European course in clinical pharmacy

For the second time in two years the University of Malta is working in collaboration with the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) to run a practical course to develop the skills that pharmacists need to deliver patient-centred clinical pharmacy services.

The main aim of a clinical pharmacist is to ensure, through working closely with patients, doctors, nurses and other health carers, that medicines are used safely, effectively and economically.

The University of Strathclyde, Scotland, and the University of Malta through the ESCP have been working together to develop courses to facilitate the transition of pharmacy from traditional services to maximise the use of the pharmacists' knowledge and skills.

The conference was opened by Professor Godfrey Laferla, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and Dr Kenneth Grech, chief executive, Mater Dei Hospital, last Monday at the Medical School which recognises the importance of developing the role of the clinical pharmacist.

Course participants included Maltese hospital and community pharmacists and pharmacists from Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Turkey and the Czech Republic.

With the support of St Luke's Hospital and the Medical School, participants have undertaken practical tasks through case studies, ward rounds and interacting with patients and doctors to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes transfer to care.

The course tutors have met government officials and the chief executive of Mater Dei Hospital to facilitate the future development of clinical pharmacy services for the Maltese population.