Community Pharmacy Policy and Procedures: Drug Information Services
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Date
2024-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gulf Index Electronic Publisher
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 non-, approved 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.
Description
Keywords
Drug Information, Management, Services, Community pharmacy, Competency, Saudi Arabia.
Citation
Alomi Yousef Ahmed, Almasoudi Abeer Hussin, Abutaleb Mohammed Hussain Ali, Albalawi Nader Oudah, Hakami Ebtisam Othman Awaji, Albalawi Nasser Mufleh, Albadrani Shahad Badr. Community Pharmacy Policy and Procedures: Drug Information Services. International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences . 2024 Mar; 13(1): 6-9