A Systematic Review of Community Pharmacist-Led Pain Management Services

Background: Chronic and acute pain places a significant burden on public health systems, yet management often remains suboptimal.Community pharmacists are well-positioned to optimize pain care through medication management and patient counseling.This systematic review aims to evaluate the types and effectiveness of community pharmacist-led pain management services and to provide evidence for developing effective service models.Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.Major electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2023.This review encompassed literature investigating the clinical, humanistic, and economic ramifications of pharmacist-delivered pain care services within community pharmacy environments.Results: Sixteen studies were identified, encompassing chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and headache, as well as acute conditions like sore throat.Pharmacist interventions primarily included medication review, structured patient education, and clinical triage using validated assessment tools.In chronic pain management, these interventions significantly improved pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life.In acute pain settings, pharmacist-led point-of-care testing and triage algorithms enhanced antibiotic stewardship and ensured appropriate medical referrals.Additionally, these services contributed to healthcare resource efficiency by reducing unnecessary physician visits.Conclusions: Community pharmacists effectively function as gatekeepers and managers in pain care, improving clinical outcomes and ensuring patient safety.The implementation of standardized assessment tools and institutional support are essential for establishing successful pharmacy-based pain management models.