The impact of Covid-19 on community and hospital pharmacists: a thematic analysis study

Abstract There are a limited number of studies examining the effects of the pandemic on the daily lives of Turkish community pharmacists, and no research investigating the impact on the lives of Turkish hospital pharmacists has been found. This study aimed to examine the effects of the pandemic on the personal and professional lives of Turkish community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists. In this qualitative study design, a comprehensive set of interviews was conducted with a total of 13 community pharmacists and 7 hospital pharmacists, employing a semi-structured interview guide. Through thematic content analysis of the interviews, four main themes, 1) long-term impacts, 2) dealing strategies, 3) professional life impacts, 4) personal life impacts, have emerged for both community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists. In addition to the psychological impacts and supply chain issues commonly mentioned in the literature, the study revealed ongoing effects such as the inability to sell available products and economic difficulties. Also, the increased demand for over-the-counter products during the pandemic highlights the need for the government to develop policies to address this issue.

El largo y sinuoso camino de la farmacia clinica en Chile / The long and winding road of the clinical pharmacy in Chile

Clinical pharmacy is a health discipline in which pharmacists provide patient care that optimizes rational medication use and promotes health, wellness and disease prevention. The beginnings of clinical pharmacy in Chile were inspired by the origin in the School of Pharmacy of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in the mid-1960s. However, the historical development in our country, both in teaching and in the professional field, was accompanied by difficulties and success, which became a long and winding road. This article shares the events that gave rise to its beginnings in Chile, first through teaching, then in pharmacovigilance and clinical pharmacokinetics, to later describe its professional expansion and recognition as a specialty of pharmacy. This article briefly recounts the history of the Chilean clinical pharmacy to this day. Some names of people or institutions were not mentioned. Therefore the authors apologize in advance to pharmacists and organizations whose contribution cannot be recognized in this way. However, we know that this specialty has not been forged only by the names that appear, but by all those who love and respect the work of the clinical pharmacy.

Análise das intervenções farmacêuticas clínicas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital de urgência e trauma / Analysis of clinical pharmaceutical interventions in the Intensive Care Unit of an emergency and trauma hospital

Analisar o perfil das intervenções farmacêuticas providas pelos farmacêuticos clínicos por meio da análise de prescrições médicas em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) adulto generalista. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, prospectivo e observacional, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado na UTI de um hospital público referência em urgência e trauma do estado de Goiás. Os dados foram coletados no período de junho a agosto do ano de 2022, por meio da análise diária das prescrições. Resultados: A população estudada compreendeu 74 pacientes, em sua maioria do sexo masculino (68,92%), hipertensos (27,03%), e diabéticos (14,86%). Foram analisadas 568 prescrições, e identificados 489 problemas relacionados a medicamentos, sendo os mais prevalentes: medicamento inapropriado/desnecessário ou contraindicado (30,67%) e necessidade de medicamento adicional (24,34%). As classes de medicamentos mais envolvidas nos problemas foram: anti-infecciosos gerais para uso sistêmico (23,72%), e agentes do sistema nervoso (23,11%). Das intervenções farmacêuticas promovidas, 84,25% foram aceitas, com maior frequência: suspender medicamento (30,67%) e iniciar terapia medicamentosa (23,72%). Conclusão: Diante dos resultados apresentados, nota-se a boa taxa de aceitabilidade das intervenções, destacando a importância da atuação do farmacêutico clínico dentro da UTI na prevenção de problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia, bem como na melhoria dos desfechos terapêuticos

To analyze the profile of pharmaceutical interventions provided by clinical pharmacists through the analysis of medical prescriptions in a generalist adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, prospective and observational study, with a quantitative approach, conducted in the ICU of a public hospital that is a reference in emergency and trauma in the state of Goiás. Data were collected from June to August of 2022, through the daily analysis of prescriptions. Results: The population being studied comprised 74 patients, mostly male (68.92%), hypertensive (27.03%), and diabetic (14.86%). 568 prescriptions were analyzed, and 489 problems related to medication were identified, the most prevalent being: inappropriate/unnecessary or contraindicated medication (30.67%) and need for additional medication (24.34%). The drug classes most involved in the problems were: general anti-infectives for systemic use (23.72%) and nervous system agents (23.11%). Of the promoted pharmaceutical interventions, 84.25% were accepted, most frequently: discontinuing medication (30.67%) and starting medication therapy (23.72%). Conclusion: In view of the results presented, there is a good rate of acceptability of the interventions, highlighting the importance of the role of the clinical pharmacist within the ICU in preventing problems related to pharmacotherapy, as well as in improving therapeutic outcomes

