Counselling, Concordance, and Communication -
Innovative Education for Pharmacists.
 
Since 2003, IPSF and the FIP Information Section have been working to produce a resource on patient counselling for pharmacy students, pharmacists, pharmaceutical organisations and societies, and pharmacy education providers. This new publication was launched at the 51st IPSF Congress in Bonn, Germany as well as the 65th FIP Congress in Cairo in 2005.
 
IPSF has organised Patient Counselling Events at its international congresses as well as encouraged pharmacy students to organise events and promote patient counselling worldwide since 1989. The FIP Information Section aims to provide a forum for pharmacists to expand and share their knowledge about information issues relating to pharmacy, medicines, and public health. This joint publication is a product of close collaboration between IPSF and the FIP Information Section.
 
Emphasising the need for inclusion of patient counselling skills training in undergraduate pharmacy curricula as well as continuing education for practicing pharmacists, the booklet covers the necessary background and evidence for patient counselling as well as how to organise and develop effective courses, training exercises, and patient counselling events. The booklet also describes ways in which pharmacists can promote, integrate, and further develop patient counselling services into their own practice.
 
The concept of concordance has been around for some ten years though it is not yet adequately reflected in practice worldwide. The challenge for pharmacy is not only limited to integrating pharmacy practice services and communication skills into education and practice, but also doing so in way that engages the patient as an equal partner rather than a passive participant. 
 
This publication aims to advocate a shift in pharmacy practice towards a patient focus rather than a product focus. Pharmacists are often identified by the public as the most accessible and trusted of all health professionals. As health professionals, pharmacists carry the responsibility to take steps towards the development of the necessary skills, knowledge base, and evidence to optimise health outcomes and address the needs of the patient.   IPSF and FIP hope that this publication will provide the necessary tools from which these steps can be taken.