1
|
Shukar S, Shahid MH, Zhang J, Din SM, Khan FU, Fang Y, Yang C. Pharmacists' approach to oncology medicine shortages: results of a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070634. [PMID: 37723107 PMCID: PMC10510916 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study estimated the shortages of oncology medicines in Pakistan, their causes, impacts, mitigation strategies, and possible interventions. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Oncology pharmacists working at 43 oncology settings (out of 80) from five regions of Pakistan (four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan) and one federal territory (Islamabad)) were approached. PARTICIPANTS Oncology pharmacists with more than 1 year of experience were selected using stratified random sampling, and data were collected using a questionnaire from September 2021 to January 2022. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES To estimate the prevalence of oncology medicine shortages in Pakistan and establish recommendations to overcome them. RESULTS Of 167 responded pharmacists, 87% experienced shortages in their practice. Most respondents (50%) experienced both oncology and support agent shortages. It was a current problem in hospitals (58%) and increased with time, but the situation varied across regions (p=0.007). Mainly shortages occur half-yearly (p=0.001) and last for <3 months. Injectable (56.8%) and branded drugs (44.9%) were short. The most frequently mentioned drugs affected by shortages were etoposide, paclitaxel, dacarbazine, bleomycin and carboplatin. Usually, distributors (51.5%) notify the pharmacists about the shortages, and federal agencies (36%) are responsible for these shortages. Distributors (53.4%) were the main source of supply, and shortages were encountered by them as well. The impacts included delayed care (25%) and suboptimal outcomes (23%) on patients, extra time (32%) for staff, prioritisation issues (31%) for pharmacists, delayed clinical trials (60.5%) and increased drugs prices (52.1%). Some hospitals have reporting systems (39.5%) and recording (29.3%) drug shortages. The shortages were managed using available alternative options (21%) and redistributing (21%) the currently available stock. CONCLUSION Pakistan's healthcare system is affected by oncology medicine shortages. The government should establish a cancer registry and drug shortage platform, revise drug prescribing/pricing policies and practice penalties for breaching regulations. Oncology medicines must be widely available to avoid the grey market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shayan Muhammad Din
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, National Hospital and Medical Center, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ullah Khan
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
AlRuthia Y, Mohammed Almutiri N, Musa Almutairi R, Almohammed O, Alhamdan H, Ali El-Haddad S, Abdu Asiri Y. Local causes of essential medicines shortages from the perspective of supply chain professionals in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:948-954. [PMID: 37234344 PMCID: PMC10205776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global supply chains of essential medicines faced frequent disruptions over the past five years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different causes of prescription drug supply interruptions have been identified in Saudi Arabia. However, studies have yet to explore the views of pharmaceutical supply chain personnel regarding the causes of these interruptions. Therefore, this study aimed to survey individuals working in the pharmaceutical supply chains about their views on the observed interruptions in the supply of some essential drugs. Methods This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The 10-item questionnaire was created based on the findings of previously published research that investigated the root causes of essential drug shortages and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chains of essential drugs in Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling was used to identify individuals with at least one year of experience in the area of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and the data collection occurred between April 19th, 2022 and October 23rd, 2022. In addition, descriptive statistics (e.g., frequencies and percentages) were conducted to present the views of the respondents. Results Seventy-nine pharmaceutical supply chain specialists accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaire. About two-thirds (69.62%) of the respondents reported that centralized pharmaceutical procurement negatively affected the supply chain of essential drugs. Procurement of unregistered medications by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), as well as generic drugs with a history of recalls, and failure to supply requested quantities were the three most commonly reported reasons behind the observed interruptions in the supply of some essential drugs according to those respondents with a negative view of the centralized procurement. Furthermore, failure of pharmaceutical companies to inform SFDA of potential drug shortages, manufacturing issues, poor demand forecasting, unpredictable increase in demand, and low prices of essential drugs were also believed to be behind the observed interruptions in the supply of some essential medicines. Conclusion The majority of surveyed pharmaceutical supply chain professionals held negative views about the role of centralized pharmaceutical procurement in exacerbating the issues with essential medicines supply chain. Future research should examine different strategies to improve purchasing and procurement practices in Saudi Arabia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Mohammed Almutiri
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghdah Musa Almutairi
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Almohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Alhamdan
- Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sobhi Ali El-Haddad
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousif Abdu Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
AL-Shammary AA, Hassan SUN, Alshammari FS, Alshammari MRR. A mixed-method analysis to identify the current focus, trends, and gaps in health science research in Saudi Arabia. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1028361. [PMID: 36711418 PMCID: PMC9880175 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1028361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of current gaps in high-impact medical research in Saudi Arabia has international significance due to the trend of collaborative research in the field of health and medicine and the focus on knowledge-sharing. The purpose of this study is to assess the current focus, gaps, and priorities in health research in Saudi Arabia. Methods We employed a mixed-method research approach to achieve research objectives. (1) a systematic review of scientific research studies that are published between January 2020 to January 2022 in the top fifty Q1 medical science journals (2) a cross-sectional survey collected data from professionals employed in various organizations including the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education (MoE), health organizations and universities, and the health industry. The close-ended survey questions inquired about the broad and specific areas of ongoing health research projects by these researchers and organizations in Saudi Arabia. Results The literature search on databases identified Science Direct (n = 741), Pub Med (n = 244) and Google Scholar (n = 15,600). After screening, (n = 26) original studies were selected for detailed evaluation and synthesis. Among these (n = 7) studied infectious diseases, (n = 7) cancer, and cardiac disease (n = 5). These studies focused on the etiology, treatment management and therapy outcomes of these health conditions. The survey was completed by (n = 384) respondents from these organizations. Most of the ongoing research projects focus on clinical sciences (27%) followed by basic sciences (24%) and public health research (24%) and a limited number of researchers were involved in healthcare management (2%) and informatics (2%). Most research focused on kidney and liver disorders (80%), obesity (74%), diabetes (74%), hormonal diseases (64%), and infectious disease (66%); it is equally important to design and fund research in some of the neglected areas including reproductive health (3%), physical and mental disabilities (1%). Conclusion Findings suggest that current gaps in original research from Saudi Arabia are in healthcare service quality, reproductive health, physical and mental disabilities and health informatics. Researchers and funding agencies and international collaborative projects should prioritize these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sehar un-Nisa Hassan
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Sehar un-Nisa Hassan ✉
| | - Fahad Saud Alshammari
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Modi Rataan Rifai Alshammari
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shukar S, Zahoor F, Omer S, Awan SE, Yang C, Fang Y. Experience of Pharmacists with Anti-Cancer Medicine Shortages in Pakistan: Results of a Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16373. [PMID: 36498446 PMCID: PMC9740989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the current situation of anti-cancer drug shortages in Pakistan, namely its determinants, impacts, adopted mitigation strategies, and proposed solutions. Qualitative semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 pharmacists in oncology hospitals in Pakistan from August to October 2021. Data were collected in person and online, recorded, and subjected to inductive thematic analysis after being transcribed verbatim. Most participants experienced anti-cancer drug shortages that increased during the pandemic. Etoposide, paclitaxel, vincristine, dacarbazine, and methotrexate were frequently short. Important causes included the compromised role of regulatory authorities, lack of local production, and inventory mismanagement. The impacts were delayed/suboptimal treatment and out-of-pocket costs for patients, patients' prioritization, increased workload, negative work environment, and patients' trust issues for pharmacists. The participants proposed that a cautious regulator's role is needed to revise policies for all stakeholders and support all stakeholders financially at their level to increase access to these medicines. Based on the outcomes, it is clear that anti-cancer medicine shortages are a current issue in Pakistan. Governmental authorities need to play a role in revising policies for all levels of the drug supply chain and promoting local production of these drugs. Stakeholders should also collaborate and manage inventory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Fatima Zahoor
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sumaira Omer
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Sundas Ejaz Awan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shukar S, Yang C, Khan SA, Bhutta OA. Anti-cancer medicine shortages in an oncology tertiary hospital of Pakistan: A five-year retrospective study. