CURRENT STATUS OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE PRACTICE - STRATEGIES FOR EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to describe the status of pharmaceutical care practice and to compare pharmaceutical care practices between re spondents categorized by position, type of practice, prescription volu me, and years of practice. Data were collected from a random sample of 452 pharmacists practicing in Ohio by means of a pretested, mailed qu estionnaire. Of the 447 surveys deliverable, 163 (36.5 percent) comple ted surveys were returned. The results showed that pharmacists engaged in passive pharmaceutical care activities more frequently than active ones. We conclude that pharmacists and students need appropriate trai ning and professional socialization to encourage a more active type of practice in which comprehensive pharmaceutical care is provided.