The global burden of chronic diseases, also known as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), is expected to worsen with continued population growth and ageing populations.1,2
Unfortunately, many of the gains made in the past several decades due to reductions in tobacco smoking, hypertension, and elevated total cholesterol, have been partly offset by rising rates of overweight and obesity.3 Thus, the need for early chronic disease screening, identification, and intervention is greater than ever.
Building on the key roles community pharmacists already play as primary healthcare professionals in many countries, pharmacists can provide focused interventions, specialised counselling, and/or care coordination. Pharmacists can help improve patient engagement and adherence to achieve better outcomes in the global chronic disease battle.4
1. World Health Organization (WHO). World health statistics 2023: monitoring health for the SDGs, sustainable development goals. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240074323.
2. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Beating non-communicable diseases in the community: The contribution of pharmacists. Available at: https://www.fip.org/file/4694.
3. World Heart Foundation. Improving prevention and control of raised cholesterol: A call to action. Available at: https://world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/World-Heart-Federation-Cholesterol-White-paper.pdf.
4. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). FIP statement of policy; The role of pharmacists in non-communicable diseases. Available at: https://www.fip.org/file/4338.
The Chronic Disease Service Framework is a cross-therapeutic approach to chronic disease care within the pharmacy. The service framework is an opportunity for pharmacy to play a meaningful role in the management of chronic diseases by enhancing the quality of patient interactions, optimising collaboration with primary care, and, ultimately, improving the health of their community.