A call to action to change the communication skills curriculum for pharmacy undergraduates in Turkey: A comparison with the United Kingdom

Introduction: Globally, pharmacy undergraduate programs are evolving to reflect a more patient-centered approach to clinical practice. The importance of teaching communication skills in any undergraduate pharmacy curriculum cannot be overstated. This article compares current literature and practices related to pharmacy services and communication skills training (CST) in pharmacy undergraduate education in the United Kingdom (UK) and Turkey and discusses the need for an urgent change in the CST curriculum in Turkey. Additionally, the article provides potential strategies for improving the quality of CST and for expanding pharmacy practice to ensure students and graduates are motivated to use communication skills.

Commentary: The traditionally structured curriculum in Turkey, where the basic sciences components are in the early years and clinical experiences in the later years, should be changed into an integrated environment so that CST could be more effectively incorporated. The CST offered at the University of Nottingham could be considered as a framework.

Implications: To meet patient care and educational needs, the authors have identified three key strategies to develop a change in CST for curriculum planners and policy makers in Turkey.