Obstacles to the Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care in the Community Setting

Objective: To describe the obstacles to the implementation of pharmaceutical care in the community setting based on the experience and informal observations of the authors in their work with community practitioners. Summary: Various obstacles impede the implementation of pharmaceutical care in community practice. These obstacles can be grouped into six categories: pharmacists' attitudes, lack of advanced practice skills, resource-related constraints, system-related constraints, intraprofessional obstacles, and academic/educational obstacles. Pharmacists should identify those obstacles that are relevant to their practice and develop strategies to overcome them. By understanding the obstacles, pharmacists, pharmacy organizations, and colleges of pharmacy can work together to find solutions and accelerate the community practitioner's successful conversion to pharmaceutical care. Conclusion: Although these obstacles may seem overwhelming to the community practitioner, commitment and proper planning will help to lessen their effects. Overcoming certain of these obstacles will require the involvement of pharmacy organizations and colleges of pharmacy. It is the responsibility of all pharmacy professionals to develop the skills, tools, and knowledge to overcome any obstacle to the success of pharmaceutical care.