EAHP represents over 30,000 hospital pharmacists across 37 member countries. EAHP represents and develops the hospital pharmacy profession within Europe in order to ensure the continuous improvement of care and outcomes for patients in the hospital setting. This is achieved through science, research, education, practice, as well as sharing best-practice and responsibility with other healthcare professional
The EAHP Board, elected for three-year terms, oversees the association’s activities. Comprising directors responsible for core functions, it meets regularly to implement strategic goals. Supported by EAHP staff, the Board controls finances, coordinates congress organization, and ensures compliance with statutes and codes of conduct.
The EAHP staff supports the Board in executing EAHP’s mission. The Staff assists in financial management, events organisations, policy activities and all EAHP projects. The EAHP staff works closely with EAHP’s members and ensures the effective communication all relevant stakeholders.
The first member countries were Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, the Federal Republic, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands in 1972. EAHP has now 36 EAHP members and 2 Associate Members. EAHP is open to countries members of the Council of Europe and since 2022 to organisations representing the interests of hospital pharmacists from outside the Council of Europe (Associate Membership)
EAHP’s structure is also composed by different standing committes: EAHP Scientific Committee, EAHP Education Executive Committee and the EAHP CTF Steering Committee.
At EAHP, we are committed to transparency in our governance, ethical standards, and funding practices. This section provides open access to our foundational documents, including the EAHP Statutes, Code of Conduct, and Funding Sources. By sharing these resources, we aim to uphold accountability and foster trust with our members, partners, and the public.
Keep up with all EAHP’s events and webinars. Contact the team at info@eahp.eu should you have any questions about upcoming events or activities.
Here you can find all upcoming events organised by EAHP and by all its members and associate members. Do not hesitate to contact the events team at events@eahp.eu should you have any questions about the organisation of these events.
Hospital pharmacists conduct a critical role in the care of patients in hospitals. Learn more about what they do here and in all the pages under Hospital Pharmacy practice and Policy.
Self-Assessment
SILCC
Closed SIGs
EAHP brings together experts from many areas of hospital pharmacy practice providing and highlighting good local sustainable practices as that can be up-scaled and shared with other countries. The EAHP Working Group on Sustainability has the aim of reducing the environmental burden of the hospital pharmacy services.
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP), and its 36 member country platforms are creating a Common Training Framework for the hospital pharmacy education in Europe. The goal of this project is to allow the free movement of hospital pharmacists within the European Union.
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) and the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) have collaboratively developed the Oath to Society. The Oath to Society is all encompassing and acts as a contract for excellence in providing compassionate patient care, working as part of the healthcare team and advancing the pharmacy profession, and showcasing how clinical and hospital pharmacists work every day
A day created to highlight the importance and to celebrate the work done by hospital pharmacies. This day celebrates all hospital pharmacy teams.
The Early Career Network aims to empower early-career pharmacists by sharing opportunities, insights, and success stories from across 25 member countries.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected hospital pharmacy community: one story, one country, one pharmacist at a time.
Catch up with EAHP’s press releases
Find all EAHP relevant publication like the EAHP Surveys, annual reports and the history books.
The European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy (EJHP) is the only official journal of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) and is committed to advancing the science, practice and profession of hospital pharmacy. As the premier communication platform for hospital pharmacists worldwide, EJHP is a major source for continuing education as well as updates on advances in the practice and standard of pharmaceutical care for patients.
When EAHP and Hospital pharmacists appear in the news.
EAHP publishes a monthly EU monitor with updates about the latest EAHP initiatives and information relevant for the hospital pharmacy profession.
