The community pharmacy has established itself as a true engine of prevention in public healthIts proximity, capillarity, and responsiveness make it a privileged space for educating, providing early detection, vaccinating, and supporting people in their self-care.
From street initiatives to research projects, screening, immunization and mental health support, the role of the community pharmacist It goes far beyond the dispensing of medicinesThis is demonstrated by campaigns, international conferences, and programs that focus on health promotion and disease prevention, with tangible results in people's lives.
Community pharmacy on the street: education and screening
On the occasion of World Pharmacists' Day, the Spanish Society of Clinical, Family, and Community Pharmacy (SEFAC) set up a Health Tent in the Madrid neighborhood of Aluche. Professor José Luis Sierra Cinos, from the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Isabel I University, in an activity aimed at Bringing the value of Professional Pharmaceutical Assistance Services closer to the population and reinforce the perception of the pharmacist as a local healthcare worker.
Professor Sierra collaborated in key areas such as nutrition, cardiovascular risk and skin health, highlighting the health education and early detection as axes to reduce the impact of chronic pathologies. As he emphasized, every intervention carried out by the pharmacy contributes to Improve Life Quality and strengthens citizens' confidence in these professionals.
During the day, the pharmaceutical teams carried out Diabetes screening, cardiovascular risk calculations, photoprotection recommendations, and proper medication useThey attended to nearly a hundred people, mostly over 60 years old, demonstrating the social value of the community pharmacist, whose current work focuses on accompany, educate and promote healthy habits.
The involvement of Isabel I University in these initiatives reflects a clear commitment to public health and scientific disseminationThrough teaching and practice, it promotes training with a comprehensive vision of health care, focusing on the prevention and health promotion from the community.
For Sierra, the community pharmacy is today an essential part of a more participatory, preventative and accessible healthcare systemCooperation between institutions, professionals, and citizens, such as that fostered by SEFAC, strengthens health education and contributes to the sustainability of the system.
Vaccination: the pharmacy's great ally
The premise that it's better to prevent than to cure is gaining weight on the health agenda, reinforced by decisions such as the creation of the State Agency for Public Health (AESAP). In this context, expanding the role of the pharmacist in Vaccination, screening, and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) It is a sure bet to improve results and strengthen health systems.
At the 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences the Global State of Pharmacy Report, with a clear message: integrating pharmacists into immunization and NCD care is profitable and high-impactVaccination, one of the most effective public health interventions, prevents approximately 2,5 million deaths each year, and pharmacies contribute to expanding coverage by improving accessibility, building trust, and reaching underserved populations.
In practice, pharmacists are responsible for Promote vaccination, store and manage supplies, maintain accurate records, administer doses, and respond to adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis. In addition, they participate in pharmacovigilance and collaborate in research and development, contributing to the safety and continuous improvement of vaccines.
Although some skepticism persists in some places about its ability to provide vaccination services, its accessibility, qualifications and clinical experience positions them especially well to drive immunization strategies, particularly from community pharmacy. This has an impact on systems more efficient, resilient and patient-centered.
The expansion of vaccination in pharmacies is evident: according to a FIP global intelligence report (2024), Among 117 countries and territories with available data, it is authorized in 56 Vaccinations in pharmacies, which represents 47,9% of the total. This sustained progress expands access and reach.
When patients give their verdict
The real impact is reflected in user satisfaction. In Germany, a study showed that more than 9 out of 10 patients They were very satisfied with the vaccines administered in pharmacies. This data reinforces the idea that the perceived value for patients is very high.
Internationally, photography is similar. A national survey in Canada (2023) found that the majority of adults believed that expand the pharmacy's service portfolio, including vaccines, would improve access and qualityIn Romania, satisfaction was linked to positive interactions, clarity of information and with the accessibility and affordability of these services.
