Healthcare systems in South Africa: a review of integration of community pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams through musculoskeletal patient referrals

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are a major health concern and are ranked among the highest leading causes of disability. Patients with musculoskeletal conditions tend to endure the symptoms or self-medicate with over-the-counter medication. A pharmacist’s role extends beyond dispensing medication. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify patients at risk of chronic musculoskeletal symptoms, provide advice, and refer them for diagnosis and early medical intervention. Pharmacists need to be part of an integrated healthcare system to refer these patients in a timely and effective manner. Research indicates that there are challenges to integrating pharmacists into healthcare systems.

Aim: This review highlights the importance of integrating pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams within the South African healthcare system, by fostering a culture change and implementing a realistic workflow system through management and referral of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) method.

Findings and conclusion: There were 45 publications included in the review, where there are policies on the integration of pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Nevertheless, pharmacists are frequently excluded from these teams. It is also important for pharmacists to be equipped with the knowledge and training that will enable them to integrate into multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Contribution: The review has highlighted the need for integrating community pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams for managing musculoskeletal conditions, emphasising their role in early intervention, patient referrals, and addressing barriers to effective integration within the South African healthcare system.