Representatives of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) participated in the 50th European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) Symposium, entitled “Polypharmacy and ageing – individualized, person-centered care”, held in Prague from 19 to 21 October 2022.
During the affiliated symposium “Legislative paths for establishing fully paid clinical pharmacy positions in acute and ambulatory care”, Silvia Ravera, Scientific Programme Manager, presented the key elements of the Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res(2020)3 on the implementation of pharmaceutical care for the benefit of patients and health services. Participants agreed how important it is to have a legal framework and harmonised guidance at national and European level supporting the implementation of clinical pharmaceutical care in daily practice across Europe.
In addition, François-Xavier Lery, Head of the Pharmaceutical and Consumer Care Section, represented the EDQM in a round table discussion on the implementation and positive impact of clinical pharmacy services in various settings of care, along with other policy makers (the World Health Organization, Scottish Government and the EU-funded project iSIMPATHY) and healthcare professionals (pharmacists, physicians and nurses). The need to bridge research, evidence-based practice and policy was stressed by the participants and by the ESCP. Such an approach should support the implementation of pharmaceutical care in national legislation and, in turn, in national healthcare systems.