Communication as a Focus in the Continuing Education of Pharmacists

Abstract

This paper describes some of the problems of pharmaceutical continuing education, and examines the needs of pharmacists in relation to on-going education and training. Communication skills training is identified as a specific need to be addressed in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Among the reasons for this are, the evolution of the clinical pharmacy movement, profession review, the legitimate claims of the behavioural sciences for inclusion in pharmacy curricula, and the findings of research into Patient-practitioner communication. To address the interpersonal dimension of pharmacy practice, 4 communication skills training course has been introduced in Northern Ireland as part of a systematic continuing education programme for community and hospital pharmacists. The nature, content and function of this course is described, and the importance of such education and training analysed in the context of the changing roles of both hospital and community pharmacist practitioners. Recommendations are also made as to how this form of training can be utilised to develop interpersonal skills in other professional groups. In particular, attention is drawn to the need for learner participation at all stages of course design and implementation, the involvement of an applied psychologist, and the use of time and video resources. Furthermore, the advantages of this training method in terms of its adaptability, flexibility, convenience and practitioner and practice focus, are highlighted, allied to its applicability to professions other than pharmacy.