The Sponsor Channel is designed to maximise visibility and engagement, allowing sponsors to connect with the hospital pharmacy community and partners in a dynamic and interactive environment. From product demonstrations to networking sessions, the Sponsor Channel offers a range of opportunities for sponsors to showcase their offerings and generate leads in the new EAHP Website.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Irene Márquez-Gómez, Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana, Fernando Bustelo Paz, José Luis Revuelta Herrero, Roberto Collado-Borrell, Laura Maldonado Yagüe, Alberto Ruiz López-Alvarado, Ana Herranz Alonso, Juana Benedí González, María Sanjurjo Sáez
Patient experience has been recognized as a critical determinant of healthcare quality, directly influencing adherence, safety, and clinical outcomes. In clinical trials, where investigational drugs and complex protocols often create uncertainty and stress, patients face unique challenges. Enhancing their experience is critical to ensure safety, and engagement throughout the trial. This project aimed to mitigate these vulnerabilities and to foster a more humanized and supportive care environment.
A patient-centered model was developed to incorporate patient experience into the pharmaceutical care of clinical trial patients. The initiative sought to redesign care processes within the Pharmacy Department to better address patients’ expectations, needs, and vulnerabilities.
The project followed four phases: (1) Current workflows were mapped to detect bottlenecks in pharmaceutical care (2) Semi-structured interviews with trial participants explored their perceptions, concerns, and unmet needs; thematic analysis was applied to identify key insights. (3) The SAFARI observational method was used to document real-world interactions and organizational dynamics in the drug dispensation area. (4) A Patient Journey Map was created to visualize the care pathway and highlight critical touchpoints requiring improvement.
Analysis revealed several unmet needs: insufficient practical information on trial medication, limited visibility of pharmacy as a clinical resource, logistical barriers such as poor signage and physical distance from clinics, and confusion about dispensing procedures. Patients valued close monitoring by the research team but expressed interest in receiving additional pharmaceutical support. Overall, the hospital pharmacy was perceived primarily as a logistical space rather than a clinical partner, underscoring the need to reposition its role within clinical trial care.
Two key strategies have been defined. First, the establishment of a dedicated pharmaceutical care consultation for trial participants, focusing on critical milestones (pre-screening, treatment initiation, therapy changes), providing structured explanations, written reference materials, and systematic review of interactions and adverse effects. Second, the functional planning of a new Clinical Trials Unit, with improved physical spaces, closer proximity to the research team, and simplified patient circuits. These interventions aim to transform the pharmacy service into a patient-centered and supportive environment, and future evaluation will measure their impact on safety, adherence, and patient-reported outcomes.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Susana Redondo-Capafons, Laura Soriano, Carmen Roger, Oriol Arroyo, Raquel Mayoral, Ana Morales, Andrés Reyner, Marta Rueda, Rosario Bueno, Mónica Gómez-Valent, Andrés Joaquim Reyner
In aseptic cleanroom environments, correct donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to hand hygiene protocols are essential to prevent contamination and ensure both patient and operator safety. Despite existing standard operating procedures (SOPs), interindividual variability in compliance often remains undetected, increasing the risk of deviation from aseptic standards. Our pharmacy department identified the need for a practical tool to systematically monitor and improve these critical procedures. With the aim of continuous improvement in clinical practice and service quality, and in the context of incorporating new staff into the cytotoxic preparation area, this initiative was developed.
Two structured checklists were designed and implemented to evaluate compliance with SOPs:
1. Donning and doffing of PPE – assessing sequence, technique, and timing.
2. Hand hygiene – assessing product use, duration, and areas of the hands washed.
The checklists were based on international guidelines (WHO, GMP) and local SOPs. Trained observers performed random assessments of pharmacy technicians during routine cleanroom entry and exit. Each step was scored for compliance, and procedure times were recorded.
The use of checklists enabled objective, individualized assessment of compliance. The mean compliance score for donning and doffing PPE was 9.4 ± 0.8, while for hand hygiene it was 8.9 ± 1.2. The 100% of pharmacy technicians acquired the minimum score established in the procedure (7/10). The main issues identified were related to the location where PPE was removed (17%), the duration of hand washing (25%), and the volume of alcohol-based hand rub used (42%). These findings guided targeted retraining sessions and continuous quality improvement actions. This approach increased awareness among staff and promoted more consistent aseptic practices in daily operations.
