Emerging Roles of Community Pharmacist in Public Health: A Review on ASIA

Abstract

This study's aim was to conduct a comprehensive review of previously published research publications related to the emerging roles of community pharmacists in public health in Asia. It aims to analyze the new roles that community pharmacists are being called upon to fill in Asian regions in public health with also a focus on maximizing the full capacity of pharmacist skills and development to public health, a continuing advocate, and first-line empowerment of providing pharmacy information queries. The written works of this study utilized a systematic search of existing literature, including articles reporting on the emerging roles of community pharmacists in public health, using the following databases: Cochrane, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed/Medline, and Research Gate. Hand searching relevant articles on the research topic were employed to help ensure the confinement of all necessary existing literature/articles. The intervention or services types are classified based on the following: smoking cessation services, weight management services, alcohol reduction services, chronic disease management, drug misuse prevention and management services, and immunization and vaccination services; each comprises different major processes aiming to improve an individual's health status providing ways upon validation that are crucial for the betterment of public healthcare. In accordance with the studies, community pharmacist-led public-health programs markedly strengthened the efficiency, steadfastness, and cost-effectiveness of the allocation of public health resources whilst still optimizing the health of clients and patients, specifically whenever it arrives at assessing prospective issues and individuals who seek specialized care. Notwithstanding such, community pharmacy operations still necessitate modification to satisfy the evolving demands of consumers of modern medications. Training must attempt to boost pharmacists' confidence in supplying these services if community pharmacies are to elevate the public health services they serve. A proactive approach to the delivery of public health care by confident, well-trained pharmacists should have a favorable impact on client attitudes and health.