ESCP best practice: development of the national methodology for the provision of clinical-pharmaceutical care and its implementation in the healthcare system of the Czech Republic.

Introduction: In 2011 clinical pharmacy (CP) almost did not feature in the Czech Republic. As the complexity of pharmacotherapy increased, the need for comprehensive medication reviews (CMR) became increasingly important which led to extension of pharmacy practice beyond merely drug-oriented pharmacy-based services.

Aim: To outline the development, implementation and outcomes of the methodology that established standards for CP practice in the Czech Republic and which contributed to establishing CP as an independent postgraduate specialization with its own workplaces and full-time employment positions.

Setting: Inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings in the Czech Republic.

Development: Legislative changes in 2011 incorporated CP care into the healthcare system and the national CP methodology was published in 2014. Proactive screening of the medication lists and patient healthcare documentation was introduced. Results of CMRs are discussed with attending physicians and the plans for drug therapy adjustment are added to patient documentation. Clinical pharmacists have become standard partners for physicians on medical wards and outpatient facilities. A comprehensive clinical postgraduate training program (fully interlinked with accredited CP wards) has been established to maintain high standards of CP care.

Implementation: Based on the CP care methodology approved by professional medical and pharmaceutical societies and accepted by the Ministry of Health and health insurance companies, three inpatient procedures and one outpatient procedure became eligible for reimbursement thus facilitating the further development of CP practice and independent CP departments. Currently, the Czech Republic has 58 CP facilities and nearly 200 specialized clinical pharmacists.

Evaluation: The provision of CP care according to current national guidelines was shown to provide an effective and cost-effective approach by the results of two extensive studies; the calculated economic cost-benefit ratio was determined at 1:3-4.2. The number of clinical pharmacy specialists and facilities is steadily increasing.

Conclusion: The development of methodological approach accompanied by changes concerning reimbursement in the Czech Republic have led to the establishment of a stable and well-defined environment for clinical pharmacists to become full-time experts in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Clinical pharmacists are now recognized as skilled experts who are respected for their valuable contribution to inter-professional cooperation within medical teams.