Article ID: 2022-004
In recent years, as the role of pharmacists has transformed from a simple pharmaceutical supply service to a specialized patient-focused service involving aspects of the medication, and pharmacists are required to have the ability to comprehend patients’ conditions. In this review, the available programs on pharmacist’s education for the optimal prediction of patient’s conditions in Kyoto Pharmaceutical University will be presented as well as my personal views on the physical assessment required of pharmacists in the future. In Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, undergraduate education involves physical assessment education to enables understanding of the normal physiological state in the second year “anatomy and physiology laboratory” course and physical assessment education to better identify the patients’ medical condition and its suitable pharmacotherapy in the fourth year “prepharmacy practice” course. Furthermore, the “Physical Assessment Course” is offered as continuous and life-long education for pharmacists that completed the former four-year system of pharmacy education, in which physical assessment education is provided. Finally, as a faculty member involved in physical assessment education, I consider that the purpose of physical assessment carried out by pharmacists should always be considered essential.
