Evidence-Based Pharmacist Care: Self-Care, Self-Antibiotic Use, Medication Misuse, and Abuse

This chapter explores the critical role of evidence-based pharmacist care in addressing self-care, self-antibiotic use, medication misuse, and abuse. Pharmacists serve as accessible healthcare professionals who guide patients in safe self-management practices, discourage inappropriate selfmedication—particularly with antibiotics—and help detect, prevent, and manage medication misuse and abuse. The chapter highlights the clinical, economic, and humanistic impacts of pharmacist interventions, emphasizing their contributions to improved therapeutic outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced patient quality of life. Key recommendations are provided for enhancing evidence-based pharmacist practice through education, technology integration, patient-centered care, and digital health innovations. Barriers and facilitators to optimal pharmacist care are discussed, along with the competencies and tools required for modern pharmacy practice. The chapter underscores the evolving role 30 of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team in delivering proactive, personalized, and evidence-driven care.