Role Of Community Pharmacists Research Articles

ASHP Statement on the Community Pharmacist's Role in the Care Continuum.

ASHP Statement on the Community Pharmacist's Role in the Care Continuum.

Sociocultural dimensions of research on public health roles for community pharmacists in tuberculosis disease control in a developing country

Sociocultural dimensions of research on public health roles for community pharmacists in tuberculosis disease control in a developing country

Deprescribing NSAIDs: The Potential Role of Community Pharmacists

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely used for controlling various pain conditions and are widely available in community pharmacies, with and without prescription. Despite their effectiveness, NSAIDs can pose significant risks due to potential side effects and drug interactions, particularly in polypharmacy and comorbidity contexts and for vulnerable users. This study investigated whether and how NSAID deprescribing can be conducted at the community pharmacy level by assessing pharmacists’ confidence, attitudes, and potential barriers and facilitators. Additionally, we aimed to identify any deprescribing guidelines that pharmacists could use. A literature search and a cross-sectional digital questionnaire targeting community pharmacists in Norway were conducted. Results showed that study participants (N = 73) feel confident in identifying needs for deprescribing NSAIDs but barriers such as time constraints, lack of financial compensation, and communication challenges were noted. Participants reported positive attitudes toward deprescribing but highlighted a need for better guidelines and training. This study highlights a gap in specific guidelines for deprescribing NSAIDs and a potential for enhancing pharmacists’ roles in the deprescribing process, for example, through training and improved financial incentives. Further research is encouraged to develop concrete strategies for an effective implementation where community pharmacists can be involved in the deprescribing of NSAIDs.

Community pharmacists’ attitudes toward and practice of pharmacy-based harm reduction services in Pittsburgh, PA: a descriptive survey

BackgroundIn Pittsburgh, PA, legal changes in recent decades have set the stage for an expanded role for community pharmacists to provide harm reduction services, including distributing naloxone and non-prescription syringes (NPS). In the wake of the syndemics of the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening overdose deaths from synthetic opioids, we examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices of harm reduction services among community pharmacists in Pittsburgh and identify potential barriers of expanded pharmacy-based harm reduction services.MethodsWe provided flyers to 83 community pharmacies within a 5-mile radius of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to recruit practicing community pharmacists to participate in an anonymous electronic survey. We used a 53-question Qualtrics survey consisting of multiple-choice, 5 or 6 point-Likert scale, and open-ended questions adapted from 5 existing survey instruments. Survey measures included demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of harm reduction services (specifically naloxone and NPS provision), and explored self-reported barriers to future implementation. Data was collected July–August 2022. We conducted descriptive analysis using frequencies and proportions reported for categorical variables as well as means and standard deviations (SD) for continuous variables. We analyzed open-ended responses using inductive content analysis.ResultsEighty-eight community pharmacists responded to the survey. 90% of participants agreed pharmacists had a role in overdose prevention efforts, and 92% of participants had previously distributed naloxone. Although no pharmacists reported ever refusing to distribute naloxone, only 29% always provided overdose prevention counseling with each naloxone distributed. In contrast, while 87% of participants had positive attitudes toward the usefulness of NPS for reducing disease, only 73% of participants ever distributed NPS, and 54% had refused NPS to a customer. Participants endorsed a lack of time and concerns over clientele who used drugs as the most significant barriers to offering more comprehensive harm reduction services.ConclusionsOur findings highlight that while most community pharmacists have embraced naloxone provision, pharmacy policies and individual pharmacists continue to limit accessibility of NPS. Future expansion efforts for pharmacy-based harm reduction services should not only address the time and labor constraints identified by community pharmacists, but also fear-based policy and stigma toward people who inject drugs and harm reduction more broadly.

Exploring the Role of Community Pharmacists in Pain Management: Enablers and Challenges.

