[Patient-oriented pharmacy: an obligation for the hospital pharmacist in Switzerland?]

The developments in the profession of a pharmacist from traditional product- to patient-oriented activities are briefly reviewed. The latter aim at the amelioration of therapy as a consequence of increased security of treatment from drug prescription to its administration. These developments, originally arisen in the USA, now have gained a foothold in Europe, influencing in particular the work of hospital pharmacists here. The proposed European program for specialisation (EAHP, post-graduate education) fulfills the prerequisites and serves the Swiss hospital pharmacists as basis for the institution of a specific education. Concrete pilot-projects exist, however there is still a marked lack of funded positions for education in this field.