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Li J, Sanyu V, Coia E, Fernando R, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Better N, Wojnar R. Challenges to heart failure medication prescribing post-hospitalization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2024:riae035. [PMID: 39011608 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) medication prescribing on discharge post-HF-related admission. METHODS A retrospective audit was conducted for 216 HF admissions over a period of 6 months; medication data from electronic records were collected for analysis. KEY FINDINGS The prevalence of HF medication prescribing on discharge was: 32.9% (95% confidence interval: 26.6-39.6) renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, 10.6% (6.9-15.6) angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, 31.5% (25.4-38.1) HF-specific beta-blockers, 42.6% (35.9-49.5) aldosterone receptor antagonists, and 11.6% (7.6-16.6) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION HF medication prescribing remains relatively low despite the known benefits and recommendations listed in the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Visopiano Sanyu
- Department of Medicine, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Elise Coia
- Department of Pharmacy, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Romaniya Fernando
- Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi
- Cabrini Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Nathan Better
- Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Robert Wojnar
- Department of Pharmacy, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC 3144, Australia
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2
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Skouri HN, Çavuşoğlu Y, Bennis A, Klug E, Ogola EN, Bader F, Bahjet Al Saffar H, Ragy H, Alhumood KA, Abdelhamid M, Birhan Yılmaz M, Tabbalat R. Expert Recommendations to Bridge Gaps in Heart Failure Patient Support in the Middle East and Africa Region. Anatol J Cardiol 2024; 28:2-18. [PMID: 38167796 PMCID: PMC10796245 DOI: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2023.3517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a serious health and socioeconomic problem in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The age-standardized prevalence rate for HF in the MEA region is higher compared to countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Also cardiovascular-related deaths remain high compared to their global counterparts. Moreover, in MEA, 66% of HF readmissions are elicited by potentially preventable factors, including delay in seeking medical attention, nonadherence to HF medication, suboptimal discharge planning, inadequate follow-up, and poor social support. Patient support in the form of activation, counseling, and caregiver education has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with HF. A multidisciplinary meeting with experts from different countries across the MEA region was convened to identify the current gaps and unmet needs for patient support for HF in the region. The panel provided insights into the real-world challenges in HF patient support and contributed strategic recommendations for optimizing HF care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi N. Skouri
- Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City-Mayo Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yüksel Çavuşoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Ahmed Bennis
- Department of Cardiology, The Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Eric Klug
- Division of Cardiology, Netcare Sunninghill, Sunward Park Hospitals, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elijah N. Ogola
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Feras Bader
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University Section of Heart Failure and Transplant, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hilal Bahjet Al Saffar
- International Advisor, RCP for Iraq, Chair, RCP Iraq Members and Fellows Network Head, Scientific Committee, Iraqi Red Crescent Society Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hany Ragy
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaldoon A. Alhumood
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Unit, Chest Diseases Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Magdy Abdelhamid
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mehmet Birhan Yılmaz
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ramzi Tabbalat
- Department of Cardiology, Abdali Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
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3
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Zhang C, Shen Y, Wang A, Wang D, Cao L, Yue W. Cardiovascular Disease in China: Socioeconomic Status Variation in Prevalence. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2077-2084. [PMID: 37841077 PMCID: PMC10575027 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s429224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the single largest contributor to global mortality and the leading cause of both death and premature death in China. Data on the association between cardiovascular disease and socioeconomic status are sparse, especially for Asian countries. Our study collected data to describe the socioeconomic status variation across cardiovascular disease using a large nationwide cross-sectional study. Methods We chose participants using the cluster sampling method, prepared a face-to-face questionnaire interview for the selected community residents, and collected information on health conditions, socioeconomic status, demographics, and comorbidities. All collected data were reported as frequencies and corresponding percentages. Linear regression and simple and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify the prevalence variation. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 software. Results Socioeconomic information was available for 394,688 participants (covering most provincial districts). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 7.9%. The prevalence was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas (rural, 8.4%; urban, 7.5%). There was a negative relationship between urbanization and cardiovascular disease prevalence. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease prevalence had a negative relationship with average earnings. Conclusion This cross-sectional analysis of socioeconomic status variation in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in China showed a significant negative relationship between regional and individual socioeconomic status and cardiovascular disease. The results imply that governments would benefit communities by focusing on effective and targeted interventions for prevention, screening, and treatment in individuals who may be in the socioeconomic status with a high risk for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anxin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Medical Administration, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Neurology, Nation Project Office of Stroke Prevention and Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Yue
