Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Community Medicine
Volume 13, Issue 1 • 2027
MediBot: Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare systems over the world are facing a lot of pressure. This is because there are many patients and not enough healthcare professionals. Also, some people do not have access to medical advice when they need it. The MediBot is a computer program that uses intelligence to talk to people about their medical symptoms. People can tell MediBot what is wrong with them in their words. Then MediBot tries to figure out what might be wrong. Suggests some over-thecounter medicines that people can buy without a prescription. MediBot uses a special language system called BioMistral-7B (ResearchGate, n.d.). It also uses information from the RxNorm and FDA to ensure the medicine suggestions are safe and correct. The program has a user-interface that people can interact with. It also has a backend system that interprets symptoms checks for safety and validates medicines. In a test MediBot was able to correctly identify some common medical conditions. It also suggested some over-the-counter medicines that are normally recommended for those conditions. These early results show that MediBot can be a tool for people to get some basic medical help. This is especially true in places where people do not have access to healthcare professionals. However people should still go see a doctor for a medical consultation. MediBot is not a replacement for a doctor (ScienceDirect). Mediterr. Bot. system is a starting point for people who need medical help. Mediterr. Bot. can help people with medical conditions and suggest some, over-the-counter medicines.
Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices of Infection Control in Libya: A Mixed-Methods Study
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is essential for reducing healthcare-associated infections, yet gaps between awareness and practice persist, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study was conducted to evaluate awareness, attitudes, and practices related to infection control among healthcare workers, medical students, and the general public in Libya. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a structured, self-administered questionnaire with direct observational assessments in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The questionnaire included demographic, closed-ended, and open-ended items addressing hand hygiene, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, and environmental cleaning. A pilot study refined the tool prior to full distribution. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Of 150 participants, 86.7% reported knowing the meaning of infection control, though only 63.3% had received formal training. High awareness of hand hygiene and PPE use was observed, yet compliance challenges and institutional trust deficits were evident. Observational data confirmed lapses in practice, particularly in clinical settings. While awareness of IPC measures is high, consistent practice remains limited. Expanding structured training, embedding IPC education in schools, and strengthening institutional accountability are critical to bridging the gap between knowledge and behavior.
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in India: Achievements, Ongoing Challenges, and the Expanding Role of Pharmacists
India bears the highest global burden of Tuberculosis (TB), accounting for nearly one-quarter of worldwide cases, with persistent challenges related to Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and healthcare access. In alignment with the WHO End TB Strategy, India committed to eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goals target. The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), evolved from the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), serves as the central strategic framework guiding this ambition. This review critically evaluates the achievements and ongoing challenges of NTEP and examines the expanding clinical and public health role of pharmacists within India's TB elimination strategy. A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature and national policy documents published between 2010 and 2026 was conducted using databases including PubMed and Scopus, alongside government and programmatic reports. Studies addressing TB epidemiology, MDR-TB prevalence, program implementation, and health system barriers in India were included. Evidence was synthesized qualitatively to assess progress toward elimination targets. NTEP has strengthened case notification systems, expanded molecular diagnostic capacity, implemented Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing, and enhanced digital case notification and patient management through the Nikshay platform. Nutritional support initiatives and structured private sector engagement have improved treatment accessibility. However, MDR-TB remains a substantial obstacle, with notable prevalence among both new and previously treated cases. Persistent challenges include underreporting, treatment adherence gaps, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and incomplete private sector integration. Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as potentially valuable contributors through medication therapy management, adverse drug reaction monitoring, adherence counselling, antimicrobial stewardship, and community-based referral. Although NTEP demonstrates substantial structural progress aligned with global TB control frameworks, achieving the 2025 elimination target required intensified system strengthening and multidisciplinary collaboration. Formal integration of pharmacists into clinical and public health components of NTEP can enhance treatment safety, adherence, and overall program effectiveness.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: Current Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, necessitating early and accurate diagnosis for effective intervention. Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have significantly enhanced the discovery and interpretation of AD biomarkers by enabling the integration of complex, multimodal datasets, including neuroimaging, molecular, genetic, and digital biomarkers. AI-driven approaches, particularly machine learning and deep learning, have demonstrated high accuracy in identifying early pathological changes, predicting disease progression, and distinguishing AD from mild cognitive impairment. Emerging digital biomarkers derived from speech, motor activity, cognitive tests, and wearable sensors further expand non-invasive diagnostic capabilities. Despite promising results, challenges such as data heterogeneity, lack of external validation, limited interpretability ("black-box" models), and difficulties in clinical translation remain substantial barriers. Future research is expected to focus on multimodal data fusion, explainable AI, longitudinal modelling, and personalized prediction frameworks, along with improved standardization and regulatory validation. AI-based biomarker research holds potential to transform early diagnosis, prognosis, and precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease.
Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Cardiovascular Medications: A Systematic Review of Pharmacovigilance Data from FAERS and PvPI Databases (2009-2026)
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Their management requires long-term, multi-drug therapy, which increases the risk of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in patients. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the pattern, severity, and drug-class distribution of ADRs associated with cardiovascular drugs, using published studies alongside FAERS and PvPI pharmacovigilance data. The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2009 and 2026 were searched on PubMed and Google Scholar. Following final screening, 15 studies were included, comprising 12 global FAERS-based studies and 3 India-based hospital pharmacovigilance studies. ADRs were reported across all major cardiovascular drug classes. Dry cough with ACE inhibitors, myalgia with statins, and peripheral edema with calcium channel blockers were consistently observed. Global FAERS studies reported more serious ADRs, while Indian studies predominantly reported mild-to-moderate ADRs. Elderly patients and those on polypharmacy were identified as high-risk groups. Overall, the present systematic review demonstrates that ADR underreporting remains a major challenge in India. Structured pharmacovigilance, improved ADR reporting, and active involvement of clinical pharmacists can further enhance cardiovascular drug safety and patient outcomes.
The Evolving Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Operative and Critical Care Settings: A Comprehensive Review
Surgery is increasingly recognized as a complex, longitudinal therapeutic process spanning preoperative preparation, anesthesia, intraoperative care, and postoperative recovery rather than an isolated operating room event. Because this continuum is highly medication-intensive and subject to challenges like polypharmacy, rapid drug administration, physiological instability, multiple transitions of care, and communication failures, the perioperative environment carries a high risk for preventable medication errors. This review explores the evolving role of the clinical pharmacist, transitioning from a passive dispenser to an active, multidisciplinary collaborator throughout the surgical pathway. In the preoperative phase, clinical pharmacists improve patient safety by constructing a best possible medication history, clarifying continuation or cessation plans for high-risk home therapies (such as anticoagulants and antidiabetics), and delivering patient education to reduce morning-of-surgery non-adherence. In the intraoperative phase, they support anesthesia providers through system-level and case-level interventions, including the standardization of medication trays and labeling, antimicrobial prophylaxis stewardship, and multimodal analgesic design. Postoperatively, pharmacists collaborate with anesthesiologists to optimize acute pain management, support opioid stewardship, manage thromboembolism prophylaxis, and coordinate comprehensive discharge reconciliation to prevent drug duplication or omission. Collaborative models-such as joint acute pain services and pre-anesthesia consultations-render medication reviews clinically actionable and significantly enhance therapy optimization. Although challenges like staffing constraints, training gaps, and inconsistent clinical integration persist, the future of perioperative pharmacy lies in proactive, technology-enabled care incorporating clinical decision support, barcode administration, and artificial intelligence to solidify clinical pharmacists as core contributors to surgical patient safety.
Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical QC and QA and its Applications across the Industry
Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) are key elements in the pharmaceutical sector. They help to ensure the safety, efficacy and consistency of medicines. This article discusses the purpose of QC and QA for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the modern era and outlines their development, principles and problems relating to the application of technology and universal quality standards. The article reaffirms the need for continuous and seamless improvement in the maintenance of quality system improvements that are responsible for global health standards and that can be applied to licensed drugs in a wide range of settings, ensuring the effectiveness of medicines delivered to patients in a sustainable manner. QC and QA are important components in pharmaceutical production. Their combined function is to ensure that all products are safe, efficient and reliable. As the industry evolves and moves toward digitalization, automation and data-centric systems, QC and QA evolve from reactive functions to predictive and preventive tools. Continuous improvements, regulatory compliance and the adoption of technology will shape the future of pharmaceutical quality. This paper also analyzes the beneficial use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the pharmaceutical sector throughout all phases, from drug discovery to drug development, as well as in various departments. Besides necessitating less human labor, it also improves the efficacy of clinical research and pharmaceutical output while diminishing the likelihood of mistake. The report examines the existing challenges in the implementation of AI within the pharmaceutical sector. Furthermore, it evaluates existing challenges and proposes remedies.
