The role of the pharmacist in the system of rational use of drugs for responsible self-treatment

Abstract

Relevance. In the healthcare system of the Russian Federation, there is the use of drugs by the population without a physician’s appointment (including prescription leave), as well as violation of the principles of responsible self-medication. Under the current conditions, a pharmacist can play a key role in providing pharmaceutical care within the framework of responsible self-treatment and providing citizens with accessible information on the rational use of drugs.Objective. The study of the role of the pharmacist in the system of rational use of drugs by visitors of pharmacy organizations.Materials and methods. The study used methods of content analysis, sociological research (observation), comparative and mathematical statistical analysis. Regulatory documents regulating the activities of pharmacists were analyzed, as well as monitoring of pharmacy visitors who applied to a pharmacist in order to purchase drugs.Results. The professional standards of pharmacists contain requirements for ensuring or organizing the rational use of drugs by the population for the purpose of responsible self-treatment. The majority of pharmacy visitors (63.8%) purchase drugs bypassing a medical professional. A significant proportion of buyers (58.7%) do not know or approximately know what caused their poor health. At the same time, the proportion of pharmacy visitors who assume that they do not need to be prescribed by a medical professional is quite high and amounts to 41.3%.Conclusion. A low level of readiness of pharmacy visitors for the rational use of drugs has been established and the need for regular educational work on the part of pharmacists on responsible self-medication has been identified.