Community Pharmacy Interventions in Antibiotic Stewardship: A Narrative Overview and Educational Perspectives
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Abstract
Antibiotic stewardship is crucial in combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Community pharmacies, being accessible healthcare providers, play a vital role in promoting appropriate antibiotic use. This narrative overview examines various community pharmacy interventions aimed at enhancing antibiotic stewardship and explores their implications for pharmacy education. Through patient education, adherence monitoring, and collaboration with healthcare providers, community pharmacies have demonstrated effectiveness in improving antibiotic use and reducing resistance. However, significant barriers such as limited resources, inadequate training, and lack of awareness persist. This review highlights the need for integrating antibiotic stewardship principles into pharmacy curricula to better prepare future pharmacists. By addressing educational gaps and enhancing training programs, pharmacy education can equip pharmacists with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to antibiotic stewardship efforts. The findings underscore the importance of policy support and continued research to optimize the role of community pharmacies in antibiotic stewardship. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of community pharmacy interventions, identifies challenges, and offers recommendations for educational improvements to ensure pharmacists are well-prepared to combat antibiotic resistance in their practice.
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References
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