An analysis of pharmaceutical care for critical patients of an adult Intensive Care Unit

Abstract This work analyzed the pharmacotherapeutic problems identified by the clinical pharmacist in an intensive care unit (ICU) and the acceptance of pharmaceutical interventions in solving these problems. This is a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study, carried out in the adult ICU of a public hospital. All patients hospitalized during the study period had their pharmacotherapy monitored and those whose stay at the ICU lasted less than 24 hours were excluded. The pharmacotherapeutic problems were classified according to type, cause, acceptability/implementation, mode of intervention, outcome and related pharmacotherapeutic group. 302 patients were followed up and 350 pharmacotherapeutic problems were identified. Most of them were classified as unnecessary drug-treatment (n=186; 53.1%). The most frequent causes were excessive drug administration (n=181; 97.3%), and antimicrobials was the main group of drugs associated to that type of problem. 350 pharmaceutical interventions were performed, highlighting "prescriber informed only" (n=178; 50.9%), with an average acceptability of 90.7%, with those carried out on site being more effective (93.4%). The number of pharmacotherapeutic problems that were totally solved was 282 (80.6%). Clinical pharmacy activities in the ICU identified, prevented and corrected pharmacotherapeutic problems, contributing to the optimization of pharmacotherapy in aspects related to the need, efficacy and safety of treatments.

Long-Term Care medicines formularies: any reasons for pharmacists' concern?

Abstract This study aimed to characterize and compare medicines formularies (MFs) used in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities in Portugal, and to identify the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medicines (PIMs). A systematic contact with LTC facilities was undertaken in December 2021. MFs were systematized according to the Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical classification system (ATC), followed by descriptive content analysis. A structured comparison between MFs developed by public organizations and private LTC facilities was performed. After duplicate removal and exclusion of medicines not for systemic use, two explicit criteria - the Algorithm of medication review in frail older people and the EU(7)-PIM list - were employed for PIMs identification. Five MFs were obtained and assessed. The three MFs developed by private institutions covered 23% of the national LTC facilities and approximately 34% of the national total of beds. Heterogeneity was particularly high for the Alimentary tract and metabolism, Blood and blood-forming organs, Musculoskeletal system, and Respiratory system ATC groups. A PIM prevalence of 29,4% was identified. Medicines distribution between the MFs suggests the need to develop national guidelines towards harmonizing medicines usage in LTC. The prevalence of PIMs found highlights the importance of a particular optimized use of this health technology in aged sub-populations

Preparatory Year Students' Perception of Pharmacy Profession as a Career Choice: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract The study attempted to assess preparatory year students' perception towards pharmacists and the pharmacy profession. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020. The students were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire via Google Forms®. In total, 244 students, of which 53.7% were female with the mean age of 19.2 ± 0.65, from 12 universities participated in this study. As per our findings, the majority of the respondents (91.8%) regard pharmacy as a well-respected profession, 82.4% thought pharmacists are important decision-makers, 68.4% disagreed that most pharmacists were unkind, and 60.7% did not agree that pharmacy was a low-status occupation. Meanwhile, 95.5% agreed that pharmacists must have a university degree, 88.6% agreed pharmacists must take responsibility for patients, and 82.8% believed pharmacists had to work too hard. Moreover, 62.3% did not think pharmacy was a low-skill occupation, 54.9% did not agree pharmacists must do unpleasant things, and 45.1% disagreed pharmacists only did what physicians requested of them. Lastly, 48.8% had low confidence in choosing pharmacy as a career. The students' overall perception toward pharmacists and the pharmacy profession was favorable. However, only one-fourth of the students displayed a tendency to choose pharmacy as a future career.

