Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Keywords

HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) remains a serious threat to public health in the Philippines and the entire globe. Pharmacists, as experts in pharmacotherapy, are in a position to provide a range of services to aid in the effort to control the spread of the disease. This study aimed to determine pharmacists' current and potential roles in HIV/AIDS care delivery services from the perspective of different healthcare workers in a public hospital in Cavite, Philippines. The study employed an Exploratory-Descriptive, Qualitative (EDQ) study design to contextualize the experiences of eight different healthcare providers, including pharmacists, in a public hospital designated as one of the six Department of Health (DOH) HIV/AIDS treatment hubs in the region. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and transcribed to generate codes and themes through thematic analysis using the NVivo software. The experiences of both pharmacists and healthcare providers involved in the treatment of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) include the provision of direct and indirect patient care, with emphasis on the workload and intrapersonal struggles they face in their daily responsibilities. The current roles of pharmacists centered on dispensing, medication counseling, supply chain management, adherence assessment, and pharmacovigilance. In contrast, potential roles included expanded responsibilities in providing health education through post-test counseling. Technical knowledge of medicines, pharmacotherapy, and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE), as well as skills in emotional intelligence, communication, and patient-centeredness, were deemed important competencies required to fulfill identified roles. Pharmacists can actively contribute to the prevention of the growing threat of HIV/AIDS by providing education to patients through counseling and by serving as educators and support personnel to fellow healthcare professionals. Findings also highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the provision of HIV/AIDS care.

First Advisor

Diana Dalisay A. Orolfo, RPh, MPH

Second Advisor

Arjielene L. Javier, RPh

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