CPF FUNDED GRANT DETAILS

The rapid growth of the veterinary pharmaceutical market anticipated growth to 33 billion by 2020 has triggered interest from community pharmacies, which have historically been excluded from the veterinary drug market due to drug distribution. Given that veterinary pharmacy is not a mandatory component of any U.S. pharmacy schools curriculum, the veterinary profession as a whole has voiced concern over sending prescriptions to community pharmacists who are viewed as unprepared to safely and effectively care for their patients. The overarching objective of this study was to strengthen the working relationship between the two professions in order to provide optimal care for non-human patients. The knowledge of community pharmacists, in regards to veterinary pharmacotherapy and legal compliance, was assessed at baseline. A second assessment was given after participating pharmacists successfully completed a piloted educational program taught by the principal investigator, a trained veterinary pharmacist. Post-training results helped gauge the need for veterinary pharmacy training programs in the community pharmacy setting.