[Annual lifelong learning program for pharmaceutical care practice by the Gifu Pharmaceutical University]

Knowledge and techniques involved in medical affairs have been steadily advancing. The lifelong learning programs supported by Gifu Pharmaceutical University are introduced. The 3 unique programs consist of (1) a lifelong learning program concerning recent medical topics provided by our university, (2) a reeducation program containing some lectures and practices concerning the most advanced knowledge and techniques on pharmacy and medicine, provided by co-organization of 3 public universities (Nagoya City University, University of Shizuoka, and Gifu Pharmaceutical University), and (3) an annual lifelong learning program promoted by Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy. Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy accommodates 100 prescriptions daily from hospitals. The annual lifelong learning programs held by our pharmacy have comprehensively provided practical knowledge and techniques on newly developed medicines, pharmaceutical care practice, pharmacotherapy, community pharmaceutics, and so on, for the last 10 years. Pharmacists should have full responsibility for pharmacotherapy as health care workers. The pharmacists should make a concerted effort to understand pharmacotherapy through pharmaceutical care practice by cooperation with community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, and pharmaceutical associations. Our lifelong learning program has contributed to the improvement of pharmaceutical skills and communication among pharmacists, medical doctors, and other health care workers.