The checklists have been integrated into routine training and quality monitoring. They are easy to replicate in other hospital pharmacies with cleanroom facilities, requiring minimal resources. The initiative provides a model to strengthen aseptic procedures, reduce contamination risks, and enhance overall compliance with safety standards.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
DEBROISE Madeleine, Dr GUELLEC Corrine, CHAMPEAUX Murielle, Dr PETIT Paul-Remi, Dr ROCHE Manon
An innovative awareness-raising tool was developed to reduce glove misuse, strengthen hand hygiene practices, and promote the eco-design of healthcare procedures. The audit and feedback (A&F) strategy, known for improving practices, was at the core of this work (1). This initiative is part of the pharmacy project, implemented across the Territorial Hospital Group.
Misuse of both sterile and non-sterile gloves has been widely described in the literature (2) . At the same time, the 2024 French Society for Hospital Hygiene guidelines emphasize that glove use is not recommended for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intradermic injections (3). In this context, the awareness tool was designed to limit misuse and promote good practices.
In addition to the audits carried out (before and after), a multidisciplinary team developed an escape game to make awareness training interactive and to enhance teamwork. Based on guidelines and field feedback, the game includes three modules addressing the appropriateness of glove use, sterile versus non-sterile glove use, compliance with standard precautions, the carbon footprint of different glove types, and waste management. Each session lasts 25 minutes and can take place directly in clinical units.
A total of 294 self-assessment questionnaires and 72 observation-based audit grids were collected. Since its launch, 48 workshops have gathered 210 participants, of whom 141 completed a satisfaction questionnaire. For 84% of them, this was their first participation in such an activity. More than 70% reported updated knowledge on hand hygiene and glove use, while 81% considered that environmental aspects could influence their practices. The word “playful” was mentioned in 69 out of 110 comments highlighting the game’s strengths.
The tool will continue to be rolled out across the region, including in training institutes, with the objective of achieving a 10% reduction in glove consumption at the territorial level.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Presenting author : H Decouvelaere
Co-author : C Lambert de Cursay
Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) represent a major issue in clinical pharmacology, as they can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, adverse effects. The emergence of artificial intelligence models such as ChatGPT raises questions about their reliability in identifying DDIs. The literature reports that ChatGPT may generate nonexistent information (“hallucinations”) or provide inaccurate or incomplete data. However, evidence regarding its use in detecting DDIs remains limited.
To evaluate the reliability of ChatGPT in detecting DDIs, particularly for recently marketed drugs or those under compassionate use authorization (CUA), for which conventional databases are sometimes incomplete.
Thirteen older drugs (marketed before 2010) and seven drugs marketed since June 2025 or under CUA were identified. All pairwise drug combinations were tested. A standardized script was used to query ChatGPT consistently, minimizing bias related to question phrasing. Results were checked using reliable sources (product characteristics summaries, scientific literature, DDI-Predictor, etc.). Searches were conducted between July and September 2025 using ChatGPT-5.
A total of 210 drug pairs were analyzed. ChatGPT’s responses were consistent with the literature for 72% of pairs (n=152). For 9% (n=18), the information was incomplete. Partial discrepancies were observed for 1% (n=2) and total discrepancies for 18% (n=38). Among these, 68% (n=26) corresponded to ChatGPT hallucinations and 32% (n=12) to undetected DDIs. Agreement with the literature was 65% (n=59) for older drug pairs, 95% (n=20) for pairs of two recent or CUA drugs, and 74% (n=73) for mixed pairs (old and recent drugs).
ChatGPT-5 can serve as a helpful tool for identifying DDIs, providing correct analysis in nearly 75% of cases. However, its performance remains limited due to the significant risk of hallucination or omission. ChatGPT’s responses were less reliable for older drugs, likely because of the vast and sometimes outdated documentation available. Conversely, newer or CUA drugs—although less documented—benefited from more recent and homogeneous sources, improving response quality. Therefore, ChatGPT-5 cannot replace human expertise or official databases. It should always be used as a complementary tool, with its outputs verified against trusted sources.
