Practices and Perceptions of Community Pharmacists in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

Abstract

Understanding the contributions of community pharmacists as first-line health providers is important to the management of atopic dermatitis, though little is known about their contribution. A systematic review was carried out to examine practices and perceptions of the role of community pharmacists. A literature search was conducted in five different databases. Full-text primary research studies, which involved practices and perceptions of the role of community pharmacists in the management of atopic dermatitis, previously published in peer reviewed journals were used. Critical appraisal of included studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized to generate descriptive and analytical themes. The confidence of the findings of the included studies was assessed via either GRADE or CERQual. Twenty-three studies were included. Findings showed that community pharmacists lacked knowledge of the uses of topical corticosteroids. The recommendations of other treatments were limited. Pharmacists generally undertook dermatology training after graduation. Analytical themes indicated that the practices of community pharmacists were poor and misled patients. Inappropriate education in initial training was identified as a potential reason for their poor practices. This systematic review reveals a gap between patients’ needs in practice and dermatological education provided to community pharmacists. Novel approaches regarding education and training should be explored to improve pharmacists’ dermatological knowledge and skills.