Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy-Update 2022: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes of antiretroviral drugs may be modified through drug interactions; thus, it is important to update the drug interactions in people living with HIV (PLHIV). AIM: To update clinically relevant drug interactions in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy with novel drug interactions published from 2017 to 2022. METHODS: A systematic review in Medline/PubMed database from July 2017 to December 2022 using the Mesh terms antiretroviral agents and drug interactions or herb-drug interactions or food-drug interactions. Publications with drug interactions in humans, in English or Spanish, and with full-text access were retrieved. The clinical relevance of drug interactions was grouped into five levels according to the gravity and probability of occurrence. RESULTS: A total of 366 articles were identified, with 219 (including 87 citation lists) were included, which allowed for the identification of 471 drug interaction pairs; among them, 291 were systematically reported for the first time. In total 42 (14.4%) and 137 (47.1%) were level one and two, respectively, and 233 (80.1%) pairs were explained with the pharmacokinetic mechanism. Among these 291 pairs, protease inhibitors (PIs) and ritonavir/cobicistat-boosted PIs, as well as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs), with 70 (24.1%) and 65 (22.3%) drug interaction pairs of levels one and two, respectively, were more frequent. CONCLUSIONS: In PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy, we identify 291 drug interaction pairs systematically reported for the first time, with 179 (61.5%) being assessed as clinically relevant (levels one and two). The pharmacokinetic mechanism was the most frequently identified. PIs, ritonavir/cobicistat-boosted PIs, and InSTIs were the antiretroviral groups with the highest number of clinically relevant drug interaction pairs (levels one and two).

Drugs as Possible Triggers of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy- Update 2022: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: A list of drugs that can induce takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) was published in 2011 and 2016. The aim of the present review was to update this list. METHODS: Similar to the 2011 and 2016 reviews, from April 2015 to May 2022 case reports of druginduced TCM were identified by a comprehensive search in Medline/PubMed database. The search terms were: takotsubo cardiomyopathy, tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, stress cardiomyopathy, transientleft- ventricular ballooning syndrome, apical ballooning syndrome, ampulla cardiomyopathy OR broken heart syndrome; together with "iatrogenic", "induced by" OR "drug-induced". Registers published in English or Spanish, in humans, and with full texts were retrieved. Articles that recognized any drug associated with the development of TCM were selected. RESULTS: Overall, 184 manuscripts were identified by the search. A total of 39 articles were included after an exhaustive revision. Eighteen drugs as possible triggers of TCM were identified in the current update. Of them, 3 (16.7%) have been previously identified, and 15 (83.3%) are different from the previous reports. Thus, the list of drugs as possible triggers of TCM updated in 2022 includes 72 drugs. CONCLUSION: There are new case reports that link drugs with the development of TCM. The current list is principally made up of drugs that generate sympathetic overstimulation. However, some of the listed drugs do not have a clear link with sympathetic activation.

Processes implemented and activities carried out by the pharmacists during the COVID­19 pandemic: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize the processes implemented and the  activities performed by community and hospital-based pharmacists during the  COVID­19 pandemic. METHOD: A scoping review was carried out of the PubMed/Medline database  with the aim of identifying articles published until 30 June 2021. The PRISMA  recommendations for this type of review were followed. The articles included  were reviewed and classified according to their main characteristics and  outcomes, according to population, concept and context. The processes and  activities identified were grouped into three categories: those performed in  community and hospital pharmacies, those performed essentially in community  pharmacies, and those performed essentially in hospital  pharmacies. RESULTS: A total of 629 articles were identified, of which 454 were excluded  because they were unrelated to the object of the review and 81 due to meeting  the exclusion criteria. So, 94 articles were included in the analysis.  Most studies were conducted in Europe and the United States. During the  COVID­19 pandemic, the processes implemented and the activities carried out  in both community and hospital-based pharmacies included pharmaceutical  care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education,  psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy. Processes  implemented and activities carried out essentially in community pharmacies  were those related to the detection recommendations, and drug indications.  Finally, processes and activities essentially occurring in hospital pharmacies  included those related to participation in drug treatment research, drug  evaluation and guidelines development, and to managing off-label drugs. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID­19 crisis, pharmacists have led and implemented processes aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on  the population´s health. Pharmaceutical care, efficient and  timely management of services, information and education, psychological  support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy, both in community and hospital pharmacies, are the main processes implemented by pharmacists  during the COVID­19 pandemic. These processes and activities, in addition to contributing to the control, prevention and effective and safe treatment of  COVID­19; have ensured the implementation of biosecurity measures, proper  dispensing of medication, the drug rational use, and the provision of evidence- based information and education.

