Introduction The implementation of Professional Pharmacy Services (PPS) in Argentina faces structural barriers (jurisdictional fragmentation, lack of remuneration and product-centred training), despite the support provided by Resolution 2949/2021. Objectives To identify the facilitating factors and action strategies for the effective and sustainable implementation of PPS in Argentine community pharmacies, based on the accounts of pharmacists undertaking postgraduate training. Materials and methods A qualitative study using content analysis was conducted. A total of 55 contributions from 29 practising pharmacists were analysed. The participants took part in an asynchronous online forum (September–November 2025) as part of the Diploma and Postgraduate Programme in “Comprehensive Management of Community Pharmacy”. Open and axial coding was applied, with investigator triangulation. Results Thirteen facilitating factors were identified. Those with the highest levels of consensus were continuing professional development (93%), the regulatory framework (76%), interdisciplinary working (69%) and economic sustainability (66%), grouped into six categories. Strategies were organised at three levels: individual, institutional and systemic. The analysis revealed four unresolved tensions: the territorial digital divide; remuneration as a prerequisite versus subsequent compensation; medical resistance to collaboration; and the conflict between the care-providing role and commercial image. Two emergent findings were also identified: the pharmacy owner as an internal barrier and the invisibility of patients in service design. Conclusions The effective adoption of PPS requires the coordination of conditions across three interdependent levels: individual (advanced clinical training and gradual implementation), institutional (protocols and interprofessional coordination) and systemic (formal remuneration, binding regulations and interoperability of records).
The history of pharmacy is, to a large extent, the history of our relationship with disease, medicines, and science itself. Built over centuries, this history is now being opened to the general public for the first time through an exhibition that traces the evolution of the pharmaceutical profession from its origins to the present day.
The popularity of protein supplements (PS) has increased significantly in recent years. Their use is often undertaken without the supervision of a healthcare professional, which may lead to excessive or inappropriate intake and, consequently, pose a health risk. Objective To assess knowledge and consumption habits regarding PS among the Spanish population. Material and methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a digital questionnaire (Google Forms®) among 168 participants aged 15–70 years. Results Overall, 35.7% of respondents reported consuming PS, with increasing muscle mass being the main reason for consumption among 66.7% of these participants. Although 100% of participants recognised the risks associated with excessive consumption, 26.2% were unaware of the existence of maximum recommended intakes. Among those who were aware of these limits, most believed that the maximum intake was above 30 g of PS per day. Discussion There is a substantial gap between PS consumption and knowledge of safe intake levels. These findings highlight the need to strengthen the role of community pharmacists as key healthcare professionals in promoting the rational and safe use of PS.
