The Evolving Impact of Pharmacists on Healthcare Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Roles, Interventions, and Patient Care Improvements

Abstract

Pharmacists play an increasingly critical role in optimizing medication therapy, reducing adverse drug events, and improving overall healthcare outcomes. This systematic review examines evidence from 2016–2025 on the evolving impact of pharmacists across various healthcare settings. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies assessing pharmacist-led interventions, clinical outcomes, and system-level effects. Findings demonstrate that pharmacists contribute significantly to medication safety, chronic disease management, patient education, and multidisciplinary team performance. Pharmacist-led medication reviews, therapeutic monitoring, and health promotion programs reduced hospital readmissions and improved treatment adherence. Integration of digital tools and telepharmacy further expanded pharmacists’ reach in remote care. However, barriers remain regarding recognition, workload, and policy support. This review highlights the indispensable contribution of pharmacists to modern healthcare delivery and emphasizes the need for expanded clinical authority and interprofessional collaboration to maximize their impact on patient safety and health system efficiency.