Knowledge of immunosuppressants and transplant patient management in community pharmacy

Immunosuppressive therapies are essential for transplant recipients and are increasingly prescribed in autoimmune and oncologic conditions. In France, community pharmacists are legally involved in therapeutic patient education (TPE) and medication counseling. However, their level of knowledge regarding immunosuppressive therapies remains poorly documented.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of French pharmacy professionals-pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students-regarding Immunosuppressive therapies, particularly in the context of transplant patient management. It also sought to identify gaps in counseling practices and educational needs.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023 using a 20-item online questionnaire. The survey was distributed nationally to community pharmacy professionals. Questions covered immunosuppressive therapy, patient education, lifestyle risks, and infectious precautions. Responses were weighted based on clinical importance, and group comparisons were performed using nonparametric statistical tests.

A total of 265 participants completed the survey (177 pharmacists, 50 students, 38 technicians). Pharmacists scored significantly higher than technicians (11.76 ± 6.2 vs. 8.00 ± 6.5; P = 0.004). Students showed intermediate scores with greater variability. Major knowledge gaps were observed regarding missed doses, food interactions, rejection signs, and self-medication risks. Only 22.6% identified self-medication as unsafe for transplant patients. Lifestyle and travel counseling practices were inconsistent across groups. TPE training was reported by 51.4% of pharmacists, 28% of students, and 5.3% of technicians.

The study revealed heterogeneous knowledge and counseling practices among pharmacy professionals regarding immunosuppressive therapies. These findings highlight the need for targeted education, integration of immunosuppressive topics into pharmacy curricula, and enhanced collaboration between hospital and community pharmacists to support safe and effective long-term care for immunosuppressed patients.