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Published Online, 7 February 2006, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G199.
 The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 512-517. DOI 10.1345/aph.1G199
© 2006 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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Pharmaceutical Care in Community Pharmacies: Practice and Research in Switzerland

Emmanuèle Guignard, PharmD FPH

Education Section, Pharmacy, University Medical Outpatient Clinic, Lausanne, Switzerland

Olivier Bugnon, PhD FPH

Head, Community Pharmacy, University Medical Outpatient Clinic; Privat-Docent and Lecturer, School of Pharmacy Geneva-Lausanne, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Reprints: Dr. Bugnon, University Medical Outpatient Clinic, rue du Bugnon 44, CH 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland, fax 41 213144840, Olivier.Bugnon{at}hospvd.ch

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current situation and prospects for community pharmacy practice in Switzerland, a confederation of 26 cantons with a population of approximately 7 million, located in the center of Europe.

FINDINGS: For the past 10 years, the Swiss Association of Pharmacists has directed an in-depth reform of the profession, with measures such as a system of remuneration based on pharmaceutical cognitive services, a quality care program named QMS-Pharmacy, a postgraduate education program (including specific titles and certificates) and obligatory continuous education, programs of public relations and health promotion, innovative services of managed care, generics substitution, and others.

DISCUSSION: The implemented changes in management represent a pharmaceutical care solution for Swiss community pharmacies, which face intense competition and a very liberal policy regarding healthcare organization, relating in particular to the important cantonal autonomy, free establishment of ownership of pharmacies, pharmacy chains, dispensing physicians, chemist shops, mail order, and others.

CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacy in Switzerland is making modernization of its role in public health policy a clear orientation. Priorities for the future include reinforcement of education and academic research in pharmacy practice, demonstration of the added value of pharmacists, integration of new information technologies with pharmacies, and development of new pharmaceutical services for managed care network in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Key Words: community pharmacy, Switzerland

Published Online, February 7, 2006. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G199




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