Looking ahead--the report of the Study Commission on Pharmacy

The findings and recommendations of the Study Commission on Pharmacy are presented. The Commission defined pharmacy as a knowledge system which produces a service. Practitioners in specific areas of pharmacy are considered to possess both common and differentiated knowledge and skills. While pharmacy as a system is viewed as effective and efficient with reference to drug products, it is far from satisfactory with reference to drug knowledge and information. Current forces of change in the health care system and forces of change internal to pharmacy are discussed in relation to their impact on pharmacists for the future. The Commission recommended that pharmacy should move to meet the health care system's unmet needs which involve drugs and drug information. Specific recommendations are summarized regarding educational objectives, the curriculum, the faculty and credentialling. These recommendations call for heavier emphasis in pharmacy education on the behavioral and social sciences, the establishment of a small body of "clinical scientists," and the creation of a National Board of Pharmacy Examiners.