DEFINING EXCELLENCE

Excellence in the pharmacy profession, particularly pharmacy managemen t, is defined. Several factors have a significant effect on the abilit y to reach a given level of excellence. The first is the economic and political climate in which pharmacists practice. Stricter controls, re duced resources, and the velocity of change all necessitate nurturing of values and a work ethic to maintain excellence. Excellence must be measured by the services provided with regard to the resources availab le; thus, the ability to achieve excellence is a true test of leadersh ip and innovation. Excellence is also time dependent, and today's inno vation becomes tomorrow's standard. Programs that raise the level of p atient care, not those that aggrandize the profession, are the most im portant. In addition, basic services must be practiced at a level of e xcellence. Quality assessment is a way to improve care and bring medic al treatment to a higher plane of excellence. For such assessment to b e effective and not punitive, the philosophy of the program must be kn own, and the goal must be clear. Excellence in practice is dependent o n factors such as political and social norms, standards of practice, a vailable resources, perceptions, time, the motivation to progress to a higher level, and the continuous innovation required to reshape the p rofession to meet the needs of society.