Written by International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2024, 13, 2, 6-9.
DOI: 10.5530/ijpcs.2024.13.2
Published: November 2024
Type: Review Article
Authors: Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, Abeer Hussin Almasoudi, Mohammed Hussain Ali Abutaleb, Nader Oudah Albalawi, Ebtisam Othman Awaji Hakami, Nasser Mufleh Albalawi, Shahad Badr Albadrani
Author(s) affiliations:
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.
Mohammed Hussain Ali Abutaleb,
MSc, PhD, BCACP, Consultant Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Diabetes Center, King Fahd Central Hospital, Jazan, SAUDI ARABIA.
Nader Oudah Albalawi,
BSc Pharm, MSc, King Khalid Hospital, Tabuk Health Cluster, SAUDI ARABIA.
Ebtisam Othman Awaji Hakami,
PharmD, MSc. Clin Pharm, College of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College, Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA.
Nasser Mufleh Albalawi,
BSc Pharm, Maternity & Child Hospital, Tabuk Health Cluster, SAUDI ARABIA.
Shahad Badr Albadrani,
PharmD, King Khalid Hospital, Tabuk Health Cluster, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abstract
Objectives: This paper aims to highlight the crucial and urgent role of the Drug Information Services policy in Community pharmacy practice, a pioneering initiative in Saudi Arabia. The need for this policy is pressing and its implementation could significantly improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. Methods: This narrative review of Community pharmacy policy and Drug Information. Services system procedures were conducted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the comprehensive coverage of the topic. Literature was extensively searched in databases, including PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar, about specific Drug Information. Services and Services 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 community pharmacy services are included in a search term. Besides, the local and international guidelines of general Drug Information Services in hospital practice. The Community Pharmacy Drug Information Services Committee, a group of various expert members, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists and clinical Drug Information Services specialists, formulated the guidelines of the policy draft. The first member drafted the policy, the second member reviewed and corrected it and the Drug Information Services specialist made the third revision. This committee played a crucial role in ensuring the competency of the policy and procedures, a topic crucial for advancing pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia. Results: The Community Pharmacy Drug Information Services policy consisted of various items. These included printed or online applications for primary, secondary and tertiary resources; receiving, searching and answering questions; assessment and evaluation of drug literature; documentation of drug information inquiries; handling of nonapproved indications with health insurance; and communications skills with healthcare professionals and the public. In addition, the policy emphasized the basic principle of pharmacoeconomics, which involves evaluating the cost and benefits of drug therapy and essential drug utilization evaluation, which focuses on the appropriate use of medications. These principles are crucial in ensuring the cost-effectiveness and quality of drug therapy. Conclusion: The Community Pharmacy Drug Information Services policy is not just a new and updated initiative organized at the community pharmacy but a potential game-changer. Implementing Drug Information Services policies and procedures at community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia can potentially improve patient clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs significantly. This potential for improved patient outcomes should inspire hope for the future of pharmacy practice.
Keywords: Drug Information, Management, Services, Community pharmacy, Competency, Saudi Arabia.