1 minute read
National News
The Netherlands
The view on community pharmacists in the Netherlands, in an age of health digitalisation, and what to do about it. (part 2)
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The research showed that in public pharmacy, there should be more room for actual healthcare provision. The work conducted by the pharmacists should become more visible for patients to notice so they know in what way the pharmacist provides care to them. Additionally, the pharmacists should cooperate even more with the general practitioner, to enhance even more smooth patient treatment. This could lead to community pharmacists expanding their task package and even taking over certain duties such as doing yearly medication evaluation meetings and becoming involved in preventive steps such as reducing certain medication or giving lifestyle advice. Lastly, the pharmacist should move from being a provider of a standard information story about a drug towards a consultant, which provides tailored advice adjusted to the needs of a patient. This requires careful listening and asking thorough questions. In this way, community pharmacists will remain relevant, regardless of technological development and other services which lead to convenience Not only in the Netherlands, but also abroad
By Tijn van Heuveln on behalf of the committee for pharmaceutical policy of K.N.P.S.V. The Netherlands
farmaceutischbeleid@knps
