Community pharmacy practice has evolved from dispensing and medication counseling towards clinical pharmacy services such as medication reviews to ensure rational pharmacotherapy. These functions require better access to patient data than are currently available in community pharmacies. This study aimed to identify and prioritize patient data that should be available in Finnish community pharmacies for 1) statutory dispensing, including medication counseling, and 2) clinical pharmacy services promoting rational pharmacotherapy. This study applied a three-round Delphi survey with an expert panel of 20 clinical pharmacists. A consensus was formed using a preliminary list of patient data (39 items) important for managing major long-term diseases and related pharmacotherapies in outpatient care. The list was based on literature and research group's expertise. A consensus ≥80% was required. The responses were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Most panelists (n=15/19) perceived the current patient data available in community pharmacies insufficient. More patient data should be available, especially for providing clinical pharmacy services, but also for dispensing and related medication counseling (34 vs. 11 items reached a consensus, respectively). For both purposes, patient data on diagnoses, kidney function, and blood pressure were rated most important to be available. Panelists expressed some concerns about community pharmacists' resources and competence to use the data. Consensus was reached for a relatively large set of patient data items to be available in community pharmacies, especially for providing clinical pharmacy services.

Community pharmacies face substantial exposure to workplace violence. However, pharmacy robberies remain critically under-studied. No robust investigation has examined robbery risk in community pharmacies in Jordan or the broader Middle East region, representing a significant research gap. To quantify robbery exposure in community pharmacies, identify perceived pharmacy-level risk factors for robbery, and compare risk perceptions between pharmacists with and without robbery exposure. Analytical cross-sectional survey. A self-administered questionnaire with demonstrated content validity (CVR≥0.74) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α>0.70) was used. Data from 975 respondents were analyzed using chi-square tests with Cramer's V and multivariable logistic regression; ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board. Robbery exposure was reported by 4.3% of respondents and was significantly more frequent among men and pharmacists aged >30years (p<0.01). The most frequently endorsed pharmacy-level robbery risk factors were late opening (81.2%), single staffing (77.3%), dispensing narcotics (77.2%) and absence of surveillance cameras (72.6%). In adjusted analyses, agreement that robbery risk depends primarily on offender-related personal factors (OR 6.28, 95% CI 2.48-15.90) and prior experience with aggressive customers (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.25-7.76) emerged as the strongest independent correlates of robbery exposure. Encounters with customers perceived as dangerous (72.1%) or aggressive (68.0%) were also common. Robberies, alongside widespread dangerous and aggressive customer behavior, pose meaningful risks in community pharmacies. Differences between pharmacists exposed and not exposed to robbery in how they evaluated pharmacy-level robbery risk factors, together with the strong influence of offender- and behavior-related factors on robbery exposure underscoring the need for evidence-informed security policies, minimum staffing standards, and training to recognize and manage high-risk customer interactions.

Hospitalisation provides an opportunity to deprescribe (withdraw inappropriate medications), however, safe and effective deprescribing relies on good communication between relevant stakeholders. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Australian hospital and community pharmacists on communicating information about deprescribing at transitions of care and their role in the deprescribing process. A diverse group of hospital and community pharmacists was purposively recruited. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim using NVivo. Each transcript was thematically analysed using an inductive coding approach, performed by two independent coders. Thirty-two pharmacists were recruited between June and August 2023. Seventeen participants worked in hospitals, 10 in community pharmacies, and five across both settings. Four themes with 12 subthemes were identified, pertaining to (i) how pharmacists communicate about deprescribing on hospital discharge, (ii) how pharmacists collaborate with other healthcare professionals and patients to optimise deprescribing, (iii) how the role of the pharmacist in deprescribing at transitions of care can be optimised, and (iv) how pharmacists feel about their current and future role in deprescribing. Challenges in communicating deprescribing recommendations and ensuring continuity of care when patients transition between care settings were identified. Development of new tools (e.g., templates and guidance on how and what should be communicated) and processes to support communication at the transition of care from hospital to the community are needed to support deprescribing activities.