Perfil de competencias esenciales que orientan la formación de los profesionales de la salud. Documento técnico. Segunda fase: Químico(a), farmacéutico(a) psicólogo(a), nutricionista (a) y cirujano (a), dentista peruano (a) / Profile of essential competencies that guide the training of health professionals. Technical document. Second phase: Chemist, pharmacist, psychologist, nutritionist and surgeon, Peruvian dentist

El perfil de competencias esenciales para el Químico (a) Farmacéutico (a), Psicólogo (a), Nutricionista y Cirujano (a) Dentista Peruano (a) que se incorporarán a trabajar al Sistema Nacional de Salud está conformado por un número mínimo de competencias esenciales que el Sistema Nacional de Salud demanda de los futuros profesionales, las cuales podrán ser complementadas con otras competencias que las escuelas o facultades de ciencias de la salud tengan a bien considerar en el marco de su autonomía universitaria. Cabe precisar, que las competencias esenciales para el profesional Obstetra, Biólogo, Tecnólogo Médico y Médico Veterinario están pendientes de aprobación, conforme a las funciones de la Autoridad Sanitaria. Finalmente, en el presente documento de competencias esenciales que orientan la formación de los profesionales de la salud. Segunda fase: Químico(a) Farmacéutico(a), Psicólogo (a), Nutricionista y Cirujano(a) Dentista Peruano (a), cada perfil está compuesto por los siguientes campos: 1. Descripción y rol del profesional 2. Perfil de competencias: a) Propósito. b) Competencias técnicas. c) Competencias conductuales

Pharmaceutical Care in Primary Care: an Experience with Hypertensive Patients in the North of Brazil

Abstract Background: Uncontrolled blood pressure has been associated with poor adherence to drug treatment. Objectives: To assess blood pressure control in hypertensive patients attending primary health centers after implementation of a pharmaceutical follow-up program in a city of the north of Brazil. Methods: Observational, cross sectional, descriptive study with 163 hypertensive patients attending public primary health care centers - one located on the riverside and one in the urban area of the city of Santarem, western Pará, Brazil. Adherence to the anti-hypertensive treatment was assessed using the eight-item Morisky test. Pharmacotherapy follow-up (Dader method) of patients with uncontrolled hypertension and non-adherent to anti-hypertensive treatment was performed. Results of the normality test showed that the data did not follow a normal distribution. Continuous variables were then compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and categorical variables by the likelihood ratio and the McNemar tests. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Of the total sample, 94.5% were not adherent to anti-hypertensive drug therapy and 77.2% had uncontrolled hypertension. Adherence rate was higher in men than women (p=0.006). Pharmacotherapy follow-up improved blood pressure levels, particularly systolic blood pressure (p<0.001). Conclusion: An individualized pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, considering regional and cultural specificities, can contribute to the treatment of hypertensin in the primary care.

Perfil de medicamentos descartados nas farmácias públicas de um município do leste de Minas Gerais / Profile of medicines discarded in the public pharmacies of an eastern municipality of Minas Gerais

O descarte inadequado de medicamentos pode levar a impactos ambientais negativos e deve ser considerado um problema de saúde pública. O presente estudo teve como objetivo levantar dados quantitativos e qualitativos relacionados ao perfil dos medicamentos descartados no município de Governador Valadares - MG. O trabalho foi desenvolvido nas UAPS/ESF que possuíam farmácias, e também na Farmácia Central/Policlínica Municipal. Nesses locais, foi realizada uma análise dos medicamentos descartados no período de julho de 2017 a maio de 2018. Por meio dos dados obtidos nesse período foi possível perceber que as principais classes de medicamentos descartadas foram os inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina, antagonistas da angiotensina II, agentes betabloqueadores, diuréticos, hipoglicemiantes, contraceptivos hormonais e agentes modificadores de lipídeos. Além disso, foi realizada uma ação de educação em saúde e aplicado um questionário semiestruturado aos usuários participantes dos grupos operativos. Dos 34 usuários respondentes do questionário, 23 (69,70%) não tinham acesso a informação sobre o local correto de descarte e armazenamento de medicamentos. Após a ação de educação em saúde verificou-se um aumento no quantitativo de medicamentos descartados pelos usuários nas UAPS/ESF Mãe de Deus I e II, Altinópolis III e IV, Santa Rita II, São Pedro I e II e Esperança e Nossa Senhora das Graças. O trabalho desenvolvido permitiu apresentar dados relevantes para a gestão municipal demonstrando a importância do farmacêutico no cuidado em saúde e o caráter epidemiológico local da prevalência das doenças crônico não transmissíveis.

