Improving cardiovascular health through pharmacist-led self-care programs in community pharmacies

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Writing this article has been a deeply rewarding experience, as it allowed me to explore the potential of community pharmacists in transforming patient care. I have always believed that empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health is fundamental, but seeing the tangible improvements in their quality of life and clinical outcomes during this study was particularly inspiring. What makes this work even more special is that it forms part of the doctoral thesis of our PhD candidate, Fabianna Iglecias, under the supervision of Professor Zarzuelo. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this research to fruition. This study not only examines the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in Brazilian pharmacies but also draws on insights gained from pilot studies conducted in Spanish pharmacies. This dual perspective allowed us to evaluate how pharmacists, regardless of regional differences, can play a pivotal role in improving cardiovascular health through self-care programs. What surprised me most was how impactful simple, structured interventions could be, especially when supported by pharmacists who are often overlooked as key healthcare providers. This research reinforced my belief that we should never underestimate the value of accessible healthcare professionals and the importance of involving patients in their own care. I hope this article encourages further exploration of pharmacist-led interventions and motivates healthcare systems to adopt more patient-centered approaches. Above all, I hope it inspires other researchers and practitioners to continue innovating and refining strategies that improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases.

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