Potential clinical impact of pharmaceutical interventions in an interprofessional medication management program.

Participant experiences of the Knee Care for Arthritis through Pharmacy Service (KneeCAPS): A personalised hīkoi (journey) through care.

Women's perspectives on acute cystitis care and the role of the community pharmacy: a qualitative study

Stress, coping, and sleep quality are determinants of well-being in health professions education. Despite their importance, little is known about how these constructs interact among different academic roles. This study examined stress, coping, and sleep quality among members of a college of pharmacy, identified predictors of sleep quality, and explored the role of medication use. A cross-sectional, mixedmethod survey was employed. Measures included self-reported medication use and validated Perceived Stress Scale, Toulouse Coping Scale, and Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Correlation, multiple linear regression, and content analysis were conducted. Findings were integrated using a joint display. Of 147 responses, most were female (77.6%), White (56.3%), and pharmacy students (49.6%). Participants reported moderate stress (M=18.2±5.7), moderate coping (M=30.2±3.9), and poor sleep quality (M=5.2±3.1). Stress was inversely correlated with coping (r=-0.21, p=0.009) and positively correlated with poor sleep (r=0.24, p=0.004). Prescription and OTC medication use were associated with higher stress and lower coping (p<0.05), while OTC medication use predicted poorer sleep quality (p<0.001). Stress predicted poorer sleep (β=0.15, p=0.002). Qualitative themes showed workload and emotional strain as stressors, while exercise and social support were key coping strategies. Moderate stress and coping, and poor sleep, were observed, with stress predicting poor sleep. Interventions that integrate stress management, adaptive coping, and sleep hygiene may enhance well-being, academic success, and professional sustainability.

Asthma control remains suboptimal worldwide, often due to modifiable factors such as incorrect inhaler technique and reliever overuse. Community pharmacists (CPs) are well-positioned to address these gaps through structured patient education. A point prevalence evaluation was conducted in 1247 patients across 127 community pharmacies (11.1% of all pharmacies) in North Macedonia (Dec 2023-Sep 2024). Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), while Asthma Slide Rule (ASR) was used to evaluate short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) use. Inhaler technique was assessed using device-specific checklists. CPs provided comprehensive care, including adherence support, lifestyle counselling, and monitoring. Poor inhaler technique strongly predicted poor asthma control (ACT: OR = 5.98; ASR: OR = 6.43). Among 127 patients followed, correct technique improved from 71.7% at baseline to 88.8% at the second visit, and among patients who attended all three visits, accuracy increased from ∼63% at the first visit to∼89% at the second and 98.2% at the third (56 patients). By the third visit, the association between technique and control diminished, reflecting the success of comprehensive pharmaceutical care. These results highlight the critical, multifaceted role of CPs in improving asthma outcomes and support the integration of CP-led comprehensive pharmaceutical care for asthma into national management strategies.

A retrospective, matched-tool comparison of the opioid risk tool (ORT) and revised opioid risk tool (ORT-R) in community pharmacy screenings.

