Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40884687›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of clinical pharmacy2025

Exploring the role of community pharmacists in perioperative management of antithrombotic agents: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators, and future directions.

Andreas Capiau, Isaura Kint, Els Mehuys, Tine De Backer, Annemie Somers, Koen Boussery

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in International journal of clinical pharmacy, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Andreas CapiauPharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Andreas.Capiau@UGent.be.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2458-5237
Isaura KintPharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Els MehuysPharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Tine De BackerDepartment of Cardiology, Heart Centre, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Annemie SomersPharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Koen BousseryPharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionAntithrombotic agents are considered as high-risk medications, particularly during the perioperative period, because of the increased risk of bleeding. Balancing bleeding and thrombosis risks is crucial in the context of invasive procedures. The specific role of community pharmacists (CPs) in perioperative antithrombotic management remains unclear.

aimThis study aimed to explore the role of CPs in perioperative antithrombotic management, focusing on their experiences, and the barriers and facilitators to expand their involvement.

methodA qualitative study was conducted in Belgium between March and May 2024 using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with CPs. The Theoretical Domains Framework guided the development of the interview guide to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant domains. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using open and axial coding in NVivo 14 by two independent researchers. Participants were randomly sampled and recruited until no new themes were generated.

resultsA total of 13 CPs (7 female; median age 48 years, IQR 34-58) participated in the in-depth interviews. Four key themes emerged: (i) current involvement of CPs in perioperative antithrombotic management, (ii) factors influencing CPs' role, (iii) aspirations and perceived opportunities for role expansion, and (iv) proposed strategies to optimise CPs' contributions. CPs described their current role as limited and mainly reactive, with their involvement typically occurring postoperatively. Reported barriers included insufficient knowledge of antithrombotic protocols, time constraints, inconsistent and non-transparent hospital guidelines, lack of access to relevant medical records, and difficulty reaching hospital-based prescribers. Facilitators included CPs' unique position to oversee a patient's full medication regimen, strong and trusted patient relationships, early post-discharge contact, and intrinsic motivation to contribute more actively. Participants expressed a desire for more proactive and collaborative involvement, supported by structured training. They also stressed the importance of clear, well-accessible guidelines that are as uniform as possible across hospitals. Lastly, they emphasised the need for better accessibility to prescribers to facilitate more effective communication.

conclusionCPs' role in perioperative antithrombotic management is currently limited, particularly preoperatively. Addressing identified barriers and implementing the suggested improvements could strengthen their role. Further research is needed to validate these findings and guide future interventions.

Indexed as

Community Pharmacy ServicesFibrinolytic AgentsPerioperative CarePharmacistsProfessional RoleAdultBelgiumFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchFibrinolytic AgentsAntithrombotic agentsCommunity pharmacy servicesPerioperative careQualitative research

Identifiers

PMID40884687

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.