OBJECTIVE: To describe a pharmacist s field of activity in drug-related clinical trials. METHOD: A non-systematic assessment of available scientific literature in international databases queried during the period of May 05 to 31, 2005. RESULTS: In all, 36 papers were obtained regarding the role of hospital pharmacists in the development of drug-related clinical trials. Most common activities included dispensation, storage, and inventory. Participation in ethics committees and study coordination represent an expanding area. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-related clinical research is an excellent practical setting for the hospital pharmacist. Activities related to investigational drug control, including dispensation, randomization scheme management, and patient follow-up, are an example. This is a novel though rapidly expanding scenario in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a pharmacist s field of activity in drug-related clinical trials. METHOD: A non-systematic assessment of available scientific literature in international databases queried during the period of May 05 to 31, 2005. RESULTS: In all, 36 papers were obtained regarding the role of hospital pharmacists in the development of drug-related clinical trials. Most common activities included dispensation, storage, and inventory. Participation in ethics committees and study coordination represent an expanding area. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-related clinical research is an excellent practical setting for the hospital pharmacist. Activities related to investigational drug control, including dispensation, randomization scheme management, and patient follow-up, are an example. This is a novel though rapidly expanding scenario in Brazil.