Role Of Pharmacist Research Articles

Chronic kidney disease and adherence improvement program by clinical pharmacist-provided medication therapy management; a quasi-experimental assessment of patients’ self-care perception and practice

RationaleOne of the critical roles of pharmacists in the field of community and hospitals is to provide medication therapy management (MTM) services and reconciliation.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the perceptions, adherence, and performance of the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to the clinical pharmacist-provided MTM before and after receiving this service.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2023 to January 2024. A validated questionnaire assessed patients’ knowledge, attitude, and performance, and the Morisky medication adherence scale evaluated the medical adherence of the patients before and after the clinical pharmacist-provided MTM. Inclusion criteria were patients with CKD according to NKF KDOQI guidelines and GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Before and after the MTM service, CKD patients’ knowledge, attitude, performance, and adherence to their pharmacotherapy were assessed.ResultsA total of 100 patients enrolled in the study and completed the questionnaire. Before and after the MTM service, total knowledge was 3.38 ± 1.82 and 7.59 ± 1.11, respectively. Before and after the MTM service, the attitude score was 54.53 ± 5.05 and 59.24 ± 4.68, respectively. Before and after the MTM service, the mean performance score was 30.15 ± 4.27 and 34.54 ± 2.56, respectively. Adherence score to medications before and after the MTM service was 4.86 ± 1.99 and 6.22 ± 1.39, respectively. In all fields, outcomes significantly improved (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current study showed the critical role of clinical pharmacists in training patients about medications and improving adherence to their pharmacotherapy.

Comprehensive Review of Pharmaceutical Innovations: The Role of Pharmacists in Modern Healthcare Systems

He found that advanced medical drugs are amongst the most defining features of modern healthcare systems, as they offer far better patient results than earlier technologies due to the introduction of distinct new therapies, better treatment of symptoms, and novel administration systems. These changes have also impacted pharmacists' roles, from simple mule dispensers to clinical experts in medication management, patient counseling, and decision-making. It aims to investigate the new pharmacopeia in pharmaceutical technological development and the new role of pharmacists in such changes. The paper discusses the concept of personalized medicine, the place and role of biologics biosimilar, and the increasing function of pharmacists in managing a vast number of related and interconnected processes of pharmacotherapy. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight through a synthesis of prior research, case-study investigations, and concept-based studies the role and contribution of pharmacists, particularly in balancing the therapeutic effectiveness of new drugs while dispersing related risks, adherence, and quality of life.

The Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Monitoring Drug Therapy in the Cardiovascular and Coronary Care Units in Libya

The Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Monitoring Drug Therapy in the Cardiovascular and Coronary Care Units in Libya

O PAPEL EMERGENTE DO FARMACÊUTICO NA SAÚDE ESTÉTICA: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS

This article addresses the role of pharmacists in promoting aesthetic health in a context of increasing social pressure for aesthetic standards. The aim of this study was to investigate how pharmacists play their role in aesthetic health, analyzing their training, specific regulations and contributions to patients' well-being. To search for literary reviews, data collection techniques were used in scientific articles, 8 articles were analyzed in databases such as SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), rpmgf (Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar), google academic and pubmed, according to content and year. The results revealed that pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting aesthetic health by offering a variety of services ranging from non-invasive procedures to the formulation of personalized cosmetic products. Furthermore, specific regulations and continuous training guarantee the safety and quality of the services provided. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of pharmacists in promoting a more inclusive and healthy view of beauty, while reinforcing the need to recognize and value their contribution to the health and well-being of the population.

