Evaluating a potential role for Community Pharmacists in post-bariatric nutrient support (VITAMINS)

Patients are under the care of the bariatric multi-disciplinary team for two years before discharge into General Practice for long-term follow up. Guidelines advocate annual monitoring of nutritional status and supplementation, but no consensus exists on what this should entail. Findings from our recent study showed a patient-reported need for further post-surgical vitamin and mineral supplementation support. Currently, community pharmacists do not have a defined role in post-bariatric support but have skills and accessibility that could support patients long-term. The aim of this study was to explore a potential role for community pharmacists in post-bariatric surgical nutrient support.