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Alfian SD, Rendrayani F, Khoiry QA, Pratama MA, Griselda M, Pradipta IS, Nursiswati N, Abdulah R. Do pharmacists counsel customers on the disposal of unused or expired household medications? A national survey among 1,596 pharmacists in Indonesia. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102020. [PMID: 38525264 PMCID: PMC10960135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists play a vital role in counseling customers on proper medication disposal, yet their consistency in providing such information is often lacking. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' awareness of appropriate disposal practices for unused and expired household medications. Additional objectives included evaluating whether pharmacists offer disposal information during counseling, measuring their willingness to receive medication waste from the public, and identifying associated factors. Methods A national cross-sectional online survey employing convenience sampling was conducted among pharmacists working in hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, or community health centers (CHCs) in Indonesia, using a validated questionnaire to assess awareness, information provision, and willingness to receive medications for disposal. Binary logistic regression, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and odds ratios (OR), explored potential associations between factors and outcomes. Results This study involved 1,596 pharmacists across 37 Indonesian provinces. Most pharmacists were women (80.4 %), aged 31-40 years (49.3 %), with a pharmacist professional background (93.8 %), working in CHCs (41.2 %), and practicing for 1-5 years (51.0 %). More than half were unaware of guidelines for returning medications to health facilities. While 69.9 % never counseled customers on disposal practices, 64.9 % expressed willingness to receive unused and expired medication from the public. Pharmacists practicing for at least six years were more likely to provide disposal information during counseling (OR: 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.44-4.47). Conversely, those in clinics (OR: 2.16; 95 % CI: 1.29-3.62), CHCs (OR: 2.07; 95 % CI: 1.45-2.95), or hospitals (OR: 2.00; 95 % CI: 1.27-3.14) were more likely to be unwilling to receive expired and unused household medication. Conclusions The study reveals that most pharmacists, particularly those with limited practice duration, lacked awareness regarding the importance of proper medication disposal and did not provide counseling on appropriate medication disposal to patients. To address this issue, there is a pressing need for intensified education intensified education at the undergraduate level, continuous training for pharmacists, and a clear policy and practical guidelines, particularly targeting pharmacists in clinics, CHCs, and hospitals, to facilitate the acceptance of unused and expired household medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofa D. Alfian
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Center for Health Technology Assessment, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Farida Rendrayani
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Qisty A. Khoiry
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad A.A. Pratama
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Meliana Griselda
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Ivan Surya Pradipta
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | | | - Rizky Abdulah
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
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Sendekie AK, Tesfaye AH, Tadesse YB, Dagnaw AD, Belachew EA. Actual practices of community pharmacists in the management of diabetes: a comparison of simulated patient-based study with perceived role of involvement. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2326381. [PMID: 38562557 PMCID: PMC10984231 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2326381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study evaluated the level of community pharmacy professionals' (CPPs) actual practices and contrasted it with their self-reported perceived involvement in diabetes management. Methods A self-reported cross-sectional and simulated patient (SP)-based study were employed at community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in Northwest Ethiopia. SP-case scenarios were used to examine the actual practices of CPPs in diabetes management and were compared with self-reported perceived involvement. The data were managed and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results About 184 participants in the self-reported and 100 CPPs' actual practices using three SP visits were included. The overall actual practice (17.8%) was found to be significantly different compared with the perceived level of involvement (73.5%) (p-value <0.05). About 94.3% of CPPs dispensed requested medications to the SP without a prescription. Despite most participants being perceived to be involved, more than 76% of CPPs did not counsel the SP for lifestyle modifications, avoiding risky behaviours, adherence to treatment, routine blood glucose checkups, diabetic foot care techniques, or consultation with physicians for further management. Conclusion A significant discrepancy between actual practices and perceived CPPs' involvement in the management of diabetes was observed. The findings may suggest that exploring possible gaps may be crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amensisa Hailu Tesfaye
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yabibal Berie Tadesse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Dessie Dagnaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eyayaw Ashete Belachew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Cuchet I, Dambrun M, Bedhomme S, Savanovitch C, Roussel HV, Maneval A. The roles of French community pharmacists in palliative home care. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38519944 PMCID: PMC10960433 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01406-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization identifies pharmacists as a key resource in palliative care. However, the roles of these professionals in end-of-life care at home remain poorly understood, and community pharmacists themselves sometimes struggle to recognize their true role in this care. The aim of our study was to analyze community pharmacists' representations of their roles in palliative care at home in France. METHODS The methodology was qualitative and based on semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists (n = 26). The analysis of the interviews was carried out using a qualitative content approach with thematic and lexical analysis. RESULTS Three main elements of the community pharmacist's role were identified: drug expertise, care management, and psychosocial support for patients and their families. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a wide variety of roles adopted by French community pharmacists in palliative care at home. Some of these roles, which are in line with WHO recommendations on palliative care, have been little described to date. These roles of community pharmacists in home-based palliative care could be better recognized, and the players better integrated into end-of-life care systems at home, in order to improve such care. TRIAL REGISTRATION This work was carried out within the framework of a call for projects from the Fondation de France and has received the approval of the University Clermont Auvergne Research Ethics Committee (no. IRB00011540-2021-60).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Cuchet
- Laboratory of Social and Cognitive Psychology (LAPSCO) (LAPSCO), UMR CNRS 6024, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France.