Early detection of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes is critical to reduce disease burden, yet disadvantaged populations often remain undiagnosed. We assessed a pharmacy-based pathway using verified point-of-care HbA1c testing to identify prediabetes and enable engagement with a digital prevention programme and established the detection rates for undiagnosed T2D. We conducted a prospective feasibility study across 16 community pharmacies in NHS Tayside, Scotland (Feb 2024-Jan 2025). Adults at high risk of T2D, identified using the Diabetes UK 'Know Your Risk' tool, were offered HbA1c testing. Participants with HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%) were referred directly to a digital diabetes prevention programme (DDP); those with HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) were advised to attend their GP. Comparator data were drawn from GP patients identified for engagement with the same DPP. Of 499 pharmacy participants, 75 (15%) had prediabetes; 38 (51%) enrolled in DPP. Nineteen (4%) had HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%); 17 attended GP. Compared with GP-identified prediabetes (951 patients; 212 enrolled, 32%), pharmacy-based recruitment doubled DDP engagement (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.61-2.67). Pharmacy recruited relatively younger participants from more deprived backgrounds (63% SIMD 1-2 vs. 33% in GP cohort). Community pharmacies provided effective, equitable access to HbA1c testing and diabetes prevention, identifying individuals with prediabetes and undiagnosed T2D being missed by current pathways and doubling engagement of this underserved population with DPP. Pharmacy-based screening offers a scalable opportunity to reduce health inequalities and expand primary care capacity.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. Community-level antibiotic dispensing practices remain poorly described in Kenya outside Nairobi.MethodsA total of 504 antibiotic dispensing events were recorded across 22 community pharmacies in Kakamega County, western Kenya, between 3rd and 22nd August 2025. Data collected included dispensing source (over-the-counter [OTC] versus prescription), clinical indication, antibiotics dispensed, course completion, and self-reported repeat antibiotic use within the preceding month. Descriptive analyses were performed, and χ² tests were used to examine associations between dispensing source and selected non-antibiotic dispensing characteristics.ResultsOf the 504 dispensing events, 224 (44.4%) involved OTC dispensing and 278 (55.2%) were prescription-based. The most frequent indications for antibiotic dispensing were upper respiratory tract infections (URTI; n = 156, 31.0%), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI; n = 95, 18.8%), gastrointestinal infections (n = 65, 12.9%), and skin or soft-tissue infections (n = 55, 10.9%). Across all events, amoxicillin, azithromycin, and metronidazole were the most frequently dispensed antibiotics, with cephalosporins and other broad-spectrum agents used across several indications. Partial antibiotic courses were supplied in 33 (6.5%) dispensing events, most commonly due to financial constraints (15/33, 45.5%). Self-reported antibiotic use within the preceding month occurred in 156 (31.0%) cases.ConclusionsOTC antibiotic access remains widespread in Kakamega County, with substantial use of broad-spectrum agents across multiple clinical indications. Financial barriers contribute to incomplete antibiotic courses. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating community pharmacy dispensing data into county-level antimicrobial stewardship programmes and informing national strategies to optimise antibiotic use.

The handling of expired medicines in community pharmacies in Jordan is a critical issue that warrants greater attention. It impacts the environment, public health, and society. However, no studies have investigated the practices of community pharmacists in Jordan regarding the disposal of expired medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the current practices of community pharmacists in Amman, Jordan, regarding the disposal of expired medicines and to assess the measures currently implemented to reduce the number of disposed medicines. A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Amman, Jordan, over three months, from November 2023 to January 2024. A 10-minute questionnaire was distributed either in a paper-based format or via an online platform. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. The Chi-square test was used to assess the association between participants’ demographics and their responses to the questions. Of the 353 community pharmacists surveyed, 70.2% (n = 248) were under 40 years old, and 63.5% (n = 224) were female. The majority of the participating community pharmacists reported disposing of solids (n = 227, 64.5%), liquids (n = 206, 58.7%), semisolids (n = 213, 60.7%), and controlled drugs classified as Class B (n = 266, 76.2%) and Class C (n = 253, 72.5%) by returning them to pharmaceutical distributors. However, 75.4% (n = 267) reported a lack of knowledge about the disposal methods used by distributors for expired medicines. Most community pharmacists (n = 191, 57.5%) reported that supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, were the most frequently expired products. To reduce expired medicines, community pharmacists most frequently relied on medical representatives to collect near-expiry items (n = 136, 38.5%) or limited stock (n = 125, 35.4%). Most community pharmacists (n = 248, 70.3%) reported awareness of the harmful effects of improper disposal of expired medicines on the environment. The study also found that 195 out of 353 community pharmacists (55.1%) had not received any course on the disposal methods of expired medicines during their pharmacy education. The present study highlighted the critical need for community pharmacists to be knowledgeable about proper disposal methods of expired medicines and to raise awareness of the establishment of specialized centers for their disposal.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the behaviours of community pharmacists in Türkiye regarding the provision of travel health services (THS) and to identify the determinants of these behaviours using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).DesignA cross-sectional descriptive study.SettingOnline nationwide survey conducted in Türkiye.ParticipantsThe study included 145 Turkish community pharmacists with at least 5 years of professional experience who had provided THS to at least one patient in the previous year.InterventionsA theory-based measurement tool was developed and validated according to the TPB framework. Data were collected via self-administered online questionnaires between May 2024 and July 2024. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the factors influencing pharmacists’ behaviours and intentions towards THS.ResultsThe structural equation model demonstrated an acceptable fit with the empirical data. Pharmacists’ intentions to provide THS were significantly influenced by subjective norms (β=0.19, p<0.05) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) (β=0.49, p<0.001). PBC was identified as the strongest predictor of intention. Furthermore, pharmacists’ intentions significantly and positively influenced their actual behaviour in providing THS (β=0.49, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe findings confirm that providing THS is a suitable and essential role for community pharmacists in Türkiye. Since PBC is the primary driver of intention, policy interventions should focus on empowering pharmacists through specialised training and expanding their professional autonomy to better integrate travel health into community pharmacy practice.