Education and Research
Mengato D, Cancanelli L, Colicchio A, Crivellaro G, Lombardi N, Torni F
Clinical pharmacy in Italy is not officially institutionalized yet and education about it across Italian residency programs is heterogeneous, with limited opportunities for structured, practice-oriented learning. To address this gap, the contest was introduced in 2023 to foster harmonization and enhance residents’ practical competencies. The main goal was to engage future clinical pharmacists in a stimulating, competitive environment that reflects real-life decision-making, encourages collaboration, and supports the development of a shared professional identity.
A national Clinical Pharmacy Contest was designed and implemented by the Italian Society of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (SIFaCT) to promote standardized, competency-based education among Italian residents. The initiative uses a gamified, case-based learning model to develop clinical reasoning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real-world therapeutic contexts.
Residents from Hospital Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology schools across Italy competed in teams of four. The contest included three phases. Preliminary phase: submission of a medication review based on a simulated clinical case; Quarter-finals: online Jeopardy-style quiz; Semi-finals and final: structured quizzes and guided clinical case discussions, evaluated by expert panels during the SIFaCT National Congress. Organizational challenges such as ensuring fair participation and developing standardized evaluation tools were addressed by establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary committee.
Across three editions, 30 teams (120 residents) participated, with 48 finalists attending live sessions. A pilot survey from 40 respondents showed high satisfaction (mean 4.4/5), strong perceived usefulness (4.4/5) and complementarity (4.3/5) with university education. 91% would recommend the contest to colleagues, and 85% rated its usefulness in deepening clinical knowledge as 4 or 5/5. Participants reported improved clinical reasoning, teamwork, and awareness of the pharmacist’s clinical role.
The contest represents an innovative and scalable educational model that supports harmonization of clinical pharmacy training and inter-university collaboration. It could be adopted across Europe to strengthen clinical competencies, foster professional identity, and promote patient-centered care.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Mengato D, Camuffo L, Todino F, Binanti ME, Sartori S, Benini F, Venturini F
Medication errors in pediatrics often arise from incorrect handling or administration by caregivers. Strengthening their knowledge is essential to improve safety and adherence. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and assess caregivers’ understanding of safe medication use, storage, and the role of compounded (“galenic”) medicines. It also intended to reinforce the visibility of clinical pharmacists as accessible medication experts for families.
On 17 September 2025, during the World Health Organization’s World Patient Safety Day themed “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, the clinical pharmacy team of the Azienda Ospedale–Università Padova organized an awareness event within the Pediatric Department. The initiative included a pharmacist-managed information desk, an interactive quiz for parents and caregivers, educational materials on safe medication practices, and gadgets for children to foster engagement. Pharmacists were available throughout the day to answer questions and provide individual counseling on pediatric medicines.
A voluntary anonymous quiz with 10 knowledge-based and 2 awareness questions was administered to parents visiting the department. Participants received a score (1–10) and tailored feedback: scores ≥8 indicated excellent knowledge, 5–7 good knowledge with room for improvement, and <5 the need for closer pharmacist or physician guidance. The event required coordination with pediatric staff and logistical support for educational materials and space allocation.
Thirty-two parents completed the quiz: 68.8% achieved ≥8 points (“super-pharma-parents”), 28.1% scored 5–7, and 3.1% scored <5. Knowledge was strong regarding shaking suspensions (100%), completing antibiotic courses (96.9%), and proper disposal of expired drugs (96.9%). Gaps emerged in measuring tools (9.4% incorrect) and preparation environment (6.2% unsuitable). Awareness of galenic medicines was limited (18.7% misdefinition). The initiative was well-received, stimulating high engagement and requests for future educational sessions.
The experience improved caregiver awareness and strengthened collaboration between families and clinical pharmacists. This initiative, which is embedded with the Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory, represents a reproducible model to enhance pediatric medication safety. Future steps include integrating similar educational events into routine hospital activities and developing digital tools to extend pharmacist-led counseling to the community.