Pain is a common complaint, and the consumption of analgesics is prevalent. Community pharmacists, as primary contact points for patients, can play a crucial role in guiding patients toward rational pharmacotherapy or alternative pain management strategies. However, there are no specific educational curricula or standard guidelines to support this role, and the perception of this potential role is not well known. We conducted an anonymous online questionnaire among community pharmacists in Norway to assess their knowledge, perspectives, and willingness to engage in pain care. The survey also explored potential facilitators and barriers, and the use of any current guidelines. Seventy-one community pharmacists participated from various regions in Norway. Findings revealed that community pharmacists felt knowledgeable and willing to engage in pain management but anticipated barriers such as time constraints and a lack of standard guidelines. Participants also highlighted the need for better collaboration with other healthcare professionals and continuous professional development to enhance their role. To optimize the role of community pharmacists in pain management, therefore, integrating them into multidisciplinary healthcare teams, minimizing barriers, and providing continuous education and standard guidelines seem essential. This approach can empower community pharmacists and improve pain management outcomes.

Cross-sectional study of pharmacists’ knowledge and beliefs about human papillomavirus, its vaccines, and barriers related to vaccine administration

Abstract Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is not currently included in the national immunization program in Jordan. The rising prevalence of cervical cancer in Jordan highlights the necessity for a novel approach to boost HPV vaccination rates. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and potential barriers concerning HPV and HPV vaccine administration in community pharmacies. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted in Jordan between July and September 2023, involved community pharmacists. Using a convenience sampling approach, one author visited various community pharmacies to distribute and collect questionnaires. A total knowledge score, out of a possible 10 points, and a belief score out of 40 were calculated for each pharmacists. Additionally, the study examined factors that may influence participants’ knowledge and belief levels. Results A total of 302 community pharmacists took part in the survey, with approximately two-thirds of the participants being female (n = 230, 76.2%). The average knowledge score about HPV was 2.7 out of 10 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.8), and linear regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between pharmacists’ knowledge about HPV and the factors studied, such as age, gender, area of pharmacy, and the acquired degree. In terms of beliefs, findings revealed that 63.2% supported an expanded role for community pharmacists in HPV vaccination. Three main barriers were identified: lack of parental knowledge (n = 218, 72.2%), insufficient educational materials for parents (n = 206, 68.2%), and inadequate provider knowledge (n = 201, 66.6%). Conclusions In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the knowledge, beliefs, and challenges surrounding HPV and HPV vaccination among community pharmacists in Jordan. To enhance the involvement of community pharmacists in promoting HPV vaccination and aiding in the prevention of HPV-related illnesses, it is crucial to address the identified knowledge gaps and obstacles.

The Critical Role of Community Pharmacists in Blood Pressure Monitoring

The Critical Role of Community Pharmacists in Blood Pressure Monitoring

Enhancing sexual and reproductive health services uptake in Sub- Saharan Africa: the role of community Pharmacists in promoting self-care interventions: a systematic review

Enhancing sexual and reproductive health services uptake in Sub- Saharan Africa: the role of community Pharmacists in promoting self-care interventions: a systematic review

Bibliometric Analysis of Community Nursing Trends on the Role of Nurses in Community Health Improvement

This study employs bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to map the landscape of health promotion research from 2004 to 2014. By analyzing research publications in this field, we identify thematic clusters, research trends, and emerging opportunities for future investigations. Our analysis reveals several thematic clusters central to health promotion, including health education, empowerment, community engagement, and the role of healthcare professionals. A temporal analysis of the research trends indicates a shift in focus from basic educational and community engagement strategies to more specialized areas, with a notable increase in research on mental health towards the end of the period studied. The examination of less illuminated areas within the network visualization highlights underexplored topics such as the roles of community pharmacists and integrative reviews, suggesting them as potential rich fields for future research. The study underscores the evolution of health promotion over the decade and points to new directions for comprehensive health strategies, aiming to bridge research gaps and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Interventions to Expand Community Pharmacists' Scope of Practice.

The role of community pharmacists has evolved beyond the dispensing of medicines. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the interventions that expand the pharmacist's scope of practice within a community pharmacy setting and assess their effectiveness. We performed a scoping review to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), published worldwide from 2013 to 2024, which focused on interventions designed to expand pharmacists' scope of practice in the community. The review was undertaken in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. To address the aim of this scoping review, the included RCTs were mapped to themes influenced by the Professional Practice Standards 2023 as developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia: medication management, collaborative care and medication adherence. Twelve studies demonstrated the potential to expand community pharmacists' scope of practice. Two RCTs resulted in no effect of the intervention. One RCT (conducted in Italy) led to an actual change to community pharmacists' scope of practice, with a statistically significant improvement in the proportion of patients with controlled asthma. On the whole, this scoping review synthesised the findings of peer-reviewed RCT studies that revealed expanding community pharmacists' scope of practice may result in improved patient outcomes, a reduced burden for the healthcare system, and greater productivity.

