[The role of the community and hospital pharmacist in public health prevention in France]

Abstract

Introduction: As the healthcare system changes, the pharmacist's place does. In this context the health institutions are looking for improving prevention and so realize how well placed pharmacists were. For their competences as well as the trust patients are giving, they are serious actors in the implementation of prevention.

Methods: We sought to understand which place pharmacists take in prevention policies. Thus, we have proceeded with an analysis of bibliography of the past ten years about articles registered in Medline talking about pharmacist's places in French prevention.

Results: We have selected 47 articles classified according to San Marco's 3 levels of prevention: universal, oriented or targeted prevention. The pharmacist is involved in universal prevention, cancer screening or the proper use of antibiotics. In targeted prevention, they are specifically interested in the proper use of medicines and their correct prescription to patients. Finally, for targeted prevention, they offer patients therapeutic education adapted to their needs.

Conclusions: We can highlight that pharmacists improve consequently the patient's quality of life. They also enhance connections between health care professionals. Thanks to pharmacists, patients can find easy access and reliable health advice and government, trustworthy support for prevention.

Keywords: France; Pharmacien; Pharmacist; Prevention; Prévention; San Marco.