Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Although the importance of clinical pharmacy practice is widely accepted in the health care system, clinical pharmacy practice implementation has a lot of challenges. Aims: To assess the challenges and opportunities of implementing clinical pharmacy practice in Ethiopia. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interview with head of departments (internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery, nurse, pharmacy, medical director, administration) and pharmacy students? representatives. Qualitative data analysis was done after audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and notes were compiled. Results: All of the respondents were happy with current trend shift in the pharmacy curricula. But challenges were mentioned to put into practicability: lack of human resources on this speciality, lack of awareness regarding the extended role of pharmacists and lack of place for pharmacists in wards. Despite of this, the current pace of change worldwide, the university?s philosophy and assuming an additional role was the most stimulating in working with clinical pharmacy practice. Conclusion: Although the challenges for the pharmacy as a profession is in its initial stages compared to the developed countries, the results of this study revealed a high demand for this service among health care providers.

Biography