Medication therapy problems detected at community pharmacy INR checks

Background: Despite the shift towards direct-acting anticoagulants, warfarin remains widely used in Canada and is traditionally managed by family physicians through laboratory-based international normalized ratio (INR) testing. The Community Pharmacy Anticoagulation Management Service (CPAMS) in Nova Scotia represents an innovative approach, enabling community pharmacists to conduct point-of-care (POC) INR testing and manage warfarin therapy. A potential benefit of this approach is the opportunity to identify non-warfarin medication therapy problems (nwMTPs) during routine visits. Method: We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study across 40 community pharmacies in Nova Scotia, part of CPAMS’s second phase. Pharmacists documented nwMTPs identified in patients with atrial fibrillation during routine POC INR visits using the Qualtrics Insight Platform, categorizing them by indication, effectiveness, safety, or adherence, alongside corresponding interventions. Results: Over 6 months, 43 nwMTPs were submitted from 13 unique pharmacies. There were 3404 POC INR tests in patients with atrial fibrillation, yielding an estimated nwMTP detection rate of 1.26 (95% CI, 0.69 to 2.32) per 100 INR tests. The most common nwMTP category was “Indication,” primarily requiring additional therapy. Pharmacists frequently intervened by recommending medication adjustments or providing patient education. Discussion: The findings highlight a modest, yet potentially significant role of pharmacists in detecting and managing diverse MTPs during focused warfarin management assessments. The predominance of indication-related problems underscores unmet therapeutic needs in patients on warfarin. Conclusion: This study illustrates the potential of pharmacist-led POC INR testing in community settings to identify and address nwMTPs, contributing to comprehensive patient care.

Optimizing antifungal therapy: a systematic review of pharmacist interventions, stewardship approaches, and outcomes.

Specific evidence regarding the pharmacist's role in antifungal stewardship (AFS) is emerging. This review aims to identify pharmacist-driven AFS interventions to optimize antifungal therapy. A systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data (2018-2023) were collected through Google Scholar and PubMed. The collected data were presented descriptively due to variations in interventions and outcome metrics. Conclusions were derived through a qualitative synthesis of the identified findings. A total of 232 articles were retrieved, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 were included in the review. Among the eight studies evaluating the impact of pharmacist interventions on antifungal consumption, 6 studies reported a significant decline in defined daily dose (DDD)/1,000 patient days and days of therapy (DOT)/1,000 patient days, one reported a non-significant decrease, and one reported an increase in the utilization of echinocandins. Educational intervention was the most commonly used stewardship approach. Nineteen studies reported data on various clinical outcomes. Mortality and length of hospital stay remain non-significant, but the occurrence of ADR decreased significantly, and the quality of antifungal use improved significantly. Pharmacist-led AFS has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of antifungal treatments by improving their overall quality, reduction in consumption, and adverse events. The healthcare system should encourage multidisciplinary collaboration where pharmacists play a central role in decision-making processes regarding antifungal use.

The Roles of Pharmacists and Pharmacies in Sustainable Medical Care: Current Status and Outlook Three Years After the Issuance of Recommendations by the Science Council of Japan

Three years have passed since the Science Council of Japan issued its recommendations entitled "Profession and lifelong learning of pharmacists responsible for sustainable medical care." These recommendations include active involvement in community medicine, securing patient information necessary for pharmaceutical management, harmonizing undergraduate and post-graduate education, reform of the certification system for specialty-credentialed pharmacists, and development of the pharmacist resident system. This paper provides an overview of recent trends and future prospects for pharmacists and pharmacies in Japan.

Assessing Prescribing Trends and Pharmacist Role in Optimization of IV Iron Sucrose

Assessing Prescribing Trends and Pharmacist Role in Optimization of IV Iron Sucrose

Key stakeholder's attitudes towards the professional accountabilities and responsibilities of newly qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (IPs) in England and enablers to implementation at scale?

