Hepler-Strand: a faísca que acendeu a atenção farmacêutica.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.679122520069

• Palavras-chave: atenção farmacêutica, farmácia clínica, problemas relacionados a medicamentos (PRMs), Charles Hepler e Linda Strand.

• Keywords: pharmaceutical care, clinical pharmacy, Drug-related problems, Charles Hepler and Linda Strand.

• Abstract: This analyzes the article “Opportunities and responsibilities in pharmaceutical care” by Charles Hepler and Linda Strada, published in 1990 in the American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, using content analysis and bibliometric techniques to assess its impact. The content analysis reveals that the article marks a turning point in pharmaceutical pratice by proposing pharmaceutical care as the core mission of the profession. The authors argue that pharmacists must take direct responsibility for pharmacotherapy, ensuring its effectiveness, safety, and rational use, with a focus on improving patients quality of life. This approach pormotes better clinical outcomes while helping to reduce healtcare costs. The bibliometric analysis highlights the article’s wide acceptance and influence. The concept of phamaceutical care introduced by the authors has been adopted by institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Council of Europe, and, in Brazil, by the Ministry of Health and the Federal Pharmacy Council. In conclusion, Hepler and Strand’s work has become a foundational reference in the global reprofessionalization of pharmacy, repositioning the pharmacist as an active agent in health promotion, harm prevention, and optimization of pharmacotherapy.