Community pharmacist experiences of providing needle and syringe programmes in Ireland

McVeigh, Jim; Hearne, Evelyn; Bates, Geoff; Hout, Marie Claire Van

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.07.006

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 41 publications

(24 reference statements)

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“…Some consumers indicated they would opt to purchase kits from the pharmacy while others saw some limitations which needed to be overcome first, specifically privacy and confidentiality. These types of concerns have been identified in these environments among other substance consumers [ 9 , 12 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, consumer attitudes to harm reduction service provision have been mixed [ 9 ], largely as a result of perceived systemic barriers for consumers which are often evident at sites of delivery [ 10 , 11 ]. McVeigh et al underscored the necessity for enhancing pharmacists' harm reduction training and implementing appropriate strategies to raise awareness of the needs of substance consumers, cater to the diverse needs of individuals who inject drugs, foster trusting relationships, and facilitate engagement within a confidential service setting [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

Piatkowski,

Benn,

Ayurzana

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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Background While community pharmacies have been successful in providing harm reduction support for illicit substance consumers, little research has explored their role in addressing the needs of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) consumers. Objective This study aimed to triangulate the attitudes and experiences of AAS consumers and community pharmacist’s regarding AAS harm reduction. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with AAS consumers (n = 8) and community pharmacists (n = 15) between December 2022 and August 2023 in Australia. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results While consumers emphasised easy access to pharmacies, particularly in urban areas, challenges were noted in rural regions. AAS consumers expressed a preference for community pharmacies, perceiving them as less confronting and a feasible avenue for accessing professional advice, highlighting the potential role of pharmacists in nurturing therapeutic alliances with AAS consumers. Similarly, pharmacists expressed receptivity to providing harm reduction information but acknowledged knowledge gaps, suggesting a need for tailored education programs to support AAS consumers effectively. Conclusions Community pharmacies can be an important environment for AAS harm reduction. Strategies include utilising private spaces for open discussions with AAS consumers and enhancing pharmacists' understanding of AAS to foster trust and support. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and training needs for pharmacy staff, with the aim of creating a safer environment for AAS consumers.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

Piatkowski,

Benn,

Ayurzana

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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“…Routine voluntary testing of drug users for HIV began in 1985 and over the first 2 years, 19% of those tested were diagnosed as being HIV positive. Needle and syringe provision was first provided in Ireland in 1989 in the former Eastern Health Board (EHB) AIDS Resource Centre in Dublin, in response to the heroin problem at the time [19]. Methadone services, mainly focused on detoxification, have been available since 1992 [20] and were initially restricted to the capital, Dublin [17].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Twenty years of the methadone treatment protocol in Ireland: reflections on the role of general practice

Delargy¹,

Crowley²,

Hout

2019

Harm Reduct J

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BackgroundOpioid dependence, characterised by socio economic disadvantage and significant morbidity and mortality, remains a major public health problem in Ireland. Through the methadone treatment protocol (MTP), Irish general practice has been a leader in the introduction and expansion of Irish harm reduction services, including opioid substitution treatment (OST), needle and syringe programs (NSP) and naloxone provision. These services have been effective in engaging opiate users in treatment, reducing human deficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and reducing-drug related morbidities. Challenges remain in relation to choice of substitution treatments, timely access to OST services, adequate coverage of NSP, naloxone provision and increasing drug-related deaths.MethodsA narrative review was conducted and designed to present a broad perspective on the Irish MTP and to describe its history and development in terms of clinical care, stakeholder views and changing trends.ResultsThree themes emerged from the analysis; The History of the Methadone Treatment Protocol, Service User and Provider Views and Challenges and Developments. Despite the initial concern about methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Ireland, increased participation by Irish GPs in the treatment of opioid dependence is observed over the last two decades. There are now over 10,000 people on methadone treatment in Ireland, with 40% treated in general practice. The MTP provides structure, remuneration and guidance to GPs and is underpinned by training, ongoing education and a system of quality assurance provided by the Irish College of General Practice (ICGP). Challenges include the negative views of patients around how methadone services are delivered, the stigma associated with methadone treatment, the lack of choice around substitution medication, waiting lists for treatment in certain areas and rates of fatal overdose.ConclusionTwenty years of the MTP has been the mainstay of harm reduction services in Ireland. It has provided a network of specially trained GPs who provide methadone to over 10,000 patients across Ireland within a structured framework of training, quality assurance and remuneration. With the ongoing commitment of Irish specialists in the field of addiction medicine, further improvements to support and treat patients can be made.

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“…Collaboration between health services and community pharmacists has delivered harm reduction programmes of consistent quality in Europe [20,25], such as opioid substitution [34], needle exchange [35] and smoking cessation [36]. Similarly, experience with vaccination services has shown that they increase the uptake of vaccines in the population and are valued by the public [37,38].…”

Section: Pharmaceutical Care Services In the Community Pharmacy Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Council of Europe Resolution on the Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care—A Step Forward in Enhancing the Appropriate Use of Medicines and Patient-Centred Care

Henman,

Ravera,

Lery

2024

Healthcare

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Pharmaceutical care was proposed to address morbidity and mortality associated with medicine-related problems. It utilises the pharmacist’s expertise in medicines, their relationship with the patient and cooperation with other healthcare professionals to optimise the use of medicines. The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), part of the Council of Europe, found significant variation in the acceptance of pharmaceutical care and in the implementation of pharmaceutical care in Europe. A multidisciplinary group was established to draft a statement of principles and recommendations concerning pharmaceutical care. Through face-to-face meetings, circulation of draft texts and informal consultation with stakeholders, the group produced a resolution. On 11 March 2020, the resolution was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It explains pharmaceutical care and illustrates pharmacists’ contribution to medicine optimisation in different care settings. Pharmaceutical care’s value to health services and its place in health policy were emphasised by addressing the risks and harms from suboptimal use of medicines. Pharmaceutical care can improve medicine use, promote rational use of healthcare resources and reduce inequalities in healthcare by realigning the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and healthcare professionals. EDQM will promote and advocate for the implementation of pharmaceutical care by enacting practice Resolution CM/Res(2020)3.

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Community pharmacist experiences of providing needle and syringe programmes in Ireland

Abstract: Article HighlightsCommunity pharmacists can provide quality harm reduction support to drug users via needle and syringe programmes (NSP). There is a need for appropriate strategies to raise awareness and meet service user specific needs.

Cited by 6 publications

References 41 publications

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

Exploring the role of community pharmacies as a harm reduction environment for anabolic–androgenic steroid consumers: triangulating the perspectives of consumers and pharmacists

Twenty years of the methadone treatment protocol in Ireland: reflections on the role of general practice

Council of Europe Resolution on the Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care—A Step Forward in Enhancing the Appropriate Use of Medicines and Patient-Centred Care

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