Accepted for/Published in: Interactive Journal of Medical Research
Date Submitted: Jan 5, 2022
Date Accepted: Sep 30, 2022
A computerized Pharmacy Decision Support System (PDSS) for headache management: an observational pilot study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Headaches are common and often lead patients to seek advice from a pharmacist and consequently self-medicate for relief. Computerized pharmacy decision support systems (PDSSs) may be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals. In particular, for community pharmacists when counselling patients with headache, to guide treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and to recognize patients who require urgent or specialist care.
Objective:
This pilot study aimed to evaluate a newly developed PDSS web app for the management of patients seeking advice from a pharmacy for headache. This study examined the use and impact of the PDSS web app through examination of patient/pharmacy personnel counselling, pharmacy personnel perception and patient perception.
Methods:
The PDSS web app was developed based on previously published recommendations for the management of headache, and was distributed to pharmacies in two regions of France; Hauts de France and New Aquitaine. The pharmacy personnel received training for use of the PDSS web app. From 29 June–31 December 2020, all people who visited the pharmacies for headache, with the use of the PDSS web app, received information about next steps in headache management. Following the consultation, both the patient and pharmacy personnel reported their satisfaction with the PDSS web app.
Results:
Of the 44 pharmacies that received the PDSS web app, 38 pharmacies representing 179 pharmacy personnel actively used the PDSS web app and 435 people visited these pharmacies for headache during the study period. Of these patients, 70.0%(n=305) asked for immediate OTC analgesics for themselves and consulted with pharmacy personnel with the use of the PDSS web app. The majority of these patients were given advice and analgesics for self-medication (79.5%[n=246]), however, 17.0%(n=74) were given analgesics and referred to urgent medical services, and 3.5%(n=15) were given analgesics and referred to their general practitioner. All pharmacy personnel (n=45) were satisfied or very satisfied with the use of the PDSS web app, and a majority thought it improved the quality of their care (93.2%[n=41]). Most pharmacy personnel felt that the PDSS web app modified their approach to management of headache (64.4%[n=29]). Most patients were very satisfied with the PDSS web app during their consultation (81%[n=96]), and all felt mostly or completely reassured.
Conclusions:
The use of a PDSS web app for the management of patients with headache improved the perceived quality of care for both pharmacy personnel and patients. The PDSS web app was well accepted, and effectively identified patients who required specialist medical management. Further studies should identify additional ‘red flags’ so that patients are more effectively screened and managed with the PDSS web app. Larger studies can measure the impact of the PDSS web app on the
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