Hospital Pharmacy Internship Program

Agreement:
- The collaboration between the affiliating Colleges of Pharmacy and the Department of Health (DOH) to provide a Pharmacy Internship Program is in accordance with Article III, Section 18, paragraph (c) of Republic Act 5921, as amended (Pharmacy Law).
- This agreement seeks to ensure a reciprocal arrangement that is mutually beneficial for both parties involved.
Training Utilization: Colleges utilize the hospital pharmacy services as a platform for practical training, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
Reciprocal Benefits: In exchange, hospitals benefit from the professional expertise offered by the colleges, which includes access to research and library facilities, as well as continuing education programs provided by the affiliated colleges.

General Requirements

A formal and organized training program must be prepared by the training hospital.
This should be developed in consultation with The Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (PACOP) through their designated representatives from the National Committee on Affiliation and Training of Students (NCATS).
It is essential that the program aligns with the goals of both the educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

Objectives

General Objective

To provide pharmacy interns with the necessary practical training in all basic aspects of hospital pharmacy management and practice, focusing on enhancing the actual dynamics of patient care.

Specific Objectives

To familiarize and orient pharmacy interns with the overarching objectives and philosophy of hospital operations and the role of hospital pharmacy. This includes understanding their professional responsibilities and the expectations upon them.
To allow interns to experience firsthand the integration of Pharmaceutical Services with the institution's overall needs, reflecting on how pharmacy supports patient care.
To offer diverse experiences that enhance interns' knowledge and competence, encouraging the conceptualization of advanced service practices and improvements in patient outcomes.

Training Activities

The training hospital's environment must be conducive to learning, with the pharmacist acting as the supervisor responsible for guiding the teaching and training activities performed by pharmacy interns.
Course Content:
- Orientation:
  - Overview of DOH and the hospital infrastructure.
  - Understanding inter-departmental relations and the application of professional ethics among healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and patients.
- Pharmacy Operational Procedures:
  - Hands-on training in compounding and dispensing medications for inpatients and outpatients.
  - Techniques in procurement and maintaining inventory control measures.
  - Managing ward and emergency drug stock, monitoring for compliance and safety.
  - Storage and preservation methods for pharmaceuticals, including policies on dangerous drugs.
  - Compliance with legal records management and the importance of accurate bookkeeping, accounting, and reporting systems in pharmacy operations.
- Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee:
  - Understanding the organizational structure and functions of the committee.
  - Familiarity with the formulary system focused on generics.
  - Participating in reporting and analyzing Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) data collected from clinicians.
- Drug Information Center:
  - Engaging in patient interviews and rounds to understand medication management.
Methodology:
- Teaching methods will include lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Interns will observe the actual coordination of pharmacy services across various hospital departments.
- Involvement in direct hospital pharmacy work to solidify their practical knowledge and skills.
- Participation in seminars and workshops will further enhance their learning experience.

Training Schedule

Pharmacy student affiliates are responsible for coordinating their training schedules with the supervising pharmacist. They must complete either 200 hours or 360 hours of internship, depending on the program requirements, ensuring a comprehensive exposure to hospital pharmacy practices and patient care.