There are also strong signs in Europe and the United States. In Belgium, more than 1.200 citizens showed their support for receiving vaccines in pharmacies. And in the US, evidence from 2023 indicates that states where pharmacists can prescribe and administer vaccines independently (or under state-level standing orders) had 9% higher vaccination rates than those with more restrictive requirements for RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines.
Stopping NCDs from the pharmacy
NCDs represent an enormous health and economic burden: they are attributed to more than 43 million deaths annually, and 80% of premature deaths are concentrated in cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory pathologies. Community pharmacy, for its accessibility and constant interaction with patients and communities, is in a strategic position to prevent, detect and assist in the management of these conditions.
Their contribution covers the entire care continuum: from the Primary prevention and screening, to medication optimization and long-term follow-upIn addition, interdisciplinary collaboration allows pharmacists to align treatments, identify medication-related problems, and promote informed self-care.
- Empowering pharmacies as key players in the prevention and control of NCDs and integrate them into care pathways.
- Invest in person-centered service models and strengthen policies that address the root causes of NCDs.
- Implement interventions evidence-based and pharmacist-led, with interprofessional collaboration and recognition of pharmacies as accessible public health centers.
- Leverage digital health and innovation, promote the responsible self-care, ensure fair compensation, sustain research, and maintain a competent workforce.
Digestive: common things that shouldn't be overlooked
Very common digestive symptoms arise during daily pharmacy visits: heartburn, reflux, bloating, or changes in bowel rhythm. Despite their common occurrence, It is not advisable to downplay or trivialize them., because they can sometimes cover up pathologies that require medical evaluation.
The clinical interview is key to differentiating a functional condition from an organic one. The duration and frequency of symptoms must be assessed, and attention must be paid to Warning signs such as unintentional weight loss, bleeding, anemia, or feverWhen in doubt, referral to a doctor is the most prudent option for the patient.
The pharmacy can also push hard in digestive prevention, including colorectal cancer: promote a high-fiber diet, reduce alcohol and tobacco, and promote regular exercise. With personalized and friendly advice, the counter becomes a key point of health education which encourages participation in screening programs.
With active listening, targeted interviewing and clear messages, the pharmacist can guide, detect warning signs and promote timely referral, in addition to helping improve symptoms with appropriate products when appropriate.
Allergies: safe advice and when to refer
The prevalence of allergic diseases continues to grow and, due to their chronicity, pose a public health challengeMany young patients underestimate their symptoms or fail to identify them properly, which complicates management and adherence.
In this area, the pharmacist has a decisive role: teach the correct use of medications, reinforce adherence, detect poorly controlled cases, and suggest medical consultation when necessary. It's a combination of clinical support and monitoring that provides patient safety.
Among the therapeutic options, the most notable is bilastine, a second-generation antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness or impair psychomotor performance. Its effect is rapid and sustained for 24 hours, and since it is not metabolized in the liver, minimize interactionsFor mild symptoms in adults and adolescents, it may be recommended with clear guidelines from the pharmacy, always referring if symptoms are severe or persist poorly controlled.
Continuing education and teamwork
Constant updating multiplies the impact of pharmaceutical intervention. Faes Farma Open Day exemplifies this commitment: a clinical update day focused on common pathologies in community pharmacies, with presentations on Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, urticaria, digestive disorders or alterations of the locomotor system.
The value of these citations lies in providing direct access to evidence and fostering a multidisciplinary approach that improves the quality of care. Medical-pharmacist collaboration facilitates the detection of adverse effects, prevention of interactions and therapeutic education, achieving better health outcomes.
In a system stressed by chronicity, aging and overload of primary care, community pharmacy emerges as first sanitary filter: closeness to the patient, solid training and the ability to reinforce treatment and prevention where it is most needed.
A capillary network with social impact
Spain has 22.231 community pharmacies, one of the densest networks in Europe, with approximately one pharmacy for every 2.000 inhabitants. Their street-level presence makes them essential points of care for the comprehensive care of the population.
