Meeting educational needs of pharmaceutical stakeholders : community practice

Abstract

Pharmacy support staff roles have evolved following the implementation of more patient-centered pharmacy services and the expanding role of community pharmacists in the primary health care systems. A relevant level of competence of the community pharmacy working team is essential to meet the expanding scope of patient-focused practice. To ensure the right level of competence of all the pharmacy working team to take on new roles, investment in continuing education and training are recognised as crucial. The education strategy for the entire pharmacy workforce has to be flexible and adaptable, accessible to all the team and modelled to meet local needs. One such model of education is a needs-based education program, which entails an ability-based learning system applicable in different working settings.