Aref Alabed

International Medical Training Academy Limited, UK

Title: Soft skills needed for pharmacists. How can we gain these skills!

Biography

Abstract

It is a known fact that Pharmacists are largely encouraged to develop the scientific areas of their career, adding value and new benefits to our lives. Less encouragement, however, is given to their personal development; understanding how to connect, build valuable relationships with others and manage the team, the communication in the pharmacy. Management and interpersonal skills are rarely included in the Pharmaceutical curriculum at universities and yet these skills are crucial when faced with the responsibility of managing teams. Systems and processes have to be implemented to lead a team successfully and without an understanding of leadership and communication skills this can be extremely challenging. A very well know that: " In order to be a good professional, a pharmacist should possess “a combination of comprehensive therapeutic knowledge, experience, problem-solving skills, and judgment” (Burke, et al., 2008). And in a recent survey soft skills were rated as more important than the hard skills (Aasheim & Williams, 2009). And lastly Hewitt Sean (2008) and Tobin (2006), quoted in (John, 2009), state that soft skills are non-technical, intangible, personality specific skills which determines an individual's strength as a leader, listener and negotiator, or as a conflict mediator. Soft skills are the traits and abilities of attitude and behaviour rather than of knowledge or technical aptitude. Here in the UK, the NHS is aware of the importance of the soft skills, that's why the requirements for the pharmacist's job is to have an excellent communication skill, good customer skills, willing to supervise others, team work, have leadership skills, able to deliver knowledge to the new employees. And all these skills have to be up to date with annual continuing professional development ( CPD). I believe that the balance between technical excellence and interpersonal skills is what truly makes a difference in the experience for service users and staff.