Antibiotic Stewardship in Community Pharmacies: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Rising antibiotic resistance is linked to excessive antibiotic dispensing.
• Community pharmacists play a crucial role in antibiotic distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess community pharmacists' perceptions and attitudes regarding antibiotic dispensing.
• To understand their role in antimicrobial resistance.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of published studies from June 2016 to September 2016.
• Searched databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Science Direct) using keywords like 'antibiotic dispensing' and 'antimicrobial resistance'.
• Included articles published within the last 12 years.

Main Results:

• 13 studies were identified.
• Community pharmacists generally possess good awareness of antibiotic dispensing.
• A majority dispense antibiotics without valid prescriptions for unjustified reasons.
• Pharmacists recognize antimicrobial resistance as a significant health issue.

Conclusions:

• Community pharmacists are aware of antimicrobial resistance but continue to dispense antibiotics inappropriately.
• Dispensing antibiotics without medical prescription (DAwMP) is perceived as a factor in the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.