A new focus for CST: pharmacy practice as a helping relationship

In this paper, the authors describe the reasons for and the development of a course in communication skills, particularly for patient counselling, for practising pharmacists. They identify why communication skills are needed in pharmacy practice and the aims of the course. 10 hospital and 6 community pharmacists, with previous communication skills training, participated in 5 weekly 3.5 hour sessions. The course content included the nature of counselling, reflecting, self-disclosure, opening and closing and reinforcement. Each session included a lecture, small group practicals and group discussion. The course was evaluated both formally and informally. The informal evaluation demonstrated a positive reaction to the course. The authors conclude that the course may be regarded as a novel initiative and that it is consistent with the recommendations of the Nuffield Report.