OBJETIVO: Identificar y sintetizar los procesos y actividades realizados por el  farmacéutico en la farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por  COVID-19.Método: Revisión sistemática exploratoria en PubMed/Medline de artículos publicados hasta el 30 de junio de 2021, siguiendo las  recomendaciones PRISMA para este tipo de revisiones. Los artículos incluidos  se clasificaron según sus principales características y resultados, acorde con la  estructura: población, concepto y contexto. Los procesos y las actividades  identificados se agruparon en tres categorías: realizados en farmacia  comunitaria y hospitalaria, llevados a cabo esencialmente en farmacia  comunitaria y realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 629 artículos, de los cuales se excluyeron 454  por no estar en relación con el objeto de la revisión y 81 por los criterios de  exclusión; por tanto, se incluyeron 94 en la revisión y análisis. La mayoría de  los estudios se desarrollaron en Europa y Estados Unidos. Entre los procesos y  actividades llevados a cabo por el farmacéutico durante la pandemia, tanto en  farmacia comunitaria como en hospitalaria, destacaron: atención farmacéutica,  gestión eficiente y oportuna de los servicios, información y  educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y telefarmacia. En farmacia  comunitaria destacaron también los relacionados con la detección de COVID-19  y derivación de pacientes, inmunización en farmacias, recomendaciones de  cuidados en el hogar e indicación farmacéutica. Entre los procesos  realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria destacaron los relacionados  con la participación en investigaciones de tratamientos farmacológicos,  desarrollo de guías de utilización de medicamentos basadas en evidencia y  manejo de medicamentos en indicaciones no aprobadas. CONCLUSIONES: Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, los farmacéuticos han  liderado e implantado procesos orientados a mitigar su impacto en la salud de  la población. Atención farmacéutica, gestión eficiente y oportuna de los  servicios, información y educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y  telefarmacia fueron los principales procesos y actividades realizados en  farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Dichos  procesos y actividades buscaron, además de contribuir al control,  prevención y tratamiento efectivo y seguro de la COVID-19, asegurar la  implantación de medidas de bioseguridad, la dispensación y uso adecuado de  los medicamentos y la información y educación basadas en la mejor evidencia  disponible.

Cumplimiento de la normatividad en la publicidad televisiva de medicamentos de venta libre en Colombia. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo 2018 / Compliance with regulations in the television advertising of over-the-counter drugs in Colombia. Retrospective descriptive study 2018

Resumen Introducción: la publicidad televisiva es una estrategia utilizada por la industria farmacéutica para ofrecer sus productos. En el caso de los medicamentos de venta libre, se tiene la responsabilidad de ajustarse a la normativa relacionada con estos productos, con el propósito de proteger al televidente de influencias negativas por posible publicidad imprecisa o engañosa. Objetivo: evaluar el cumplimiento normativo de la publicidad televisiva de medicamentos de venta libre en Colombia de agosto de 2018 en los canales nacionales Caracol y RCN. Metodología: se revisaron las grabaciones de anuncios publicitarios de medicamentos en los canales Caracol y RCN. Aleatoriamente, se seleccionaron los días 2, 4, 22 y 26 de agosto de 2018. La revisión de las grabaciones se realizó por dos evaluadores independientes. Los datos de los anuncios publicitarios se analizaron con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se identificaron 624 anuncios publicitarios relacionados con medicamentos de venta libre: 601 pautas (96,3 %) y 23 comerciales (3,7 %). Entre los 624 anuncios emitidos, 226 (36,2 %) de 18 medicamentos no cumplieron con algunas condiciones establecidas en la normatividad. Discusión: este estudio, comparado con la publicación del 2014, mostró un incremento en la cantidad de anuncios que no cumplen con la norma, pasando de 8 % a 36,2 %. La principal situación de incumplimiento se debe al tamaño de la fuente, que puede limitar la lectura en poblaciones especiales. Conclusiones: los anuncios televisivos emitidos en los canales nacionales Caracol y RCN, en un 36,2 %, no cumplen con los requisitos definidos por la normatividad vigente.

