Exploring pharmacists’ views and perceptions in strengthening HIV prevention and management services within community pharmacies in Cape Town, South Africa
Year: 2022
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background: Increased access to antiretroviral therapy has proven to decrease HIV-related deaths and increase life expectancy.Pharmacists have been identified as one of the fundamental healthcare professionals that need to be mobilised and involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment.The pharmacist role is still mainly embedded in dispensing of antiretroviral therapy, meaning that pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in managing HIV/AIDS in South Africa.The scope of practice of a pharmacist in South Africa to allow pharmacist initiated therapy (PIMART), was published in August 2021.Although the updated scope was published and would now allow pharmacist, who completed the supplementary course to initiate 1 st line Antiretrovirals, PREP, PEP and initiation of Tuberculosis (TB) Preventative Therapy (TPT) in line with National Department of Health guidelines and the adjustment of these, pharmacist who completed the course are unable to offer these services due to the Section 22(A) 15 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act permit process being on hold.Aim: This study aims to explore pharmacists' views and perceptions on strengthening HIV prevention and management services within Community Pharmacies in Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province.Methods: A qualitative exploratory study design was used.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 pharmacists, which included two key informants.The pharmacists interviewed worked for either chain or independent pharmacies.A purposive sampling method was utilised to identify people who will provide rich information on the topic.Coding was conducted manually by the researcher.Informed consent was obtained from all participants and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.All COVID-19 protocols implemented by the South African government such as mask-wearing, sanitizing and social distancing were enforced and adhered to during the interview process.Where interviews could not be conducted face to face, online platforms or telephonic interviews were conducted.The researcher complied with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) throughout the collection and processing of personal information.Results: The themes identified in this study were willingness to strengthen HIV prevention and http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ 4 management services in community pharmacies, ease of access to pharmacists by the community, barriers which would impede the strengthening of HIV prevention and management services and opportunities that would promote and enhance these services in community pharmacies.These themes give an overall view of the pharmacist's perceptions regarding the strengthening of HIV prevention and management within their pharmacies.The pharmacists who participated in this study were positive that they were able to strengthen HIV prevention and management services.Their willingness stemmed mainly from their duty as healthcare professionals in reducing the HIV burden and their current involvement in HIV prevention and management services, which in most cases were limited, but there was a willingness to expand these services.Barriers identified during the interviews were a perceived unwillingness of patients to pay a consultation fee for pharmacist-provided HIV prevention and management services, especially people who did not have medical aid and needed to pay out-of-pocket.The pharmacists mentioned opportunities for collaboration with funders, such as the National Department of Health or non-profit organisation, so that HIV prevention and management services are available to all.This would allow people who would ordinarily need to pay out-ofpocket for these kinds of services, outside of a free public health clinic setting, to access it privately.Conclusion: Community pharmacies are conveniently located and accessible to the community as an appointment-free environment to access healthcare services and advice.It should be noted that the pharmacists who participated in this study acknowledged their role as healthcare providers and were willing to strengthen their HIV prevention and management services within Cape Town.
Author: Macauley, Bronwyn
Institution: University of the Western Cape
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7207408254