Empowering community pharmacists: expert consensus guidance for the effective management of peripheral neuropathy with neurotropic B vitamins.

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent condition in the Asia-Pacific region with a significant proportion of undiagnosed cases. Despite heterogeneous pharmacy practices across the region, clinical and operational challenges remain consistent. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to overcome these challenges but lack specific guidance for managing PN in the pharmacy setting.

AIM: This study aimed to develop expert consensus recommendations for community pharmacists on the early screening, assessment and management of PN.

METHOD: A modified two-round Delphi process was adopted, involving a panel of seven pharmacists from across the region. The process included a targeted literature review, yielding a total of 41 articles, two rounds of anonymous survey, and a virtual expert round table discussion (ERTD) with the panel of pharmacists to achieve consensus.

RESULTS

The Delphi process yielded six consensus statements, covering the burden of PN, role of community pharmacists, early screening of patients at risk of PN, assessment and evaluation of PN patients, and guidance on management approaches of PN with neurotropic B vitamins.

CONCLUSION

These consensus statements offer practical guidance for community pharmacists to improve the early detection and management of PN in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.