says that she's always been interested in but really didn't know how to get started and implemented in her practice. She says that tomorrow gives you the goods, daisy. Your words put such a big smile on my face because I'm thrilled you're finding our podcast helpful. Getting started can feel like you're climbing the mountain, but remember, every big journey begins with small steps. So keep bringing your curiosity. I am here to give you all the goods and remember, for those listening, when you leave us a five-star review, you'll get the chance to be featured as our next listener of the week and get a shout out on the show. So now let's dive into our episode today. When I think back to the early days of my pharmacy career, when I was an intern at a retail pharmacy in Philadelphia, I can almost hear the click-clack of pill bottles like a soundtrack of a time gone by. I remember trying to catch a quick bite to eat behind a counter because we had no true breaks. Then filling up prescriptions like there was no tomorrow, answering non-stop phone calls and questions about insurance coverage and medications. You guys, it was a whirlwind. But you already know right, amidst all that hustle, there was this little flame inside me, a flame that created more than just dolling out medications, more than just answering questions. I yearned to create change, real change in the lives of my patients. The thing is, I didn't want the connection to be transient, not at all. I wanted it to be more profound, more meaningful, more personal. I wanted to become a drive-in force for good, for wellness and for transformation, but the universe wasn't making it so easy. It took me almost 20 years of being a pharmacist before I discovered how to be the drive-in force I wanted to be. It took me almost 20 years to find my new superpower personalized health coaching. And let me tell you the impact. It's more titanic than an iceberg. We're talking about empowering people to take the reins of their health into their own hands, crafting their own wellness stories. But here's the key, my friends, this journey didn't just reshape my pharmacy practice, it redefined it. It was like unlocking a secret level in a game. We all know and love life. And now I want to share this superpower with all of you. It's time to ramp up the way we practice pharmacy and hit that detox button on traditional routines and dive it deep into the world of personalized health coaching to light up the path for your patients towards a healthier, happier and medication-free life, if and when possible. Of course. We often find ourselves ensnared in the habitual practice of administering medications, deeply rooted in a philosophy that solely focuses on symptomatic treatment. It's an all-to-common scenario identify health issue, manage symptoms and problem solved. In this scenario, we unknowingly find ourselves in an unending rhythm, enthralled in a belief system that perceives health as merely a process of symptom management. However, let's rethink this approach. Is this our primary purpose to merely quell health symptoms, or are we striving for a more profound connection with wellness, one that surpasses the limited scope of symptomatic relief and engages with a broader perspective of comprehensive well-being? A transformative journey begins when we actually free ourselves from the confines of previous beliefs and open ourselves to new, enabling outlooks. When we disconnect ourselves from the routine of symptom control, we can consider, add and on methods of healthcare-like nutrition, nutrition and lifestyle modifications. This shift enables us to transition from pharmacists to custodians of holistic health and wellness. And listen, I'm not here to reign on your parade, far from it. I'm a pharmacist as well, and what we do, what you are doing now, is essential and amazing, and I'm undoubtedly placing an applause emoji here. In our role as pharmacists, we are, by nature of our expertise, predominantly concentrated on medications. This stems from our rigorous training, which shapes our perspective and approach towards healthcare. Furthermore, we are intrinsically tied to the protocols of the existing healthcare system, a system that often encourages a reactive health model more than a proactive one. Often, our work tends to focus more on addressing specific health issues when they pop up, rather than taking proactive steps to prevent them? Isn't it like trying to put a band-aid on a wound rather than avoid an injury in the first place? Addressing symptoms certainly gives quicker, easy-to-measure results, making it a relatively simpler path. That's not to discount the relief it brings to folks in discomfort. Immediate results do matter, but finding the root cause of these symptoms is like trying to find a needle in a haystack it takes time. The million-dollar question we then end up asking ourselves is how do we squeeze out time from our busy schedules to provide personalized care and coaching? This one-on-one tailored approach focused on preventative healthcare is key, but it is tough to manage with the schedules we have in the pharmacy. So once you recognize these hurdles, you have to ask yourself how can you merge your abilities to adopt a model that places equal importance on prevention like it does on treatment? It's like turning a new page, redefining your role as a pharmacist from only prescribing treatment or filling medications to becoming champions of preventative, wellness-driven healthcare. The actual costs associated with pharmacists focusing on symptom treatment instead of addressing the root causes is substantial and multifaceted. We know healthcare expenses in general are exorbitantly high due to a reactive as opposed to a proactive health strategy. For example, it's predicted that global spending on prescription drugs is expected to be $1.3 trillion, with the United States alone expected to spend $350 billion. A significant portion of these costs likely originates from a symptom-based focus rather than a preventative or root cause approach. From a health outcome standpoint, pharmacists focusing solely on symptoms means diseases and conditions may not be treated adequately or prevent it, leading to fluctuating control of diseases, more complications and likely potential adverse drug events. The World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease study found that behavioral factors caused 35% of all premature deaths in the United States, suggesting that a significant amount of disease could be preventable if root causes, lifestyle included, were addressed appropriately. And finally, we need to consider the additional expenses associated with healthcare, how it impacts the patient's quality of life, as