Abstract Introduction: Advertising broadcast by mass media is a strategy used by the pharmaceutical sectors to offer their products. For of over-the-counter drugs, this sector is responsible for complying with the regulations related to these products, in order to protect the viewers from negative influences, for possible inaccurate or misleading advertising. Objective: To evaluate regulatory compliance in television advertising of over-the-counter drugs in Colombia in August 2018 on Caracol and RCN national channels. Methods: The recordings of the drug advertisements of two national television channels Caracol and RCN were reviewed. The days 2, 4, 22, 26 of august 2018 were randomly selected. Two independent evaluators reviewed the recordings. The data from the advertisements was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 624 commercials related to over-the-counter drugs were identified: 601 guidelines (96.3%) and 23 commercials (3.7%). Among the 624 advertisements broadcast by both national channels, 226 (36.2%) of 18 drugs did not meet some of the conditions established in the regulations. Discussion: Compared to the work done in 2014, shows that there was an increase in the number of advertisements that do not comply with the norm (from 8% to 36.2%). The main non-compliance situation presented by advertisements is related to the source size since small letters can limit the reading of special populations. Conclusion: 36.2% of the television advertisements broadcast on the national television channels Caracol and RCN do not meet the requirements defined by current regulations.

Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions with Cannabis: A Systematic Review.

Concomitant use of cannabis with other drugs may lead to cannabis-drug interactions, mainly due to the pharmacokinetic mechanism involving the family of CYP450 isoenzymes. This narrative systematic review aimed to systematize the available information regarding clinical relevance of cannabis-drug interactions. We utilized the PubMed/Medline database for this systematic review, using the terms drug interactions and cannabis, between June 2011 and June 2021. Articles with cannabis-drug interactions in humans, in English or Spanish, with full-text access were selected. Two researchers evaluated the article's inclusion. The level of clinical relevance was determined according to the severity and probability of the interaction. Ninety-five articles were identified and twenty-six were included. Overall, 19 pairs of drug interactions with medicinal or recreational cannabis were identified in humans. According to severity and probability, 1, 2, 12, and 4 pairs of cannabis-drug interactions were classified at levels 1 (very high risk), 2 (high risk), 3 (medium risk), and 5 (without risk), respectively. Cannabis-warfarin was classified at level 1, and cannabis-buprenorphine and tacrolimus at level 2. This review provides evidence for both the low probability of the occurrence of clinically relevant drug interactions and the lack of evidence regarding cannabis-drug interactions.

Effect and associated factors of a clinical pharmacy model in the incidence of medication errors in the hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe eacpharmodel study: stepped wedge randomized controlled Trial (NCT03338725).

Background The World Health Organization considers medication errors to be an issue that requires attention at all levels of care, to reduce the severe and preventable harm related to drug therapy. Different standards for clinical pharmaceutical practices have been proposed by various organizations across the world, where the pharmacist, as part of the multidisciplinary health team, can help improve patient safety. Objective To assess the impact of the introduction of a clinical pharmacy practice model on medication error in patients of a university hospital. Setting The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Medellín, Colombia. Methods A randomized, controlled cluster-wedge staggered trial with a duration of 14 months was conducted to compare the clinical pharmacy practice model with the usual care process in the hospital. Five hospital health care units were included, which were initially assigned to the control group, and after an observation period of 2 months, they were randomly assigned to the intervention group. The trial protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT03338725). Main outcome measure The incidence of medication errors in hospitalized patients was the main outcome measure. Results The incidence of medication error was 13.3% and 22.8% for the intervention group and control group, respectively. The probability of presenting a medication error was 48% lower when the patient was in the intervention group (RR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34-0.79). The probability of presenting a medication error over time was 44% lower in the intervention group (p = 0.0005); meanwhile, the resolution of a medication error over time was 70% higher in the intervention group (p = 0. 0029). Conclusion The clinical pharmacy practice model, made up of strategies focused on reducing medication errors, significantly reduces medication errors in patients during hospitalization compared with usual practice. This work assessed the effect of a clinical pharmacy model on the incidence of medication errors and demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing these errors in hospitalized patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03338725. Registered on 9 November 2017. First patient randomized on February 2, 2018.