The inadequate disposal of drugs can lead to negative environmental impacts and should be treated as a public health problem. This study aimed at surveying quantitative and qualitative data related to the profile of drugs discarded in the city of Governador Valadares - MG. The work was developed in the UAPS / ESF that had pharmacies, and also in the Central Pharmacy/Municipal Polyclinic. In these locations, an analysis of the drugs discarded between July 2017 and May 2018 was carried out. Through the data obtained in this period, it was possible to notice that the main classes of drugs discarded were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, beta-blocking agents, diuretics, hypoglycemic agents, hormonal contraceptives, and lipid-modifying agents. In addition, a health education action was carried out and a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to users participating in the operating groups. From the 34 users who responded the questionnaire, 23 (69.70%) did not have access to information on the correct place to dispose and store medicines. After the health education action, there was an increase in the amount of drugs discarded by users in the UAPS/ESF Mãe de Deus I and II, Altinópolis III and IV, Santa Rita II, São Pedro I and II, and Esperança and Nossa Senhora das Graças. The work carried out made it possible to present relevant data for municipal management, demonstrating the importance of the pharmacist in health care and the local epidemiological character of the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Pharmacovigilance: an evaluation on the practice of pharmacists acting in pharmacies and drugstores

Abstract Pharmacists acting in pharmacies and drugstores stores are some of the most accessible healthcare providers and the last to intervene before the patient takes their medicine. This puts the pharmacist in a position of authority that should be harnessed for the benefit of health. Thus, this professional is strategic for performing pharmacovigilance. Our objective of this study was to interrogate the practice of pharmacists in relation to pharmacovigilance activities, and to identify difficulties and possible stimuli for the improvement these activities in pharmacies and drugstores. The information was collected through an online questionnaire via Survey Monkey®. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software. Responses were received from 5174 pharmacists: mostly young women within five years of graduation and experience in pharmaceutical retail. 81% of them reported having identified suspected substandard medicines, but only 16% used the Brazilian notification system Notivisa. More than 85% of pharmacists agreed with the importance of pharmacovigilance and the recognition of reporting services as part of pharmacist duties and pharmaceutical care. The main barriers to making notifications were the lack of access and knowledge about Notivisa. Pharmacists agreed that simplifying the system would be a stimulus for notifications, and requested more feedback from notifications, as well as material and courses to understand the notification process. Pharmacists have important data to feed into pharmacovigilance systems, recognize their responsibilities and are willing to contribute, but still demonstrate low compliance. Simplification of the system and training on it are likely to increase notifications.

Evaluation of turkish pharmaceutical track and trace system (ITS): perspective of community pharmacists

Abstract Turkish Pharmaceutical Track & Trace System (ITS) is implemented as a system in which drug movements are tracked in order to ensure drug safety. The system is integrated among drug stores, pharmacies and reimbursement institutions. As the pharmacies are the primary users, their evaluations regarding the system are considered important. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the pharmacies'- a shareholder of ITS in Turkey- satisfaction level for ITS and problems and suggestions encountered in the system. The most expressed contribution of ITS to the pharmacists' work was the ease of medicine tracking and control with 27.1%. The average satisfaction level of pharmacists about ITS was found to be 2.9±1.2. In the research, the most expressed of the regarding the areas of ITS that need to be developed is 'work without interruption' with 37.1%. ITS application has provided advantages for pharmacies in many aspects that facilitate operations. However, continuous development of technology, increasing information resources and diversity, changing expectations, and utilization levels of the users require the constant improvement of the performance of the system.

Treatment of patients with neuropathic pain and provision of drug information by clinical pharmacists

Abstract Patient's satisfaction with healthcare services has an influence on pain management, which can be improved by patient education. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying primary care health service opportunities in the treatment of neuropathic pain and assessing patients' satisfaction with the provision of drug information by clinical pharmacists. This was a cross- sectional, prospective study conducted at a pain unit during March-May 2017. Patients aged >18 years; diagnosed with neuropathic pain; and who used amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine were included. They were verbally informed about drug treatment by a clinical pharmacist, and their satisfaction was evaluated after 1 month. In all, 90 patients were included. The median duration for which the patients experienced pain until hospital admission was 3.6 years; furthermore, this duration was longer among women (p < 0.05). However, the median time to seeking advice from doctors was 3 months. The patients (15.6%) were less likely to admit pain unit initially and 46.7% had visited different units before being admitted to a pain unit. More than 95% of the patients indicated that they had received information from a pharmacist at a clinic and were satisfied with the provision of information (median duration, 8.5 min). Thus, the involvement of pharmacists in multidisciplinary pain management may help improve health- related outcomes at hospitals and/or in community care settings

