PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES IN THE UNITED-STATES-AIR-FORCE

The status of pharmaceutical services in the United States Air Force m edical service is described. Air Force pharmacy is adopting new progra ms, staffing standards, inventory methods, and roles for pharmacists a nd technicians. One of the most visible changes is TRICARE, an interse rvice program that provides improved access to care. Many Air Force me dical treatment facilities have been closed; prescription mail-out pro grams and networks of community pharmacies are filling the gap. The Ai r Force pharmacy team consists of more than 1300 pharmacists and techn icians. Air Force pharmacists are military officers first. Great empha sis is placed on medical readiness training and continuing education. Some Air Force pharmacies are very small outpatient operations filling fewer than 300 prescriptions per day; others fill well over 4000. Man y hospitals are being considered for more outpatient-focused operation s. Because of anticipated ed minor reductions in pharmacist staffing, Air Force pharmacists will have to maximize efficiencies to maintain o r improve current levels of service. More and better patient informati on will be provided and distributive processes streamlined. A greater role for technicians is anticipated. The future includes pharmacists s erving in a wide variety of leadership and staff;positions, improving the use of computers, and incorporating new technologies. Air Force ph armacy is changing to ensure uninterrupted fulfillment of its responsi bilities.