Role of the Pharmacist in Caring for Patients with HIV/AIDS: Clinical Practice Guidelines

Beliefs and practices of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among HIV/AIDS patients: A qualitative exploration

“…[47] In order to address this issue and to make ARTs use safer, a routine screening at the commencement of ARTs and during follow-ups is inevitable. [33] For this pharmacists as the drug experts could have a potential role and responsibility [48]; because patients' perceived lack of physicians knowledge and interests are the often found reasons for CAM non-disclosure [49]. In addition, interventions involving both physicians and patients may enhance communication of CAM use, avoid potential adverse events and drug interactions as well as could enhance ARTs adherence.…”

Reporting of critical information in studies of pharmacists in HIV care

“…Those types of studies are not as rigorous in design and often do not collect information recommended for adequate reporting. Despite this, those studies still played the important role of broadening awareness of the important services HIV pharmacists provide when caring for patients: ameliorating drug–drug interactions, counselling patients on poor adherence, and detecting and preventing medication errors . If critical information had been more strategically reported in those manuscripts, they may have been perceived by readers as more clear, rigorous and generalizable.…”

“…Complexities associated with antiretroviral therapy present unique opportunities for pharmacists to be closely involved in the care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). [1,2] Through formal HIV/AIDS pharmacy residencies, fellowships, credentialing certification programmes and experience, dedicated pharmacists gain expertise in HIV pharmacotherapy and apply these skills to improve patient care. [3] Many manuscripts outlining these HIV clinical services and documenting HIV pharmacy interventions have been published.…”

Adverse drug reactions and quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients: Advocacy on valuation and role of pharmacovigilance in developing countries

“…As a result of this underdeveloped pharmacy services it is been reported up to 90% patients in resource limited settings had experienced at least one type of ADR [10], many of which could have been prevented since pharmacist medication review, counseling and follow-up has been found associated with significant lowering of preventable ADRs [22]. Therefore pharmacists as an integral part in HIV/AIDS care have greater role to play, resulting in overall positive outcomes in patients treatment [23].…”