Needs and opportunities for outpatient pharmacies in Colombia: The case of continuing education programs for pharmacists

At the global level, there are many challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical personnel (professionals, technologists and technicians), mainly for those working at the outpatient pharmacies (Pharmaceutical Retail Establishments, in the context of the Colombian health system). Overall, Colombian outpatient pharmacies have limited their activities to selling medicines, while the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) have promoted their evolution toward a more patient-oriented practice. This focusing ranges from the procurement and supplying of medicines to pharmaceutical care services, oriented to ensure the best treatment for patients. Therefore, outpatient pharmacies play an important role in the improvement of pharmacotherapy and patient outcomes, promoting rational use of medicines and reducing healthcare costs (1). This kind of results have been gradually demonstrated in other countries (2). In that way, in Colombia there is a considerable need to create outpatient pharmacies which allow us improve outcomes for patients care, increase access to healthcare system care (specially for vulnerable populations) and, to provide specific-medication tools for reach successful therapies. By including patient education, it is possible to ensure the best health outcomes, to improve patient satisfaction and to enhance cost‐effectiveness relationship.