Dimitra Hoppe1, Eli Ristevski1, Hanan Khalil2. 1. Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Vic., Australia. 2. Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Community pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. The objective of this research was to systematically review the current evidence and investigate the attitudes and practice strategies of community pharmacists towards drug misuse management. METHODS: Data were extracted from 19 studies retrieved via a three-step search strategy using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The attitudes and practice strategies of pharmacists towards drug misuse management and relevance to years of practice experience were discussed in seven of the 19 studies. Pharmacists reported gaps in knowledge and insufficient education and training on drug misuse-related topics. Barriers to the effective management of drug misuse included lack of time and staff training. The most commonly reported strategy to address drug misuse was referral back to the doctor. Eight of the studies identified the benefits of real-time prescription monitoring systems. Pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. Opportunities exist in the development of new and innovative approaches for harm minimization led by pharmacists, and in the examination and evaluation of the pharmacists' role in referral services, interventions and screening. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: It is important to consider the role and contribution of early career pharmacists in the delivery of primary health care. They are the future of the pharmacy profession; therefore, it is critical that they are sufficiently trained and provided with the necessary resources to ensure high quality care in the management of drug misuse.
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Community pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. The objective of this research was to systematically review the current evidence and investigate the attitudes and practice strategies of community pharmacists towards drug misuse management. METHODS: Data were extracted from 19 studies retrieved via a three-step search strategy using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The attitudes and practice strategies of pharmacists towards drug misuse management and relevance to years of practice experience were discussed in seven of the 19 studies. Pharmacists reported gaps in knowledge and insufficient education and training on drug misuse-related topics. Barriers to the effective management of drug misuse included lack of time and staff training. The most commonly reported strategy to address drug misuse was referral back to the doctor. Eight of the studies identified the benefits of real-time prescription monitoring systems. Pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. Opportunities exist in the development of new and innovative approaches for harm minimization led by pharmacists, and in the examination and evaluation of the pharmacists' role in referral services, interventions and screening. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: It is important to consider the role and contribution of early career pharmacists in the delivery of primary health care. They are the future of the pharmacy profession; therefore, it is critical that they are sufficiently trained and provided with the necessary resources to ensure high quality care in the management of drug misuse.
Authors: Ziyue Zhang; Lin Guo; Ran Si; Leanne Chalmers; Patricia Filippin; Jane Carpenter; Petra Czarniak Journal: Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm Date: 2022-03-02