Abstract Mental health problems are included in the non-communicable diseases and together to other problems associated with well-being, they are attributed up to 21 % of global deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and establish the risk/benefit ratio of policy related to mental health, for example, in the case of the legalization of recreational cannabis use in adults. Cannabis is the most widely used “illicit” drug in Western countries, essentially because it increases sociability and euphoria. In the last decade, several countries have endorsed policies aimed at legalizing the commercialization of recreational cannabis in adults. In this sense, there is controversy about the effect of this type of policy on the percentage of people who consume this substance and on their health. However, it could be expected that this type of initiative will improve the percentage of people who consume this substance. Increased marijuana use may lead to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, including psychosis and schizophrenia. The existence of an association between cannabis use and psychosis (including schizophrenia) is accepted. In this framework, recognizing the benefits of policies to legalize the use of recreational cannabis in adults, advancing from a drug prohibition approach to one focused on harm reduction, it is convenient to evaluate and define the effect of this type of policies. Also, this kind of policies should be linked to informative and educational programs to clarify the risks of consumption, including, dependence and mental health problems.

Resumen Los problemas de salud mental hacen parte de las enfermedades no trasmisibles y se les atribuye, con otras enfermedades asociados al bienestar, hasta un 21 % de las muertes mundiales. Por ello, es necesario analizar y establecer la relación riesgo/beneficio de políticas relacionadas con la salud mental, caso de la legalización del consumo de cannabis recreativo en adultos. El cannabis es la droga “ilícita” de mayor consumo en los países occidentales, en esencia por incrementar la sociabilidad y la euforia. En la última década, varios países han promulgado normas orientadas a legalizar la comercialización de cannabis recreativo en adultos. En este sentido, existe controversia del efecto de este tipo de iniciativas, en el porcentaje de personas que consumen esta sustancia y en la salud de los mismos. Sin embargo, se podría esperar que este tipo de iniciativas favorezca un aumento en el porcentaje de personas que consumen esta sustancia. El aumento del consumo de marihuana puede favorecer una mayor prevalencia de problemas de salud mental, incluyendo psicosis y esquizofrenia. Se acepta la existencia de una asociación entre consumo de cannabis y psicosis (incluyendo esquizofrenia). En este marco, reconociendo los beneficios de las políticas de legalización del consumo de cannabis recreativo en adultos, orientadas a superar el enfoque prohibicionista y a buscar la reducción del daño, es conveniente evaluar y definir el efecto de las mismas. Además, estas iniciativas se deben acompañar de programas informativos y educativos, orientados a sintetizar los riesgos del consumo, incluyendo, la dependencia y problemas de salud mentales.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar y sintetizar los procesos y actividades realizados por el farmacéutico en la farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: Revisión sistemática exploratoria en PubMed/Medline de artículos publicados hasta el 30 de junio de 2021, siguiendo las recomendaciones PRISMA para este tipo de revisiones. Los artículos incluidos se clasificaron según sus principales características y resultados, acorde con la estructura: población, concepto y contexto. Los procesos y las actividades identificados se agruparon en tres categorías: realizados en farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria, llevados a cabo esencialmente en farmacia comunitaria y realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se identificaron 629 artículos, de los cuales se excluyeron 454 por no estar en relación con el objeto de la revisión y 81 por los criterios de exclusión; por tanto, se incluyeron 94 en la revisión y análisis. La mayoría de los estudios se desarrollaron en Europa y Estados Unidos. Entre los procesos y actividades llevados a cabo por el farmacéutico durante la pandemia, tanto en farmacia comunitaria como en hospitalaria, destacaron: atención farmacéutica, gestión eficiente y oportuna de los servicios, información y educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y telefarmacia. En farmacia comunitaria destacaron también los relacionados con la detección de COVID-19 y derivación de pacientes, inmunización en farmacias, recomendaciones de cuidados en el hogar e indicación farmacéutica. Entre los procesos realizados esencialmente en farmacia hospitalaria destacaron los relacionados con la participación en investigaciones de tratamientos farmacológicos, desarrollo de guías de utilización de medicamentos basadas en evidencia y manejo de medicamentos en indicaciones no aprobadas. Conclusiones: Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, los farmacéuticos han liderado e implantado procesos orientados a mitigar su impacto en la salud de la población. Atención farmacéutica, gestión eficiente y oportuna de los servicios, información y educación, apoyo psicológico, farmacovigilancia y telefarmacia fueron los principales procesos y actividades realizados en farmacia comunitaria y hospitalaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Dichos procesos y actividades buscaron, además de contribuir al control, prevención y tratamiento efectivo y seguro de la COVID-19, asegurar la implantación de medidas de bioseguridad, la dispensación y uso adecuado de los medicamentos y la información y educación basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible.