Impact of Pharmacist-Led Educational Intervention on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, and Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Month Controlled Study
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a Pathobiologically complex metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, progressive β-cell failure, and systemic insulin resistance, precipitating microvascular and macrovascular sequelae, with persistent metabolic disequilibrium driven by therapeutic inertia, adherence attrition, and inadequacies in structured, patient-centric care paradigms. Objectives: To systematically delineate the longitudinal efficacy of a protocol-driven, pharmacist-led educational intervention on glycemic indexes, lipid perturbations, anthropometric trajectories, hemodynamic parameters, and patient-reported outcome measures over a 12-month evaluative framework. Materials and Methods: A prospective, controlled, interventional investigation was conducted encompassing 290 individuals with T2DM, stratified into an interventional arm (n=145) and a standard-care control arm (n=145). The intervention cohort received comprehensive pharmaceutical care, including individualized pharmacotherapeutic counseling, adherence optimization strategies, and structured lifestyle modification reinforcement. Multidimensional clinical and biochemical end points were assessed at predefined intervals (baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 31.0, employing parametric and repeated-measures inferential methodologies, with statistical significance established at p<0.05. Results: The interventional cohort exhibited statistically robust and clinically meaningful improvements across multiple domains, including reductions in glycated hemoglobin (-1.87%), fasting plasma glucose (-41.75 mg/100 mL), body mass index (-6.44 kg/m²), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-20.98 mg/100 mL), and systolic blood pressure (-11.3 mM of mercury) (p<0.001). Concurrently, significant augmentation in medication adherence indexes and health-related quality-of-life metrics was observed relative to the control cohort. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led educational interventions confer substantial multidimensional benefits, encompassing glycemic optimization, cardiometabolic risk attenuation, and enhancement of patient-centric outcomes, thereby reinforcing their critical integration within contemporary multidisciplinary diabetes care frameworks.
Prevalence of Serious Adverse Drug Reactions: Is India Vigilant Enough?
Background: Serious Adverse Drug Reactions (sADRs) are one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality. In India, pharmacovigilance practices are evolving but comprehensive regional data on sADRs is lacking. Understanding how sADR prevalence in India compares with global patterns is essential to improve patient safety. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of selected sADRs associated with commonly used drugs in India and other countries, and to examine the contributing factors. Materials and Methods: A list of drugs was compiled using a generic drug index. A PubMed search was conducted to estimate the prevalence of sADRs in the Indian patient population. Additional data were obtained from Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission publications and FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) database. Data was extracted and tabulated for comparison. Results: Twenty-two studies (including FAERS data) met the inclusion criteria, and ten drugs with their sADRs were selected for comparison. Indian patients exhibited a higher prevalence of several sADRs-for example, Linezolid-induced neuropathy (93.3% in India vs. 1.6% globally) and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)-induced nephrotoxicity (27.88% vs. 13%). Lamivudine-induced hearing loss and Pioglitazone-induced bladder cancer showed significantly lower rates of sADRs in Indian studies. Conclusion: Marked differences in the prevalence of sADRs between India and other countries highlight the need for sensitising physicians to these differences and associated implications in prescribing and patient management.
A Retrospective Observational Study on Clinical Profile and Treatment Patterns of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Patients
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is marked by hormonal imbalance, ovulatory dysfunction, and metabolic irregularities, which can contribute to infertility and long-term health risks. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and treatment practices in patients diagnosed with PCOS. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was carried out using medical records of 65 PCOS patients at a tertiary care Ayurvedic hospital. Data on demographics, menstrual history, clinical symptoms, and therapeutic interventions were collected. Descriptive statistics were applied, and findings were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The majority of patients were aged 19-25 years (53.1%), followed by those aged 26-35 years (30.3%). Menstrual irregularities were reported in 90.8% of cases. The most frequent clinical manifestations included acne (93.8%), hair fall (89.2%), obesity (87.7%), and hirsutism (68%). Infertility was documented in 41.5% of patients. Regarding management, Panchakarma therapy was administered in 50.8% of cases, while 56.9% received oral medications. Conclusion: PCOS primarily affects younger women and is strongly associated with menstrual disturbances and dermatological symptoms. The findings highlight that both Ayurvedic therapies and pharmacological treatments are commonly employed, reflecting an integrative approach to PCOS management.
Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns and Renal Dose Adjustment Practices in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Observational Study
Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) significantly alters drug pharmacokinetics, increasing the risk of drug accumulation, toxicity, and adverse drug reactions. The coexistence of multiple comorbidities frequently leads to polypharmacy, necessitating careful dose individualization. Objectives: To evaluate prescribing patterns, drug utilization, and renal dose adjustment practices in patients with CKD in a tertiary care setting. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 166 CKD patients over six months in a tertiary care hospital. Prescriptions were analyzed using World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. Renal dose appropriateness was assessed using creatinine clearance-based recommendations from standard clinical references. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to evaluate associations between CKD stage and dose adjustment requirements. Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance was preferentially used for drug dosing decisions because most renal dosing recommendations in standard drug references are based on this equation. Results: Of the 166 patients, 65.66% were male, with a mean age of 54.4±16.3 years. The majority were in Stage 5 CKD (75.9%), with hypertension (79.52%) and diabetes mellitus (51.81%) as predominant comorbidities. A total of 1,950 drugs were prescribed, with an average of 12 drugs per prescription, indicating substantial polypharmacy. Generic prescribing accounted for 45.6%, injectable use for 30.8%, and 86.0% of drugs were from the Essential Medicines List. Renal dose adjustment was required in 15.5% of drugs prescribed. No statistically significant association was observed between CKD stage and dose adjustment requirement (p=0.55). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high burden of polypharmacy and identifies gaps in optimal prescribing practices, particularly in renal dose individualization. These findings underscore the need for structured prescription audits and proactive clinical pharmacist-led interventions to improve medication safety and therapeutic outcomes in CKD patients. Implementation of renal dosing protocols and clinical decision-support systems may further enhance medication safety and rational prescribing in CKD management.
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Community Pharmacists in Chennai
Background: Pharmacovigilance plays a vital role in ensuring medication safety through the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), with community pharmacists serving as key contributors to ADR reporting. Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) regarding ADR reporting among community pharmacists. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 75 community pharmacists over a period of 2 months using a validated KAP questionnaire comprising 15 questions (6 knowledge, 4 attitude, and 5 practice questions). Results: The study found that 61% of participants had a positive attitude toward ADR reporting, while only 50% had reported at least one ADR. Most pharmacists demonstrated satisfactory knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting; however, gaps in reporting practices and awareness of the importance of spontaneous reporting were identified. Conclusion: Although community pharmacists exhibited adequate knowledge and a favorable attitude toward ADR reporting, their reporting practices remained suboptimal, highlighting the need for regular educational interventions and training programs to strengthen pharmacovigilance activities and improve ADR reporting rates.
Financial Toxicity and Drug-Related Problems on Quality of Life in Cancer Care
Background: Cancer treatment often imposes a substantial financial burden on patients, commonly described as financial toxicity. This financial burden and the complexity of anticancer medications may increase the risk of Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) and negatively affect the patient's Quality of Life (QoL). Improving patient-centered oncology care requires evaluating these factors. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to use standardized assessment tools to evaluate financial toxicity, identify drug-related issues, and investigate how they relate to quality of life among cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational research was conducted over six months in the oncology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit 150 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or supportive care. Financial toxicity was measured using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST-FACIT) questionnaire, while health-related quality of life was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale. Drug-related problems were categorized and identified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) categorization version 9.1. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, the independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, and multivariable linear regression. Results: Among the participants, 50.7% experienced moderate financial toxicity and 35.3% reported mild financial toxicity. Most patients (62.7%) had a moderate level of quality of life, whereas 23.3% reported Low QoL. Drug-related problems were identified in 46.6% of patients, with prolonged treatment duration and inadequate outcome monitoring being the most frequent causes. Financial toxicity showed a weak negative correlation with QoL (r = -0.16, p=0.04). Nevertheless, a lower quality of life was not independently predicted by the presence of DRPs. Conclusion: Financial toxicity is a common experience for cancer patients, and it is related to a lower quality of life. Although DRPs were frequently identified, their direct impact on QoL was limited in this study population. Early detection of financial burden and active involvement of clinical pharmacists may help improve treatment outcomes and reduce patient hardship.
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About Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Community Medicine
Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Community Medicine is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated to advancing knowledge in pharmacy practice, clinical pharmacology, and patient-centered care. We publish original research, systematic reviews, case reports, and editorials authored by clinicians, academics, and researchers from across the globe. Our editorial mission is to bridge the gap between laboratory science and bedside practice, ensuring that emerging evidence translates into measurable improvements in therapeutic outcomes, medication safety, and public health.
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Our scope spans clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, hospital and community pharmacy practice, drug regulatory affairs, pharmaceutical care models, and digital health innovations in medication management. Readers, including pharmacists, physicians, nurses, policy makers, students, and educators, will find timely articles that inform daily clinical decisions, guide formulary management, and shape pharmacy education curricula. We particularly encourage submissions that address health disparities, low- and middle-income country contexts, antimicrobial stewardship, chronic disease management, and the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical workflows.
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