Medications and their prices are key issues for healthcare. Although access to medicines at affordable prices had been specified as a key objective of the European Health Policy, it seems that these goals have not been achieved. Therefore, we attempted an evaluation of affordability of selected medicines at full prices. The analysis concerned 2012 and was conducted between 2013 and 2015 in all the European Union (EU) countries divided into 3 groups depending on the date of their accession to the EU. Finally, we considered 9 originators used in the treatment of schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis. Information on drug prices were collected from pharmacies. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous in order to avoid accusations of advertising. To evaluate affordability, several factors were used (e.g. minimum earnings and Gini coefficient). Due to unavailability in some countries, the exact number of analyzed medicines varies. Drug prices vary significantly between EU Member States. Almost eleven fold difference was observed between Germany (EUR 1451.17) and Croatia (EUR 132.77) in relation to Interferone beta-1a 22 μg. Generally, prices were the highest in Germany. The cheapest drugs were found in various countries but never in the poorest ones like Bulgaria or Romania. Discrepancies in wages were observed too (the smallest minimum wage was EUR 138.00 in Bulgaria and the highest EUR 1801.00 in Luxembourg). Full price of olanzapine 5mg, however, was higher in Bulgaria (EUR 64.53) than, for instance, in Belgium (EUR 37.26). Analyzed medications are still unaffordable for many citizens of the EU. Besides, access to medicines is also impaired e.g. due to parallel trade. Unaffordability of medications may lead to the patients’ non-compliance and therefore to increased direct and indirect costs of treatment. Common European solutions are needed to achieve a real affordability and accessibility of medications.

Background: The major goals of pharmaceutical care (PC) are to improve the patient’s quality of life and ensure safety of pharmacotherapy. Inclusion of a pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team caring for the patient and integration of state-of-the-art pharmaceutical services with medical care and nursing are some of the most important challenges that the health care system in Poland is facing. Objectives: To evaluate the pharmacists attitudes towards practice in, and knowledge of PC in Poland and to identify the barriers in PC provision. Methods: The study was designed as a multicenter study, conducted among Polish pharmacists. Random sampling technique was employed to select the study group. Face-to-face questionnaire method was used to interview the pharmacists, upon obtaining their prior verbal consent to participate in the study. The study was conducted between January 2017 and September 2019. Results: Only 15% of the pharmacists have ever attended a training on PC. 72% believed PC provision was necessary to ensure pharmacotherapy safety. Only 63% of the pharmacists believed that preventing and solving health-related and drug therapy problems for patients were their responsibilities. The main reason for non-provision of PC by the pharmacists was the lack of time for such activities, lack of legal regulations, lack of organizational facilities. Conclusion: This study indicates that implementation of PC is expected in Poland. Educational programs in this respect are urgently needed. PC provision should be included in the curricula of academic pharmaceutical courses.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the smartphone-based electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings aimed at AF screening at Polish pharmacies. Methods: Prospective AF screening among patients aged ≥65 years was conducted at 10 pharmacies using Kardia Mobile with a dedicated application (Kardia app). Prior AF was a study exclusion criterion. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack, female sex, and vascular disease) has been collected from every patient. A single-lead ECG has been acquired by the placement of fingers from each hand on the pads. Kardia app diagnosis has been evaluated by the cardiologist. Results: A total of 525 ECGs were performed. Kardia app diagnosis was provided in 490 cases. In 437 (89.18%) cases, it was “normal” rhythm, in 17 (3.47%) recordings “possible AF,” in 23 (4.69%) ECGs “unreadable,” and in 13 (2.65%) “unclassified”. After the cardiologist reevaluation, the new AF was identified in 7 (1.33%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of Kardia app in detecting AF was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.5%-100%) and 98.7% (95% CI: 97.3%-99.5%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 64.7% (95% CI: 38.3%-85.7%) and the negative predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 99.2%-100%). CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 2.14 ± 0.69 for those with new AF and 3.33 ± 1.26 in the non-AF group. Conclusion: Kardia app is capable of fast screening and detecting AF with high sensitivity and specificity. The possible diagnosis of AF deserves additional cardiological evaluation. The results obtained in patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and “silent” AF confirm the importance of routine AF screening. Cardiovascular screening with the use of mobile health technology is feasible at pharmacies.

Introduction: The cosmetics industry is one of the most dynamically developing sectors globally, and Europe has the largest share of that market. In Poland, the cosmetics industry is one of the most significant economic segments. Currently, natural cosmetics remain a strongly developing sector of the cosmetics industry. The increasing self-awareness of consumers and the omnipresent trend of being “eco” influence the increased interest in natural cosmetics. The development of the natural cosmetics market is confirmed by the increasing production and growing willingness of consumers to purchase this type of product. Purpose: The study analysed the purchase frequency and the type of cosmetic products consumers choose. The most recognised natural cosmetics brands and certificates confirming their naturalness were also analysed. Additionally, the purchase preferences of consumers choosing natural cosmetics and those not in this category were examined. The focus was on factors affecting the choice of different cosmetic products. Methods: The study was conducted as an anonymous survey of 24 questions (19 single-choice and five multiple-choice questions). Volunteers participated in the study regardless of gender, age, occupation, or income. The survey questionnaires were conducted using Google Forms through a shared link. The study was carried out from October 12, 2021, to January 6, 2022. A total of 807 surveys were collected, and the analysis included 807 completed forms that met the criteria for proper completion. The statistical analysis was performed based on the Pearson Chi² coefficient with a significance level of p< 0.05. Results: The results obtained in the study indicate that the natural cosmetics market is intensively developing, mainly because of consumers’ increasing self-awareness and deepening knowledge of cosmetics. Moreover, the demand for natural cosmetics in Poland will continue to develop steadily in the coming years. Currently, the quality of a cosmetic is more important to consumers than its price. Internet sales channels are developing intensively, and Influencers and recommendations of products by friends and family are the most effective way of promotion. Conclusion: Significant changes in consumer attitudes toward the cosmetics market (after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak) have been observed. From the manufacturers’ perspective, it is advised to closely follow market trends and adapt to consumers’ changing preferences and requirements. An adequate solution is to popularise and develop the segment of natural cosmetics using various forms of promotion and distribution of products. Further research is recommended to confirm the results regarding the significance of the fast-growing natural cosmetics market in Poland and other countries.

Background: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is a component of the intercellular matrix of the dermis and is often used as a raw material in cosmetology. This substance was isolated for the first time in the first half of the twentieth century, while cosmetology treatments and aesthetic medicine have been developing rapidly and gaining popularity. The same applies to companies producing cosmetic care products which contain hyaluronic acid. This is related to the growing desire of the society to improve the quality of the skin and maintain its vitality and firmness.Aims: The study investigates different directions and possibilities of using hyaluronic acid in cosmetology. Moreover, the paper describes possible side effects observed after hyaluronic acid injections.Patients/Methods: The study was based on an anonymous questionnaire conducted between October 10, 2021, and February 21, 2022. 513 responses were collected.Results: The awareness and level of knowledge in this field of cosmetology among potential beauty salon clients are on the rise. Hyaluronic acid is used in injections, as well as in care cosmetics, oral and vaginal preparations. Various areas of the face are injected, most often the lips. Face creams are among the most frequently purchased skincare products.Conclusions: The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology is multidirectional. It is mainly focused on skincare and specific anti‐aging activities. Treatments of this type help preserve the skin's vitality, which translates into an improved quality of life due to the satisfaction of the need for attractiveness.