Abstract Objective: To identify and summarize the processes implemented and the activities performed by community and hospital-based pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A scoping review was carried out of the PubMed/Medline database with the aim of identifying articles published until 30 June 2021. The PRISMA recommendations for this type of review were followed. The articles included were reviewed and classified according to their main characteristics and outcomes, according to population, concept and context. The processes and activities identified were grouped into three categories: those performed in community and hospital pharmacies, those performed essentially in community pharmacies, and those performed essentially in hospital pharmacies. Results: A total of 629 articles were identified, of which 454 were excluded because they were unrelated to the object of the review and 81 due to meeting the exclusion criteria. So, 94 articles were included in the analysis. Most studies were conducted in Europe and the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the processes implemented and the activities carried out in both community and hospital-based pharmacies included pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy. Processes implemented and activities carried out essentially in community pharmacies were those related to the detection and referral of COVID-19 patients, testing and immunization, home care recommendations, and drug indications. Finally, processes and activities essentially occurring in hospital pharmacies included those related to participation in drug treatment research, drug evaluation and guidelines development, and to managing off-label drugs. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 crisis, pharmacists have led and implemented processes aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the population´s health. Pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy, both in community and hospital pharmacies, are the main processes implemented by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. These processes and activities, in addition to contributing to the control, prevention and effective and safe treatment of COVID-19; have ensured the implementation of biosecurity measures, proper dispensing of medication, the drug rational use, and the provision of evidence-based information and education.

Resumen Introducción: la publicidad televisiva es una estrategia utilizada por la industria farmacéutica para ofrecer sus productos. En el caso de los medicamentos de venta libre, se tiene la responsabilidad de ajustarse a la normativa relacionada con estos productos, con el propósito de proteger al televidente de influencias negativas por posible publicidad imprecisa o engañosa. Objetivo: evaluar el cumplimiento normativo de la publicidad televisiva de medicamentos de venta libre en Colombia de agosto de 2018 en los canales nacionales Caracol y RCN. Metodología: se revisaron las grabaciones de anuncios publicitarios de medicamentos en los canales Caracol y RCN. Aleatoriamente, se seleccionaron los días 2, 4, 22 y 26 de agosto de 2018. La revisión de las grabaciones se realizó por dos evaluadores independientes. Los datos de los anuncios publicitarios se analizaron con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se identificaron 624 anuncios publicitarios relacionados con medicamentos de venta libre: 601 pautas (96,3 %) y 23 comerciales (3,7 %). Entre los 624 anuncios emitidos, 226 (36,2 %) de 18 medicamentos no cumplieron con algunas condiciones establecidas en la normatividad. Discusión: este estudio, comparado con la publicación del 2014, mostró un incremento en la cantidad de anuncios que no cumplen con la norma, pasando de 8 % a 36,2 %. La principal situación de incumplimiento se debe al tamaño de la fuente, que puede limitar la lectura en poblaciones especiales. Conclusiones: los anuncios televisivos emitidos en los canales nacionales Caracol y RCN, en un 36,2 %, no cumplen con los requisitos definidos por la normatividad vigente.

Abstract Introduction: Advertising broadcast by mass media is a strategy used by the pharmaceutical sectors to offer their products. For of over-the-counter drugs, this sector is responsible for complying with the regulations related to these products, in order to protect the viewers from negative influences, for possible inaccurate or misleading advertising. Objective: To evaluate regulatory compliance in television advertising of over-the-counter drugs in Colombia in August 2018 on Caracol and RCN national channels. Methods: The recordings of the drug advertisements of two national television channels Caracol and RCN were reviewed. The days 2, 4, 22, 26 of august 2018 were randomly selected. Two independent evaluators reviewed the recordings. The data from the advertisements was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 624 commercials related to over-the-counter drugs were identified: 601 guidelines (96.3%) and 23 commercials (3.7%). Among the 624 advertisements broadcast by both national channels, 226 (36.2%) of 18 drugs did not meet some of the conditions established in the regulations. Discussion: Compared to the work done in 2014, shows that there was an increase in the number of advertisements that do not comply with the norm (from 8% to 36.2%). The main non-compliance situation presented by advertisements is related to the source size since small letters can limit the reading of special populations. Conclusion: 36.2% of the television advertisements broadcast on the national television channels Caracol and RCN do not meet the requirements defined by current regulations.

