The Role of Community Pharmacists in Enhancing Patient-Centered Healthcare Delivery: A Literature Review.

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Heba Awadallah , Issa abuiram

Abstract

Introduction: Community pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare by providing services such as prescription management, chronic disease support, and patient education. Despite their importance in promoting patient-centered care, they face challenges like underutilization and insufficient integration into health policies.


Objectives: This review systematically analyzes the evolving responsibilities of community pharmacists, their impact on healthcare delivery, and the challenges they encounter, particularly in chronic disease management, medication adherence, and patient education.


Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from January 2008 to December 2023 that examine community pharmacists’ roles in primary healthcare and their effects on patient outcomes.


Results: The analysis shows that community pharmacists are well-positioned to enhance health outcomes, yet there is significant variability in their knowledge and practices. Findings reveal deficiencies in areas like inhaler technique for asthma patients and safe medication practices during pregnancy. Challenges in patient-centered communication and managing complex medication regimens persist, compounded by high workloads and limited recognition within the healthcare system.


Conclusions: Community pharmacists are crucial to improving public health, particularly in underserved areas. To maximize their effectiveness, it is essential to address educational and policy gaps by integrating pharmacists into multidisciplinary teams, expanding their scope of practice, and ensuring continuous professional development.


 

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