Combating the Obesity Crisis: The Role of Community Pharmacists in Addressing the Rising Obesity Numbers

Combating the Obesity Crisis: The Role of Community Pharmacists in Addressing the Rising Obesity Numbers

“They Not Only Value a Patient but a Person.” Exploring the Views of Samoan, Tongan and Niuean People Receiving Heart Healthcare, and Families on the Role of Community Pharmacists

“They Not Only Value a Patient but a Person.” Exploring the Views of Samoan, Tongan and Niuean People Receiving Heart Healthcare, and Families on the Role of Community Pharmacists

Evaluating community pharmacists awareness, perception and roles in providing emergency contraceptives in Jordan

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess Jordanian community pharmacists' awareness, perception, and roles concerning emergency contraceptives provision. Study designWe administered a structured questionnaire to community pharmacists in Jordan using convenience sampling. The questionnaire included sections on demographic information, knowledge about emergency contraceptives, perception towards emergency contraceptive, and prior experience in emergency contraceptives provision. ResultsA total of 299 community pharmacists responded to the study. Most pharmacists had a Pharm D/BPharm degree (94.6%) and worked in independent community pharmacies (75.6%). While pharmacists demonstrated relatively high knowledge scores regarding emergency contraception, with a median score of 10 out of 14, misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding the mechanism of action and side effects of emergency contraception. Pharmacists expressed mixed perceptions regarding emergency contraception, with a significant proportion advocating for prescription-only access (76.6%) and expressing ethical reservations (48.2%). Only 38.1% reported prior experience in emergency contraceptives provision. Regression analyses revealed that attendance at emergency contraceptives-focused workshops significantly increased the likelihood of pharmacists providing emergency contraceptives (Adjusted Odds Ratio=2.569, p = 0.001). ConclusionsJordanian community pharmacists exhibit readiness to provide emergency contraceptives, but persistent misconceptions and regulatory barriers hinder optimal provision. Targeted educational interventions, particularly through workshops, are crucial in enhancing pharmacists' knowledge and promoting emergency contraceptives provision. ImplicationsResponding pharmacists often reported the misconception that emergency contraceptives can cause abortion. Also, some pharmacists expressed religious or moral objections to prescribing oral emergency contraceptives. Thus, this study underscores the importance of receiving comprehensive training on ethical and religious considerations in healthcare practice.

The role of community pharmacists as oral health advisors in the management of oral effects of asthma medications: an exploratory survey.

To investigate community pharmacists' attitudes, confidence, practice, knowledge, and barriers towards the management of oral side effects of asthma medications. A paper-based questionnaire was developed from previous research, trialled, and validated. Convenience sampling through web search was used to identify pharmacy practices across Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Practices were contacted by email and phone before hand-delivering and collecting questionnaires. Thirty eight community pharmacist responses were descriptively analysed. Community pharmacists surveyed within the Cairns region feel that it is within their role to help manage the side effects of asthma medications. Many feel this is best conveyed during inhaler dispensing and instruction. Current advice is more prompted rather than preventative. Pharmacists routinely advise patients of mouth-rinsing following inhaler use, however the link to preventing side effects is not clearly communicated. Pharmacists are confident in recognizing and managing common side effects such as oral thrush and dry mouth, but fewer are aware of dental decay and gingivitis. Many identify a lack of guidelines as the largest barrier to providing preventive oral health advice. Cairns community pharmacists already self-perceive their role in the management of oral side effects of asthma medications. Advice given to patients is practical but does not clearly convey the causative associations between asthma medications and their potential oral side effects. Patient education is prompted more by enquiry rather than a preventative approach. The development of standardized practice protocols and integration within undergraduate degrees or continuing education may benefit the community-pharmacist delivered care.

