The International journal of pharmacy practice
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The extent to which community pharmacists contribute to the management of the global obesity epidemic is unclear. Local, regional and national obesity management schemes need to be informed by existing services which will be influenced by health professionals' attitudes and willingness to engage in service provision. The purpose of this study was to derive an accurate account of community pharmacists' activities and attitudes towards the provision of current and future Healthy Weight Management (HWM) services. ⋯ Community pharmacies could be an ideal setting for the provision of HWM services. The barriers to service provision need to be addressed. Furthermore, the development of appropriate undergraduate and postgraduate training is required to equip pharmacists and their staff with appropriate knowledge and skills to deliver these services effectively.
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To elucidate the various patterns in drug prescribing in a non-Ministry of Health-affiliated primary healthcare centre model (Riyadh Kharj Military Hospital) in Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Polypharmacy appears to be a problem in primary health care, which requires stricter pharmacovigilance and constant reviewing. We recommend the establishment of an efficient local prescribing policy through an effective practice-based Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee, training in prescribing to be introduced in medical schools and the lending of support to continuous education programmes targeting prescribing skills.