Multidose Drug Dispensing in Community Healthcare Settings for Patients With Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy.

Multidose drug dispensing (MDD) is the dispensing of different drugs in dose bags containing one, some, or all units of medicine that a patient needs to take at specific times. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the literature describing the use of MDD systems in community healthcare settings in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. A literature search identified 14 studies examining adherence, medication knowledge, quality of drug prescription (including inappropriate drug use, drug-drug interactions), medication incidents, and drug changes after MDD initiation, as well as healthcare professional (HCP) and patient perspectives.

GEMA 5.3. Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma.

The Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma, better known by its acronym in Spanish GEMA, has been available for more than 20 years. Twenty-one scientific societies or related groups both from Spain and internationally have participated in the preparation and development of the updated edition of GEMA, which in fact has been currently positioned as the reference guide on asthma in the Spanish language worldwide. Its objective is to prevent and improve the clinical situation of people with asthma by increasing the knowledge of healthcare professionals involved in their care.

Smoking cessation intervention in the community pharmacy: Cost-effectiveness of a non-randomized cluster-controlled trial at 12-months' follow-up.

Background: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of an intervention based on a training course for community pharmacists and a smoking cessation service (CESAR©), using limited societal and the health provider perspectives.

Methods: Non-randomized controlled trial of 12-months' follow-up. Spanish community pharmacists who were previously trained with CESAR© formed the intervention group (n = 102), and control group delivered usual care (n = 80).

Identification of high-risk patients for referral through machine learning assisting the decision making to manage minor ailments in community pharmacies.

Data analysis techniques such as machine learning have been used for assisting in triage and the diagnosis of health problems. Nevertheless, it has not been used yet to assist community pharmacists with services such as the Minor Ailment Services These services have been implemented to reduce the burden of primary care consultations in general medical practitioners (GPs) and to allow a better utilization of community pharmacists' skills. However, there is a need to refer high-risk patients to GPs.

Age and education as factors associated with medication literacy: a community pharmacy perspective.

Background: Aging implies a higher prevalence of chronic pathologies and a corresponding increase in medication. The correct adherence and use of the medication are prerequisites for reducing risks of disease progression, comorbidity, and mortality. Medication literacy (ML) is the specific ability to safely access and understand the information available concerning medication, and to act accordingly.