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[Initial descriptive study on Pharmaceutical Indication in community pharmacies in Central American countries]
B Badilla-Baltodano1, K Orellana2, F Martínez-Martínez3
1Universidad de Costa Rica, Facultad de Farmacia, San José Costa Rica. Catedrática jubilada Costa Rica.
Farmaceuticos Comunitarios
|October 22, 2025
Summary
Pharmaceutical indication (PI), or pharmaceutical recommendation (PR), services in Central American pharmacies often lack adherence to international standards. Training and regulatory harmonization are needed to improve patient-centered care.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Care
- Community Pharmacy Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Pharmaceutical indication (PI), also known as pharmaceutical recommendation (PR), is a key service in community pharmacies for addressing health issues within pharmaceutical care.
- This service is frequently requested by patients seeking solutions for specific health problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the frequency and characteristics of pharmaceutical indication (PI)/pharmaceutical recommendation (PR) services.
- Focus on private community pharmacies in Central American countries.
Main Methods:
- Observational, exploratory, cross-sectional study design.
- Non-probabilistic convenience sampling utilized.
- An electronic questionnaire with 23 closed-ended and 1 open-ended question was distributed to community pharmacists.
Main Results:
- PI/PR activities frequently did not align with established international principles and reference frameworks.
- Significant heterogeneity observed in legislation and regulations governing PI/PR services across Central America.
- Training in PI/PR identified as an area with substantial opportunities for enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Community pharmacy services require redefinition towards a more patient-centered, clinical model.
- Optimizing pharmacotherapy through enhanced services can improve individual and public health outcomes.
- Addressing gaps in training and regulation is crucial for advancing pharmaceutical care.
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