Perspectives for the research of herbal preparations used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in pharmaceutical practice
Pharmacy Practice
Abstract
Aim/Background: To study the questions of pharmacists and pharmacy visitors regarding the use of medicinal and herbal preparations for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Kazakhstan, the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods: The survey method was used. In Kazakhstan, pharmacists working in pharmacies were surveyed, exclusively first-line pharmacists (75.3%), as well as pharmacy managers and their deputies (16%). The respondents had professional experience from 3 to 25 years. The survey covered the issues of demand, efficiency and preferences in the use of synthetic and herbal preparations. In the Republic of Belarus, the survey was conducted among pharmaceutical specialists, mainly pharmacists-prescriptionists (63.3%) and managers/deputies who are heads of pharmacies (20%) with work experience from 13 to 25 years. The question concerned the range of products used, the level of professional awareness and customer preferences. In the Russian Federation, the study involved visitors to pharmacies in Pyatigorsk, women exclusively (66.7%) aged 60–81 years and with a low income. Below are questions about the choice of drugs, including herbal and synthetic drugs, as well as factors influencing the choice of therapy. Results: The obtained data are processed using statistical methods. The main trends in the use of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, differences in professional approaches and preferences among pharmacists in different countries, as well as factors determining the choice of drugs by patients, are identified. Conclusion: The study will help to establish regional characteristics and the use of pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases, as well as take into account the innovativeness of the opinions of both specialists and consumers when changing the pharmacy assortment and training programs for pharmacists.