Abstract Introduction: it is needing to design, implement and evaluate the acceptance, relevance, and usability of an online course aimed at promoting the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19 from pharmacies-drugstores. Method: the design of the course was based on a proposed route for the care of users suspected of COVID-19 attending pharmacies, complemented by information obtained through a search in PubMed/Medline and on Websites of leading organizations in the field. The information was structured in an online course, a formulary was developed and applied to assess the coverage, acceptability, and relevance of the course. Results: an online course (How do we act against COVID-19 from the drugstores?) was designed and organized in 7 units and with key concepts to identify and refer suspected cases of COVID-19 from pharmacies-drugstores, available in https://udearroba.udea.edu.co/externos/my/. From April/2020 to April/2021, 863 persons were registered, 382 (44.3%) finished and were sent the formulary for evaluation the course, which was returned by 240 (62.8%). In this group, the satisfaction with the course and education materials was 95.8% and 97.1%, respectively. Also, 97.9% people assert that the course contribute to identify and to refer suspected cases of COVID-19; and 93.3% that, the navigation through the course provides easy access of the contents. Conclusions: a virtual, open, and usable course is designed, implemented, and evaluated, and although the participants state that the course promoting the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19, from pharmacies-drugstores, it is needing to conduct a study to assess this question.

Resumen Introducción: es necesario diseñar, implementar y evaluar la aceptación, pertinencia y usabilidad de un curso virtual orientado a favorecer la identificación y referenciación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19 desde farmacias-droguerías en Colombia. Método: el diseño del curso se fundamentó en una ruta propuesta para la atención de usuarios sospechosos de COVID-19 que acuden a farmacias, complementada con información obtenida de una búsqueda en PubMed/Medline y en sitios Web de organizaciones referentes en el tema. La información se estructuró en un curso virtual, se elaboró y aplicó un instrumento para evaluar la cobertura, aceptabilidad y pertinencia del curso. Resultados: se diseñó el curso virtual ¿Cómo actuamos frente al COVID-19 desde las droguerías? organizado en 7 unidades con conceptos claves para identificar y referenciar casos sospechosos de COVID-19, desde farmacias-droguerías, disponible en https://udearroba.udea.edu.co/externos/my/. Entre abril/2020 y abril/2021 se registraron 863 personas, 382 (44,3%) finalizaron el curso y se les envió el instrumento de evaluación, y fue regresado por 240 (62,8%). En este grupo, la satisfacción con el curso y material didáctico fue del 95,8% y 97,1%, respectivamente. Además, el 97,9% manifestó que el curso contribuye a identificar y referenciar casos sospechosos de COVID-19; y el 93,3% que, el acceso y navegación por el curso, resultó sencillo. Conclusiones: se diseña, implementa y evalúa un curso virtual, abierto y usable, orientado a favorecer la identificación y referenciación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19, desde las farmacias-droguerías y, aunque los participantes declaran que contribuye con dicha finalidad, se requiere de un estudio diseñado para valorar esta aportación.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los programas y las intervenciones educativas ofrecidas al personal farmacéutico, para mejorar la prestación de los servicios asistenciales farmacéuticos y los métodos utilizados para evaluar la efectividad de estos programas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión estructurada, se utilizó la base de datos PubMed/Medline entre 2007 y 2019, sobre el desarrollo, la descripción, la evaluación del impacto, la efectividad o la comparación de una intervención educativa, un entrenamiento específico o un programa educativo dirigido al personal farmacéutico de farmacias comunitarias (ambulatorias) y/o hospitalarias. Resultados: En total, 1290 referencias bibliográficas fueron identificadas: se incluyeron 26 referencias adicionales y se seleccionaron 90 artículos para su revisión y análisis. Se encontró que el 70 % (63) de los estudios fueron realizados en países desarrollados, principalmente en Estados Unidos, Australia, Canadá e Inglaterra. El 67 % (60) de los estudios se realizaron a nivel ambulatorio, el 10 % (9) a nivel hospitalario y el 23 % (21), en ambos contextos. Las intervenciones fueron clasificadas en tres categorías: Entrenamientos Específicos (41 %), programas de Educación Continua (43 %) y de Desarrollo Profesional Continuo, (16 %). De las metodologías o métodos de provisión de la intervención, la más común fue la presencial en el 72 % (65) de los estudios, seguido de metodologías apoyadas con herramientas virtuales en el de las intervenciones educativas varió entre menos de 1 hora y 120 horas. Conclusión: Se describen los programas y las intervenciones educativas ofrecidas al personal farmacéutico, principalmente para mejorar sus competencias laborales y la prestación de los servicios asistenciales farmacéuticos, además de los métodos utilizados para evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones educativas.

