Pharmacy, pharmaceuticals and public policy: Solving the puzzle

Abstract

Increasing pressure on healthcare demand and delivery has resulted in the development of new roles and services for pharmacists. As current models of pharmacy practice continue to be evaluated, pharmacists must be involved in identifying new areas that may require research. In order to do so, the current vision of the future of pharmacy practice is discussed in this commentary. Issues such as adequate funding, professional competency and building strong interprofessional relationships are still identified as major barriers to change. These barriers have been grouped into the themes that form a conceptual model of the factors affecting the future of pharmacy practice, which have led to the development of key questions for the future. Keywords Future; pharmacy practice; pharmacy practice research; health policy; public policy; pharmaceutical policy Introduction Changing population demographics have resulted in an increasing pressure on healthcare demand and delivery worldwide. These changes have led to challenges in the management of people, especially those living with long term conditions. In order to adapt to these challenges, there have been changes in the healthcare workforce, resulting in the development of new roles and services for pharmacists. 1 It is said that effective medicines management and the expanding roles of pharmacists need to be coupled with organized technology infrastructure, along with support from professional training and ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks. 2,3 Evidence-based policymaking determines the funding priorities within the healthcare system. In order to firmly establish the necessity of the pharmacy profession, it is vital to show evidence through research that the adapting roles of pharmacists add value to the healthcare system. 2 At present, pharmacy practice models are and will be continuously evaluated. For these evaluations to influence changes in policy, it is pertinent that practicing pharmacists actively participate in research to evaluate the relevancy of the services they deliver and to help identify new areas that may require research. 2 These new areas for example, could be novel mechanisms by which pharmacists could deliver patient care. However, in order to make these projections, the current vision for the future of pharmacy must first be discussed. Therefore, the aim of this commentary is to discuss the future of pharmacy and present a conceptual model leading to questions. Answering these questions could help in solving the puzzle of how the pharmacy profession operates in a broader public policy context and its future role in improving healthcare efficiency.

Drive-thru pharmacy services: A way forward to combat COVID-19 pandemic

“… 43 Increasing pressure on healthcare demand has resulted in the development of new roles and services for pharmacists. 44 In this context, it is vital to look at drive-thru pharmacies in the lens of the future of pharmacy services, particularly in relation to managing the pandemic.…”

Cardiovascular disease risk prevention services by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: what do policymakers and opinion leaders think?

“…Human health and longevity gains acquired through scientific advances against infectious disease over the previous century are increasingly overshadowed by globally rising non-communicable disease burdens. This has created increasing demand for equitable, accessible and affordable healthcare which places immense pressure on governments worldwide [ 1 – 4 ], and indeed, this is the case in Saudi Arabia. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now contribute significantly to national disease burdens globally [ 5 ], and in Saudi Arabia, these account for approximately 73% of total mortality [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…This parsimonious approach is recommended by the WHO for several countries. Utilising allied HCPs and task-shifting some roles or services may, apart from economic advantage, ease the pressure on the healthcare system and optimise patient care and health outcomes [ 1 , 11 ]. Pharmacists in community settings are highly accessible, well-trained professionals who, given the opportunity, can provide healthcare advice, point of care testing (POCT), screening, management/referral of ‘at risk’ patients besides ensuring appropriate use of medicines [ 5 , 10 ].…”

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prevention Services by Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: What Do Policymakers and Opinion Leaders Think?

“…Human health and longevity gains acquired through scienti c advances against infectious disease over the previous century are increasingly overshadowed by globally rising non-communicable disease burdens. This has created increasing demand for equitable, accessible and affordable healthcare which places immense pressure on governments worldwide [1][2][3][4] and indeed this is the case in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…This parsimonious approach is recommended by the WHO for several countries. Utilising allied HCPs and task-shifting some roles or services may, apart from economic advantage, ease the pressure on the healthcare system and optimise patient care and health outcomes [1,11]. Pharmacists in community settings are highly accessible, well trained professionals who, given the opportunity, can provide healthcare advice, point of care testing (POCT), screening, management/referral of 'at risk' patients besides ensuring appropriate use of medicines [5,10].…”