Using the Delphi technique to determine objectives and topical outline for a pharmaceutical care course: an experience from the Cuban higher education system.

Background: Being pharmaceutical care one of the four areas defined by the International Pharmaceutical Federation's Global Competence Framework, the curriculum redesigned scheme is a priority task to perform a pharmaceutical workforce capable to contribute significantly to the appropriate use of medicines. Therefore, the pharmacy curriculum should be adapted, in order to provide pharmacists with new knowledge and skills to provide pharmaceutical care services. This study used a modified Delphi technique to define objectives and topical outlines for a pharmaceutical care course on a pharmacy curriculum.

Detection of prescribing related problems at the community pharmacy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to detect prescribing-related problems at a community pharmacy in Madrid (Spain) and to analyze these problems from the perspective of their prevention and patient safety.

Method: A descriptive study was conducted at a community pharmacy during a 6-month period. The data collection was generated by the pharmacists reviewing all the prescriptions, and dispensed medication.

Teaching patient-centered care to pharmacy students.

The concepts of pharmaceutical care are distinctively different from the responsibilities of dispensing pharmacists and in accordance with the standards of practice of other professionals in the health care system. By taking direct responsibility for individual patient's medication-related needs, pharmacists can make unique contribution to the outcome of medication therapy and to their patients' quality of life. If the pharmacists are to contribute effectively to the new patient-centered pharmaceutical practice they must have the opportunity to acquire the new knowledge and skills required for their new role.

Pharmacy education in Cuba.

Background: In Cuba, as in other countries around the world, professional pharmacy has moved from a product orientation (dispensing medications) to a focus on the patient.

Aim: To provide an overview of the current status of pharmacy education in Cuba.

Methods: Research was conducted on the historical records of the curriculums used in pharmacy education in Cuba.

Clinical pharmacy at the university hospital from São Paulo, Brazil.

Clinical Pharmacy includes all services performed by pharmacists practicing in hospitals, community pharmacies, nursing homes, home-based care services, clinics and any other setting where medicines are prescribed and used. Clinical Pharmacy activities may influence the correct use of medicines at three different levels: before, during and after the prescription is written. At the same time, pharmaceutical care philosophy is coming to Brazil.