[Survey of the pharmaceutical care situation of the HIV patient in Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the Pharmaceutical Care (PC) given to HIV+ patients in Spain.


METHODS
In the year 2004, a survey on PC provided to HIV+ patients was conducted among pharmacists. The survey, with 33 questions, aimed to determine the material and human resources used in this area, as well as specific aspects of PC, and finally the pharmacist's opinion. The survey was distributed through the SEFH (Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacists) webpage and at HIV conferences.


RESULTS
Data was collected from 68 hospitals, most of them public. The most important strengths included the availability of material resources, extensive consulting hours, and the intervention of the pharmacist at key moments (treatment initiation, changes in treatment and changes at the request of the patient). Verbal information was provided in most hospitals, accompanied by written information in 68% of cases. Although 81% of hospitals monitored compliance, less than half did it in a systematic manner, with the most widely used method being the dispensing records. Dispensing data was recorded, and to a lesser extent, the patients' drug treatment histories were available. Differences were seen among the hospitals depending on their size. The pharmacist considered that the PC was acceptable, but that there was room for improvement, and considered the measures available insufficient, highlighting the need for specific personnel and training.


CONCLUSIONS
The PC situation of HIV patients is of a good standard, but there is still a lot to be done to achieve acceptable, quality PC.
Ibarra Barrueta
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O
Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Vizcaya, Spain. mariaolatz.ibarrabarrueta@osakidetza.net
Ortega Valín
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L
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Encuesta de la situación de la atención farmacéutica en el paciente con VIH en España.