Abstract Objective: To describe the educational programs and interventions offered to pharmacy staff, to improve the delivery of pharmaceutical healthcare services and the methods used to evaluate the programs’ effectiveness. Methods: A structured review was performed using the PubMed/Medline database from 2007 to 2019. Results: In total, 1290 bibliographic references were identified; besides, 26 references identified by other sources were included and 90 articles for review and analysis were selected. It was found that 70% (63) of the studies were made in developed countries, mainly in the United States, Australia, Canada, and England. 67% (60) of the studies were carried out at the outpatient level, 10% (9) at the hospital level, and 23% (21) in both contexts. The interventions were classified into three categories: Specific settings (41%), Continuing Education (43%), and Continuing Professional Development (16%) programs. The most common methodology or delivery methods for the intervention were face-to-face in 72% (65) of the studies, followed by methodologies supported by virtual tools in 28% (25) and 11% (10) of the studies combined face-to-face and virtual methods. The duration of the educational interventions ranged from less than 1 hour to 120 hours. Conclusion: The educational programs and interventions offered to the pharmacy staff are described, mainly to improve their labor competencies. Additionally the provision of pharmaceutical healthcare services and the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention.

Resumen Introducción: La medición y evaluación de las competencias laborales, en el personal farmacéutico ambulatorio, debe combinar aspectos relacionados con los conocimientos (que sabe), habilidades (como lo hace) y actitudes (de que modo lo hace). Objetivo: Identificar y seleccionar las directrices y recomendaciones sobre las competencias laborales que requiere el personal farmacéutico ambulatorio, y construir un instrumento para su medición. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión estructurada en dos fases: a) se revisaron y seleccionaron las funciones/dominios, los criterios de desempeño (habilidades y actitudes), los conocimientos, los marcos de competencias establecidas a nivel internacional, y los instrumentos de medición reportados en la literatura; y b) se identificaron las competencias laborales necesarias de acuerdo con la normatividad colombiana y con los procesos de los Establecimientos Farmacéuticos ambulatorios (droguerías y farmacias-droguerías). Finalmente, se construyó el instrumento de medición por un panel de expertos. Resultados: Se identificaron las competencias laborales establecidas por las organizaciones de regulación internacional. Se revisaron 993 artículos que reportaban la medición y evaluación de las competencias, seleccionándose y analizándose 9 referencias. Se analizaron los marcos de competencias de diferentes países. Se analizaron las regulaciones en Colombia sobre el tema. El instrumento construido contiene 101 competencias distribuidas en los siguientes componentes: a) suministro de cuidados al paciente; b) personales; c) solución de problemas; y d) gestión y organización. Conclusión: Directrices y recomendaciones internacionales, además, la normatividad colombiana para identificar las competencias laborales que requiere el personal farmacéutico para el correcto funcionamiento de los Establecimientos Farmacéuticos ambulatorios, y partir de esto, se construye un instrumento de medición para evaluarlas.