- UR ACCePPT, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France.
| | - Michael Dambrun
- Laboratory of Social and Cognitive Psychology (LAPSCO) (LAPSCO), UMR CNRS 6024, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
| | - Sabrina Bedhomme
- UR ACCePPT, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
| | | | | | - Axelle Maneval
- UR ACCePPT, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Palliative Care Unit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Shen B, Chen Y, Wu Y, Lan Y, He X, Wang N, Liu J, Yu Y. Development and effectiveness of a BOPPPS teaching model-based workshop for community pharmacists training. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:293. [PMID: 38491397 PMCID: PMC10943807 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM With the pharmaceutical innovation and clinical knowledge updating, the continuing education and on-the-job training are extremely important for improving community pharmacists' professional competence. Previous training often adopted traditional lecture-based teaching, and the efficacy was limited. The aim of this study is to develop a new strategy for community pharmacist training. METHODS Based on the BOPPPS (Bridge-in, Objective, Pre-assessment, Participatory Learning, Post-assessment and Summary) teaching model and workshop method, a continuing on-the-job training program was constructed. Participates were randomly and evenly divided into two groups by random number table method. Twenty-four community pharmacists in total completed all training contents and evaluation components in this study. Twelve pharmacists in experimental group were trained via this new BOPPPS-based workshop, while others still adopted traditional didactic lecture-based approaches. RESULTS After training, quantitative examination combined with clinical pharmacy practice tests were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of two training groups. For written exam, the total scores from the BOPPPS-based workshop group (82.67 ± 4.70) was higher than that of traditional lectured-base group (73.75 ± 6.15) (P < 0.001). Encouragingly, compared with the results of practical ability assessment from traditional training group (71.75 ± 4.75), the pharmacists receiving BOPPPS-based workshop training presented more excellent performance (78.25 ± 5.03), which displayed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). In addition, an anonymous questionnaire was used to survey trainees' feelings after completing this continuing education program. The results revealed that the BOPPPS-based workshop can bring a better learning experience than traditional lecture-based training, and the percentages of positive response to each item were more than 91.7%. CONCLUSIONS Through multi-dimensional evaluation, it was suggested that our BOPPPS-based workshop achieved desired training effects. Moreover, our research also demonstrated that this strategy had advantages of stimulating inspiration, autonomous learning, team-work spirit and pharmacy practice improvement. It may provide a reference of innovative training method for community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzheng Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yating Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqin He
- Teaching Affair Office, The First Clinical College, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Wang
- Teaching Affair Office, The First Clinical College, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Health Service Center, Xianghe Community, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Alzubaidi H, Saidawi W, Goldstone L, Saddik B, Abduelkarem AR, Abu-Gharbieh E, Alzoubi KH, Samorinha C. A roadmap beyond dispensing for educating and training community pharmacists on key mental health competencies: A mixed-methods national study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024:S1551-7411(24)00087-1. [PMID: 38503576 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Including pharmacists in collaborative mental healthcare models has yielded positive results. Establishing processes to enhance pharmacists' mental health care capabilities is crucial for addressing the increasing burden and improving access to mental health services. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated community pharmacists' mental health competencies and analyzed associated factors using a rigorous international framework. Additionally, it sought to identify pharmacists' training needs and support requirements as the first stop in creating a roadmap for enhancing mental healthcare through community pharmacies. METHODS A large-scale national study employing a mixed-methods approach was conducted with community pharmacists in United Arab Emirates. Semi-structured individual interviews and a cross-sectional survey were conducted. Pharmacists' core competencies were assessed using the Core Mental Health Competencies Framework for all Pharmacy Professionals. Generalized linear models were utilized to identify predictors of pharmacists' competency levels. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS In total 650 community pharmacists completed the survey (93.7% response rate). Eight pharmacists participated in semi-structured interviews. Nearly two-thirds (63.7%) received general communication skills training, while training in motivational interviewing (44.7%), shared decision-making (37.2%), and mental illness stereotyping/stigma (23.9%) were less common. Pharmacists reported lower perceived competence in their relationship with multidisciplinary teams (M = 3.02, SD = 0.89), stigma recognition (M = 3.02, SD = 1.04), and identifying mental health crises and aiding in the person's safety (M = 3.01, SD = 1.05). Poor communication skills (p < 0.001) and working in pharmacies that do not stock psychotropic medications (p = 0.023) were associated with lower perceived competence. Qualitative analysis identified training needs in various domains, including attitudes, values, and beliefs about mental health; relationships with multidisciplinary teams; communication skills; pharmaceutical knowledge; and personal and service development. CONCLUSIONS Mental health-related training is needed for community pharmacists. Addressing these needs through an intentional roadmap approach will enable pharmacists to better engage with patients with mental illness and increase access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Alzubaidi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, University City Road, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Warrnambool, Victoria 3216, Australia.
