Current and Potential Roles in Sports Pharmacy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

(1) Background: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current and potential roles for pharmacists in sports medicine and to identify key themes in outcomes reported in studies. (2) Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched in January 2019. Peer-reviewed, original research articles were considered for inclusion. Articles published in a language other than English were excluded. Quality appraisal was performed independently by two authors. (3) Results: Findings of 11 eligible articles (10 observational and 1 experimental study design) were grouped into three themes: (i) doping prevention and control, (ii) injury management and first aid, and (iii) educational and curricular needs. Pharmacists were perceived as a good potential source of information about doping and are enthusiastic about counseling athletes, but lack knowledge and confidence in this area. While pharmacists were frequently consulted for advice on managing sprains and strains, their advice was not always guided by current evidence. Pharmacists and pharmacy students recalled limited opportunity for education in sports pharmacy. (4) Conclusion: Pharmacists showed a willingness and an aptitude to counsel athletes. However, lack of knowledge and confidence, and limited educational opportunities, were key barriers. More research is necessary to support pharmacists in this role.

Pharmacists as a Source of Advice on Medication Use for Athletes

“…Findings of this Australian study are consistent with the reports of international studies in which pharmacists self-reported that their knowledge and awareness of doping, anti-doping and sport supplements are low [13,15,16]. Additionally, pharmacists reported low confidence [15] and difficulty finding reliable, evidence-based information about drugs in sport and sport supplements [17].…”

“…The nature of prohibited medication use in sport is often viewed as a small subsection from the mainstream of healthcare. Pharmacists, as well as many other healthcare professionals, seem to have some general knowledge about the nature of the prohibited drug list, but few are willing and/or able to provide expert service [13], as identified in our study.…”

“…However, this study indicates that upskilling is required to enable pharmacists to accurately and confidently provide medication-related advice to athletes, with the aim of preventing unintentional doping. Upskilling can be achieved by specific accreditation or through workshops, short courses, and/or continuing professional development activities [13]. An example of a similar initiative was accomplished by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who introduced a new certificate for sports pharmacists to learn about effective clinical drug use and doping prevention in athletes [20].…”

“…Therefore, it is imperative for the pharmacist to provide appropriate medication advice to athletes [6]. However, there is currently no formally defined role for pharmacists in this process [13]. A recent systematic review reported that although pharmacists showed a willingness and positive attitude to counsel athletes, however, limited relevant education and lack of confidence have prevented them from having a significant role in this area [13].…”

A qualitative study of health professions curricula and management of lateral ankle ligament sprain demonstrates inconsistency

“…The pharmacy educator's curriculum was influenced by textbooks and First Aid manuals. This is supported by a recent systematic review that found that pharmacists were frequently consulted for advice on managing sprains, but their advice was not always being guided by current best evidence [42]. It is possible that updates in textbooks to include recent recommendations [26,27] may influence curriculum in the future.…”