Abstract Introduction: The measurement and evaluation of labor competencies, in outpatient pharmacy staff, must combine aspects related to knowledge (who knows), skills (as it does) and attitudes (in what way it does). Objective: Identify and select the guidelines and recommendations on labor competencies required by outpatient pharmacy staff and build an instrument for their measurement. Methodology: A structured review was carried out in two phases: a) the functions/ domains, performance criteria (skills and attitudes), knowledge, competency frameworks established internationally, and measurement instruments reported were reviewed and selected in the literature; and b) the necessary labor competencies were identified in accordance with Colombian regulations and with the processes of the outpatient Pharmaceutical Establishments (drugstores and pharmacies-drugstores). Finally, the measuring instrument was built by a panel of experts. Results: Labor competencies established by international regulation organizations. were identified. A total of 993 articles were reviewed that reported the measurement and evaluation of competencies, selecting and analyzing 9 references. Competency frameworks from different countries were analyzed. The regulations in Colombia on the subject were analyzed. The constructed instrument contains 101 competencies distributed in the following components: a) provision of patient care; b) personal; c) troubleshooting; and d) management and organization. Conclusion: The international guidelines and recommendations were reviewed and analyzed, in addition, the Colombian regulations to identify the labor competencies required by the pharmacy staff for the correct functioning of the outpatient Pharmaceutical Establishments, and from this, an instrument was built of measurement to evaluate them.

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) promotes the rational use of the antimicrobial, ensuring that each patient receives the correct antibiotic, by the correct time and at the correct dose. Aim: To establish the association of the results of an AMSP led by a pharmaceutical chemist, in terms of antibiotic consumption, duration of treatment and costs in a tertiary healthcare setting. Method: Ambispective cohort study. In the exposed cohort, in the environment of a AMSP, a pharmacist with training in infectious diseases evaluated and intervened the indication, dosage, duration of treatment and bacterial spectrum of the antimicrobial. The no-exposed cohort corresponded to a retrospective population that was similar (paired) to the exposed cohort, but that did not receive an evaluation of its antimicrobial therapy. Result: 258 patients were identified in the exposed cohort and 247 in the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. Decrease in the consumption of antibiotics was observed (119,831 vs 137,678 DDD/100 patients-day, p < 0.001) and a decrease in 34.1% of the costs associated with antibiotic therapy of the exposed cohort, in comparison with the cohort not exposed to the AMSP. Conclusion: AMSP led by a pharmacist have better outcomes in terms of consumption and lower costs associated with antibiotic therapy.

Resumen Introducción: El programa de gerenciamiento de antimicrobianos (PGAn) promueve el uso racional de los antimicrobianos, garantizando que cada paciente reciba el fármaco correcto, por el tiempo correcto, por la vía y a la dosis correcta. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación de los resultados de un PGAn liderado por un químico farmacéutico, en términos de consumo de antimicrobianos, duración del tratamiento y costos, en una institución prestadora de salud de alta complejidad. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohortes ambispectivo. En la cohorte expuesta, (entorno de un PGAn), un químico farmacéutico con entrenamiento en enfermedades infecciosas evaluó e intervino la indicación, dosis, duración del tratamiento y espectro bacteriano del antimicrobiano. La cohorte no expuesta fue una población retrospectiva similar (pareada) a la cohorte expuesta, pero sin la evaluación de su terapia antimicrobiana. Resultados: Se identificaron 258 pacientes en la cohorte expuesta y 247 en la cohorte no expuesta al PGAn. Se observó una disminución en el consumo de antimicrobianos (119.831 vs 137.678 DDD/100 pacientes-día, p < 0,001) y una disminución de 34,1% en los costos asociados a la antibioticoterapia de la cohorte expuesta, en comparación con la cohorte no expuesta al PGAn. Conclusión: El PGAn liderado por un químico farmacéutico se asocia a mejores resultados en términos de consumo y menores costos de la terapia antimicrobiana.