Clinical pharmaceutical services of primary health care of the Federal District: A discussion based on the SWOT matrix

Abstract In the epistemic field, several studies demonstrate the importance of pharmaceutical services in health care networks. Nonetheless, literature still addresses the strengths and barriers present in the provision of these services in an incipient way. Thus, this study aimed to understand these contexts in the development of clinical services for primary health care in the Federal District, Brazil. A qualitative study adopted the technique of open-script interview, structured based on the logic of the SWOT matrix. Pharmacists reported weaknesses such as precariousness and scarcity of physical infrastructure, material, and human resources. As threats, they discussed the lack of social recognition, discontinuities of government actions, and lack of preparation of the pharmacist for the provision of clinical services. Regarding themes pertaining to the service's strengths and opportunities, the advances in propositions and executions of public policies, actions, and governmental programs that have expanded the pharmaceutical workforce in primary care and that are impelling the accomplishment of clinical services were listed. This study contributes to understanding the scenario of the development of clinical pharmaceutical services, and consequently provides subsidies for the actions of planning, evaluation and qualification of health services.

Clinical pharmaceutical services in primary health care of the Federal District: Performance frequency and conditioning factors

Abstract Pharmaceutical services correspond to a set of actions that aim to guarantee the integral access and rational use of drugs by the population. In this sense, this study aimed to identify the frequency and conditioning factors for clinical services of primary care in the Federal District, Brazil. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 34 pharmacists were interviewed. The most frequently developed clinical pharmaceutical services were dispensing, pharmaceutical guidance for users, and technical-pedagogical activities for the health team. There is a greater frequency of operation of clinical services by pharmacists working in pharmacies with physical infrastructure, with better levels of adequacy, greater support from management and health staff, and the inclusion in Family Health Support Nucleus activities. Although the clinical pharmaceutical services in primary care are incipient, the study raises important data for the reorientation and qualification of these actions.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Hospital' Prescribers towards Drug Information Sources and Prescribing Practices

Abstract Healthcare professionals use a variety of drug information sources to fulfill their clinical needs and medical practice. The aim of present study was to assess the sources of drug information among hospital' prescribers and evaluate their prescribing behavior in Saudi hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly selected hospital' prescribers using a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate to the survey was 64.29%, with a ratio of 76.44% male and 23.56% female. The internet 137(60.89%) and textbooks 86(38.22%) were the prevalent sources for drug information used. Up-To-Date 107(47.56%), Medscape 105(46.67%) and FDA 74(32.88%) were the common electronic drug sources used. About 151(67.11%) of hospital' prescribers considered the pharmacist as a reliable drug information source. The most favored drug requests by hospital' prescribers from the pharmacists were drug alternatives 110(48.89%) followed by drug interactions 94(41.78%), side effects 78(34.67%) and indications 60(26.67%). Therapeutic efficacy 168(74.67%) and drug availability 73(32.44%) were the main factors contributed to the selection of drugs. This study shows some differences in hospital prescribers' perceptions of sources of drug information depending upon their background and clinical practice. Therefore, knowing appropriate drug information used by hospital' prescribers is fundamental for drug efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

Pharmaceutical care during COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and perspectives

Abstract COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is raising many questions about the future of face-to-face interactions. The possible changes on healthcare delivery may provoke a long term disruption on pharmaceutical assistance requiring new approaches to provide pharmaceutical services. The proposal of pharmaceutical care is patient oriented, and its activities include different forms of interaction. The emergence of COVID-19 puts to the test all the efforts to reposition pharmaceutical care in the set of clinical activities. Now, the pharmaceutical consultations and group activities, which played a fundamental role in the reformulation of pharmacy practices, must be revised in order to reduce the risk of patient agglomeration and contamination. Several researchers suggest technology use to intermediate health care assistance. However, few studies had rigorously analyzed the effectiveness of virtual health care on the pharmaceutical field. Innovating the pharmacy workflow, during the course of a crisis like COVID-19, is the current challenge addressed to all pharmacists. This unforeseen situation requires us to reconsider our plans and actions. It will be necessary resilience, courage and creativity to achieve a consistent attitude, which provides a quick response to the health care needs in this time of crisis.