| | - Ward Saidawi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Lisa Goldstone
- USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States.
| | - Basema Saddik
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Family and Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Australia, Australia.
| | - Abduelmula R Abduelkarem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, University City Road, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, University City Road, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Catarina Samorinha
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, University City, PO Box, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Koni AA, Qashoa H, Musa AA, Masri M, Hazem W, Taha S, Daifallah A, Al-Jabi SW, Abushanab AS, Zyoud SH. Knowledge and practice of community pharmacists regarding the safety of drugs during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study from a developing country. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:189. [PMID: 38468217 PMCID: PMC10926555 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06393-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use during pregnancy can cause unfavorable fetal and maternal outcomes. Information sharing is essential for pharmacists' role within intricate, modern healthcare systems. Community pharmacists (CPs) have demonstrated unsatisfactory knowledge across various pharmacological domains in most developing countries. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and practices of CPs regarding medications and herb safety during pregnancy. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a developing country using a self-administered questionnaire. A sample of CPs working in the northern governorates of the West Bank was selected by convenience sampling. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, practices and knowledge. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 207 questionnaires were completed. Most respondents had only a bachelor's degree (89.9%) but did not participate in continuous professional development (CPD) (71.0%). Almost one-third of the CP workload involved dispensing drugs to pregnant women. The majority of the participants reported that they inquire about pregnancy status (59.9%), refer to scientific sources (82.6%), and contact a prescribing physician (51.2%) in cases of uncertainty. A higher knowledge score was associated with receiving a master's degree and CPD programs. Most CPs identified folic acid, paracetamol and amoxicillin as safe, while tetracycline, isotretinoin, enalapril, pseudoephedrine and ibuprofen were among the drugs mostly reported as unsafe. Castor oil, Senna, St. John's wort and ginseng were the most frequently reported herbs as unsafe. CONCLUSIONS Despite the gaps in knowledge about herb pharmacology, CPs demonstrated acceptable knowledge and practice regarding drug safety during pregnancy. CPD is recommended for addressing gaps in knowledge and practice. Future research evaluating knowledge and practice may benefit from developing a specific, accurate, validated instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer A Koni
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Hematology and Oncology, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Hamzah Qashoa
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Abeer Abo Musa
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Maen Masri
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Walaa Hazem
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Sari Taha
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Aiman Daifallah
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Samah W Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Amani S Abushanab
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An- Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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Kato Y, Sekiya T, Ishii R, Hirako Y, Satoh H, Kimura H. Development of a quality of work life scale for Japanese community pharmacists: a questionnaire survey mostly in large companies. J Pharm Health Care Sci 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38468361 PMCID: PMC10926542 DOI: 10.1186/s40780-024-00335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human resource management may become complex for community pharmacists owing to recent changes in work volume and content. Few studies have examined job satisfaction, well-being, and quality of work life (QWL) among community pharmacists in Japan. This study focused on QWL, a more comprehensive concept than job satisfaction, and aimed to develop the QWL questionnaire for Japanese community pharmacists (the QWLQ for JCP) and assess its reliability and validity. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2027 pharmacists who worked in pharmacies with the cooperation of 20 corporations running pharmacies. Collected data were subjected to principal component factor analysis with Promax rotation via SPSS Windows version 28. RESULTS The factor analysis used data from 1966 pharmacists. In total, five significant components, which formed the basis of the QWLQ for JCP, were identified. These included "Influence of work on mind and body," "Relationships with colleagues," "Relationship with the boss," "Meaning of existence in the workplace," and "Pride in work." Cronbach's alpha, which expressed reliability, ranged from 0.585 to 0.854 for all the subscales. CONCLUSION The QWLQ for the JCP significantly explained the concept of QWL, which indicated that its validity was sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kato
- Department of Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo, 7-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Takashi Sekiya
- Department of Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo, 7-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryo Ishii
- Nippon Pharmacy Association, 3-12-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoji Hirako
- Nippon Pharmacy Association, 3-12-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Satoh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Kimura
