Asian Journal Of Social Pharmacy

Abstract: Objective To study the current status of licensed pharmacists in China, and to make suggestions for the sound development of regulation authorities and licensed pharmacists. Methods Literature review and data research were conducted to analyze the status of examinations, registration, academic qualification and professional composition of licensed pharmacists. And SWOT method was used to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the development of licensed pharmacists. Results and Conclusion Licensed pharmacists have such advantages and opportunities as professionalism, favorable policies, and continuous expansion of market demand. However, they also face disadvantages and threats, such as low service capacity, weak service awareness and low social status. According to the results of SWOT analysis, it is suggested that the government should make use of the advantages of artificial intelligence to build a regulatory information platform and a public platform for electronic prescriptions. Meanwhile, a national accreditation agency for continuing education should be established, and academic exchanges between regional licensed pharmacists and physicians must be organized regularly. Besides, licensed pharmacists can use mobile phones and other information devices to keep abreast of national policy and new medical information. Therefore, their services will be recognized by the public, thus to protect the drug safety for the public.

Key words: licensed pharmacist, professional qualification certificate, SWOT method, practice behavior