Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Assessment in Community Pharmacies: An Implementation Study

The role of community pharmacists in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer: an evaluation of a Flemish skin cancer prevention campaign

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is a leading form of cancer in Belgium. Prevention of skin cancer by community pharmacists can play a role in increasing awareness and promoting sun protection. However, which persons could be reached by community pharmacists for skin cancer awareness in Belgium and whether this increased awareness is associated with increased sun protection and early detection remains unclear.

METHODS

Demographics of approached persons in Flemish community pharmacies during the months of May-June 2022 and the content of the skin cancer counseling were retrieved from the pharmacy database. Sunscreen purchases and dermatologist visits were evaluated up to 180 days after the skin cancer counseling.

RESULTS

Community pharmacists provided skin cancer counseling to a broad population of visitors (n = 822, 69% females, median age of 59 years Q1-Q3: 44-71 years). During the campaign, 822 visitors received a leaflet with skin cancer prevalence and sunscreen importance. On top of that, 335 visitors (41%) received additional counseling: skin type sensitivity was checked for 198 visitors (24%), typical characteristics of melanoma were discussed with 100 visitors (12%) and 37 visitors (5%) were referred to a physician for further information or concerns regarding a skin spot. Overall, one out of three visitors purchased sunscreen on the day of the counseling (33%, increasing up to 38% after 180 days). Among people under 20 years, this was even higher (51%). Additional counseling increased the likelihood of a dermatologist visit within 180 days (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.12-2.88).

CONCLUSIONS

By providing skin cancer counseling in Belgian community pharmacies, a broad range of citizens was reached and triggered to purchase sunscreen, often on the same day as the counseling. Notably, young people were likely to purchase sunscreen. Citizens receiving additional counseling were more likely to visit a dermatologist within 180 days.

Cardiovascular Disease-Related Health Promotion and Prevention Services by Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: How Well Are They Prepared?

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been identified as the leading reason for morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. Pharmacists play a major role in CVD prevention and health promotion. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement of pharmacists in CVD prevention and evaluate the influence of continuing medical education in CVD-prevention services in Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of pharmacists in CVD-related prevention services along with their knowledge and attitudes. A 34-item questionnaire was developed and distributed among the participants.

RESULTS

A total of 324 responses were included in the study. More than 60% of pharmacists had provided counseling regarding the importance of healthy lifestyles and self-monitoring CVD risk factors. About half of the participants (49.1%) had never received any CVD-related continuing medical education. Overall, more than 60% of the participants reported positively towards their role in CVD prevention. Lack of time (66%) and lack of educational materials and tools (41%) were the top perceived barriers for providing CVD-prevention and health-promotion activities, followed by lack of skills in using tools (36%) and lack of privacy/space (33%).

CONCLUSIONS

The involvement of pharmacists in the prevention of CVD is limited in this study. Further education and capacity building are required to strengthen pharmacists' involvement in CVD-prevention and health-promotion activities.

Design and Development of Tools for Risk Evaluation of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Community Pharmacy

There is an increasing motivation to implement pharmacist-led screening services in community pharmacies. This study aims to develop tools to support the pharmacist in the context of a diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk assessment service. Our development involved a multistep process using a user-centred approach, including a need assessment phase (14 patients, 17 pharmacists) and a creative design phase, followed by the evaluation of the materials (10 patients, 16 pharmacists). Three following themes covering educational needs emerged from stakeholders' discussions: "content", "layout", and "form", with three additional themes regarding the practical organisation: "software", "awareness", and "referral". Based on the need assessment, tools for patient education purposes and awareness campaigns were created. During the development, special attention was paid to the writing style and structure with less text and more graphical colourful elements to suit patients with different health literacy and educational levels. The evaluation phase allowed researchers to observe participants engaging with the materials. Overall, participants were satisfied with the tools. The contents were considered valuable and relevant. However, adaptations were necessary to ensure their understanding and long-term usability. Finally, future research is required to evaluate the materials' impact on patients' behaviour towards their identified risk factors and ensure their effectiveness.