Virtual Pharmacist Interventions on Abuse/Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medications during COVID-19 versus Traditional Pharmacist Interventions

Al Mazrouei, Nadia; Ibrahim, Rana M.; Al Meslamani, Ahmad Z.; Abdel-Qader, Derar H.; Ibrahim, Osama Mohamed

Objective This study aimed to investigate frequency, nature, and clinical significance of pharmacist interventions on Over-the-Counter (OTC)medicines with abuse potential across community pharmacies with and without virtual care. Materials and Methods In this prospective observational study, a trained research team observed the dispensary team of 12 community pharmacies in the UAE, of which 6 were operating virtual pharmacy care. A standardized data collection form was used to include information about dispensing of OTC medicines and pharmacist interventions on those with abuse/misuse potential. Clinical significance of interventions was evaluated by a multidisciplinary committee. Results The Frequency of pharmacist interventions on OTC medicines with abuse potential across pharmacies with and without virtual services was 83.2% versus 91.0%. While the Frequency of pharmacist interventions on OTC medicines with misuse potential across pharmacies with and without virtual services was 79.8% versus 41.2%. The proportions of significant interventions across pharmacies with and without virtual services were 19.7% versus 10.5%. Cough medicines were dispensed significantly more across pharmacies with virtual care (25.6% vs 9.7%, p=0.04). Asking the patient to seek the advice of addiction specialist (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.11; p=0.001) versus refusing to sell the drug were more likely to be associated with pharmacies with virtual services versus pharmacies operating traditional pharmacy services. Discussion The use of information technology tools in pharmacy settings enabled the pharmacists to intervene on OTC medicines with misuse potential, but limited their ability to detect potential OTC abusing due to absence of physical contact with the patients. Conclusion Virtual pharmaceutical care is a potential approach to reduce OTC medicines abusing/misusing, but needs some improvements regarding detection of these cases. The UAE is the first country in the region to implement and regulate virtual pharmacy practice.