- Department of Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo, 7-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Naja F, Abbas N, Khaleel S, Zeb F, Osaili TAH, Obaid RS, Faris M, Radwan H, Ismail LC, Hassan H, Hashim M, AlZubaidi H. Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:107. [PMID: 38418995 PMCID: PMC10902973 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample. METHODS Using a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants' answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS 373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O.Box 110236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharfa Khaleel
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Falak Zeb
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq A H Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haydar Hassan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamzah AlZubaidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Warrnambool, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Khardali A. Exploring the knowledge, perception, and practice of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia toward pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting. A nationwide survey. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4819. [PMID: 38413787 PMCID: PMC10899240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the significant worldwide health problems associated with pharmacovigilance is the under-reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Reporting suspected ADRs is essential to ensure patient safety, medicine safety, and healthcare quality. The new policy in Saudi Arabia emphasizes pharmacists taking a new clinical role, which may facilitate and improve the documentation of ADRs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of community pharmacists towards the ADRs and their reporting practice in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study using a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to community pharmacists working in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify the association between perceptions and ADR reporting practices. A P value < of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A response rate of 43% (n = 163) was achieved, of whom 55.2% demonstrated knowledge of PV. Only 16% of community pharmacists were aware of the responsible center for monitoring and collecting ADRs in Saudi Arabia. The key facilitator was offering incentives to pharmacists, and the lack of time was found to be a key barrier among reporter community pharmacists. Positive attitudes toward pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting were expressed by community pharmacists. The findings of this study emphasize the further need for education and training programs and simplifying the ADR reporting process used in Saudi Arabia to enhance the reporting practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Khardali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jizan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jizan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
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Vigneshwaran E, AlShahrani SM, Alanzi AR, Mohammad AAS, Sadiq MMJ, Khan NA, Alavudeen SS. Comparing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion between community and hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101890. [PMID: 38192383 PMCID: PMC10772382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Saudi Arabia is one of the leading nations in the world in terms of the high frequency of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors. Knowledge and awareness are crucial for pharmacists to play an active role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The current study assessed the pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practice to determine the potential differences with respect to their respective practice settings toward CVD prevention and related health promotions. Methods It is a cross-sectional study targeted the registered pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was prepared, and the link was circulated through various social media platforms. Descriptive statistics, multivariate linear regression analysis and chi square test were used to analyze the data accordingly. Results A total of 324 pharmacists were included in the study. Among these, 157 (48.4 %) were community pharmacists, and the remaining were hospital pharmacists (51.6 %). No significant differences in knowledge scores were observed between community and hospital pharmacists. The mean attitude score among community and hospital pharmacists was found to be 26.40 ± 5.125 and 25.09 ± 5.393 respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.026). Similarly, the total practice scores across the settings were statistically significant (p = 0.02). Gender plays a significant role in terms of knowledge scores among both community and hospital pharmacists (p = 0.016 & 0.029). Gender, professional practice experience, and number of prescriptions handled and prescriptions with CVD medications showed significant differences in the distribution of positive attitudes and good practice frequency between community and hospital pharmacists. Conclusion It is evident that there is a deficiency in knowledge among hospital pharmacists compared to community pharmacists. Which indicates that there is a need for a rigorous continuous pharmacy education covering the fundamental aspects of CVD primary prevention and health promotion among pharmacists, given more focus on hospital pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easwaran Vigneshwaran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan M. AlShahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R. Alanzi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Noohu Abdulla Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Bin Said LN, Chyi LS, Anak Talin BA, Foo Khiong AL, Mohamad Rosli IAB, Pei Sze JL, Abdul Razak RB. Knowledge, Perception, and Practices on the Labelling of Dispensed Medicine among Community Pharmacists and General Practitioners in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:88-95. [PMID: 36872362 DOI: 10.2174/1574886318666230303141522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The labelling of dispensed medicines (LDM) ensures that optimum therapeutic treatment levels are achieved, and medication errors are prevented. In Malaysia, LDM is enforced under the Poisons Act 1952. OBJECTIVE To explore the knowledge, perception, and practices of community pharmacists (CP) and general practitioners (GP) on LDM. