Teaching pharmaceutical care principles for PHC

Abstract

A variety of forces impel pharmacy educators to critically evaluate and transform their curricula. In South Africa particular pressure is experienced as a result of the radical overhaul of the health care delivery system. Future pharmacists must be equipped to practise in a primary care-driven National Health System. Increasingly the profession in South Africa is embracing the philosophy of Pharmaceutical Care. Programmes which expose the student to problem solving in community health care settings may be helpful in changing professional attitudes and providing appropriate knowledge and skills. Our experience in one such programme is described, where final-year pharmacy students were trained in a primary care clinic setting. Student evaluation of this innovative programme was generally positive, with an increasing number of students expressing an interest in a career in the public health sector. This programme has now been fully integrated into the curriculum.