PHARMACISTS should utilise their expertise to lead the "creation and execution of effective medicines information strategies, while establishing their role as a trusted partner and knowledge base for other healthcare practitioners as the primary resource for obtaining accurate and unbiased medicines information," according to a new policy statement from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
The update replaces a previous document released in 2017, and takes into account the increasing use of digital information sources including artificial intelligence.
Boyan Todorov, President of FIP's Health and Medicines Information Section, also urged governments around the world to regulate against medicines misinformation.
Todorov said the new policy puts "a stronger emphasis on the role of pharmacists to lead in this area".
"For example, users of medicines can now find information through artificial intelligence platforms, but that information can be incorrect, with detrimental effects on health.
"In particular, pharmacists should give special attention to the use of printed or electronic information to reinforce spoken information provided," Todorov added.
As part of the policy makeover FIP is calling for the establishment of medicines information centres operated by specialised pharmacists, with the full document available at fip.org. JG
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