BackgroundIndependent prescribing is set to expand amongst community pharmacists in the next few years. This study aims to explore the different accountabilities and responsibilities associated with independent prescribing compared to more traditional pharmacist roles. ObjectiveTo inform commissioning frameworks that will allow independent prescribing by community pharmacists to be commissioned safely and appropriately at scale. Design/MethodologyA series of qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, and over-arching themes developed from emergent findings. ConclusionsThis study identified three themes, supported by twelve sub-themes, associated with pharmacist independent prescribing being viewed positively. Those three themes were self, environment and competence. Whilst pharmacists are well placed through their initial education and training to undertake a prescribing role, we found that there are perceived differences in responsibility between a prescribing and a non-prescribing role, attitude towards risk and the training and support need to adapt to those changes. These differences are explored leading to a series of overarching themes and recommendations, including that ongoing support is critical and should be built into commissioning frameworks, that newly qualified prescribers need to start prescribing immediately after qualifying and that experiential learning should be built into all training programmes.

Systematic Approaches to Optimize Opioid Prescribing in Surgical Patients

The opioid crisis has highlighted the urgent need to optimize pain management strategies in surgical settings, prompting a shift towards opioid-sparing therapies. While opioids are crucial for alleviating moderate to severe postoperative pain, their over prescription poses significant risks, including addiction and overdose. This paper examines the feasibility of achieving opioid-free surgical recovery, particularly for minor and minimally invasive procedures, with the goal of extending this practice to more invasive surgeries through enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs. It also considers the cultural factors that influence patient expectations regarding pain management in countries with lower opioid prescribing rates, such as Japan and Germany, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in the United States. The study advocates for the exclusion of opioids at every stage of the perioperative experience, promoting opioid-free anesthesia and analgesia. A framework for optimizing opioid prescribing practices in surgical contexts is proposed, highlighting the vital roles of acute pain specialists and pharmacists in developing comprehensive pain management strategies. By incorporating multimodal analgesia techniques, including non-opioid medications and alternative therapies, healthcare providers can effectively mitigate the risks associated with opioids while ensuring adequate pain relief

Community Pharmacists’ Experiences Regarding the Treatment Management of People with Diabetes During Ramadan: A Phenomenological Study

Community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients seeking assistance in managing chronic diseases, including diabetes, owing to their accessibility. They are readily available to patients, especially in outpatient settings, and can play a vital role in ensuring safe medication use in patients with diabetes. However, published research on the role of community pharmacists in managing diabetes in patients fasting during Ramadan in Türkiye and worldwide is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives and experiences of Turkish community pharmacists in providing treatment management for people with diabetes during Ramadan. To obtain in-depth information about community pharmacists' experiences and perspectives regarding the treatment management of patients with diabetes during Ramadan, a qualitative methodology was chosen for data collection, which could not be obtained using quantitative methods. To gather the views of community pharmacists, a carefully designed semi-structured interview guide was developed to conduct the qualitative interviews. Following the transcription and translation processes, interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted as an integral part of the data analysis. A total of 21 pharmacists participated in this study. Three main themes, along with their corresponding subthemes, emerged from the dataset: Advice from pharmacists to patients, challenges, and recommendations. The study revealed the professional services pharmacists provided and the barriers they encountered, and documented the recommendations they put forward regarding diabetes treatment management. Pharmacists reported providing diabetes-related services during Ramadan, such as dietary advice, medication adjustments, and dietitian referrals. However they identified several significant challenges, including increased workload, patients' religious beliefs, and limited public awareness of their expertise. To address these, expanding pharmacists' roles, improving communication with patients and physicians, and incorporating Ramadan-specific diabetes management into pharmacy education are seen as key strategies for enhancing care.

Evaluating diclofenac's risks in COVID-19: strategies for mitigating adverse outcomes.