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medical Administration, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Hassanein M, Tageldien A, Badran H, Samir H, Elshafey WE, Hassan M, Magdy M, Louis O, Abdel‐Hameed T, Abdelhamid M. Current status of outpatient heart failure management in Egypt and recommendations for the future. ESC Heart Fail 2023; 10:2788-2796. [PMID: 37559352 PMCID: PMC10567665 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) represents one of the greatest healthcare burdens worldwide, and Egypt is no exception. HF healthcare programmes in Egypt still require further optimization to enhance diagnosis and management of the disease. Development of specialized HF clinics (HFCs) and their incorporation in the healthcare system is expected to reduce HF hospitalization and mortality rates and improve quality of care in Egypt. We conducted a literature search on PubMed on the requirements and essential infrastructure of HFCs. Retrieved articles deemed relevant were discussed by a panel of 10 expert cardiologists from Egypt and a basic HFC model for the Egyptian settings was proposed. A multidisciplinary team managing the HFC should essentially be composed of specialized HF cardiologists and nurses, clinical pharmacists, registered nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Other clinical specialists should be included according to patients' needs and size and structure of individual clinics. HFCs should receive patients referred from primary care settings, emergency care units, and physicians from different specialties. A basic HFC should have the following fundamental investigations available: resting electrocardiogram, basic transthoracic echocardiogram, and testing for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Fundamental patients' functional assessments are assessing the New York Heart Association functional classification and quality of life and conducting the 6 min walking test. guideline-directed medical therapy should be implemented, and device therapy should be utilized when available. In the first visit, once HF is diagnosed and co-morbidities assessed, guideline-directed medical therapy should be started immediately. Comprehensive patient education sessions should be delivered by HF nurses or clinical pharmacists. The follow-up visit should be scheduled during the initial visit rather than over the phone, and time from the initial visit to the first follow-up visit should be determined based on the patient's health status and needs. Home and virtual visits are only recommended in limited and emergency situations. In this paper, we provide a practical and detailed review on the essential components of HFCs and propose a preliminary model of HFCs as part of a comprehensive HF programme model in Egypt. We believe that other low-to-middle income countries could also benefit from our proposed model.
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5
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Zheng J, Mednick T, Heidenreich PA, Sandhu AT. Pharmacist- and Nurse-Led Medical Optimization in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Card Fail 2023; 29:1000-1013. [PMID: 37004867 PMCID: PMC10524094 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional approaches to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) management often lead to delayed initiation and titration of therapies in patients with heart failure. This study sought to characterize alternative models of care involving nonphysician provider-led GDMT interventions and their associations with therapy use and clinical outcomes. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing nonphysician provider-led GDMT initiation and/or uptitration interventions vs usual physician care (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022334661). We queried PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform for peer-reviewed studies from database inception to July 31, 2022. In the meta-analysis, we used RCT data only and leveraged random-effects models to estimate pooled outcomes. Primary outcomes were GDMT initiation and titration to target dosages by therapeutic class. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and HF hospitalizations. RESULTS We reviewed 33 studies, of which 17 (52%) were randomized controlled trials with median follow-ups of 6 months; 14 (82%) trials evaluated nurse interventions, and the remainder assessed pharmacists' interventions. The primary analysis pooled data from 16 RCTs, which enrolled 5268 patients. Pooled risk ratios (RR) for renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) and beta-blocker initiation were 2.09 (95% CI 1.05-4.16; I2 = 68%) and 1.91 (95% CI1.35-2.70; I2 = 37%), respectively. Outcomes were similar for uptitration of RASI (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.24-3.20; I2 = 77%) and beta-blocker (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.29-3.83; I2 = 66%). No association was found with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist initiation (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.47-2.19). There were lower rates of mortality (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-1.04; I2 = 12%) and hospitalization due to HF (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.63-1.01; I2 = 25%) across intervention arms, but these differences were small and not statistically significant. Prediction intervals were wide due to moderate-to-high heterogeneity across trial populations and interventions. Subgroup analyses by provider type did not show significant effect modification. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacist- and nurse-led interventions for GDMT initiation and/or uptitration improved guideline concordance. Further research evaluating newer therapies and titration strategies integrated with pharmacist- and/or nurse-based care may be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Zheng
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
| | - Thomas Mednick
- Sutter Health, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Paul A Heidenreich
- Division of Cardiology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Alexander T Sandhu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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6
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Malaeb D, Hallit S, Dia N, Cherri S, Maatouk I, Nawas G, Salameh P, Hosseini H. Effects of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on stroke development in Lebanese patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2021; 10:793. [PMID: 34504688 PMCID: PMC8383125 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.54236.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases, the major cause of death and disability, are susceptible to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke by 4 to 5 times and can lead to cardiovascular mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on stroke development in patients with AF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2018 on patients recruited from Lebanese community pharmacies. The CHA
2DS
2-VASc scoring system is utilized as a stroke risk stratification tool in AF patients. Participants with a previous physician diagnosis of AF, documented on medical records, were included in this study. Data was collected through a survey that was distributed to all eligible patients. Results: A total of 524 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age (± SD) of 58.75 ± 13.59 years with hypertension (78.4%) being the most predominant disease. The results showed that obesity (Beta=0.61, p-value =0.011), retirement and unemployment compared to employment (Beta=1.44 and 1.44, p-value=0.001 respectively), divorced/widow compared to married (Beta=1.38, p-value =0.001) were significantly associated with higher CHA
