Page: General Resources

The universal shortage of qualified health workers remains a persistent challenge for health-care systems. As per the WHO European Framework for Action on Health and Care Workforce1 a solution lies in redefining and re-distributing tasks across different health-care providers to keep pace with patient needs, advances in professional education and new technologies.2 In this context, the contribution of pharmacists to achieving health system priorities becomes critical. Pharmacists, particularly those working in community settings, are essential yet often overlooked health professionals who can make a difference in improving healthcare delivery.

Pharmacists contribute to disease prevention, including through vaccination, early detection, symptoms alleviation, and chronic condition management. Pharmacists also play a crucial role in informing and facilitating selfcare, making appropriate referrals, contributing to medication adherence and responsible use of medicines and resources.

This publication summarises the “Pharmacy-based point-of-care testing: A global intelligence report”, a report that brings together evidence from a literature review, findings from a survey of 25 countries, 11 case studies, and the discussion of a FIP insight board, giving an overview of pharmacist-led POCT interventions around the world.

POCT services, which include a wide range of tests to identify, diagnose, assess and/or monitor indicators of health, are strongly correlated with positive health outcomes. They are also linked to economic savings, increased health system efficiency and reduced burden on other healthcare sectors, the authors say. The report gives examples of POCT services being linked to prescribing authority by pharmacists, contributing to reducing pressure on general practice and emergency departments.

This handbook provides pharmacists with the latest insights into iron deficiency anaemia, drawing on collective evidence and recommendations from existing guidelines and expert consensus. It addresses not only pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological interventions but also prevention strategies. Additionally, the handbook covers guidelines for managing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in special populations, including paediatrics, non-pregnant women of reproductive age, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, and individuals on strict diets. Overall, this handbook serves as an invaluable resource for pharmacists in managing IDA, underpinning the importance of pharmacists’ role in screening, managing, treating, patient education, and holistic self-care practices.

“Pharmacy-based point-of-care testing: A global intelligence report” brings together evidence from a literature review, findings from a survey of 25 countries, 11 case studies, and the discussion of a FIP insight board, giving an overview of pharmacist-led POCT interventions around the world.



POCT services, which include a wide range of tests to identify, diagnose, assess and/or monitor indicators of health, are strongly correlated with positive health outcomes. They are also linked to economic savings, increased health system efficiency and reduced burden on other healthcare sectors, the authors say. The report gives examples of POCT services being linked to prescribing authority by pharmacists, contributing to reducing pressure on general practice and emergency departments.

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English | Greek