Abstract: Introduction: Medication errors (ME) are preventable incidents of inappropriate use of medications by health per sonnel or by the patient. These events can occur at any stage of drug use generating significant costs to the health system and, in some cases, these can even lead to death. The pediatric population is con sidered susceptible to ME with a prevalence 3 times higher than adult patients. Objective: To identify the prevalence of medication errors in hospitalized pediatric patients, as well as their classification according to the stage of use of the medication when they occurred. Method: A literature review of ME in pediatrics was carried out through a Pubmed / Medline search using Mesh terms (“Medication Errors” and “Pediatrics”) in the last 10 years. Three investigators reviewed independently the identi fied articles considering the STROBE checklist for observational studies. Results: 192 bibliographic references were identified, 22 of them were eligible for review and data collection. Studies reported an error rate between 1% and 58% of the evaluated medication indications, with errors reported in different processes of drug use. 9 articles (41%) described errors related only to prescription, mainly associated with incorrect dosage, 6 (27%) errors related to prescription, administration, and other processes, 3 (14%) related to prescription and administration, 2 (9%) related only to administra tion, 1 (4%) article reported errors related to conciliation, and 1 (4%) described errors related to preparation and administration. Conclusion: The studies reported different medication errors in the pediatric population. Most of them reported ME related to prescription followed by ME in the administration. Knowing the proportion of ME allows focusing interventions aimed at reducing their prevalence.

Resumen: Introducción: Los errores de medicación (EM) son incidentes prevenibles relacionados a la utilización inapropiada de los medicamentos por el personal de salud o por el mismo paciente; pueden presentarse en cual quiera de las etapas del uso del medicamento, generan considerables costos en el sistema de salud y en algunos casos pueden llevar incluso a la muerte. La población pediátrica se considera susceptible a los EM con una prevalencia 3 veces mayor respecto a los adultos. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de errores de medicación en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados, así como su clasificación de acuer do a la etapa del uso del medicamento donde se presentaron. Método: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura de EM en pediatría, a través de una búsqueda en Pubmed/Medline empleando términos Mesh (“Medication Errors” y “Pediatrics”) en los últimos 10 años. Los artículos identificados fueron revisados por tres investigadores de forma independiente, teniendo en cuenta la lista de verificación STROBE para estudios observacionales. Resultados: Se identificaron 192 referencias bibliográficas, 22 fueron elegibles para revisión y extracción de datos. Los estudios reportaron una proporción de errores entre 1%- 58% de las órdenes de medicamentos evaluadas. Se reportaron errores en dife rentes procesos del uso del medicamento. Nueve artículos (41%) describieron errores relacionados sólo con la prescripción, la mayoría relacionados con dosis incorrecta, 6 (27%) errores relacionados con la prescripción, administración y otros procesos, 3 (14%) relacionados con la prescripción y administración, 2 (9%) describieron errores relacionados sólo con la administración, 1(4%) artículo reportó errores relacionados con la conciliación y 1(4%) errores relacionados con la preparación y administración. Conclusión: Los estudios reportaron diferentes errores de medicación en la pobla ción pediátrica. La mayoría reportaban EM relacionados a la prescripción seguido de los EM en la administración. Conocer la proporción de los EM permite focalizar intervenciones encaminadas a disminuir su ocurrencia.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To evaluate the skills and practices of pharmacy staff during the dispensing of tramadol (drug with fiscalized substance) in drugstores and pharmacies in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed. The simulated patient technique was used. The main outcomes included the information provided on the dispensed drug (tramadol), the use of tools to provide information, and the information provided on drug precautions and use recommendations. RESULTS We visited 305 drugstores and pharmacies. The average dispensing time was 2.3 min (SD 1.1 min). In nine drugstores and pharmacies (3.0%), tramadol was not dispensed because it was not in stock. In 17 drugstores and pharmacies (5.7%), the simulated patients were actively informed by the dispensing pharmacy staff; of these, 16 provided oral information and one provided oral and written information. Eight patients (2.7%) received information regarding tramadol use. However, 99% of patients were not informed about tramadol side effects such as dependence, sedation, or hypnosis, and none of the simulated female patients were informed on the precautions related to tramadol use during pregnancy or lactation. CONCLUSIONS Communication skills and appropriate practices of pharmacy staff are critical to patient self-care. However, this study shows their difficulty in counseling about precautions and use recommendations of drugs with fiscalized substances. These outcomes could inform future studies focusing on the rational use of these drugs in drugstores and pharmacies. It is necessary to improve the pharmacy staff competencies through continuing education programs, to facilitate access to information and training.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To evaluate the skills and practices of pharmacy staff during the dispensing of tramadol (drug with fiscalized substance) in drugstores and pharmacies in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed. The simulated patient technique was used. The main outcomes included the information provided on the dispensed drug (tramadol), the use of tools to provide information, and the information provided on drug precautions and use recommendations. RESULTS We visited 305 drugstores and pharmacies. The average dispensing time was 2.3 min (SD 1.1 min). In nine drugstores and pharmacies (3.0%), tramadol was not dispensed because it was not in stock. In 17 drugstores and pharmacies (5.7%), the simulated patients were actively informed by the dispensing pharmacy staff; of these, 16 provided oral information and one provided oral and written information. Eight patients (2.7%) received information regarding tramadol use. However, 99% of patients were not informed about tramadol side effects such as dependence, sedation, or hypnosis, and none of the simulated female patients were informed on the precautions related to tramadol use during pregnancy or lactation. CONCLUSIONS Communication skills and appropriate practices of pharmacy staff are critical to patient self-care. However, this study shows their difficulty in counseling about precautions and use recommendations of drugs with fiscalized substances. These outcomes could inform future studies focusing on the rational use of these drugs in drugstores and pharmacies. It is necessary to improve the pharmacy staff competencies through continuing education programs, to facilitate access to information and training.