well as the load on our healthcare system. When we address only the symptoms, we might be inadvertently postponing the identification and treatment of underlying problems. So, for example, imagine a scenario where a headache is merely treated with a painkiller instead of identifying a potentially serious issue like hypertension, which might be the root cause. By not addressing their hypertension, the condition could worsen, causing the patient increased suffering and possibly more serious health issues down the line. That situation would be more pressure on our healthcare system, calling for more resources to tackle bigger and more complex conditions. Now, indeed, we must remember that as pharmacists, we do not have the scope to diagnose diseases. It's beyond our professional boundaries. However, we are in a strategic position to guide and empower our patients. Our role can be likened to a guide and light on their health journey, encouraging them to have open, informed conversations with their primary care physicians about their symptoms. This way, we're helping them uncover a complete picture of their health condition. Our goal to make sure healthcare isn't just about curing the problem, but also about preventing potential health issues before they get worse. After all, isn't prevention better than cure? This saves resources and promotes better patient well-being. In the long run, it's clear tackling the root cause rather than just the symptoms can lead to improved patient outcomes, less expenses and more efficient use of healthcare resources. The step towards patient-focused, preventative healthcare could transform the healthcare scene into a cost-effective and health-centered system. And remember, pharmacists, we play a vital role in making that transformation possible. It's time we rise up to that challenge Now. Stepping into the world of tailored health coaching can be a bit like walking a tightrope the fear of the unknown, a hint of doubt about our expertise or the thought that we're short on training can hang over us as we consider the plunge. We might question ourselves like what, if I slip up, could I end up harming instead of helping my patients? It's a totally natural response, especially when we care so deeply about our patients' welfare. I get it, my friend. I've been there. When I thought about expanding my role, I had butterflies in my stomach too. Fair of change is human. Yet what truly scared me was a fear of regret, a one day looking back and realizing that I could have made an even bigger difference in my patient's lives. But here's something I want you to know. You've got this. Of course, these worries are important to a knowledge, but let's not let them side mine us, that nagging voice of doubt. We can tune it out. Remember, as a pharmacist, you are beacon of knowledge and trust in healthcare and you absolutely have the ability to broaden your expertise, step into the world of individual health coaching and make an impact. Yes, it might demand some extra training and dedication, but improving our patient's lives isn't that worth the legwork. This journey may push your boundaries, but the potential to better your patient's lives makes every step worth it. The only way to go is forward. Now there's this conception that, in the realm of wellness coaching, you do have to have intensive training, something perceived beyond the capabilities of a pharmacist. However, let me reassess this assumption. You don't need to be an expert in health coaching from day one. Think about when you first decided to be a pharmacist. You didn't know everything right at the start, did you? Yet you engage in persistent learning, working diligently to acquire the expertise and skills that now define your role. Similarly, the journey into wellness coaching can be approached with the same spirit of persistence and learning. Today, you stand tall as a steward in healthcare, making a positive impact on your patient's lives every day. The narrative of your growth as a pharmacist is a testimony to your potential for evolving into an empowering wellness coach. You've done it before. You can apply the same zeal and dedication to expand your role as a healthcare professional. We must remember that even the greatest journey begins with a single step. Now, this misconception that health coaching requires intensive training beyond your capabilities as a pharmacist can have significant impacts on your patient. It may not be a financial impact, but it can impact the patient's health outcomes and efficiency of the healthcare services they receive. Personalized health coaching is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool to enhance patient health outcomes, especially in managing chronic illnesses. By empowering patients to manage their health and make positive behavior changes, health coaching can significantly improve a patient's overall wellness, reduce repeat hospitalizations and decrease healthcare costs. Now, if you were to shy away from incorporating health coaching as a pharmacist because you feel that you don't have the skill, your patients may miss out on these benefits that you are in a prime position to supply to them. Another cost is the missed opportunity for utilizing the full potential of pharmacists as accessible healthcare providers. You're highly trained, often seen as the most approachable and convenient point of care by the public, and if you're not comfortable assuming the role of a health coach, this could lead to an underutilization of your capacity to contribute to improving public health. However, here's my heart-to-heart moment with you. Want to know the kicker? You yes, you can stretch your professional muscles even more. You can dive to new deaths, reaching further into personalized health needs. Embrace the power you have to make not just a ripple, but a splash in your patient's lives. Take the scenic route and consider this, instead of finding yourself revolving around this orbital path of reactive health. What if just what if? You put on the trekking boots and started a proactive health revolution? That's where the health coaching comes in. Health coaching is not some fancy term or a fad that's in today and out tomorrow. It's about wearing a different hat From being the people who respond to symptoms to becoming the folks who empower and guide patients towards proactive health management. Imagine this shift as climbing a mountain. The view from the ordinary trail is pretty great, right, but what if I tell you there's an even more awe-inspiring view waiting for you? That's health coaching. It's about guiding your patients up that steep track, working with them to find ways to optimize their health and lifestyle, fully tailored to