Clinical ResearchPharmacists' knowledge of issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs: A cross-sectional study in Palestinian pharmacy practice

- Pharmacists are in key position to provide essential information to people with epilepsy.
- Knowledge of pharmacists on issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy was associated with age, number of years in practice, and having training on epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs.
- Pharmacists who had received training on epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs were 4.78-fold more likely to secure higher scores in the knowledge test.
- The findings highlight the need for enhancing pharmacists' current knowledge on issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy.

ObjectiveAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are mainstay in controlling epileptic seizures. As experts in medications, pharmacists should be able to ensure accuracy of dosing regimens, explain adverse effects, and screen for and alert people with epilepsy (PWE) and their physicians to possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge of issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy using AEDs.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Palestinian pharmacy practice. A 10-item case-based questionnaire was used to determine actions taken by pharmacists in theoretical situations in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy. Demographic and practice details of the study participants were also collected. Scores were calculated as percentage of correct answers for each participant.ResultsThe number of participants was 394. The majority (approximately 75%) identified themselves as community pharmacists. The median score was 33.4% with an IQR of 33.3. Pharmacists who received training on epilepsy and AEDs during their pharmacy degree program were 4.78-fold (95% C.I. of 1.82-12.60) more likely to score ≥ 50% in the test than those who did not receive training on epilepsy and AEDs. Despite gaps in knowledge, pharmacists tended to perform the necessary action in cases of adverse effects and aggravated seizures associated with AEDs.ConclusionPharmacists can play a crucial role in providing essential information on AEDs to patients and prescribers. There are many knowledge gaps that need to be filled. Specifically designed pedagogic and/or training interventions might be helpful in filling these gaps.

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