An exploratory study to identify the factors influencing community pharmacist retention by using COM-B model

BackgroundDue to multitude of gaps in Pakistan's healthcare system, community pharmacies serve as the” first port of call” for various illnesses. However, the present scarcity of pharmacists in these settings poses significant challenges to healthcare delivery in the country. This scarcity is primarily due to difficulties in retaining pharmacists for community practice. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence the retention of community pharmacists by using COM-B model. MethodsA qualitative methodology employing the COM-|B model was utilized to design this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with pharmacists experienced in community pharmacy practice, at time and place convenient to them. Data were transcribed, translated and analyzed by deductive thematic analysis in accordance with the constructs of COM-B model. ResultsA diverse range of factors were identified that negatively influenced the retention of community pharmacists including working conditions and proprietor's demeanor, deficiency in training and intern experience, lack of career planning, low social acceptance, less salary and job satisfaction, less regulatory control and aptitude of renting out category. Conversely, the study also identified the factors that motivate community pharmacists to stay in their roles despite the challenges including strong educational background, abundant job opportunities, flexible schedules, direct patient engagement and positive impact on sales. ConclusionThere was an observed discrepancy between the challenges faced by community pharmacists and the motivators that encourage them to continue their job. Due to a disparity and abundance of challenges rather than motivators, retention rates for community pharmacists are low. This imbalance shed light on areas where improvements are needed to enhance pharmacist retention. Various areas for change were highlighted including strict implementation of regulations, integration of practical experience of community pharmacy practice and internships into academic programs, career guidance, and raising patient awareness about the roles of community pharmacists.

'I think we could probably do more': an interview study to explore community pharmacists' experiences and perspectives of frailty and optimising medicines use in frail older adults.

Community pharmacists potentially have an important role to play in identification of frailty and delivery of interventions to optimise medicines use for frail older adults. However, little is known about their knowledge or views about this role. To explore community pharmacists' knowledge of frailty and assessment, experiences and contact with frail older adults, and perceptions of their role in optimising medicines use for this population. Semi-structured interviews conducted between March and December 2020 with 15 community pharmacists in Northern Ireland. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Three broad themes were generated from the data. The first, 'awareness and understanding of frailty', highlighted gaps in community pharmacists' knowledge regarding presentation and identification of frailty and their reluctance to broach potentially challenging conversations with frail older patients. Within the second theme, 'problem-solving and supporting medication use', community pharmacists felt a large part of their role was to resolve medicines-related issues for frail older adults through collaboration with other primary healthcare professionals but feedback on the outcome was often not provided upon issue resolution. The third theme, 'seizing opportunities in primary care to enhance pharmaceutical care provision for frail older adults', identified areas for further development of the community pharmacist role. This study has provided an understanding of the views and experiences of community pharmacists about frailty. Community pharmacists' knowledge deficits about frailty must be addressed and their communication skills enhanced so they may confidently initiate conversations about frailty and medicines use with older adults.

Career paths of a university’s pharmacy graduates over 15 years: a cross-sectional evaluation

Abstract Introduction The versatility of a pharmacy degree has evolved over time. Expanding opportunities have emerged for employment in sectors outside those usually associated with the degree. A paucity of international literature evaluating pharmacy graduate career paths over an extended period is apparent – research which could enhance workforce capacity planning. Aim To evaluate trends in graduate career paths from a pharmacy school in Ireland over a fifteen-year period and assess graduate satisfaction with their career path and pharmacy programme. Methods This study utilised a multi-method approach to access graduate career data, using an online survey and publicly accessible information from LinkedIn® profiles. The survey, comprising both Likert scale and multiple-choice questions, was distributed to all the university’s pharmacy graduates from 2007 to 2022. Data from both methods were combined, cross-checked, coded, and analysed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics – whereby p<0.05 denotes statistical significance. Results Data were obtained on 556/798 pharmacy graduates (69.7%), comprising 203 survey responses (25.4% response rate) and 353 LinkedIn profiles. Community pharmacy was the most common current employment sector (47.7%), followed by industry (21.5%), hospital (17.7%), and academia (6.1%). The percentage working in patient-facing settings ranged from 79.5% (2022) to 36.7% (2010). More recent graduates (≤5 years post-graduation) were significantly more likely (p<0.05) to work in a patient-facing role versus those who graduated >5 years ago (Figure 1). Over half of graduates not primarily working in community pharmacy (61.1%) had previously held a full-time community pharmacist role. Post-graduate education was undertaken by 41.3% of graduates, with the lowest uptake amongst community pharmacists (13.7%). Overall, career satisfaction from the survey was high (88.2%) although significantly lower for those in patient-facing (82%) versus non-patient-facing roles (97.5%). Satisfaction with the pharmacy degree programme was high (84.7%). Conclusion While limited to data from one pharmacy school, this study provides the first analysis of graduate career paths over an extended period and highlights the wide-ranging professional possibilities available to graduates. Furthermore, this represents a springboard for additional research to inform pharmacist workforce planning worldwide through career-path evaluation – ultimately aiming to avoid potentially significant implications of shortages in the patient-facing pharmacy workforce.

