(290) Impact of Community Pharmacist-Led Services in the Global Fight Against HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review

Background: As of 2023, 38.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and different community based interventions have been developed to improve the care of HIV/AIDS. Literature has reported community pharmacists are ideally placed in community pharmacies to curb the rising trend of HIV/AIDS. However, there is less evidence to clarify the impact of community pharmacists in improving health outcomes of PLWH. Therefore, we aim to conduct a systematic review of existing literature to examine the impact of community pharmacists in improving health outcomes of PLWH.

Objectives: We aim to conduct a systematic review of existing literature to examine the impact of community pharmacists in improving health outcomes of PLWH.

Methods: The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO. We adhered to the guidance outlined in the Cochrane handbook to conduct this study, and for reporting, we followed the PRISMA checklist. Relevant studies were sought from their inception to November 21st, 2023, utilizing databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Screening focused on randomized, non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and observational studies pertaining to individuals living with HIV/AIDS who utilized community pharmacy services. The critical appraisal of studies was conducted using the revised JBI critical appraisal tools.

Results: This review analyzed 25 studies on pharmacist interventions for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Studies included cohort (n=8) and cross-sectional (n=13) designs, focusing on various aspects such as study settings, participant characteristics, and HIV risk behaviors. Most studies were in the US, with some in Africa, Portugal, Canada, and China, mainly in community pharmacies. Pharmacists provided interventions like medication therapy management, HIV testing, and risk reduction strategies, with collaborative programs showing promise. Studies emphasized pharmacists' role in achieving UNAIDS goals and the importance of their involvement in policy development. Outcome measures included medication adherence, viral load, and referral systems, showing improved adherence and care retention. Pharmacist interventions demonstrated potential in optimizing HIV care, emphasizing their integral role in multidisciplinary teams and policy formulation.

Conclusions: Our review shows how community pharmacists are essential in improving HIV care and reducing stigma for PLWH. Consistent medication management, provided by pharmacists, lightens the load on healthcare providers and helps PLWH lead more normal lives.