[indices] Tool from WHO to enhance role of pharmacists in health care

["Rochat Carolyn" <rochatc@nbi-kzn.org.za>]

New tool to enhance role of pharmacists in health care

23 NOVEMBER 2006 | GENEVA -- The traditional role of
pharmacists is to manufacture and supply medicines. More
recently, pharmacists have been faced with increasing health
demands: an ever-growing and complex range of medicines, and
poor adherence to prescribed medicines, have forced the
evolution of the pharmacist's role into a more patient centred
approach (known as pharmaceutical care). Adherence to
long-term therapy for chronic conditions in developed
countries averages 50%, with even lower rates for developing
countries.

 To address this need, the World Health Organization (WHO) and
the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) are
publishing the first edition of a handbook on Developing
pharmacy practice - A focus on patient care. "Pharmacists have
an important role to play in health care, which is much more
than selling medicines," said Dr Hans V. Hogerzeil, WHO
Director of Medicines Policy and Standards.

The role of the pharmacist is summarized through the WHO/FIP
seven-star concept in which a pharmacist is described as a
caregiver, communicator, decision-maker, teacher, lifelong
learner, leader and manager. For the purpose of this handbook,
the function of researcher has been added.

The pharmacist is an integral member of the health care team
and assumes varied functions ranging from the procurement and
supply of medicines to pharmaceutical care services, helping
to ensure the best treatment for patients. The pharmaceutical
care process involves establishing a relationship between the
patient and the pharmacist, developing an evidence-based care
plan for medicine therapy and follow-up on the patient's
expected health outcome.

The handbook defines good pharmacy practice and presents a
step-wise approach to pharmaceutical care within a general
practice environment anywhere in the world.

Founded on the principles of the 'seven-star pharmacist', this
interactive handbook provides practical examples and care
models so that it can be used for self-directed learning. It
contains a wide variety of illustrative case studies to meet
the needs of different users. It is designed to guide learners
towards specific educational outcomes, and enable them to
undertake tasks which require a combination of knowledge,
skills and attitudes.

"Pharmaceutical care delivered by pharmacists seeks to
optimize patient outcomes and is key to the effective,
rational and safe use of medicines. This handbook serves as a
timely and accessible resource for pharmacists, educators and
students worldwide to develop patient-centred services and
skills to meet local patient needs," said Ton Hoek, General
Secretary and CEO of the International Pharmaceutical
Federation.

Developing pharmacy practice - A focus on patient care is
designed to meet the changing needs of the pharmacist, setting
out a new paradigm for pharmacy practice. The handbook is
written for pharmacists, educators and students all over the
world in all health care settings. To reach as wide an
audience as possible the handbook is available in English and
French will be available soon in both electronic and print
formats.

Can be downloaded at
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/WHO_PSM_PAR_2006.5.p
df

For further information please contact:

Marthe Everard
Department of Medicines Policy and Standards, WHO
Telephone: +41 22 791 3835
Email: everardm@who.int <mailto:everardm@who.int>  

Myriah Lesko, FIP
Telephone: +31 70 302 1987
Email: myriah@fip.org <mailto:myriah@fip.org> 

Charlotte Wiback
Communication & Advocacy Officer, WHO
Telephone: + 41 22 791 1346
Email: Wibackc@who.int <mailto:Wibackc@who.int> 

 

Carolyn Rochat 
Head: Information 
NATIONAL BIOPRODUCTS INSTITUTE 
Private Bag X9043 
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Tel: +27 31 719 6789 
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E-mail: rochatc@nbi-kzn.org.za