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 until March 2020 among CP and GP practising in Sarawak, Malaysia. Sample sizes were 90 and 150 for CP and GP, respectively. Proportionate stratified random sampling was employed. A self-administered structured questionnaire pre-tested and pilot-tested was used to explore knowledge and perception. Practices were assessed by having participants prepare dispensed medicine labels (DML) using simulated prescriptions. RESULTS 250 participants; 96 CP and 154 GP participated. While most of them perceived that they knew the requirements of LDM (n = 244; 97.6%), their median knowledge score was poor (57.1%). The mean knowledge score of CP (62.0%) was significantly higher (P = 0.002) than GP (51.0%). The majority of participants perceived that LDM is important (n = 237; 94.8%) and necessary (n = 239; 95.6%) and perceived that poor compliance with the requirements would lead to medication errors (n = 243; 97.2%). Although their knowledge was poor, their median practice score (100.0%) was excellent. There was no correlation between knowledge and perception with the practice of LDM. CONCLUSION The majority of CP and GP perceived that LDM is important. Interestingly, although their knowledge of the requirements of LDM was poor, their practices were sound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loo Shing Chyi
- Sarawak State Health Department, Sarawak Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, Kuching, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Low Pei Sze
- Sarawak State Health Department, Sarawak Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, Kuching, Malaysia
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Tadele S, Demissie BN, Tamiru MT, Tadesse TA. Knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists on vaccination, barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services in Ethiopia. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2291243. [PMID: 38111325 PMCID: PMC10732657 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2291243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists (CPs) on vaccination and assess the barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services (CPBVS) in Ethiopia. An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 CPs in Ethiopia, and questionnaires were distributed to CPs through the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association telegram group and e-mail invitations. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Most CPs (92%) had good knowledge of vaccination, and 43.5% strongly agreed that the population's immunization rates would rise if CPs were authorized to provide vaccinations. The overall mean attitude score (±SD) toward vaccination was 35.95 (±4.11) out of a total score of 45, with 187 (44.2%) scoring below the mean. The most common barriers were lack of authorization (94.1%), costs and time associated with professional development and training (71.4%), time requirements for professional development (70%), and insufficient staff or resources for implementation (70%). Two hundred thirty CPs (54.4%) expressed a willingness to implement CPBVS. Educational qualifications were significantly associated with knowledge of CPs regarding vaccination. Those with inadequate knowledge had about 2.5 times (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.31, p = .016) a poorer attitude toward vaccination services compared with those with adequate knowledge. Those study participants who had a good attitude toward vaccination services were nearly seven (AOR = 6.80, 95% CI: 4.36-10.59, p = .0001) times more willing to provide CPBVS when compared with their counterparts. Implementing CPBVS in Ethiopia requires overcoming barriers and providing professional development opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solome Tadele
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Negash Demissie
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Tileku Tamiru
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Assefa Tadesse
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Proesmans K, Van Vaerenbergh F, Lahousse L. The role of community pharmacists in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer: an evaluation of a Flemish skin cancer prevention campaign. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2490. [PMID: 38087215 PMCID: PMC10717840 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17429-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin cancer is a leading form of cancer in Belgium. Prevention of skin cancer by community pharmacists can play a role in increasing awareness and promoting sun protection. However, which persons could be reached by community pharmacists for skin cancer awareness in Belgium and whether this increased awareness is associated with increased sun protection and early detection remains unclear. METHODS Demographics of approached persons in Flemish community pharmacies during the months of May-June 2022 and the content of the skin cancer counseling were retrieved from the pharmacy database. Sunscreen purchases and dermatologist visits were evaluated up to 180 days after the skin cancer counseling. RESULTS Community pharmacists provided skin cancer counseling to a broad population of visitors (n = 822, 69% females, median age of 59 years Q1-Q3: 44-71 years). During the campaign, 822 visitors received a leaflet with skin cancer prevalence and sunscreen importance. On top of that, 335 visitors (41%) received additional counseling: skin type sensitivity was checked for 198 visitors (24%), typical characteristics of melanoma were discussed with 100 visitors (12%) and 37 visitors (5%) were referred to a physician for further information or concerns regarding a skin spot. Overall, one out of three visitors purchased sunscreen on the day of the counseling (33%, increasing up to 38% after 180 days). Among people under 20 years, this was even higher (51%). Additional counseling increased the likelihood of a dermatologist visit within 180 days (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.12-2.88). CONCLUSIONS By providing skin cancer counseling in Belgian community pharmacies, a broad range of citizens was reached and triggered to purchase sunscreen, often on the same day as the counseling. Notably, young people were likely to purchase sunscreen. Citizens receiving additional counseling were more likely to visit a dermatologist within 180 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiaan Proesmans
