Community pharmacy is increasing its global role in front-line clinical services, FIP survey reveals

Community pharmacy is increasing its global role in front-line clinical services but the state is not picking up the bill, according to the results of a two-yearly survey that assesses the international impact of the profession.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) found that more than 50% of countries and territories now offer advanced community pharmacy services, according to its survey report
‘Pharmacy at a glance 2015-2017’
, published on 14 September 2017.

But despite its increased reach, just 12% of the services offered were covered by public or private health insurance so the costs are being borne by the pharmacy, patient or both, the survey found.

Launching the report, its author Gonçalo Sousa Pinto said: “This study provides evidence of the multiple contributions of pharmacists to the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems and to improving health. It stands as proof of the commitment of pharmacists as a vital and engaged healthcare profession.”

The FIP survey also found that pharmacy-led medicines use reviews are available in 66% of the 79 countries and territories it surveyed.

Nearly half — 47% — of those questioned offer disease management in diabetes, asthma or hypertension.

And 62% provide monitoring for blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index, the FIP results revealed.

The findings were revealed at FIP’s annual world congress of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences which took place in Seoul, South Korea, 10–14 September.

The FIP is a global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Its 139 members represent more than 3 million practitioners.

The 78th FIP World Congress next year will be hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Glasgow from 2–6 September 2018. This is the first time for nearly 40 years that the FIP World Congress will be held in the UK. Registration opens in January 2018. More information on the event can be found at: https://www.rpharms.com/events/fip-glasgow-2018