[Pharmacist´s contribution on antimicrobial stewardship program: ambispective cohort study]. / Contribución del químico farmacéutico en los programas de gerenciamiento de antimicrobianos: estudio de cohortes ambispectivo.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) promotes the rational use of the antimicrobial, ensuring that each patient receives the correct antibiotic, by the correct time and at the correct dose. AIM: To establish the association of the results of an AMSP led by a pharmaceutical chemist, in terms of antibiotic consumption, duration of treatment and costs in a tertiary healthcare setting. METHOD: Ambispective cohort study. In the exposed cohort, in the environment of a AMSP, a pharmacist with training in infectious diseases evaluated and intervened the indication, dosage, duration of treatment and bacterial spectrum of the antimicrobial. The no-exposed cohort corresponded to a retrospective population that was similar (paired) to the exposed cohort, but that did not receive an evaluation of its antimicrobial therapy. RESULT: 258 patients were identified in the exposed cohort and 247 in the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. Decrease in the consumption of antibiotics was observed (119,831 vs 137,678 DDD/100 patients-day, p < 0.001) and a decrease in 34.1% of the costs associated with antibiotic therapy of the exposed cohort, in comparison with the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. CONCLUSION: AMSP led by a pharmacist have better outcomes in terms of consumption and lower costs associated with antibiotic therapy.

Contribución del químico farmacéutico en los programas de gerenciamiento de antimicrobianos: estudio de cohortes ambispectivo / Pharmacist´s contribution on antimicrobial stewardship program: ambispective cohort study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El programa de gerenciamiento de antimicrobianos (PGAn) promueve el uso racional de los antimicrobianos, garantizando que cada paciente reciba el fármaco correcto, por el tiempo correcto, por la vía y a la dosis correcta. OBJETIVO: Establecer la asociación de los resultados de un PGAn liderado por un químico farmacéutico, en términos de consumo de antimicrobianos, duración del tratamiento y costos, en una institución prestadora de salud de alta complejidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de cohortes ambispectivo. En la cohorte expuesta, (entorno de un PGAn), un químico farmacéutico con entrenamiento en enfermedades infecciosas evaluó e intervino la indicación, dosis, duración del tratamiento y espectro bacteriano del antimicrobiano. La cohorte no expuesta fue una población retrospectiva similar (pareada) a la cohorte expuesta, pero sin la evaluación de su terapia antimicrobiana. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 258 pacientes en la cohorte expuesta y 247 en la cohorte no expuesta al PGAn. Se observó una disminución en el consumo de antimicrobianos (119.831 vs 137.678 DDD/100 pacientes-día, p < 0,001) y una disminución de 34,1% en los costos asociados a la antibioticoterapia de la cohorte expuesta, en comparación con la cohorte no expuesta al PGAn. CONCLUSIÓN: El PGAn liderado por un químico farmacéutico se asocia a mejores resultados en términos de consumo y menores costos de la terapia antimicrobiana.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) promotes the rational use of the antimicrobial, ensuring that each patient receives the correct antibiotic, by the correct time and at the correct dose. AIM: To establish the association of the results of an AMSP led by a pharmaceutical chemist, in terms of antibiotic consumption, duration of treatment and costs in a tertiary healthcare setting. METHOD: Ambispective cohort study. In the exposed cohort, in the environment of a AMSP, a pharmacist with training in infectious diseases evaluated and intervened the indication, dosage, duration of treatment and bacterial spectrum of the antimicrobial. The no-exposed cohort corresponded to a retrospective population that was similar (paired) to the exposed cohort, but that did not receive an evaluation of its antimicrobial therapy. RESULT: 258 patients were identified in the exposed cohort and 247 in the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. Decrease in the consumption of antibiotics was observed (119,831 vs 137,678 DDD/100 patients-day, p < 0.001) and a decrease in 34.1% of the costs associated with antibiotic therapy of the exposed cohort, in comparison with the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. CONCLUSION: AMSP led by a pharmacist have better outcomes in terms of consumption and lower costs associated with antibiotic therapy.