Many professionals have expanded their service portfolios to include prevention. Gerino GarcÃa-Zabarte, a pharmacist in Madrid, explains how he has incorporated Glucose and blood pressure monitoring, stress assessment, bioimpedance, vitamin D measurement, and skin analysisWith these tools, pharmacies help to detect early increasingly common problems.
Another notable contribution is the implementation of Customized Dosing Systems (DPS)Preparing medication in weekly blister packs prevents forgetfulness and facilitates adherence, which is especially valuable for people taking multiple medications. For the patient, receiving their medication organized is a relief; for the pharmacist, a guarantee of controlled treatment.
In rural areas, the pharmacy's social commitment has been historic. The dense distribution ensures that even in In the smaller towns there is a health pointInitiatives like the Friday Program in Cantabria combat unwanted loneliness with workshops and activities that revive social life. As the pharmacist explains louis noriegaPharmacies act as 'radars' that detect delicate situations and activate referral protocols to the appropriate social agents.
Pharmacy in hospitals and laboratories
Pharmacy practice goes far beyond the counter. In the hospital, these professionals They develop, manage and supervise treatments as complex as chemotherapy, parenteral or intravenous preparations. In addition, there is a pharmaceutical validation that ensures that the dose and route of administration are appropriate to the pathology and analysis of each patient.
Inpatients also have direct pharmaceutical careResolving questions, explaining dosages, and explaining guidelines for reducing adverse effects is part of the support offered by the hospital pharmacy service. Knowing this availability improves the patient experience and safety during their stay.
Beyond hospital pharmacy, there are areas where pharmacists are essential: Clinical analysis, microbiology and parasitology, biochemistry, immunology or radiopharmacyTheir technical expertise supports critical diagnostic and therapeutic processes in specialized care.
In clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical profile is very common. It is a versatile and multidisciplinary profession that encompasses biology, physics and chemistry. Today, a huge number of diagnoses and treatments depend on these tests, where pharmacists, such as those at the Eurofins Laboratory in A Coruña, direct and guarantee quality of the analytical processes.
The workload in laboratories is constantly growing, driven by the aging population and the proliferation of biochemical determinations. This increase is often not accompanied by more resources, which underlines the need for strengthen staff and capabilities to maintain quality and safety.
Mental health: support without stigma
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day (October 10) it is worth remembering that in Spain more than a third of the population suffer from some mental health problem, exceeding 50% from the age of 75, with an increasing trend. Given these figures, it's time to actAnd the pharmacy assumes its share of responsibility.
The pharmacy profession engages proactively and collaboratively to improve adherence and safe use of medications, adding support to family members and caregivers. It already demonstrated this during the COVID-19 pandemic and is once again available as a valuable health resource facing a major public health challenge.
The accessibility of the community pharmacist makes him an ideal professional for identify signs and symptoms early of mental disorders or their worsening, interpret those signs and refer when appropriate. You can also combat stigma and promote self-care, understood as the ability to promote health, prevent diseases, and confront them with reliable information.
This commitment is reflected in concrete actions. The report 'Mental Health in Spain', developed by the General Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists together with its Social Advisory Council, offers a rigorous portrait of prevalence, causes and inequalities, and proposes to integrate the pharmacy network into the healthcare processes such as sentinel network to optimize medication, improve adherence, and act as a first point of contact for guidance and emotional support.
Along the same lines, the campaign 'Less stigma, more esteem', promoted with Boehringer Ingelheim, seeks to break prejudices and make visible the role of the pharmacist in the prevention, early detection and supportAdded to this is the 'Rural Mental Health Schools' project, which promotes the detection of signs, self-care, and adherence. through health education sessions taught by pharmacists.
In total, they have participated 300 community pharmacies in 35 provincial schools. Almost all family members and patients (98%) were satisfied with the information and service received, and they consider that this experience should be extended to more provinces, consolidating the role of the pharmacy as a close and reliable support space.