Unveiled: An extensive database of medications and vaccines... supposedly for public welfare?

In the realm of healthcare, understanding the tools at our disposal is essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes. However, a freelance nurse has highlighted a concerning gap in knowledge: patients are not adequately informed about the resources available to pharmacists, particularly the pharmaceutical file.

The pharmaceutical file, a tool that has been operational for over a decade, plays a crucial role in preventing drug interactions. This digital database, consulted by over 99.9% of pharmacies in France, helps pharmacists identify contraindications, avoid medication interactions that can have serious consequences, and manage treatment for patients, especially those with psychiatric and psychological conditions who may prefer to keep their treatment private.

Yet, there seems to be a lack of knowledge not only among patients but also among pharmacists regarding the terms used in the pharmaceutical file. Olivier Porte, director of health technologies at the National Order of Pharmacists, explains that the names of files can sometimes be confusing due to the ergonomics of each publisher's office management software.

The Court of Auditors' report indicates that a study on the impact on privacy of the pharmaceutical file was carried out by the DPO (Data Protection Officer) of the CNOP (National Council of the Order of Pharmacists) in 2021. However, the communication department of the Order of Pharmacists did not wish to share the content of the study following a request.

Despite its importance, the pharmaceutical file is not adequately presented to patients. Prescriptions are not stored at the pharmacy where they are dispensed; they can be consulted by all pharmacies in France. This means that a patient's medication history is accessible nationwide, providing a comprehensive view of their treatment.

The pharmaceutical file only displays the list of medications and the number of boxes delivered, not the dosage. This is to respect the privacy of patients and ensure that only authorized healthcare professionals can access the sensitive information contained within.

As of 2022, public information about access to pharmacy drug files was limited, with access typically restricted to authorized healthcare professionals and regulated by data protection laws. This is to ensure that patients' sensitive information is handled with the utmost care.

However, the pharmaceutical file can help avoid confusion with generic medications, a common issue that can lead to medication errors. By providing a clear record of a patient's medication history, pharmacists can ensure that the correct medication is dispensed.

In an ideal world, there would be an explicit request to access the pharmaceutical file. While there is a relationship of trust with the pharmacists we are used to, it is essential that patients are aware of the tools their pharmacists use to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

As the uses of the pharmaceutical file continue to evolve, it is crucial that both patients and healthcare professionals are well-informed about all the tools and possibilities related to health technology. This will enable us to make informed decisions about our health and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Unveiled: An extensive database of medications and vaccines... supposedly for public welfare?