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International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has noted in its new Statement of Policy that pharmacists must place people at the centre of their practice to optimise medication use and improve health outcomes. The updated statement replaces FIP’s original 1998 statement on pharmaceutical care and reflects the evolving role of pharmacy professionals as accessible, frontline healthcare providers.
The policy statement defines people-centred pharmaceutical care as a focused, outcome-oriented practice that requires pharmacists to work closely with patients and other health professionals to promote health, prevent disease and ensure the rational use of medicines. Building on decades of progress in clinical pharmacy and patient care processes, the statement emphasises the pharmacist’s role across the entire medication use process — including prescribing (where permitted), dispensing, administering and monitoring.
“Pharmacists today have an increasingly complex and vital role in primary care. In many jurisdictions, pharmacists are on the frontline managing chronic diseases, assessing and prescribing for minor ailments, administering vaccinations, conducting point-of-care testing, and using evolving digital tools to enhance patient care. These expanded scopes and enhanced services have proven to improve health outcomes and expand the capacity of healthcare systems,” said Sherif Guorgui, president, FIP Community Pharmacy Section and co-chair of the policy committee.
“Establishing trusted relationships with patients built on empathy and mutual decision-making, maintaining accurate patient records, and developing individualised pharmacotherapy plans that balance safety, effectiveness and cost are among the key requirements outlined for delivering people-centred pharmaceutical care. It also calls for robust systems to protect patient data and ensure privacy in line with national regulations,” said Guorgui.
The statement recognises interprofessional collaboration as essential to delivering high-quality, people-centred care. Pharmacists play an essential role in multidisciplinary teams, where collaboration with other health professionals helps ensure safer, more coordinated and effective care. Through structured shared-care protocols and collaborative practice agreements, pharmacists can contribute to optimising medication management, preventing medication errors and improving continuity of care, stated the communication note from FIP.
The updated statement includes recommendations for governments, policymakers, pharmacy organisations, educators and pharmacists themselves. FIP has also set out its own commitments, including promoting relevant research and education, and providing guidance and resources to support the global implementation of people-centred pharmaceutical care.
“FIP urges governments, healthcare partners, and our global pharmacy community to adopt and implement this approach, enabling pharmacists in all settings to better serve their communities and enhance health outcomes for all,” said Robert Moss, FIP vice president and co-chair of the policy committee.
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