Pharmacists' interventions in the population of pregnant women and recomandations for pharmacy practice impoveme

Abstract

Introduction. The use of drugs in pregnancy, despite to potential risks, is a very common and necessary. Pharmacists' interventions in the process of drug dispensing to pregnant women may be essential for the use of the safest drug for the foetus. The aim of the study was to explore Serbia pharmacists' interventions in the population of pregnant women and to suggest measures for interventions advancement. Methods. Internet-based study was performed during the period April 1st - May 31th, 2012. The questionnaire, specially designed according to aims of the study, was distributed to pharmacists via their e-mails. Participation in the study was anonymous and voluntarily. Data according to pharmacists' socio-demographics characteristics and their experiences in interventions during drug dispensing to pregnant women were gathered. SPSS software was used in data analysis. Results. The questionnaire was distributed to 2972 pharmacists, 4% accepted to participate. More than half of participants, 57.6%, had experience with dispensing of drug to pregnant women which is not safe for the foetus. In total 47.9% of all participants made a contact with prescriber and warned about potential risk of proscribed drug for the foetus. A less than a half of such interventions, 40.7 %, ended with the change in therapy. Conclusion. Pharmacists could give a significant contribution to prevention of unsafe drug use trough the interventions and consultation with physicians about drug safety for the fetus which is the fondation for development of pharmacy servises derectited to pregnant women.