Introducing interpersonal skills into the pharmaceutical curriculum.

This article discusses interpersonal skills which are relevant to pharmaceutical practice and how they may be incorporated into the pharmaceutical curriculum. The authors changes in pharmacy practice and education over the last 25 years and the reports that have identified the need for training in interpersonal skills. At the moment there is gradual change in the UK, to introduce such training. The authors then discuss the skills areas which are relevant to pharmacy including non-verbal communication, questioning, explaining, listening, counselling, interviewing etc. These skills can best be taught within the structure of microtraining. The stages of microtraining, skill analysis - skill discrimination, skill practice, feedback and consolidation are explained. Finally the authors discuss the practical considerations of introducing this training into the curriculum and conclude that schools of pharmacy should give urgent attention to incorporating a communication component within the undergraduate curriculum