[Initial descriptive study on Pharmaceutical Indication in community pharmacies in Central American countries]

Within Good Pharmacy Practices, pharmaceutical indication is one of the most frequently requested pharmaceutical services in community pharmacies to address specific health problems as part of pharmaceutical care. This study aimed to explore the frequency and characteristics of pharmaceutical indication (PI), also known as pharmaceutical recommendation (PR), in Central American countries, specifically in private community pharmacies.

This was an observational, exploratory, cross-sectional study using non-probabilistic convenience sampling. An electronic questionnaire consisting of 23 closed-ended and one open-ended question was distributed to community pharmacists working in private pharmacies, that is, privately owned, non-state establishments in the region. Data from Nicaragua were excluded due to the low number of responses. The survey explored general characteristics, professional perceptions, and clinical practice. Content validation was performed with one pharmacist from each country. No personal data was collected.

Among the pharmacists who responded, PI/PR activities generally did not meet the common principles and reference frameworks supported by international organizations and national guidelines. Furthermore, there was considerable heterogeneity in the legislation and regulations governing this pharmaceutical service across Central America. The assessment of training received in this area revealed important opportunities for improvement.

Community pharmacy services in the study group should be redefined within a more patient-centered, clinical model to optimize pharmacotherapy and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of individual and public health.