The role of the pharmacist in the integration of traditional and conventional medicine

The integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into the healthcare system is becoming an increasingly important element of healthcare policy in European countries. In Europe, the lack of uniform legal regulations regarding TCIM results in significant differences in the availability, quality, and control of these services and products. Pharmacists can play a special role in the process of integrating traditional and conventional medicine. This professional group is easily accessible to patients and trained in both the safety of pharmacotherapy and advice on the use of herbal products. In Poland, under the Act on the Profession of Pharmacist and the implementing acts, pharmacists have obtained additional powers in performing diagnostic tests and taking preventive measures. This opens up new possibilities of also usingpharmacists to integrate elements of traditional and natural medicine into academic practice.