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022:10781552221114278. [PMID: 35837718 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221114278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anti-cancer medicine shortages are advancing challenges for patients and hospitals. This study aims to evaluate anti-cancer and supportive medicine shortages in a tertiary hospital in Pakistan and propose solutions. METHOD A retrospective observational research was performed in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from 2016 to 2020. Data was retrieved from the hospital database using a questionnaire regarding short medicines' generic name, brand, dosage, source, total source, frequency, causes, impact, management, and analyzed by Microsoft Excel 2013. RESULTS Between January 2016 and December 2020, 43 individual medicine shortages were observed, with an average of 8.6 shortages per year. There were shortages of 22 medicines, including 8 anti-cancer (36.4%) and 14 supportive agents (63.6%). Total shortage days were 27,100, with an average of 1232 days (SD 757) per medicine. Supportive medicines' shortages were frequent, but oncology agents' shortages were constant. The most affected dosage form was injection. Cardiovascular drugs and alkylating agents were the most affected class in supportive and anti-cancer medicines, respectively. The use of "alternative medicine" and "patient needs based importation" were the most common mitigation strategies. CONCLUSION Shortages of oncology medicines are challenging in Pakistan. The most prominent causes are the lack of updated governmental regulations, registration, and import issues. The tertiary care hospital has very few sources of supply, so it imports these drugs on a need basis to manage the shortages. But it is still concerning because of the huge financial burden on patients and institutions due to expensive import, and therapy become delayed as the import process takes time. Moreover, the most affected drug class was alkylating agents, and dosage was both injectable and oral medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shahbaz Ahmad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital & Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Omar Akhlaq Bhutta
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital & Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Al-Harithy FM, Wazqar DY. Factors associated with self-management practices and self-efficacy among adults with cancer under treatment in Saudi Arabia. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:3301-3313. [PMID: 33963631 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To discover the current state of self-management practices and levels of self-efficacy among adults with cancer under treatment in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, and to identify their associated factors. BACKGROUND The prevalence of cancer and cancer treatment-related problems is increasing in Saudi Arabia. However, effective cancer care programmes are not provided in this country. DESIGN Cross-sectional correlational study. METHODS This study was conducted with a convenience sample of 130 adults with cancer under treatment from May 2020-August 2020 at the largest tertiary care hospital providing cancer care in the western region, Saudi Arabia. The study methods were compliant with the STROBE checklist. Data were collected by Self-Care Inventory, Strategies Used by People to Promote Health, and sociodemographic and clinical surveys. Descriptive statistics and stepwise linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS The total score for self-management practices was 84.38 (SD = 13.66) and self-efficacy, as a strong associated factor of self-management, earned a total score of 104.24 (SD = 15.87). Stepwise regression analysis identified self-efficacy, age and education level as important associated variables, explaining 57.6% of the total variance in self-management practices. Significant effects of age, gender, marital status and duration of cancer on patients' self-efficacy were also found. CONCLUSIONS The levels of self-management practices and self-efficacy to manage cancer treatment-related problems demonstrated by patients with cancer in this study were rated as a medium. Self-efficacy, age and education level were the significant factors associated with self-management practices of patients in Saudi Arabia. Age, gender, marital status and duration of cancer were identified as associated factors of self-efficacy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Enhancing patient's adherence to self-management practices and increase patient's self-efficacy through adopting educational intervention programmes, considering patient's sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, and continuous patient education must be taken into consideration in the cancer management plan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhuha Youssef Wazqar
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aljadeed R, AlRuthia Y, Balkhi B, Sales I, Alwhaibi M, Almohammed O, Alotaibi AJ, Alrumaih AM, Asiri Y. The Impact of COVID-19 on Essential Medicines and Personal Protective Equipment Availability and Prices in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:290. [PMID: 33800012 PMCID: PMC8001971 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the availability of essential medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) in Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit individuals working in the supply chain departments in different healthcare sectors in Saudi Arabia. One hundred and three pharmaceutical and medical supply chain employees participated in the study. Most of the participants (58.3%) were aged ≥35 years, male (65%), and pharmacists (92.2%). The majority of participants had at least two years of experience in supply chain (77.6%), worked in public hospitals (95.15%), and were mostly working at healthcare institutions located in Riyadh province (59.2%). Approximately 51% of the participants reported shortages of 10 or more essential drugs. Tocilizumab, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, dexamethasone, enoxaparin, interferon beta-1b, cisatracurium besylate, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, methimazole, and methylprednisolone were reported to be in shortage by at least 8% of the participants. Almost 70% of the participants reported that the pandemic did not significantly impact the prices of prescription drugs in shortage (e.g., ≥25%). Moreover, about 70% of the participants reported direct purchasing or procurement of drugs in shortage. Surgical masks, face shields, medical gowns, and N95 respirators were reported to be in short supply by 33% or more of the participants. Approximately 53% of the participants reported the prices of PPE in shortage had seen an increase by at least 25% during the pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant disruption in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, its impact was largely manageable in Saudi healthcare institutions. This can be attributable to multiple reasons such as the effective exchange programs between hospitals and the drastic increase in public healthcare spending to ameliorate the negative impact of the pandemic on the healthcare sector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Aljadeed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
| | - Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bander Balkhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Sales
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
| | - Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
| | - Omar Almohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz J. Alotaibi
- Saudi Medical Supply Chain Assembly, Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ali M. Alrumaih
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, Medical Services for Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yousif Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (B.B.); (I.S.); (M.A.); (O.A.); (Y.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alhammad AM, Alkhudair N, Alzaidi R, Almosabhi LS, Aljawadi MH. Assessing the impact of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on patients' quality of life: An Arabic version of the Functional Living Index-Emesis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:535-541. [PMID: 33645326 DOI: 10.1177/1078155221998447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is a serious complication of cancer treatment that compromises patients' quality of life and treatment adherence, which necessitates regular assessment. Therefore, there is a need to assess patient-reported nausea and vomiting using a validated scale among Arabic speaking cancer patient population. The objective of this study was to translate and validate the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE) instrument in Arabic, a patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the influence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on patients' quality of life. METHODS Linguistic validation of an Arabic-language version was performed. The instrument was administered to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital's cancer center in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS One-hundred cancer patients who received chemotherapy were enrolled. The participants' mean age was 53.3 ± 14.9 years, and 50% were female. Half of the participants had a history of nausea and vomiting with previous chemotherapy. The Cronbach coefficient alpha for the FLIE was 0.9606 and 0.9736 for nausea and vomiting domains, respectively, which indicated an excellent reliability for the Arabic FLIE. The mean FLIE score was 110.9 ± 23.5, indicating no or minimal impact on daily life (NIDL). CONCLUSIONS The Arabic FLIE is a valid and reliable tool among the Arabic-speaking cancer population. Thus, the Arabic version of the FLIE will be a useful tool to assess the quality of life among Arabic speaking patients receiving chemotherapy. Additionally, the translated instrument will be a useful tool for future research studies to explore new antiemetic treatments among cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M Alhammad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacy Services, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacy Services, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Alzaidi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Latifa S Almosabhi
- Department of Pharmacy Services, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
AlAzmi AA, AlNajjar F, AlShomrani M. Coping with the residency program during COVID-19: Hematology oncology pharmacy residents' perspective. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2020; 26:1942-1946. [PMID: 33131451 DOI: 10.1177/1078155220970628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in all governmental activities in Saudi Arabia including training and teaching, with the majority of such activities suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to share the challenges that Hematology Oncology Pharmacy (HOP) residents faced during the quarantine period and provide recommendations on how to cope with the residency journey. METHOD We followed a qualitative methodological approach in March 2020 using a structured virtual group discussion for data generation. RESULTS All six PGY2 hematology oncology pharmacy (HOP) residents were included in the group discussion. The group agreed that the need for HOP services during this pandemic is beyond the scope of oncology pharmacists' normal daily practice. The group recognized two fundamental points. First, the goal of the current training should be customized to the most pressing need and recognized at the national level. Second, the current training system should be improved to ensure efficient use of current resources. On this basis, the group developed six main recommendations for action. CONCLUSION The current situation is a challenge for all healthcare providers, and the majority of the nation's current generation never dealt with such a situation in days gone by. This paper presents the challenges that should be addressed at the national level and provide a fundamental consensus recommendation for practical approaches to maximize learning and minimize disruption to trainees' progression while maintaining patient-pharmacy quality of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aeshah A AlAzmi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Pharmaceutical Care Services Department, Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad AlNajjar
- Pharmaceutical Care Services Department, Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed AlShomrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Oncology Society, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|