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly diclofenac, during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns due to its potential to worsen disease progression. This commentary evaluates key risks associated with diclofenac and highlights the critical role of pharmacists in mitigating adverse outcomes through careful medication management and patient education. Diclofenac poses unique risks due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In COVID-19, a disease characterized by hyperinflammation, these effects may exacerbate systemic inflammation, contributing to severe outcomes. Moreover, diclofenac's known association with increased cardiovascular risks, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, is especially concerning in patients with COVID-19, who are predisposed to thrombotic complications. The drug's hepatotoxic potential adds another layer of concern, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction or those at higher risk due to COVID-19-related liver involvement. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in addressing these risks by conducting thorough medication reviews and assessing patient-specific risk factors. They can guide clinicians and patients toward safer alternatives, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which demonstrate a lower oxidative and cardiovascular burden. Patient education is equally critical; pharmacists should counsel individuals on potential adverse effects of diclofenac, such as cardiovascular symptoms, renal dysfunction, and liver complications, while advising on lifestyle modifications and adjunctive therapies to reduce NSAID dependence. Additionally, pharmacists contribute to pharmacovigilance by monitoring patients for adverse drug reactions and reporting safety concerns to improve NSAID usage guidelines during the pandemic. By adopting a personalized approach to NSAID therapy, pharmacists can minimize risks and enhance patient safety, ultimately improving outcomes in the management of COVID-19 and other inflammatory conditions. This underscores their indispensable role in optimizing care during complex clinical scenarios.

Recent Advancements and Techniques Regarding the Roles of Pharmacists, Nutritionists, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians, and Other Healthcare Professionals in the Care of Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Background: The paradigm of cancer care has evolved significantly, from a physician-centric model to a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. Aim: This review analyzes the changing roles of healthcare personnel and technological advancements in modern cancer care. Results: Implementing advanced multidisciplinary care models resulted in notable enhancements in patient outcomes, namely, a 48% decrease in emergency department visits and a 43% decline in unplanned hospitalizations. Interventions by clinical pharmacists decreased medication errors by 42% and enhanced protocol adherence by 95%. Incorporating digital health technology boosted care coordination by 45% and improved infection control methods reduced healthcare-associated infections by 45%. Laboratory diagnostics have attained 99.8% accuracy in mutation detection with next-generation sequencing, transforming precision medicine methodologies in cancer. Conclusions: This study presents significant data demonstrating the beneficial effects of advanced healthcare professional roles and technological integration on cancer treatment. The results indicated superior patient outcomes, greater care coordination, and increased treatment efficacy using interdisciplinary strategies. Future research should standardize these improved methods across various healthcare environments and address implementation obstacles to provide fair access to enhancements in cancer care delivery.

The Role of Pharmacists in Minimizing the Risk Inherent in Unbundled Telehealth Services: A 12-Month Retrospective Case Study

Pharmacists have often been viewed as the last line of defence against prescription errors in traditional care models. Although a large number of chronic care patients are using telehealth services to increase their access to continuous care, researchers have yet to investigate prescription safety in such settings in Australia. The absence of this literature is particularly concerning in the context of the Australian Government’s admission in a 2024 report that the national health system has not adequately addressed the World Health Organization’s ‘Medication without harm’ objective. One of the report’s key findings was that knowledge on digital direct-to-consumer services is insufficient. A defining feature of some of these services is their unbundling of the pharmacy component, which logically increases the risk for prescription errors. This study analyzed the frequency of which the Cloud pharmacy network intercepted prescription errors in an unbundled digital sexual dysfunction service for men. Investigators found that Cloud pharmacists were responsible for intercepting 22 (5.31%) the 414 prescribing errors observed in the Pilot Australia service in 2023, including 12 (8.05%) of the 149 prescription errors for premature ejaculation (PE) patients and 10 (3.77%) of the 265 errors for erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. Seven of the errors intercepted by Cloud pharmacists were of high or medium severity, including four drug contraindications, two cases of inadequate patient history reviews, and one case of inadequate counselling. This study also appears to be the first to provide digital prescribing error rate data in an Australian sexual healthcare setting, observing an error rate of 0.86% from 30,649 ED prescriptions, 1.13% from the 13,154 PE prescriptions, and a total prescription error rate of 0.95% (414 out of 43,792 prescriptions). These findings demonstrate the vital role of pharmacists in intercepting prescribing errors in unbundled telehealth services. Possible implications of these findings include the allocation of additional resources across the pharmacy sector and the establishment of regulatory safety standards for unbundled telehealth services.