The role of community pharmacists and pharmacies in physical activity promotion: an interdisciplinary e-Delphi study

BackgroundPhysical activity has a key role in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Community pharmacists are an accessible source to provide brief advice to people on how to be more physically active. Nonetheless, there is a limited understanding of stakeholders' perspectives on their role in promoting physical activity, to inform policy and practice. The present study addresses this gap.AimTo determine consensus from different health professionals on the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in brief physical activity counselling in Portugal.MethodThis cross-sectional study used a two-round e-Delphi panel. The questionnaire was organised into four domains of physical activity promotion and comprised 37 items. Interdisciplinary experts rated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was set at the outset as 75% or more of participants scoring 4 or 5 (consensus “in”) or 1 or 2 (consensus “out”).ResultsForty-two health professionals involved in promoting physical activity in the ambulatory setting in Portugal were selected through purposive quota sampling. Eighteen out of 37 items were consensual in the first round and five more achieved consensus after the second round (62.2%). Physical activity promotion was seen as the role of all healthcare workforce and pharmacies were considered as suitable spaces for service provision, regardless of remuneration.ConclusionThis study endorses a set of roles for physical activity promotion in community pharmacy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Consensually established perspectives can inform policy making and practice, streamlining the coordination of pharmacies with the national health service.

The role of community pharmacists and their perception towards antimicrobial stewardship in Baghdad, Iraq

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess the role of community pharmacists and their perception toward antimicrobial stewardship, in addition to identifying factors influencing their perception and practices in community pharmacy.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out among community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the required sample from a community pharmacy in Baghdad. In total, 381 participants have completed the survey.ResultsThe majority of the participants (85.6%) strongly agreed/agreed that “antimicrobial stewardship programs reduce the problems of antibiotic resistance”; and 85.5% of them strongly agreed/agreed that community pharmacists required adequate training on antibiotics use. In addition, high percent of community pharmacists (88.4%) strongly agreed/agreed that pharmacists have a responsibility to take a prominent role in antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection‐control programs in the health system. The total score of perception was significantly influenced by older age groups, postgraduate degrees, and experience of 6–10 years (p < 0.001). This study also showed that 65.4% of pharmacists always/often advise patients to continue the full course of antimicrobials, and 64.9% of them reported always/often considering clinical and safety parameters before dispensing antibiotics. The role of pharmacists was significantly influenced by the younger age group, females, higher degree in pharmacy, experience of 3–5 years, and medical complex pharmacy (p < 0.001).ConclusionCommunity pharmacists have a good perception toward antimicrobial stewardship programs, but their role is still limited. More efforts are needed to design better strategies for antimicrobial stewardship in community pharmacy.

The roles of French community pharmacists in palliative home care

BackgroundThe World Health Organization identifies pharmacists as a key resource in palliative care. However, the roles of these professionals in end-of-life care at home remain poorly understood, and community pharmacists themselves sometimes struggle to recognize their true role in this care. The aim of our study was to analyze community pharmacists’ representations of their roles in palliative care at home in France.MethodsThe methodology was qualitative and based on semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists (n = 26). The analysis of the interviews was carried out using a qualitative content approach with thematic and lexical analysis.ResultsThree main elements of the community pharmacist’s role were identified: drug expertise, care management, and psychosocial support for patients and their families.ConclusionsThis study highlights a wide variety of roles adopted by French community pharmacists in palliative care at home. Some of these roles, which are in line with WHO recommendations on palliative care, have been little described to date. These roles of community pharmacists in home-based palliative care could be better recognized, and the players better integrated into end-of-life care systems at home, in order to improve such care.Trial registrationThis work was carried out within the framework of a call for projects from the Fondation de France and has received the approval of the University Clermont Auvergne Research Ethics Committee (no. IRB00011540-2021-60).