2DS
2-VASc scores whereas high versus low socio-economic status (Beta=-1.03, p=0.009) and high school education versus primary education level (Beta=-0.49, p-value=0.025) were significantly associated with lower CHA
2DS
2-VASc scores. Conclusions: The study highlights that
the
CHA
2DS
2-VASc score is affected by the presence of various sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics in patients with AF. Thus, screening for those factors may predict the progression of cardiovascular disease and may provide an optimal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Malaeb
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Life Sciences and Health Department, Paris-Est University, Paris, France
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon.,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Nada Dia
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Cherri
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad Maatouk
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Nawas
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Henri Mondor Hospital, Paris, France.,Life Sciences and Health Department, Paris-Est Créteil University, Paris, France
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7
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Malaeb D, Hallit S, Dia N, Cherri S, Maatouk I, Nawas G, Salameh P, Hosseini H. Effects of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on stroke development in Lebanese patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2021; 10:793. [PMID: 34504688 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.54236.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases, the major cause of death and disability, are susceptible to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke by 4-5 times and can lead to cardiovascular mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different sociodemographic factors on stroke development in patients with AF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2018 on patients recruited from Lebanese community pharmacies. The CHA 2DS 2-VASc scoring system is utilized as a stroke risk stratification tool in AF patients. Participants with a previous physician diagnosis of AF, documented on medical records, were included in this study. Results: A total of 524 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 58.75 (± SD) ± 13.59 years with hypertension (78.38%) being the most predominant disease. The results showed that obesity (Beta=0.610, p-value =0.011), retirement and unemployment compared to employment (Beta=1.440 and 1.440, p-value=0.001 respectively), divorced/widow compared to married (Beta=1.380, p-value =0.001) were significantly associated with higher CHA 2DS 2-VASc scores whereas high versus low socio-economic status (Beta=-1.030, p=0.009) and high school education versus primary education level (Beta=-0.490, p-value=0.025) were significantly associated with lower CHA 2DS 2-VASc scores. Conclusions: The study highlights that the CHA 2DS 2-VASc score is affected by the presence of various sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics in patients with AF. Thus, screening for those factors may predict the progression of cardiovascular disease and may provide an optimal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Malaeb
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Life Sciences and Health Department, Paris-Est University, Paris, France
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon.,Life Sciences and Health Department, Paris-Est Créteil University, Paris, France
| | - Nada Dia
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Cherri
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad Maatouk
- School of pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Nawas
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Henri Mondor Hospital, Paris, France.,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Sami SA, Marma KKS, Chakraborty A, Singha T, Rakib A, Uddin MG, Hossain MK, Uddin SMN. A comprehensive review on global contributions and recognition of pharmacy professionals amidst COVID-19 pandemic: moving from present to future. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021; 7:119. [PMID: 34150911 PMCID: PMC8195448 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19, a respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a burning question worldwide as it gives rise to a pandemic situation. No specific medications are still recommended for COVID-19; however, healthcare support is crucial for ameliorating the disease condition. Pharmacists are the frontline fighters who are responsible for providing healthcare support to the COVID-19 infected patients around the world. This review endeavored to briefly rationalize the contributions of several pharmacy professionals in diverse fields along with their collaborative efforts and dedication regarding their limitations during the COVID-19 situation and view the prospects of pharmaceutical care services in the post-pandemic period. MAIN BODY OF THE ABSTRACT Online databases were utilized to search for scholarly articles and organizational websites, to sum up the information about the contemporary and expanded role of pharmacists. Key articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases using terms: "COVID-19," "novel coronavirus," "community," "industrial," "hospital," "clinical," "recognition," "obstacles," "collaboration," "SARS-CoV-2," "healthcare," and "outbreak" in combination with "pharmacist." The articles were included from the inception of the pandemic to January 25, 2021. The current review found pharmacist's global contributions and involvements with other professionals to provide healthcare services amidst COVID-19. This included testing of suspects, providing medical information, psycho-social support, debunking myths, mitigating drug shortage events, telemedicine, e-prescription, infection control, and controlling the drug supply chain. In many countries, pharmacists' activities were much appreciated but in some countries, they were not properly acknowledged for their contributions amidst COVID-19 outbreak. They played additional roles such as participating in the antimicrobial stewardship team, improving value-added services, conducting clinical data analysis to suppress the outspread of the SARS-CoV-2. SHORT CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic while the whole world is fighting against an invisible virus, the pharmacists are the earnest hero to serve their responsibilities along with additional activities. They need to be prepared and collaborate with other healthcare professionals further to meet the challenges of post-pandemic circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Ahmed Sami
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Kay Kay Shain Marma
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Agnila Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Tandra Singha
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Rakib
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Giash Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | | | - S. M. Naim Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
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