Clinical pharmacy practice : Implications for pharmacy education in Belgium

Abstract

Belgian hospital pharmacy practice is in a process of transition, with the clinical role of the pharmacist being progressively developed. Knowledge and skills specific to clinical pharmacy (CP) will be required in the future. The objectives of the study were to identify the scope of CP practice and the education and training needs in Belgian hospitals. A questionnaire design was used. Academic members and hospital pharmacists from four Belgian universities took part in the survey (n = 16, 76% response rate). The main outcome measures were: definition of CP; scope of current practice and plans for the future; driving forces and barriers; education and training needs; perceived level of knowledge and skills in CP. Results show that changes in curriculum are required to better prepare Belgian hospital pharmacists to their clinical role. Educational strategies developing the pharmacists' patient-focused approach in CP practice are needed.