[e-drug] pharmacists' role in STI

[e-drug@usa.healthnet.org]

E-DRUG: pharmacists' role in STI
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[copied as fair use; WB]

Pharmacists' role in managing sexually transmitted infections: 
policy issues and options for Ghana 

Mayhew S, Nzambi, K et al. 
Health Policy and Planning. 2001;16(2):152-160. 

The debate about extending the role of pharmacists in health 
care is growing in recognition of the ongoing difficulties 
experienced by many public sector services. The perceived 
accessibility and confidentiality of pharmacists makes them 
particularly attractive to patients for the management of 
health problems such as sexually transmitted infections 
(STIs) that may lead to stigmatisation. 

Despite growing interest in the subject, there are few 
documented analyses the role of pharmacists in low-income 
countries. In Ghana, pharmacists are acknowledged by the 
government to be the preferred option for people seeking 
treatment for STIs. 

A study was conducted to investigate the current role played 
pharmacists in Greater Accra Region in the management of 
STI. On the basis of these findings, training schemes were 
developed, implemented and evaluated. This paper presents 
the findings of this operation research and considers their 
implications for deciding to what extent and in what way 
pharmacists should be involved in managing STI in Ghana 
and other similar country settings. 

These findings suggest that pharmacists have a crucial role 
in effective management of STI, particularly in the management 
of urethral discharge. 

They may need to limit their management of genital ulcer to 
referring customers to laboratories and medical practitioners. 
They also represent a currently under-utilised opportunity 
preventive activities. Regulation and quality assurance issues 
need to be addressed by both pharmacy and medical 
professions. 


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