Outcomes of Pharmacist-Led Pharmaceutical Care Interventions Within Community Pharmacies: Narrative Review

Abstract

Pharmaceutical care (PhC) services interventions led by pharmacists within community pharmacies (CPs) are essential in achieving optimal medication use outcomes. PhC is a concept related to medication use goals optimization through the reduction and prevention of drug-related problems (DRPs). This review paper summarized the literature on pharmacist-led PhC interventions within CPs. PubMed and Google Scholar publications were searched, identified, and summarized. Results showed that some studies handled community pharmacists' roles, and some talked about PhC interventions. However, some studies reviewed the use of medicines, adherence, and follow-up, while other groups were on counseling, patient education, and health promotion. Pharmacists integrated some studies concerning diagnosis and disease screening into community pharmacy services. Besides these studies, there were studies on system design and installation of PhC service models. Most of the identified research results showed pharmacist-led intervention benefits for patients. These benefits include reduced DRPs, clinical, economical, humane, education and knowledge, disease prevention and immunization, identification of practice process problems, and the need for current practice redesigning. In conclusion, pharmacists can help patients achieve optimal outcomes through pharmacist-led interventions. Despite mentioned results, We recommend researching comprehensively applied PhC services provision models within CPs for more pharmacists-led interventions and role activation.

Evolution and Advancements in the Development of Pharmaceutical Care Services

“…Pharmaceutical care introduced the idea that pharmacists should actively engage with patients to assess their medication needs, address potential drug interactions or adverse effects, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans 3 . This approach aimed to ensure that patients derived maximum benefit from their medications while minimizing risks .…”

Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania

“… 11 The provision of pharmaceutical services enhances healthcare outcomes and improves patients’ quality of life, optimizing the potential of pharmacies and pharmacists. 12 , 13 …”

“…11 The provision of pharmaceutical services enhances healthcare outcomes and improves patients' quality of life, optimizing the potential of pharmacies and pharmacists. 12,13 In Romania, a significant shift occurred during the 2023-2024 influenza season with the introduction of pharmacy-based vaccination, presenting a novel strategy. Reimbursement levels now vary; high-risk patients receive full reimbursement, while the rest of the population enjoys a 50% reimbursement.…”

Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacist-Managed NSAIDs Deprescribing: A Jordanian Outpatient Study

“…To address the potential risks of prolonged NSAIDs use, deprescribing programs have emerged as a viable strategy to minimize harm in patients requiring pain management [15][16][17]. Pharmacist-led deprescribing programs have gained recognition for their role in optimizing medication use and reducing the risks associated with long-term drug therapy [18][19][20]. Such programs aim to assess the necessity and appropriateness of ongoing drug therapy, gradually taper drug doses, explore alternative treatment options, and ultimately discontinue medications when the potential harms outweigh the benefts [21,22].…”