What is it about?

A survey was undertaken in Europe asking pharmacists, researchers and policy makers about the existence of 21 possible pharmacy services. For each service, we asked if it existed, the extent to which was available in every pharmacy of the country and if the service provided was paid by the government or insurance. Responses were obtained from 34 countries, showing provision of medicines information and generic substitution as the services available in more countries. Medication review, prescription renewal and adherence monitoring were among the services more widely available within each country. Half the countries had at least one of the services remunerated.

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Why is it important?

This data is important so that the public knows what to expect from pharmacies in Europe beyond medicines dispensing. It is also important so that pharmacists understand which services are worth investing and so that policy makers become aware of international trends in service remuneration.

Perspectives

This paper shows that pharmacists may deliver much more than information and provide added-value to disease control and prevention. However, it also shows there is still a long way to go to obtain professional recognition of such services.

Filipa Costa
Egas Moniz Cooperativa de Ensino Superior CRL

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: A survey to assess the availability, implementation rate and remuneration of pharmacist-led cognitive services throughout Europe, Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, February 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.02.002.
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