EAHP European Statements baseline survey 2015: first steps on the implementation journey.

An implementation plan was developed in conjunction with the publication of the European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy. Subsequently a baseline survey on the status of the Statements was conducted with specific questions on awareness, capability and capacity seen as crucial to informing future implementation plans. The baseline survey showed that, 18 months after agreement at the European Summit of Hospital Pharmacy, hospital pharmacists across Europe have a growing awareness of the Statements. There is a significant variation across Europe with awareness levels ranging from 100% to less than 30%. Capacity within European Healthcare systems to achieve implementation is challenging with less than 10% of respondents in most countries indicating sufficient capacity to implement the services described in the Statements. Staff skills and experience to implement the changes was identified by respondents at less than 20% in many countries. The implementation plan will need to be constantly updated and modified to sustain progress.