Asian Journal Of Social Pharmacy

Abstract: Objective To analyze the status and problems of licensed pharmacists in pharmaceutical retail enterprises in China, and to put forward suggestions for improving licensed pharmacists’ abilities. Methods Literature review and questionnaire survey were used to analyze the basic status of licensed pharmacists in pharmaceutical retail enterprises and fishbone diagram was used to find out the problems. Results and Conclusion Pharmaceutical retail enterprises have the following problems when they employ pharmacists, such as lack of assessment system, too general incentive policies. The causes of problems lie in four aspects, including system, environment, pharmacy and pharmacists. As to the above problems, the government should make policies to encourage and regulate enterprises to explore remote prescription service through Internet. Furthermore, pharmaceutical retail enterprises can take the advantage of Internet to develop a comprehensive performance appraisal system for licensed pharmacists. The assessment information platform will reflect the true level of pharmacists and enhance their professional value.

Key words: pharmaceutical retailer, licensed pharmacist, performance, fishbone diagram