Integrative medicine and health: Context and prospects for the evolution of pharmacy practice toward a French model of integrative pharmacies
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Community pharmacists are known for dispensing medications and other health products and services. Since the HPST law of July 21, 2009—known as the Bachelot law—their activities have been integrated into health care services, marking a turning point in their practice. Recognized as primary health care professionals, a role especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have proven their importance in disease prevention and screening. They have been assigned new tasks related to prevention and patient support, in part to address challenges arising from the falling numbers of medical professionals and availability of health care services in general. Even so, it is becoming difficult to meet the population’s growing health needs, driven in particular by an aging population, rising chronic diseases, and increased mental health issues. Patients’ desire for a more comprehensive and human approach to their health is contributing to the growth of Complementary and Alternative Medicines and the rise of unregulated health practitioners. In this context, integrative health has emerged in France over the past decade. Pharmacists and pharmacy teams could play a key role in its deployment across the regions. The evolution of traditional pharmacies toward a French model of integrative pharmacies could enhance and secure health care pathways, while improving the contribution pharmacies make to meeting social, societal, and environmental challenges.
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