Evaluating a potential role for community pharmacists in post‐bariatric patient nutritional support

Abstract

Physiological changes to the body from bariatric surgery necessitate lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation to prevent potential nutritional deficiencies. Presently, there is no consensus on appropriate long-term follow-up in community settings for people who have undergone bariatric surgery. Current UK guidelines recommend annual monitoring of nutritional status, but little else. Semi-structured interviews

Bariatric surgery: the GP’s role in long-term post-bariatric surgery follow-up

“…Community pharmacists could also be involved in long-term care and undertake annual medication reviews for these patients to ensure correct nutritional supplements are prescribed and review the appropriateness of other regular medications. 11 The NHS Long Term Plan (https://www. longtermplan.nhs.uk), which aims to provide 'fully integrated community-based health care', and the new Integrated Care Systems should support future shared-care models incorporating a multidisciplinary and wholesystems approach.…”

Developing a long‐term follow up service for bariatric surgical patients in the community: Patient and professional perspectives

“…With current high demands on General Practice in the UK, 6 the logistics of developing a pragmatic, viable framework to embed and sustain a long term follow up service for the monitoring and support of people living with bariatric surgery need to be scoped and established. Studies have shown that Community Pharmacists, who have diverse roles in General Practice, possess specialist expertise and knowledge, for example, pharmacokinetics, which are important to bariatric surgical care, as the effects of many medications and supplements are altered after bariatric surgery, given the malabsorptive and restrictive elements of procedures 7–9 . Nearly 90% of the UK population has a community pharmacy accessible in a 20 min walk, 10 community pharmacies have longer opening hours than other healthcare providers, do not require an appointment, and 90% have private consulting rooms 11 .…”

“…Studies have shown that Community Pharmacists, who have diverse roles in General Practice, possess specialist expertise and knowledge, for example, pharmacokinetics, which are important to bariatric surgical care, as the effects of many medications and supplements are altered after bariatric surgery, given the malabsorptive and restrictive elements of procedures. 7 , 8 , 9 Nearly 90% of the UK population has a community pharmacy accessible in a 20 min walk, 10 community pharmacies have longer opening hours than other healthcare providers, do not require an appointment, and 90% have private consulting rooms. 11 Pharmacists are also working more closely with General Practice as part of the UK National Health Service's (NHS) Long Term Plan 12 to develop and deliver local services based on patient needs.…”

“…Any community‐based bariatric follow‐up service needs to be developed with the voices of both services users as well as healthcare professionals, ensuring that the service would be pragmatic to deliver and meet the needs of patients. Studies carried out from the patient perspective in bariatric surgical care 5 , 7 have been helpful in providing insight into care and influencing healthcare decision‐making.…”