The Pharmacy First Scheme, introduced on 31 January 2024 as part of NHS England's Primary Care Recovery Plan, allows community pharmacies to treat seven common minor ailments. Pharmacy First aimed to ease pressures on primary care and improve accessibility as over 80% of people live within 20-minute walking distance of a community pharmacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pharmacy First on General Practice appointments, particularly within a 2-week or same-day target, and how this varies regionally, by deprivation and urbanity. This retrospective descriptive and interrupted time-series analyses used Stata to analyse an open NHS Digital dataset of appointments (January 2022 - November 2024). Deprivation and urbanity measures are derived from the 2022 Health Foundation report. Key measures included time from booking to appointment, and healthcare professional type. The results found a significant pre-intervention increase in appointments with limited significant post-intervention trends. Statistically significant decreases occurred in same-day GP appointments in both the most and least deprived 20% of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and the least urban 20%. The data showed strong seasonal variation, peaking in autumn, and falling in summer. Limited post-intervention data points and pronounced seasonality limit certainty on Pharmacy First's early impact. These results align with NHS Wales Choose Pharmacy interim reports, perhaps indicating that consistently high appointment demand means available appointments remain filled. Future research could explore appointment reasons and patient demographics. Decreases in same-day GP appointment numbers for less urban areas and the most and least deprived areas could be a focus for promotion.

Medication waste is defined as 'any pharmaceutical product that remains unused or is not fully consumed during the entire pharmaceutical supply chain'. Given the growing recognition of the environmental impact of healthcare waste, an understanding of the scale and sources of medicines waste generated in Ireland is required. This study aims to quantify the amount of patient-returned medicines and pharmacy-generated medication waste in a sample of community pharmacies in Ireland, and to explore underlying causes and potential economic impacts. A medicines waste audit was conducted in four community pharmacies in April/May 2025. The audit tool captured data on the type, form, quantity, ATC code, source and given reason for return or wastage. The value of the waste was calculated based on the wholesaler list price. The majority of wasted medicines was from patient returns (72%), and prescription medicines accounted for 90% of all wasted medicines. Patient death (21%), treatment discontinuation (13%) and non-adherence (13%) were the primary reasons for patient-returned medicines. Amendments to blister-packs (31%), expired medicines (27%) and uncollected medicines (16%) were the main drivers of pharmacy-generated waste. The mean value of medication waste per pharmacy was€1,512 over four weeks or €19,662 annually, extrapolating to a national estimate of €37.5 million. There is a clear need for targeted interventions to minimise medication waste across the medicines use phases involving key stakeholders. Moving towards a more sustainable healthcare system would not only lessen environmental harm, but also promote more efficient resource use and improve patient care.

