Pharmacy-based management of influenza: lessons learned from research

Abstract

Recently, several jurisdictions have pursued legislative and regulatory changes to allow pharmacy‐based influenza management models in which pharmacists can initiate appropriate antiviral therapy in community pharmacy settings. While studies have been published in Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and the United States, concerns have been expressed over pharmacist training, the accuracy of rapid influenza diagnostic tests, and the potential impact on antimicrobial resistance, among others. Studies have demonstrated that pharmacists provide safe and effective influenza management, with high rates of patient satisfaction, while maintaining or improving antimicrobial stewardship.

Pharmacy-Based Assessment and Management of Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores) with Antiviral Therapy

“…Pharmacists have a history of successfully using protocols to identify appropriate candidates for treatment while referring patients when necessary because of the presence of certain high-risk factors for conditions such as influenza, strep throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. 8 , 28 - 29 Three such treatment protocols were found, with parameters for treatment and referral varying by jurisdiction. 30 – 32 In addition, a standardized form is available for the pharmacist to perform the assessment for referral criteria, and to document the prescribing record.…”

Antiretroviral Stewardship: A Review of Published Outcomes with Recommendations for Program Implementation

“…Additional examples include hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, respiratory antivirals, and antivirals for treatment and prophylaxis of infections in transplant recipients. [21][22][23] Furthermore, antiretroviral stewardship is critical in the ambulatory setting, since most ART is prescribed outpatient.…”

Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process: State “Scope of Practice” Priorities for Action

“…For example, states have added prescriptive authority for individual drug categories through legislation, including contraceptives, tobacco cessation medications, tuberculosis skin tests, epinephrine autoinjectors, travel medications, treatment for influenza and strep throat, and prophylaxis (eg, for HIV, Lyme disease), among others. [18][19][20][21][22] In contrast, several state legislatures have recently delegated the decision-making for prescribing to either regulatory bodies or practicing pharmacists. Oregon, for example, created a 9-member panel of physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists to "establish a formulary of drugs and devices .…”