Challenge to clinical pharmacy practice in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the current status and future trends of clinical pharmacy practice in Malaysia.


METHODS
Published conference reports and journal articles.


METHODS
Data on areas related to clinical pharmacy practice in Malaysian hospitals were gleaned from various publications.


RESULTS
Malaysia is capable of implementing clinical pharmacy services in hospitals and perhaps also in the community setting. The important factors in clinically oriented pharmacy practice include improvement of the drug-control process, development of physical and human resources, clinical pharmacy skills, and the training of practicing pharmacists. A number of Malaysian pharmacists have already developed a unit-dose drug distribution system, patient counseling, therapeutic drug monitoring, drug information, and total parenteral nutrition services.


CONCLUSIONS
The pharmacy profession in Malaysia has many challenges ahead and it is hoped that every practicing pharmacist will be highly committed to future professional needs so that clinical pharmacy practice in Malaysia becomes a reality.
Hassan
Y
Y
Pharmacy Satellite Unit, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan.
D004346:Drug Information Services / Q000639:trends; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000639:trends; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000639:trends; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000639:trends*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000639:trends*