Innovations in pharmacy: Historical research into the Indian health pharmacy practice model

Historical research into the Indian Health Service (IHS) pharmacy practice model was conducted in a naturalistic setting following basic historical research methods. Qualitative methods were used to identify, gather, organize, and analyze the data. Construction of the historical background and narrative statement provided a chronicle of events that described the evolution of the IHS pharmacy practice model in historical context. An additional component of historical research methods is interpretation of significant historical events that led to the development of the IHS pharmacy practice model. They are identified as (1) the organization structure of the IHS, (2) occupational training of pharmacists as health care providers, and (3) the presence of a "pharmacy practice laboratory".;Conclusions were drawn that support the concept of pharmaceutical care and the role of historical research in guiding the profession of pharmacy down new paths. The contribution that education plays in the changing of professional roles is discussed. The IHS pharmacy practice model offers a unique sociological perspective of pharmacy practice and historical research allows for contrasts to be made regarding the evolution of the pharmacy practice and future direction of the profession as a whole.