"All those involved in medicines use processes must be able to demonstrate their competency in their roles. Hospital pharmacists should participate in the development of European-wide competency frameworks to ensure standards of best practice are met.”
What does it mean for patients? The selection, supply, prescription and administration of medicines used in a hospital setting are complex processes. Training to fulfil various competencies to work independently is needed in addition to the basic education of a pharmacist. Post graduate education (practical and theoretical) is essential to ensure that all patients benefit from the highest level of medication expertise.
What does it mean for healthcare professionals? The selection, supply, prescription and administration of medicines used in a hospital setting are complex processes. The lack of an EU level mutual recognition of Hospital Pharmacy as a structured specialisation creates substantial differences in the qualifications of pharmacists working in hospitalsPost graduate education is essential to ensure all patients benefit from the highest levels of knowledge, skill and experience in medication.
What does it mean for Hospital Pharmacists? The lack of an EU level mutual recognition of Hospital Pharmacy as a structured specialisation creates substantial differences in the qualifications of pharmacists working in hospitals.
Post graduate education is essential to ensure all patients benefit from the highest levels of knowledge, skill and experience in medication. Postgraduate training and specialisation programs based on a competency framework should be created and monitored by national societies and accredited by appropriate authorities. The content of these programs should be equivalent in all countries in Europe. The basic education required by European Directive 2005/36/EC does not provide sufficient competences. Following review of this directive a pan- European framework to recognise hospital pharmacy as a specialisation can be developed in line with similar specialisations in other fields of healthcare.
