RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The impact of cardiovascular diseases can be minimized by addressing modifiable risk factors at primary health care level. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases for early detection and initiation of treatment. However, the role of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the Lesotho community pharmacists' role in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: The methodological reporting of this study was guided by the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. A list of registered community pharmacists was obtained from the Ministry of Health. Pharmacists were selected based on their close proximity to the researcher and invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five themes were identified namely: 1) Current roles 2) Future role 3) Facilitators, 4) Barriers, and 5) Community pharmacists' perceptions of their roles. Generally, community pharmacists were involved in medication counselling, health promotion, and referral of patients. Lack of support from government, patients' lack of adherence, poor interprofessional relationship, and lack of clear community pharmacy practice guidelines were identified as barriers. Despite the challenges, community pharmacists are motivated by patients' gratitude for their services. CONCLUSIONS: Lesotho community pharmacists can potentially improve cardiovascular diseases' health outcomes at primary healthcare level through early detection of CVD risk factors, and health promotion.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Servicios Comunitarios de Farmacia , Humanos , Farmacéuticos , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/prevención & control , Lesotho , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Rol ProfesionalRESUMEN
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, and its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the reliance on pharmacists as one of the first points of contact within the healthcare system has been highlighted. This evidence-based review is aimed at providing guidance for pharmacists in community, hospital and other settings in South Africa, on the management of patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. The situation is rapidly evolving, and new evidence continues to emerge on a daily basis. This guidance document takes into account and includes newly available evidence and recommendations, particularly around the following aspects relating to COVID-19: ⢠Epidemiology ⢠The virus, its modes of transmission and incubation period ⢠Symptom identification, including the differentiation between influenza, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and COVID-19 ⢠Social media myths and misinformation ⢠Treatment guidelines and medicines that may need to be kept in stock ⢠Treatment and prevention options, including an update on vaccine development ⢠The case for and against the use of NSAIDs, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with COVID-19 ⢠Interventions and patient counselling by the pharmacist. It is critical, though, that pharmacists access the most recent and authoritative information to guide their practice. Key websites that can be relied upon are: ⢠World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019 ⢠National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseasesa-z-index/covid-19/ ⢠National Department of Health (NDoH): http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/ outbreaks/145-corona-virus-outbreak/465-corona-virus-outbreak; https://sacoronavirus. co.za/
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Cloroquina , Hidroxicloroquina , Farmacéuticos , Coronavirus Relacionado al Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo , SudáfricaRESUMEN
Back pain affects people across any socio-economic category and is a leading cause of absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace. This symptomatic condition is caused by multiple factors, making it difficult to manage. With a small proportion of people experiencing back pain due to pathological reasons, in the larger majority, back pain is due to a mechanical cause. Taking a complete history that includes identifying risk factors such as depression, poor posture, lack of exercise, older age and a physically demanding job is crucial to the effective management of the condition. Behavioural, psychological and social factors of the patient should form the backbone for treatment of back pain. Non-pharmacological management such as exercise, spinal manipulation and acupuncture should be the first-line treatment; however, if this provides poor results then pharmacological measures such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine should be considered