[Translated article] Analysis 2016-2021 of the development of the MAPEX outpatient pharmaceutical care Project by Regions in Spain

Farm Hosp. 2024 Mar-Apr;48(2):T64-T69. doi: 10.1016/j.farma.2023.11.001. Epub 2023 Dec 27.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the evolution of the MAPEX Project (Strategic Map of Pharmaceutical Care for Outpatients) by regions in Spain, through the results of the comparative situation survey between 2016 and 2021.

Methods: A committee of national experts belonging to the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy prepared the MAPEX Survey on the situation of Outpatient Units, which consisted of 43 specific questions on aspects related to structure, context, integration, processes, results and training, teaching, and investigation. It was carried out in 2 periods, one in 2016 and another in 2021 (with 3 additional questions in 2021, related to the progress of the MAPEX initiative and the priority lines to follow). A comparative analysis of results was carried out at the national level and by regions in Spain.

Results: 141 hospitals participated in 2016 and 138 in 2021, with representation from the 17 autonomous communities. The analysis of the results shows significant improvements in all the dimensions of the survey, with variability between the different regions. Among the most important improvements, the development and consolidation of telepharmacy stood out, the greater specialisation of pharmacists by areas of knowledge and their integration into multidisciplinary teams. The improvement of the healthcare model was considered the greatest advance at a general level (65%), and remote pharmaceutical care at the hospital level (48.2%). Priority lines of work were considered the expansion and practical application of the pharmaceutical care methodology (66.4%), research (58.4%), and training in all MAPEX initiatives (53.3%).

Conclusions: The implementation and development of the MAPEX initiatives has had a positive impact on the evolution in all healthcare areas of pharmaceutical care for outpatients. The situation survey makes it possible to identify by regions the significant points for improvement, as well as those areas to be developed through strengthening and corrective actions. The expansion of the project in the coming years will mean progress toward excellence in care and in the improvement of health results.

Keywords: Atención Farmacéutica; Calidad; Health system; Hospital pharmacy service; Outpatient; Paciente Externo; Patient satisfaction; Pharmaceutical care; Quality; Satisfacción del paciente; Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria; Sistema de Salud.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Outpatients*
  • Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  • Spain