Implementation of a professional program in Finnish community pharmacies in 2000-2002

The aim was to assess implementation of a national 4-year project to promote professional strategy in Finnish community pharmacies during the 2.5 years of program's action in 2000-2002. A survey of random sample of 734 community pharmacists in Finland was conducted in 2002 (response rate 51%, n = 376). The questionnaire included an implementation scale and two open-ended questions on patient counselling. Many of the actions were not optimally implemented 2.5 years after starting the project. Some individual actions may have been taken, but the systematic long-term development process has not yet been started in many pharmacies. Future challenges in implementation will be a better commitment of the pharmacy owners to the goals of the national professional strategy and a better access to Internet-based drug information sources while counselling patients.