their unique needs. So let's make sure we get something straight here, though. I'm not saying your current role is an amazing. You're an actual superhero. But why not add another superpower to your arsenal? With health coaching, you get to go beyond just treating symptoms. You become a catalyst in your patient's journey, promoting wellness, lesson changes and a healthier life. That they control, understand the specific needs and concerns of each patient is a new path we need to empower our patients effectively Now. The magic of pharmacy health coaching lies in its holistic approach. We're talking about focusing on a whole person mind, body and soul. Yep, we're going to go beyond just medications. Now you might be wondering what makes a holistic approach so special. Let me illustrate with this example. Picture a patient. Let's just say her name is Jessica and she's struggling to manage her diabetes. In a conventional pharmacy setting she might get medications and basic advice, but imagine if, as her pharmacist's coach, you were her guide, her confidant, her cheerleader. You'd address her exercise habits, eating patterns, stressors, social support and, more Suddenly, jessica's life story unfolds in front of you, a complete picture that enables you to truly understand her needs. That, my friends, is the beauty of pharmacy health coaching. So what are the benefits for both the patient and you as a pharmacist? Two words win-win. For the patients, they get personalized care, they get empowerment so they can take the reins on their health journey and have the confidence to make these lasting life changes, and they, of course, are going to have better outcomes. And for you, as a pharmacist, you get to develop a deeper connection with your patients and you may even have more satisfaction in your job because you become more than just a pill dispenser. You're embracing your power to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, and you also get to spread your wings. You keep those skills diverse and expanding as a pharmacy health coach. Those skills are transferrable, adaptable and keep your profession exciting. Take my word for it the rewards of pharmacy health coaching are nothing short of transformational. Let's empower our patients ourselves and transformer communities for the better, one health coaching session at a time. So I want you to picture a patient with a genetic variant. We're going to get a little bit into nutrigenomics here. Say, they have the genetic variant like APOE4. This is associated with high cholesterol levels and increased risk for Alzheimer's. Instead of focusing only on cholesterol lowering medications, your patient's nutrigenomics tests suggest they may benefit from a Mediterranean diet and specific supplements like omega three fatty acids. You coach them through their tailored plan, helping them feel more in control and enabling them to better manage their health. Now I want to say that in nutrigenomics we don't focus on only one genetic variant but for the sake of an example, I'm just pointing out this one variant of the APOE4 for our patient here. So when you start incorporating health coaching into your practice, you're not turning your back on your pharmacy training. You're simply collecting new tools to add to your toolbox new skills, skills like active listening, motivational interviewing and collaborative decision making. These are techniques that can be learned, just like everything else you've mastered in your career. You're now in the business of guiding, supporting, educating and empowering and, most importantly, always remember to refer your patients to the appropriate professional when something is beyond your scope of practice. You've already got skills that are needed for health coaching. You have communication skills, empathy, knowledge and experience. The leap into health coaching requires courage, but with the right training and determination you can make that leap. You have the foundations already. You have the raw materials you need within you. It's all about deepening and broadening those skills to provide an even higher level of care. Was transitioning or should I say emerging health coaching into my pharmacy practice easy for me? No, there were initial challenges, but was it worth it? Absolutely. I promise you the impact you make as a health coach will astound you. So let's push past this fear together, trusting in our ability to grow and make an even greater impact on our patient's lives. Let's become pioneers in patient care together and dive into the world of health coaching. I mentioned earlier that time is also an issue. How are you supposed to coach a patient amongst the busy pharmacy environment, where you may be the only pharmacist or have other duties on your plate and, most of the time, don't even have time for a true lunch break, right? Integrating this health coaching into your routine or as a service in your pharmacy? It may be smoother than you imagined, but it may necessitate some adjustments to your workflow. And that's where Raise the Script comes in. If you're an independent pharmacy owner keen on weaving health coaching into your pharmacy practice, my Raise the Script program offers the perfect launch pad. Our program provides ready to implement health coaching blueprints that propel you to the front lines of innovative pharmacy practices. Raise the Script strives to integrate health coaching, nutritionomics, the fusion of nutrition and genomics, and a patient-centric approach into your arsenal. Our aim to streamline your journey so that you can comfortably master health coaching while managing your primary pharmacy duties. So you're invited to see how it works and start your transformative journey at wwwraisescriptcom, where you can book a consultation with me. Now, that's all I have for you this week. If any part of this conversation sparked your interest or resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Your five-star review and comments can guide another pharmacist on a similar journey. Subscribe, rate and download this episode to ensure you're always in the loop. Coming up next week on the show, we have an insightful episode featuring an interview I did earlier in 2023 with my dear friend and occupational therapist, jessica Mee Tang, on her podcast Breaking Free from Chronic Pain, we highlight the power of pharmacogenomics and nutritionomics in a two-part series to explore how healthcare professionals and patients alike can optimize treatments according to their unique genetic makeup. So tune in next Friday. Until then, always remember in your journey as a healthcare professional, always raise the Scripts on Health, because together we can bring healthcare to higher levels.