Colombia is a decentralized republic with a population of 50 million, constituted by 32 departments (territorial units) and 1,204 municipalities. The health system provides universal coverage and equal access to health care services to 95% of the population. Primary health care is seen as a practical approach that guarantees the health and well-being of whole-of-society. The National Pharmaceutical Policy (NPP, 2012) goal is "to develop strategies that enable the Colombian population equitable access to effective medicines, through quality pharmaceutical services (PS)". There are 4,351 providers certified to deliver PS: 3,699 (85%) ambulatory and 652 (15%) hospital care. The goals for PS are: a) promoting healthy lifestyles; b) preventing risk factors arising from medication errors; c) promoting rational use of medicines; and d) implementing Pharmaceutical Care. There are a number of ways that ambulatory patients access medications: through intermediary private companies, public and private hospitals pharmacies, and retail establishments (drugstores and pharmacies). Intermediary private companies are similar to Pharmaceutical Benefits Management in the U.S. health system, and act as intermediaries between health insurers, pharmaceutical laboratories, and patients. Pharmacists are being employed by these companies and in health insurance companies managing, auditing and delivering rational use of medicines programs. In 2014 there were approximately 20,000 pharmacies and drugstores, (private establishments) where a significant number of prescription-only medicines are sold without medical prescription. Colombian laws allow personal without pharmacy education to be a "director" in these establishments, so the training and education of persons working in drugstores and pharmacies is an important challenge. There about 8,000 registered pharmaceutical chemists with 25% to 30% working in patient care. Since the 90's, there are more favorable conditions for pharmacist's participation and contribution to health system and patient's health outcome. These environmental facilitators include: a) laws and regulations regarding pharmaceutical services (2005-2007), b) establishment of a NPP (2012), and c) opportunities associated with the consolidation of private health management companies providing health services with an interest in pharmaceutical services (since 1995). Finally, telepharmacy, comprehensive care routes for pharmaceutical services, and further strengthen of postgraduate training in pharmacy practice are future strategies to improve the pharmacy profession in Colombia. They provide an opportunity to influence the recognition and value of the pharmacist as the health care professional.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar y caracterizar las acciones/intervenciones realizadas desde los servicios farmacéuticos en el abordaje de pacientes con hepatitis C y proponer una vía clínica para la gestión de la enfermedad que incluya la participación del farmacéutico. Método: revisión sistemática en PubMed y EMBASE empleando los términos “Hepatitis C”, “Pharmaceutical Services”, “Community Pharmacy Services”, y “Pharmacies”; artículos publicados hasta el 31 de marzo de 2019, cuyo tema central fueran las actividades realizadas por los servicios farmacéuticos en la atención a pacientes con hepatitis C. Se recopiló información sobre la actividad realizada, responsable, si la intervención era individual o colectiva y el entorno de aplicación. Las actividades se agruparon en promoción y prevención, gestión administrativa, atención farmacéutica, investigación y otros servicios de apoyo. De acuerdo con esto, se propuso una vía clínica para el manejo de la hepatitis C con participación del farmacéutico. Resultados: se incluyeron 60 artículos, principalmente de estudios descriptivos. La mayoría de las publicaciones reportó intervenciones realizadas en Estados Unidos y España. Se identificó la participación del personal farmacéutico en cada una de las etapas del proceso de atención, que incluye la provisión de servicios de reducción del daño, tamizaje del virus de la hepatitis C, vinculación de los pacientes al tratamiento, prescripción de medicamentos y órdenes de laboratorio. Conclusiones: se identifican y caracterizan las acciones/intervenciones realizadas desde el servicio farmacéutico para el manejo de la hepatitis C y se propone una vía clínica en la que se integran los servicios profesionales farmacéuticos a las demás actividades de la atención del paciente.

