Clinical Pharmacy Education and Practice in Nepal: A Glimpse into Present Challenges and Potential Solutions

Abstract

This commentary article highlights the challenges in providing clinical pharmacy education in Nepal and suggests a few ways forward. Contrary to other health care professions, clinical pharmacy practice is a new healthcare discipline in the country which is currently undergoing transition. The existing pharmacy curriculum and training in the country can provide competencies needed for pharmacists in industrial settings. Considering the importance of clinical pharmacists in patient care, the Government of Nepal has implemented a policy recommending the recruitment of clinical pharmacists in hospitals. However, the education and training for pharmacists provided in the country are not sufficient enough for optimum patient care and for delivering clinical pharmacy services. International collaborations in terms of faculty and student exchanges, preceptor training, and accreditation by international organizations such as Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), establishment of need-based curriculum, incorporating clinical pharmacy department under the organizational structure of hospitals, etc., may be the right approaches to improve the current status of clinical pharmacy education in the country.

Keywords: Nepal; clinical pharmacist; clinical pharmacy education; clinical pharmacy practice; clinical pharmacy service; pharmacy education.