Skills and practices of pharmacy staff for dispensing of drugs with fiscalized substances in drugstores and pharmacies.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate the skills and practices of pharmacy staff during the dispensing of tramadol (drug with fiscalized substance) in drugstores and pharmacies in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. The simulated patient technique was used. The main outcomes included the information provided on the dispensed drug (tramadol), the use of tools to provide information, and the information provided on drug precautions and use recommendations. RESULTS: We visited 305 drugstores and pharmacies. The average dispensing time was 2.3 min (SD 1.1 min). In nine drugstores and pharmacies (3.0%), tramadol was not dispensed because it was not in stock. In 17 drugstores and pharmacies (5.7%), the simulated patients were actively informed by the dispensing pharmacy staff; of these, 16 provided oral information and one provided oral and written information. Eight patients (2.7%) received information regarding tramadol use. However, 99% of patients were not informed about tramadol side effects such as dependence, sedation, or hypnosis, and none of the simulated female patients were informed on the precautions related to tramadol use during pregnancy or lactation. CONCLUSIONS: Communication skills and appropriate practices of pharmacy staff are critical to patient self-care. However, this study shows their difficulty in counseling about precautions and use recommendations of drugs with fiscalized substances. These outcomes could inform future studies focusing on the rational use of these drugs in drugstores and pharmacies. It is necessary to improve the pharmacy staff competencies through continuing education programs, to facilitate access to information and training.

[Medication errors in pediatrics]. / Errores de medicación en pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: Medication errors (ME) are preventable incidents of inappropriate use of medications by health per sonnel or by the patient. These events can occur at any stage of drug use generating significant costs to the health system and, in some cases, these can even lead to death. The pediatric population is con sidered susceptible to ME with a prevalence 3 times higher than adult patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of medication errors in hospitalized pediatric patients, as well as their classification according to the stage of use of the medication when they occurred. METHOD: A literature review of ME in pediatrics was carried out through a Pubmed / Medline search using Mesh terms ("Medication Errors" and "Pediatrics") in the last 10 years. Three investigators reviewed independently the identi fied articles considering the STROBE checklist for observational studies. RESULTS: 192 bibliographic references were identified, 22 of them were eligible for review and data collection. Studies reported an error rate between 1% and 58% of the evaluated medication indications, with errors reported in different processes of drug use. 9 articles (41%) described errors related only to prescription, mainly associated with incorrect dosage, 6 (27%) errors related to prescription, administration, and other processes, 3 (14%) related to prescription and administration, 2 (9%) related only to administra tion, 1 (4%) article reported errors related to conciliation, and 1 (4%) described errors related to preparation and administration. CONCLUSION: The studies reported different medication errors in the pediatric population. Most of them reported ME related to prescription followed by ME in the administration. Knowing the proportion of ME allows focusing interventions aimed at reducing their prevalence.

Potential clinical biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis with an omic approach.

OBJECTIVE: To aid in the selection of the most suitable therapeutic option in patients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to the phase of disease, through the review of articles that identify omics biological markers. METHODS: A systematic review in PubMed/Medline databases was performed. We searched articles from August 2014 to September 2019, in English and Spanish, filtered by title and full text; and using the terms "Biomarkers" AND "Rheumatoid arthritis". RESULTS: This article supplies an exhaustive review from research of objective measurement, omics biomarkers and how disease activity appraise decrease unpredictability in treatment determinations, and finally, economic, and clinical outcomes of treatment options by biomarkers' potential influence. A total of 122 articles were included. Only 92 met the established criteria for review purposes and 17 relevant references about the topic were included as well. Therefore, it was possible to identify 196 potential clinical biomarkers: 22 non-omics, 20 epigenomics, 33 genomics, 21 transcriptomics, 78 proteomics, 4 glycomics, 1 lipidomics and 17 metabolomics. CONCLUSION: A biomarker is a measurable indicator of some, biochemical, physiological, or morphological condition; evaluable at a molecular, biochemical, or cellular level. Biomarkers work as indicators of physiological or pathological processes, or as a result of a therapeutic management. In the last five years, new biomarkers have been identified, especially the omics, which are those that proceed from the investigation of genes (genomics), metabolites (metabolomics), and proteins (proteomics). These biomarkers contribute to the physician choosing the best therapeutic option in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Pharmacist's Role and Pharmaceutical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pharmacists play a vital role in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this chapter, we present the most significant contributions that pharmacists could make to communitarian and hospital settings. It includes the provision of essential services, such as continuous access to medication and supplies, support to medical services, education and information to the population and the health team to reduce the misuse of medications, patient monitoring and follow-up, and the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19. The chapter ends with a discussion over certain elements related to innovation needs, such as telepharmacy services.

