Pharmacists should play a “greater role in preventing substance use disorders” (SUDs) by “supporting early intervention and reducing harms associated with the non-medicinal use of psychoactive substances”, the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) has said.
In a policy statement released yesterday, the FIP said it is adopting a “prevention first, person-centred approach grounded in public health, human rights and social justice”.
It said SUDs are a “significant public health challenge” and that pharmacists are “essential members of multidisciplinary teams working to improve health outcomes while reducing stigma and barriers to care”.
Read more: Pharmacy must get ‘seat at table’ in Bristol’s harm reduction plan
“Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to contribute across the continuum of care through prevention-focused services, early identification of substance-related risks, patient education, referral to appropriate treatment pathways and support for harm reduction interventions,” it said.
The statement also noted that the “extent of pharmacist involvement will depend on national legislation” and “should be implemented in collaboration with other health professionals through appropriate care pathways”.
Key priorities
The FIP highlighted three key priorities for pharmacists:
- discouraging the non-medicinal use of psychoactive substances obtained through medical pathways
- preventing the development of SUD, including those arising from inappropriate prescribing or medicine use
- supporting the prevention, early identification and management of SUD
It also emphasised pharmacists’ role in areas such as overdose prevention, treatment support, public health promotion, advocacy for vulnerable populations and collaboration within interdisciplinary care networks.
“Removing unnecessary barriers”
The FIP’s statement called on governments, health system funders, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacists and others to “remove unnecessary barriers to care” and “promote integrated, patient-centred approaches that improve health outcomes and reduce harms”.
Policy committee co-chair Nadia Al Mazrouei said pharmacists “are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and are well positioned to identify risks early, provide trusted advice, support safer medicine use and connect people with appropriate care before preventable harm occurs”.
Read more: ‘Important gap’ in pharmacist support for dermatological care, says the FIP | C+D Community
It comes after Green Party councillor Cara Lavan told C+D in July that community pharmacy leaders must be given “a seat at the table” in the design of Bristol’s new harm reduction models.
And it follows the FIP saying last week that there is an “important gap” in pharmacist support for dermatological care.
