Farmazia komunitarioaren eta lehen mailako arretaren integrazioa Euskal Herrian: Aliantza estrategiko bat: Integration of Community Pharmacy and Primary healthcare in the Basque Country: A Strategic Alliance

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Currently, healthcare systems face complex challenges such as global health crises, economic and social pressures, or the healthcare demand continuous increase. Primary healthcare is essential for addressing these challenges, but there is fragmentation within some healthcare services that hinders care coordination in healthcare delivery. Integrating healthcare presents an opportunity to address these challenges by improving the quality and efficiency of the system. In this context, community pharmacies can be a valuable resources capable of strengthening primary care and improving patient care coordination. Being located in close and accessible locations to the population, community pharmacies can play a crucial role in health promotion, disease prevention, detecting health issues, managing chronic diseases, and optimizing the available resources of healthcare systems. Their evolution towards a more healthcare-focused approach, pharmacies underscores their potential to significantly contribute to primary care offering a wide range of services beyond medication dispensing. Additionally, pharmacists have extensive medication training, so through effective integration with primary care, community pharmacies can contribute to improving patient care, which has the potential to optimize treatment regimens, improve pharmacotherapeutic treatment adherence, reduce costs associated with unnecessary medical visits, and enhance health outcomes. However, integrating community pharmacy and primary care will require establishing joint action protocols, defining clear roles, and ensuring the active participation of all involved actors. Therefore, it is essential to overcome today’s cultural barriers so that community pharmacies can enhance comprehensive healthcare assistance directed towards patients by leveraging their capacity to provide care.