Programas e intervenciones educativas ofrecidas al personal farmacéutico para mejorar la prestación de los servicios asistenciales farmacéuticos: una revisión estructurada / Educational programs and interventions offered to pharmacy staff to improve the delivery of pharmaceutical assistance services: A structured review

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los programas y las intervenciones educativas ofrecidas al personal farmacéutico, para mejorar la prestación de los servicios asistenciales farmacéuticos y los métodos utilizados para evaluar la efectividad de estos programas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión estructurada, se utilizó la base de datos PubMed/Medline entre 2007 y 2019, sobre el desarrollo, la descripción, la evaluación del impacto, la efectividad o la comparación de una intervención educativa, un entrenamiento específico o un programa educativo dirigido al personal farmacéutico de farmacias comunitarias (ambulatorias) y/o hospitalarias. Resultados: En total, 1290 referencias bibliográficas fueron identificadas: se incluyeron 26 referencias adicionales y se seleccionaron 90 artículos para su revisión y análisis. Se encontró que el 70 % (63) de los estudios fueron realizados en países desarrollados, principalmente en Estados Unidos, Australia, Canadá e Inglaterra. El 67 % (60) de los estudios se realizaron a nivel ambulatorio, el 10 % (9) a nivel hospitalario y el 23 % (21), en ambos contextos. Las intervenciones fueron clasificadas en tres categorías: Entrenamientos Específicos (41 %), programas de Educación Continua (43 %) y de Desarrollo Profesional Continuo, (16 %). De las metodologías o métodos de provisión de la intervención, la más común fue la presencial en el 72 % (65) de los estudios, seguido de metodologías apoyadas con herramientas virtuales en el de las intervenciones educativas varió entre menos de 1 hora y 120 horas. Conclusión: Se describen los programas y las intervenciones educativas ofrecidas al personal farmacéutico, principalmente para mejorar sus competencias laborales y la prestación de los servicios asistenciales farmacéuticos, además de los métodos utilizados para evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones educativas.

Abstract Objective: To describe the educational programs and interventions offered to pharmacy staff, to improve the delivery of pharmaceutical healthcare services and the methods used to evaluate the programs' effectiveness. Methods: A structured review was performed using the PubMed/Medline database from 2007 to 2019. Results: In total, 1290 bibliographic references were identified; besides, 26 references identified by other sources were included and 90 articles for review and analysis were selected. It was found that 70% (63) of the studies were made in developed countries, mainly in the United States, Australia, Canada, and England. 67% (60) of the studies were carried out at the outpatient level, 10% (9) at the hospital level, and 23% (21) in both contexts. The interventions were classified into three categories: Specific settings (41%), Continuing Education (43%), and Continuing Professional Development (16%) programs. The most common methodology or delivery methods for the intervention were face-to-face in 72% (65) of the studies, followed by methodologies supported by virtual tools in 28% (25) and 11% (10) of the studies combined face-to-face and virtual methods. The duration of the educational interventions ranged from less than 1 hour to 120 hours. Conclusion: The educational programs and interventions offered to the pharmacy staff are described, mainly to improve their labor competencies. Additionally the provision of pharmaceutical healthcare services and the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention.

How to link patients with suspicious COVID-19 to health system from the community pharmacies? A route proposal.

