Pharmacists prescribing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop, implement and validate a framework and protocol directed to pharmacists regarding prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NS AIDs) and to propose a documentation system to be used when prescribing NS AIDs. METHOD: A module highlighting the information on NS AID use and on pharmacists prescribing of NS AIDs was developed to be used as a tool for development of pharmacists’ knowledge to participate in the framework of pharmacist prescribing of NS AIDs. A protocol to be used when prescribing NS AIDs was developed. The developed protocol is concise and includes all relevant data. Evaluation of the proposed module and protocol was carried out by an expert panel consisting of 14 professionals. The readability of the module was assessed. A documentation system was set up using Microsoft Excel® 2007. KEY FINDINGS: A module named ‘Supplementary Prescribing for Pharmacists’ was developed as a Power point Presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint® 2007. The final version of the module scored 55 in the Flesch Reading Ease formula. The expert panel rated the overall presentation as very good. The module was considered a good tool of information for its intended purpose. Eleven healthcare professionals found the module very helpful and 7 found it very practical for its intended use. A protocol named: ‘Protocol for Prescribing NS AIDs’ was developed. Twelve health care professionals found the protocol easy to use while 5 of the participants thought it was time consuming. CONCLUSION: The module and protocol were very well accepted by the expert panel. Up till now there was a lack of protocols regarding NS AID use in Malta and that some potential side effects pertaining to this class of drugs were not always taken into consideration while dispensing. This study is now proposing a module to establish a safe and standard practice for recommendation of use of NS AIDs.