Community pharmacy and patient-oriented activities: the Dutch case

This article reviews the implementation of patient education as a new task in Dutch Community pharmacy. A search of the literature, including 'grey' (not-scientific) literature was done to find indications for the implementation of patient education. The little data available show that patient education activities are not carried out as a routine task and are therefore not implemented, despite the development of interventions on educational and pharmacy practice level. In addition, barriers were found that relate to the organisation of patient education. More sound research is necessary on criteria for implementation, on the level and amount of communication with clients and on the experienced barriers for organising and practising patient education. The opportunities for designing an intervention on the organisational level should be assessed.