From Cosmetic Abuse to Clinical Mismanagement: A National Simulated Patient Study Assessing Community Pharmacists' Stewardship of Topical Corticosteroids in Jordan.

ABSTRACT: Background: Topical Corticosteroids (TCS) are potent therapeutic agents associated with severe local and systemic adverse effects if misused. In Jordan, the unauthorized supply of TCS for cosmetic purposes and the mismanagement of dermatological conditions remain significant public health concerns. This study utilized a repeated-measures simulated patient (SP) methodology to evaluate community pharmacists' stewardship of TCS across a spectrum of clinical risks. Methods: A national cross-sectional study was conducted across 380 randomly selected community pharmacies in Jordan. Each pharmacy received four covert visits (N = 1520) corresponding to four distinct clinical scenarios representing different risk levels: cosmetic whitening, acne management, fungal infection, and pedia

SUBMITTER: Abdel-Qader DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12921794 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature