Pharmacy and Patient Care: Evolution of Its Practice and Education in Vietnam Since 2012

Abstract

Background: Since the early 21 st Century, pharmacy practice has experienced critical changes diversely worldwide. This paper reviewed studies aimed at the development of pharmacy education and practice during the last 10 years in Vietnam.Methods: Analyse data from official sources including Pubmed, Government website, University's website and books. Results:The results showed that Vietnam has taken great strides in the legal regulation of clinical pharmacy operations, which are considered a patient-centered pharmacy activity. However, the practice of clinical pharmacy in hospitals, especially direct patient care services, is very limited. Although patient-centered subjects have been added in teaching curricula, the clinical practice experiences of pharmacist students in hospitals have not been addressed. Conclusion:Vietnam has built a favorable environment for clinical pharmacy practice and education; however, the pharmaceutical services provided by pharmacists remain very limited, especially in the hospital setting.