Initial Management Strategies for Oral Mucosal Lesions Among Local Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Purpose: Pharmacists may be an initial point-of-contact for patients with oral mucosal lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the proficiency of pharmacists in recognizing and managing oral mucosal lesions to help formulate educational recommendations for improvements in pharmacist-led patient care.

Methods: Pharmacists in community pharmacies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, completed structured interviews that included five images of oral mucosal lesions (Herpes labialis, Lichen planus, Traumatic lip ulcer, Candidiasis, and Squamous cell carcinoma) with short clinical scenarios. Pharmacists were asked how they would manage the patients and about their knowledge of oral cancer.

Results: One hundred and forty pharmacists participated. Herpes labialis was correctly identified by 81.6% of pharmacists, followed by traumatic ulcers (65.2%). No pharmacist correctly identified lichen planus, while squamous cell carcinoma was correctly identified in 14.9% of cases. Lichen planus (51.8%) was most commonly referred to specialist services, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (45.4%). Most pharmacists prescribed over-the-counter medications to treat the lesions. Most pharmacists recommended appropriate antiviral treatment for herpes labialis (70.2%) and wound care for traumatic lip ulcers (71.6%). However, 68.1% referred patients to healthcare professionals. Around 75.2% of pharmacists opted to refer to healthcare providers in cancer patients.

Conclusion: While pharmacists could play a significant role in providing accurate and timely medical or pharmacological advice to patients with oral mucosal lesions, further education and training are required to improve knowledge to inform decision-making.