Pharmaceutical Care in Latin America

Abstract

This chapter focuses on pharmaceutical care provision in Latin America. We have described the current situation and challenges identified for pharmaceutical care activities, highlighting the situation in specific countries where possible. Different health systems in countries are an important reason for the development of specific strategies for each one. In general, the health literacy level of people in Latin America is rather low. Also, different background and training of pharmacists, and the lack of practice education, explain the low level of skills and knowledge and this leads to only few community pharmacists being active in pharmaceutical care. There are also relatively few hospital pharmacists involved in patient care. There are also positive developments in some countries. A few studies are mentioned in this chapter, because of their potential to influence the professional attitudes. More studies and change of the curricula in Latin America are needed.