O sujeito e seu cuidado: a questão da adesão à medicação / The subject and his care: the issue of medication adherence

Resumo O mapeamento dos comportamentos frente ao uso de medicamentos informa as condições pelas quais um tratamento farmacológico é implementado. A localização da adesão à medicação como um problema clínico, evoca, no entanto, lugares bem demarcados quanto aos procedimentos para sua explicação e resolução. Nesse sentido, este trabalho busca problematizar os elementos fundantes do estudo da adesão à medicação, considerando que tal prática é hegemonicamente assimilada apenas por parâmetros científicos e biológicos, sem a inclusão de uma abordagem direcionada às especificidades históricas e culturais dos pacientes. Transferem-se, assim, a primazia da delimitação e a explicação da realidade ao próprio analista. Porém, o trabalho de campo demonstrou uma diversidade de posturas e agenciamentos quanto ao uso dos medicamentos, capaz de indicar que a geografia do cuidado não se orienta apenas a partir de um percurso linear, mas se apoia em espaços ambulantes e itinerantes, instalando-se em um campo paradoxal que mescla reprodução e criação.

Abstract The mapping of behaviors towards the use of medicines informs the conditions under which a pharmacological treatment is implemented. However, the location of medication adherence as a clinical problem evokes well-demarcated place as to the procedures for its explanation and resolution. In this sense, this work aims to problematize the founding elements of the study of medication adherence, considering that such practice is hegemonically assimilated only by scientific and biological parameters, without the inclusion of an approach directed to the patients' historical and cultural specificities. In this way, the primacy of delimitation and explanation of reality is transferred to the analyst. However, the field work showed a diversity of attitudes and management of medicines, capable of indicating that the geography of care is not oriented only from a linear path, but is supported by wandering and itinerant spaces, installing in a paradoxical field that mixes reproduction and creation.

Perception of pharmacists regarding human resources, training, and development of a national hospital pharmacy: a preliminary report on Basel Statements

Abstract The hospital pharmacy needs a constant process of evaluation and monitoring of its activities. In Brazil, several agencies establish tasks and duties for pharmacists, but little is known about the compliance and the perception of the professional regarding these policies. The present study aims to characterize the pharmacist's perception of Brazilian hospital pharmacy policies according to the Basel Statements. A search was performed for the contacts of all medium and high complexity hospitals in the country. Subsequently, a questionnaire elaborated following the Basel Statements was sent by e-mail to hospital pharmacists throughout the country. The domain analyzed was "Human Resources, Training, and Development". Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0. Pharmacists representing a total of 111 hospitals from all Brazilian regions answered the survey questionnaire and showed that more than half of the hospital pharmacists perceive themselves as not complying, whether in the service of local, national, or pharmaceutical education. Besides updating the professionals in relation to national policies, it is necessary that the representative bodies of the pharmaceutical class be more present in the elaboration and evaluation of the policies directed to human resources, seeking uniformity and the possibility of carrying out the activities required.

Direct-acting antivirals for chronic Hepatitis C are effective and safe: an observational study in Londrina/PR

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals in a Unified Health System pharmacy of Londrina, Brazil. A descriptive observational study was performed from June 2017 to June 2018. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables of patients were collected from secondary data sources. Effectiveness was evaluated by sustained virologic response (SVR) and safety was evaluated by adverse events (AEs) and drug interactions (DIs). The mean population (N=30) was 56.6±11.3 years old and almost all patients had comorbidities (93.3%) and concomitant drugs (96.7%). Effectiveness evaluation was possible in 17 patients, and all of them (100.0%) achieved SVR. Eighteen patients (60.0%) reported 38 AEs, mostly mild, such as stomach symptoms and headache. No statistical relation was found between AE occurrence and treatment duration, Ribavirin use, number of comorbidities or number of concomitant drugs. A total of 48 DIs were reported, 18 being severe, and were managed by the pharmacist. The study indicates that the treatment was effective and safe.