Written by Yousef Ahmed Alomi*,
BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists, TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abeer Hussin Almasoudi,
BSc.Pharm,BCPS, Director, Organizational Excellence, Ministry of Health Branch, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA.
Amani Abdullah Bahdailah,
BSc, Pharm D, Msc. Clin Pharm, Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA.
Faris Ruwai Albalawi,
Bsc Pharm, Compliance Management, MOH Branch, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abdullah Soliman Alnamlah,
Pharm.Technician, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Tabuk Health Cluster, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abstract
Objectives: To explore the Nutrition Support policy in Community pharmacy practice as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It was a narrative review of Community pharmacy policy and the procedures of the Nutrition Support system. Literature was searched in databases, including PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar, about specific Nutrition Support policies and procedures in Community pharmacy practice. The search period is from the 1960s until October 2021. The term is in English and includes narrative review, systemic review, Meta-analysis and guidelines. All types of community pharmacy services are included in a search term. Besides, the national and international guidelines of general community pharmacy practice are also included. The Community Pharmacy Nutrition Support Committee, a crucial body in developing and implementing the policy, was formulated and consisted of various expert members. These members, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists and clinical Nutrition specialists, played a significant role in drafting, reviewing and revising the policy guidelines. The topic emphasizes the competency of Community pharmacy Nutrition Support policy and procedures. Results: The Community Pharmacy Nutrition Support policy stands out as a comprehensive framework that addresses every aspect of nutrition support. It encompasses the Community Pharmacy Nutrition Support Committee, the pharmacist’s role in Nutrition, strategic and annual plans for community Nutrition Community pharmacy services, Nutrition assessments, Nutrition Support indications and the selection of appropriate products for neonates, pediatrics and adults. The policy also includes oral diet (milk or nutrition supplements) or enteral feeding procedures, administration of Nutrition Support, Nutrition Support monitoring, education and training courses, Nutrition Support errors reporting system, Community pharmacy Nutrition Support adverse drug reaction reporting system and Community pharmacy Nutrition Support and setup quality management and key performance indicators. Conclusion: The Community Pharmacy Nutrition Support policy is not just a new initiative, but a significant leap in patient care in a community setting. This comprehensive policy, which covers all nutrition therapy management for all populations, including enteral feeding and oral nutrition supplements, has the potential to significantly improve patient care in Saudi Arabia. By offering a wide range of services, including education and training, error reporting systems and quality management, it reassures us of the promising future of patient care in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Nutrition Support, Policy, Service, Community pharmacy, Saudi Arabia.