Education and Research
FERNANDEZ LOPEZ, ELISA GEORGINA; SANTOS FAGUNDO, ANDREA; ESQUIVEL NEGRIN, JORGE; PEÑA HERNANDEZ, JOSEPHINE; GONZALEZ CRESPO, ALVARO; MAGDALENA PEREZ, AMARA; MARTIN CONDE, JOSE ANTONIO; DIAZ RUIZ, MARIA PILAR
Training in hospital pharmacy involves numerous critical technical processes (e.g. sterile preparations, parenteral nutrition, cytotoxic drugs, automated dispensing). These procedures demand high precision and adherence to protocols. Variability in training methods may lead to errors and reduced efficiency. To standardize training and provide residents and professionals with an accessible reference, a structured video library was developed.
A comprehensive training video library covering key technical processes in hospital pharmacy was designed and implemented in a tertiary hospital. The goal was to improve resident education, ensure adherence to protocols, and provide a rapid consultation tool for daily practice.
Training videos were produced for the following areas: sterile preparations (intravitreal injections, intrathecal, collyria, subcutaneous and intravenous re-dispensing, analgesia pumps), parenteral nutrition (adult and neonatal), cytotoxics (IV, SC, chemoembolization particles, elastomeric devices, intrathecal), laminar flow cabinet operation, pharmacy software tutorials, automated dispensing systems (Athos, carousels, outpatient robot), and logistics management (orders, forecasts). Each video followed a technical and regulatory script. Content was validated by professionals and residents through a pilot phase. The final materials were integrated into the hospital’s internal platform, with controlled access. Impact was assessed via satisfaction surveys and monitoring of procedural execution.
After one year, 85% of users reported improved learning and knowledge retention, while 100% of residents stated increased confidence in performing procedures. The tool has contributed to training standardization, greater adherence to protocols, and facilitated quick access to updated resources.
Future steps include producing additional videos, updating existing content according to regulatory/technological changes, and expanding the model to other hospital pharmacy departments. While it does not replace supervised practical training, this tool complements it and has strong potential for replication in other hospitals to improve quality and safety in pharmaceutical care.
Education and Research
P. BROUARD
C. JUTARD
C. COUSIN
E. COGET
The Oncology Pharmacy Unit within the hospital pharmacy is experiencing a steady increase in activity. Medical teams are increasingly calling on pharmacy interns for technical and clinical questions.
To enhance the training of pharmacy interns and improve responsiveness to medical inquiries, an artificial intelligence (AI) driven pharmaceutical chatbot pre-configured using a dedicated prompt. It was developed to deliver accurate, context-specific answers on clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, and organizational aspects of the oncology unit. This study aims to assess the relevance and quality of its responses to evaluate its potential as a support tool in intern training.
A total of 123 anonymized documents, including procedures, educational materials, and internal resources from the oncology unit of the hospital pharmacy, were integrated into a dedicated chatbot developed with ChatGPT-5. Forty questions reflecting eight key thematic areas of residents’ activities—clinical and technological validation, outpatient dispensing, controlled atmosphere areas, medical staff inquiries, software use, routine practice, and on-call situations—were submitted to the AI. Four experts pharmacists independently assessed each response using a standardized evaluation form with four levels of agreement (“Agree,” “Somewhat agree,” “Somewhat disagree,” “Disagree”).
Among the 160 responses received, a strong inter-rater consistency was observed, with 90% of evaluations showing concordance among at least three assessors and full unanimity in 20% of cases. Overall, 79% of chatbot responses were rated favorably (41% “Agree,” 38% “Somewhat agree”). The highest satisfaction rates were found in clinical pharmacy (95%), controlled atmosphere areas (95%), and software (90%). In contrast, lower agreement occurred in pharmaceutical technology (65% favorable, 30% disagreement) and particularly in on-call situations, where 55% of responses were considered unsatisfactory.
