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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Care | Research

The impact of clinical pharmacist services on patient health outcomes in Pakistan: a systematic review

Authors: Ali Ahmed, Muhammad Saqlain, Maria Tanveer, Ali Qais Blebil, Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, Syed Shahzad Hasan

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The pharmacist’s role shifts from dispensing to bedside care, resulting in better patient health outcomes. Pharmacists in developed countries ensure rational drug use, improve clinical outcomes, and promote health status by working as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. However, clinical pharmacist services on healthcare utilization in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan are unclear. As a result, we aim to systematically review pharmacists’ clinical roles in improving Pakistani patients’ therapeutic, safety, humanistic, and economic outcomes.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for relevant articles published from inception to 28th February 2021. All authors were involved in the screening and selection of studies. Original studies investigating the therapeutic, humanistic, safety, and economic impact of clinical pharmacists in Pakistani patients (hospitalised or outpatients) were selected. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias in studies, and discrepancies were resolved through mutual consensus. All of the included studies were descriptively synthesised, and PRISMA reporting guidelines were followed.

Results

The literature search found 751 articles from which nine studies were included; seven were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and two were observational studies. Three RCTs included were having a low risk of bias (ROB), two RCTs were having an unclear ROB, while two RCTs were having a high ROB. The nature of clinical pharmacist interventions included one or more components such as disease-related education, lifestyle changes, medication adherence counselling, medication therapy management, and discussions with physicians about prescription modification if necessary. Clinical pharmacist interventions reduce medication-related errors, improve therapeutic outcomes such as blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid control, CD4 T lymphocytes, and renal functions, and improve humanistic outcomes such as patient knowledge, adherence, and health-related quality of life. However, no study reported the economic outcomes of interventions.

Conclusions

The findings of the studies included in this systematic review suggest that clinical pharmacists play important roles in improving patients’ health outcomes in Pakistan; however, it should be noted that the majority of the studies have a high risk of bias, and more research with appropriate study designs is needed.

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Title: The impact of clinical pharmacist services on patient health outcomes in Pakistan: a systematic review
Authors: Ali Ahmed
Muhammad Saqlain
Maria Tanveer
Ali Qais Blebil
Juman Abdulelah Dujaili
Syed Shahzad Hasan
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06897-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of clinical pharmacist services on patient health outcomes in Pakistan: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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