Abstract Objective: To identify and characterize the actions/interventions carried out by pharmaceutical services to approach patients with Hepatitis C and propose a clinical pathway for managing the disease that involves pharmacists. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE using the terms “Hepatitis C,” “Pharmaceutical Services,” “Community Pharmacy Services,” and “Pharmacies.” Articles published until March 31, 2019, whose central topic was the activities carried out by the pharmaceutical services in the care of patients with Hepatitis C, were included. Information on the activity performed, the person in charge, whether the intervention was individual or collective, and the implementation environment was collected. The activities were grouped into promotion and prevention, administrative management, pharmaceutical care, research, and other support services. Based on the above, a clinical pathway for the management of Hepatitis C involving pharmacists was proposed. Results: Sixty articles were included, mainly descriptive studies. Most publications reported interventions in the United States and Spain. Pharmaceutical staff involvement was identified at each stage of the care process, including the provision of harm reduction services, Hepatitis C virus screening, enrolling patients to treatment, medication prescription, and laboratory orders. Conclusions: The actions/interventions carried out by the pharmaceutical service for Hepatitis C management were identified and characterized. A clinical pathway has been proposed to integrate professional pharmaceutical services with other patient care activities.

Abstract Background: The pharmacist's participation in the antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) has been associated with better outcomes. Aims: To describe the pharmaceutical interventions and clinical outcomes of a PGA focused on broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospitalized patients in a tertiary healthcare setting. Method: Prospective observational study in patients admitted to a tertiary healthcare setting between August-2016 and September-2017. In the context of a AMSP, a pharmacist training in infectious diseases evaluated and intervened antibiotic therapy, with the infectious disease specialist, who performed relevant modification of the antibiotic therapy. In addition, the clinical outcome was evaluated and documented. Results: 258 patients were included. 16.1% of antibiotics were assessed as not indicated. A total of 126 pharmaceutical interventions were performed with 82.5% acceptance. The main outcome was the clinical and/or microbiological cure of infection. Conclusion: The problem associated with the antibiotic most frequently in the study population was the antimicrobial spectrum. Being consistent, de-escalation was the pharmaceutical intervention with the highest prevalence. A high percentage of acceptance of the interventions performed by the pharmacist in the environment of the PGAn was considered. Clinical and/or microbiological cure was the main cause of hospital discharge.

Resumen Introducción: La participación del farmacéutico en el programa de gerenciamiento de antimicrobianos (PGAn) se ha asociado con mejores resultados. Objetivos: Describir las intervenciones farmacéuticas y desenlaces clínicos de un PGAn centrado en antimicrobianos de amplio espectro, en pacientes hospitalizados en una institución de alta complejidad. Método: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, en pacientes ingresados a una clínica de alta complejidad entre agosto de 2016 y septiembre de 2017. En el entorno de un PGAn, un farmacéutico con entrenamiento en enfermedades infecciosas evaluó e intervino la antibioticoterapia, en conjunto con el médico infectólogo, quien realizó la modificación de la antibioticoterapia pertinente. Adicionalmente, se documentó el desenlace clínico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 258 pacientes. El 16,1% de los antimicrobianos se valoró como no indicado. Se realizaron 126 intervenciones farmacéuticas con 82,5% de aceptación. El desenlace principal fue la curación clínica y/o microbiológica de la patología infecciosa. Conclusión: El problema asociado al antimicrobiano con mayor frecuencia en la población de estudio fue el espectro antimicrobiano con respecto a la sensibilidad del microorganismo. Siendo consecuentes, el de-escalamiento fue la intervención farmacéutica con mayor prevalencia. Se alcanzó un porcentaje de aceptación similar a otros estudios, de las intervenciones realizadas por el farmacéutico en el entorno del PGAn. La curación clínica y/o microbiológica fue la principal causa de egreso hospitalario.