Changes are required to help community pharmacists become more involved in reporting medication safety issues

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© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015

Abstract Although community pharmacists are in a position to identify, record and report medication safety incidents, pharmacovigilance reporting rates by pharmacists are currently low. Changes within the pharmacy profession and to existing healthcare structures should help develop a culture that incorporates regular reporting of medication safety issues.

Increased reporting of safety issues is needed

Over the past few decades, the profession of community pharmacy has undergone substantial changes [1]. The traditional take of supplying medications and drug information remains a central function; however, the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacist are increasingly becoming more clinically and patient focused. As their scope of practice widens to include greater responsibilities (e.g. consulting, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions), pharmacists are required to use their clinical skills more fully [2].

Community pharmacists are in an ideal position to identify, record and report medication safety incidents; however, a review...