Pharmacists and the mandate of pharmaceutical care

Implementing the mandate for delivery of drug therapy to achieve definite outcomes that improve a patient's quality of life is discussed from the perspective of the changes currently needed in both practice and education. Specifically, changes in practice should include: (1) a managerial framework that continuously supports clinical activities in everyday practice, (2) recognition of competence in clinical practice, and (3) documentation of and reimbursement for clinical service. Changes in education should include: (1) teaching of problem-solving skills to students by faculty/practitioners, and (2) redirecting the curricular content to provide the minimum knowledge base required for competent clinical practice. Pharmacists will begin to accept the mandate of pharmaceutical care when there is widespread training and use of technicians, implementation of problem-based education in the schools, and adequate problem-solving support for pharmacists in practice.