A descriptive, non-randomised, multicentre study was conducted among community pharmacy teams in four regions of western France who had cared at least one child newly diagnosed with pediatric cancer between May and November 2024. All professionals working in community pharmacies were invited to individually complete a questionnaire on line (3 parts; 33 questions), developed and validated by the Pharmacists Working Group (WG) of the interregional organisation Grand Ouest Cancer de l'Enfant (GOCE). Responses to the questionnaire were collected anonymously between 4 April and 15 June 2025. The questionnaire was sent to 117 community pharmacy teams. After four reminders, 49 responses were received. The main difficulties reported concerned the lack of appropriate resources (100.0%), training deemed insufficient (98.0%) and limited coordination between town and hospital (87.8%). Despite these obstacles, community pharmacy teams expressed strong motivation to provide the best possible support to pediatric oncology patients and showed a marked interest in training in pediatric oncology tailored to their practices. The study highlights several approaches to meeting the needs of community pharmacy teams: developing practical tools (interactive platforms, patient brochures, dummy medicines), strengthening communication around training, diversifying training methods (webinars, fun materials), and improving coordination between community and hospital settings. These measures appear essential to improve the care pathway for children with cancer.

BackgroundThe United States (US) Southeast experiences a disproportionate burden of HIV, compounded by limited access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services due to systemic barriers, such as stigma, medical mistrust, and restrictive pharmacy policies. Collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) between pharmacists and clinicians represent a promising strategy to improve PrEP accessibility through pharmacy-based services.ObjectiveThe Collaborative Agreement–based PrEP Using Pharmacies (CAP-UP) study aims to evaluate the development, implementation, and effectiveness of a CPA template and training resources to enhance pharmacy-based PrEP initiation and adherence in the Southeastern US.MethodsThe CAP-UP study uses a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design guided by integrated implementation science frameworks. It includes three phases: (1) exploration, using online surveys and in-depth interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to CPA implementation; (2) preparation, developing and refining a CPA template and training resources; and (3) implementation, piloting the CPA template in 10 community pharmacies within high-HIV-prevalence neighborhoods.ResultsThe CAP-UP study was funded in October 2023 by the National Institutes of Health through the Center for AIDS Research (grant P30-AI050409-25S1) as an Ending the HIV Epidemic supplement. Recruitment launched in November 2023 and is actively ongoing, with 264 pharmacy staff having completed surveys as of January 2026. The study aims to recruit a total of 300 participants for surveys and conduct 68 in-depth interviews by February 2026.ConclusionsExpanding HIV prevention services through community pharmacies represents a practical and impactful strategy for addressing inequities in HIV prevention that advances health equity. By leveraging implementation science frameworks, our study explores a novel approach to integrating HIV prevention services in pharmacies located in areas with high HIV prevalence. Findings from this work will contribute to the evidence base needed to optimize pharmacy-based PrEP delivery and support the national goal of Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US.

Summarize the educational training model for pharmacy in China and the research culture model for the pharmacy profession. A review of the literature, combined with China's economic and health development context, provides a comprehensive analysis of pharmacy education, employment, and research in China. As China's economic capacity has grown rapidly, pharmacy education has transitioned from ensuring drug supply to delivering high-quality services for pharmaceutical enterprises, patients, and research. China's pharmacy education includes Pharmacy Academic Education, which spans from specialist qualifications to doctoral degrees, Pharmacy Experiential Training, and Pharmacy Continuing Professional Development. Pharmacists are primarily employed in community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, testing laboratories, regulatory agencies, and educational institutions. Pharmacists possessing research capabilities and self-driven research motivation may freely undertake pharmacy research projects through pharmacy education. The research projects receive funding support from national research strategies, provincial and municipal governments, and professional associations. Pharmacy education and research should extend throughout a pharmacist's entire career, ensuring they fulfill dual roles as both clinical practitioners and researchers.

Validation of quality indicators for medication handling in residents under municipality care.

An implementation research logic model of a novel community pharmacy opioid optimisation service for people with chronic pain.