FIP calls for broader role for pharmacists to provide focused interventions in NCDs in primary healthcare
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), a global
federation representing about three million pharmacists and pharmaceutical
scientists worldwide, is calling for a broader role to be played by pharmacists
to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in primary healthcare.
NCDs are a serious healthcare risk, demanding new answers and
requiring innovative and creative solutions. Here FIP sees the need for active
participation of pharmacists to provide focused interventions, specialised
counselling and care coordination, improving patient engagement to achieve
better outcomes in NCDs like cardiovascular conditions, asthma/COPD, diabetes
and cancer.
Pharmacists are already active as primary healthcare
professionals in the community. We need to optimise and harness the roles of
community pharmacists in the prevention, screening, referral, disease
management and treatment optimisation in NCD patients, said Dominique Jordan,
president, FIP.
In this regard the new FIP reference paper titled ‘Beating
non communicable diseases in the community – The contribution of pharmacists’
will be released for the World Health Day on April, 7, through a social media
campaign. The comprehensive report showcases evidence, best practice and policy
options as well as a collection of country case studies. It is important that
we proactively raise the awareness of policy makers, other health professions
and the public about such roles, noted Dr Catherine Duggan, chief executive
officer, FIP.
Further, FIP Bureau has appointed a policy committee that is
currently drafting a policy statement on this subject to be discussed and voted
upon at the Council meeting in September. This report is fully aligned with WHO
strategy to prioritise primary healthcare and NCDs in particular, as
cornerstones of sustainable and effective healthcare systems that can respond
to the top health challenges and provide access to healthcare for all.
Therefore, we see it offers pharmacists a valuable opportunity to be a key
partner in that strategy, said FIP president Jordan.
Optimising health-related NCD outcomes requires collaborative
care models, and reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary healthcare teams
including pharmacists, physicians, nutritionists, nurses, physiotherapists and
dentists, as well as patients and caregivers, said the FIP president.
The report states that community pharmacists are one of the
most accessible primary healthcare professionals, offering quick and qualified
support to patient needs. Even industry can contribute with solutions
simplified medication regimens or packaging. There is also a scope for multi-
partner initiatives for pharmacist training and workforce development.
With the pace of technological advances, new point of care
devices can automate tasks. For instance, Devices like glucose monitoring,
automatic blood-pressure cuffs and single-purpose ultrasound machines are seen
to be helpful. Health information systems, cold chain solutions, and mobile
health technologies are also much sought after. In addition, e-Learning and
webinars facilitate broader access to constant information updated during
training.
There are also imminent challenges sighted by FIP like
sufficient qualified workforce with good communication and behavioural skills
having enough time to take care of the multitude of patients.
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