The Involvement of Pharmacists in Self-Care and Self-Medication

The Involvement of Pharmacists in Self-Care and Self-Medication

Pharmacies are often individuals’ first stop when they experience a health issue. Pharmacists, who possess extensive knowledge about various conditions and products, play a vital role in guiding and advising individuals. They help individuals avoid potential medication interactions and inform them about possible side effects.

The involvement of pharmacists highlights their professionalism and underscores the importance of facilitating their practice to fully leverage the potential benefits of their services.

In terms of communication:

Pharmacists should initiate discussions with patients (and, when necessary, the patients’ physicians) to gather detailed medication histories.
They should ask patients pertinent questions and provide relevant information on how to take medications and address safety concerns.
Pharmacists should be prepared and equipped to conduct proper screenings for specific conditions and diseases without overstepping the prescriber’s authority.
They should offer objective information about medicines and utilize additional sources to meet patients’ informational needs.
Pharmacists should assist patients in engaging in appropriate and responsible self-medication or, if necessary, refer them for medical advice.
Maintaining confidentiality regarding patients’ conditions is crucial.
As quality drug suppliers:

Pharmacists must ensure that the products they purchase come from reputable sources and are of high quality.
They must ensure proper storage of these products.
As trainers and supervisors:

Pharmacists should engage in continuing professional development activities, such as continuing education, to provide up-to-date quality service.
They often work with non-pharmacist staff and must ensure that these auxiliary personnel adhere to established practice standards.
Developing protocols for referral to the pharmacist and for community health workers involved in handling and distributing medicines is essential.
Pharmacists should promote the training and supervise the work of non-pharmacist staff.
As collaborators:

Establishing quality collaborative relationships with other healthcare professionals, national professional associations, the pharmaceutical industry, governments (local/national), patients, and the general public is crucial.
These collaborations facilitate the sharing of resources, expertise, data, and experiences to enhance self-care and self-medication.
As health promoters:

Pharmacists, as part of the healthcare team, should participate in health screenings to identify health problems and at-risk individuals in the community.
They should engage in health promotion campaigns to raise awareness of health issues and disease prevention.
Providing advice to individuals to help them make informed health choices is an important aspect of their role.
In specific situations:

In developing countries with low ratios of pharmacists and pharmacies to the population, consultation with other healthcare workers, community health workers, trained laypeople, and household carers can be encouraged, provided they have received appropriate pharmaceutical training and orientation.
Sources:

The role of pharmacists – Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP)
The Role of the Pharmacist in Self-Care and Self-Medication – Report of the 4th WHO Consultative Group on the Role of the Pharmacist The Hague, The Netherlands 26-28 August 1998
Responsible Self-Medication: the responsibility of the pharmacist – Joint Statement by The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and Global Self Care Federation (GSCF) – 1998 (PDF)

The Involvement of Pharmacists in Self-Care and Self-Medication

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