These findings confirm the educational potential of this tool, with most answers deemed relevant. Nonetheless, discrepancies underline its limitations regarding specific technical data, including occasional hallucinatory, incorrect, or incomplete responses that lack adequate reference to institutional procedures. Given its potential, we are working to improve this chatbot by refining the prompt, updating the database, and testing other non-hallucinatory AI models.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Cartaillac-Julien C.(1), Danjean S.(1), Demazière V.(1)
As part of the 2026 HAS certification, the “Medication Safety” group launched short training sessions for nurses on high-risk medications. Designed by a pharmacy resident and validated by a nurse, these sessions were implemented despite limited resources and 12-hour shifts.
To strengthen medication safety by maintaining a consistent level of knowledge among nurses through regular, unit-based sessions.
These 20-minute “flash” trainings, integrated into continuing education, are conducted by a pharmacy resident directly within care units to optimize staff time. An anonymous 12-question MCQ is completed before and after each session to measure impact. The interactive slideshow format promotes discussion, and participants receive a pocket summary of key points. Satisfaction questionnaires assess the program’s quality in line with QUALIOPI standards. The first module focused on anticoagulants, high-risk drugs frequently involved in “Never Events.” Developed from official and nursing references and reviewed by a frontline nurse, it covers indications, side effects, contraindications, interactions, interprofessional communication, and patient counseling.
Seventeen sessions were delivered across eight departments, involving 45 nurses. Small-group formats required several sessions per unit. Knowledge improved, with mean scores rising from 14.2/20 to 16.3/20 (+14.8%). The least-known topics were bleeding signs, indications, and management of missed doses.
Nurses valued the practical content and on-site format, which saved time. Opinions on duration were mixed—some found 20 minutes too short, others saw it as the only feasible format. Unit managers praised the pharmacy team’s adaptability. Participants requested new topics such as antibiotics, antidotes, insulins, potassium, and adverse drug effects, as well as stronger physician involvement.
These successful short trainings foster collaboration between nurses and pharmacists, standardize practices, and improve medication safety. The initiative will continue with additional modules and expanded participation from other professionals, contributing to a shared culture of safe medication use.
Education and Research
Dr Sian Williams, Dr Ella Graham-Rowe, Dr Sarah Chapman and Prof John Weinman
Non-adherence contributes significantly to preventable harm and waste across health systems. Although pharmacy professionals are well placed to intervene, evidence suggests that current approaches are limited in effectiveness. The aim of this initiative was to provide multi-sector professionals with a shared framework and tools to support adherence, improving patient care and consistency across services.
A training programme was developed to improve pharmacy professionals’ confidence and capability in identifying and addressing medication non-adherence. The training was delivered to qualified pharmacists, foundation pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians across NHS Sussex, with a focus on practical skills and evidence-based behavioural change strategies.
The training, developed in collaboration between the University of Brighton and the Centre for Adherence Research and Education at King’s College London, consisted of three components. First, participants completed an online module introducing the causes, types, and consequences of non-adherence. This was followed by a four-hour interactive face-to-face workshop, where attendees were trained in the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour) model, the ‘Making Medicines Work for You’ screener, and five practical adherence support strategies based on evidence-based behaviour change techniques. A follow-up online session four weeks later allowed participants to reflect on applying the screener in practice and to share experiences. Cross-sector representation enabled peer learning and discussion of implementation in diverse settings.
The initial training reached 26 pharmacy professionals who completed pre- and post-surveys on confidence and practice in identifying and supporting adherence. Analysis showed improved perceived skills and access to tools. A follow-up session revealed early successes alongside barriers, including time pressures in busy settings and challenges embedding the tool into systems that support routine practice.
This initiative provides an evidence-based model for embedding adherence support into pharmacy practice. It is transferable across integrated care systems and healthcare settings. Future plans include ongoing evaluation and extending training to other clinical teams and policy decision-makers.