Colombia confirmed its first case of the COVID-19 on March 6th, 2020. On March 16th, 2020, 54 cases have been confirmed (36 imported and 18 associated), therefore, Colombia is at highest alert, and it is now trying to avoid or minimize the last stage of "community transmission". We present a route proposal that shows how the community pharmacist may develop his responsibility to contribute to the early detection and appropriate referral of possible cases of the COVID-19. In the route have been considered three possible entrances depending on the needs of the users: anti-flu drugs, symptoms related to COVID-19 infection or the request for items for hygiene and prevention of transmission such as alcohol and face masks. Later, self-care education should be given, and the possible cases should be reported to the telephone lines designated by the mayor or the governor, continuing the healthcare process. Community pharmacies and pharmacy staff play a crucial role in minimizing the stage of "community transmission" of COVID-19, through properly detection and management of possible cases and customer education.

COVID-19 in Colombia endpoints. Are we different, like Europe?

The infection by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has taken the dimension of a pandemic, affecting more than 160 countries in a few weeks. In Colombia, despite the implementation of the rules established by the national government, exists an elevate concern both for mortality and for the limited capacity of the health system to respond effectively to the needs of patients infected. For Colombia, assuming a case fatality rate among people infected with SARS-CoV-2 of 0.6% (average data from the information reported for Latin American countries for March 18) (Table 1), the number of deaths, in one or two weeks, could be 16 and 243, respectively. These estimates differ markedly from those documented in countries such as Spain and Italy, in which COVID-19 case fatality rates exceed 8% (case of Italy) and from the percentage of patients who have required intensive care, which has ranged from 9% to 11% of patients in Mediterranean European countries. These differences could be explained due to: a) the percentage of the population at risk (individuals older than 60 years); b) a higher epidemiological exposure to viral respiratory infections associated with more frequent exposure to them, due to geographic and climatic conditions; c) less spread of the virus by location in the tropical zone; and d) earlier preventive measures to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, it is possible to establish that the situation in this country will be different from in European Mediterranean and that Colombia could have different endpoints from Spain and Italy.

Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Colombia.

Colombia is a decentralized republic with a population of 50 million, constituted by 32 departments (territorial units) and 1,204 municipalities. The health system provides universal coverage and equal access to health care services to 95% of the population. Primary health care is seen as a practical approach that guarantees the health and well-being of whole-of-society. The National Pharmaceutical Policy (NPP, 2012) goal is "to develop strategies that enable the Colombian population equitable access to effective medicines, through quality pharmaceutical services (PS)". There are 4,351 providers certified to deliver PS: 3,699 (85%) ambulatory and 652 (15%) hospital care. The goals for PS are: a) promoting healthy lifestyles; b) preventing risk factors arising from medication errors; c) promoting rational use of medicines; and d) implementing Pharmaceutical Care. There are a number of ways that ambulatory patients access medications: through intermediary private companies, public and private hospitals pharmacies, and retail establishments (drugstores and pharmacies). Intermediary private companies are similar to Pharmaceutical Benefits Management in the U.S. health system, and act as intermediaries between health insurers, pharmaceutical laboratories, and patients. Pharmacists are being employed by these companies and in health insurance companies managing, auditing and delivering rational use of medicines programs. In 2014 there were approximately 20,000 pharmacies and drugstores, (private establishments) where a significant number of prescription-only medicines are sold without medical prescription. Colombian laws allow personal without pharmacy education to be a "director" in these establishments, so the training and education of persons working in drugstores and pharmacies is an important challenge. There about 8,000 registered pharmaceutical chemists with 25% to 30% working in patient care. Since the 90´s, there are more favorable conditions for pharmacist's participation and contribution to health system and patient's health outcome. These environmental facilitators include: a) laws and regulations regarding pharmaceutical services (2005-2007), b) establishment of a NPP (2012), and c) opportunities associated with the consolidation of private health management companies providing health services with an interest in pharmaceutical services (since 1995). Finally, telepharmacy, comprehensive care routes for pharmaceutical services, and further strengthen of postgraduate training in pharmacy practice are future strategies to improve the pharmacy profession in Colombia. They provide an opportunity to influence the recognition and value of the pharmacist as the health care professional.