“Crocus Flower”: Voriconazole-Induced Hallucinations and Visual Disturbances in a Patient with Recurrent Severe Vulvovaginitis—A Case Report on Irrational Drug Use

Background and Clinical Significance: Voriconazole is a commonly prescribed second-generation azole used for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections. This report seeks to elucidate the relationship between certain intravenous infusion parameters and the causality and severity of potential visual adverse events associated with voriconazole administration, despite existing reports of visual disturbances such as hallucinations and altered visual perception, the underlying causes of which remain inadequately understood. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 32-year-old female patient who experienced sudden hallucinations and visual impairments after receiving an initial dose of intravenous voriconazole for the treatment of recurrent severe vulvovaginitis caused by Candida glabrata. The symptoms quickly disappeared when the dosage and infusion rate were reduced as per the recommendations of the clinical pharmacist. Conclusions: This example emphasizes the possible negative drug responses linked to voriconazole, especially those provoked by its irrational use described as an inappropriate infusion rate, and the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in recognizing and handling these reactions.

A Multicenter Survey on Pharmacists' Perspectives on Self-Medication Issues in Romania: A Descriptive Study Towards Sustainable and Safe Pharmaceutical Practices.

This study evaluates the perceptions of pharmacists in Romania regarding self-medication, a growing practice with significant implications for public health and sustainable development. The main objective is to analyze the role of pharmacists in managing self-medication and educating the public on rational medication use. A descriptive and exploratory methodology was employed, using a questionnaire administered to 300 pharmacists from various regions in Romania between March and April 2024. The data analysis included Chi-square tests and linear regression to identify predictive factors. The findings reveal a direct correlation between the frequency of self-medication and the perceived severity of conditions, with self-medication being more common for minor ailments. Experienced pharmacists are less likely to encourage self-medication. Public education on the risks of self-medication significantly reduces the prevalence of this practice. Self-medication, without proper regulation and education, risks becoming unsustainable. Targeted informational campaigns and educational programs tailored to diverse demographic groups are essential. Pharmacists play a critical role in promoting safe and responsible medication use.

The role of Alberta pharmacists working in opioid use disorder and their potential to prescribe buprenorphine-naloxone: A qualitative study.

Opioid toxicity continues to have significant morbidity and mortality in Alberta. Opioid agonist therapy is an effective treatment for opiate use disorder (OUD), with first-line treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NAL) being both highly effective and safe. Barriers to care limit access to treatment, and more access points for treatment are needed. Pharmacists in Alberta have a wide scope of prescribing authority and high accessibility. This study describes the barriers to care and the roles of pharmacists engaged in OUD treatment, and explores the potential for pharmacists to prescribe BUP-NAL to improve access to care. Semistructured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from Alberta in January 2024. Key informants were identified using professional networks and the reverse snowball method, and continued until data saturation. Thematic analysis was conducted by 2 investigators using open coding. Ten pharmacists were interviewed, and 4 major themes emerged: barriers to access OUD treatment, the current role of pharmacists in caring for patients with OUD, the future role of pharmacists as prescribers of BUP-NAL, and enabling pharmacists to prescribe. Patients experience many barriers to care, and a complex health system contributes to this. Pharmacists working with patients with OUD are highly knowledgeable and involved in assessing, managing, and monitoring therapy in a multidisciplinary capacity. Extending authority for pharmacists to prescribe BUP-NAL can improve access to care but must consider collaboration and social context. Pharmacists are skilled and positioned to improve access to care for patients with OUD needing BUP-NAL.

Advancing the role of pharmacists in infectious diseases: Fostering critical thinking and collaboration

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Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Improving Mental Health Literacy among Adolescents

Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Improving Mental Health Literacy among Adolescents

Patient’s Perception of Hospital Pharmacists Roles: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Nigerian Teaching Hospitals

Patient’s Perception of Hospital Pharmacists Roles: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Nigerian Teaching Hospitals