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bio-analysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Frauke Van Vaerenbergh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bio-analysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bio-analysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
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Nguyen TTX, Nguyen TTQ, Le LH, Dinh DX. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward emergency contraceptive pills among community pharmacists and pharmacy customers: A cross-sectional study in urban Vietnam. Contraception 2023; 128:110275. [PMID: 37657599 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate Vietnamese community pharmacists and pharmacy customers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). STUDY DESIGN We recruited 400 pharmacists and 396 customers via a nonprobability convenience sampling technique. We used univariate and multivariate linear regression models to determine factors associated with the knowledge and attitudes toward ECPs among pharmacists and customers. We selected variables in the multivariate models through the Bayesian Model Averaging method using R software (version 4.2.3). RESULTS In medicine outlets, levonorgestrel and mifepristone (ECPs) were highly available. The average knowledge scores on ECPs among pharmacists and customers were 9.98 ± 2.00 and 6.24 ± 2.33, respectively. Many pharmacists did not have adequate knowledge of ECPs' mechanism of action, dosage, and contraindications. Customers lacked knowledge about their legislation, effectiveness, and side effects. The attitudes toward ECPs among participants were relatively positive. Reliable information sources about ECPs (such as the package leaflet, courses, and books) played an essential role in increasing ECP knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.001). The availability of ECPs (p < 0.001), being educated (p < 0.01 and 0.01), and daily sales (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with pharmacists' knowledge/attitudes. Age, education level, marital status, and occupation were significantly associated with customers' knowledge. Participants' knowledge of was significantly associated with their attitude toward ECPs (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The knowledge of ECPs among pharmacists was relatively good, while that of customers was poor. There is a need to have policies and interventions to enhance the knowledge and attitudes toward ECPs for both pharmacists and customers. IMPLICATIONS Community pharmacies are ideal settings to dispense contraceptive methods, especially over-the-counter ECPs. Community pharmacists can help ensure the availability of ECPs in medicine outlets, increase women's access to ECPs, and counsel customers on up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge about these medications, thereby guaranteeing rational ECP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thi Xuan Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thi Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Ly Huong Le
- Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Dai Xuan Dinh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Management and Economics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Barakat HE, Aziz CN, Abougalambou SSI. Evaluation of the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of community pharmacists towards adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): a cross-sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:132. [PMID: 37915076 PMCID: PMC10621222 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used over-the-counter medications for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation. Gastrointestinal problems and renal complications are the most frequently observed adverse effects associated with NSAID usage. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the adverse effects of non-prescription NSAIDs among community pharmacists in Egypt. METHODS A 4-month cross-sectional survey, including licenced community pharmacists in Egypt, was conducted. The anonymous Google Forms survey was accompanied by a cover letter explaining its purpose. The survey link was sent to 2000 verified community pharmacist email addresses with clear instructions to complete and submit the questionnaire within 3 weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using IBM-SPSS version 26. The means of variables were compared using analysis of variance test. Pearson correlation was employed to assess the level of linear association between the overall knowledge, practice, and attitude scores. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Approximately 80% of community pharmacists in Egypt exhibit moderate-to-good knowledge regarding the adverse effects of NSAIDs. Additionally, 60.6% of them demonstrated a positive attitude and 80.9% showed moderate-to-good practice scores towards preventing such adverse effects. The education level was the only demographic factor with significant effects on the NSAIDs-related knowledge, practice, and attitude scores. Community pharmacists primarily rely on internet sources for knowledge updates. Additionally, there was a significant positive linear correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.384, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.178, P < 0.001), and between attitude and practice (r = 0.311, P < 0.001) among the participants. CONCLUSION Community pharmacists have a vital responsibility to perform screenings, assess patient risk elements, and share knowledge to guarantee the appropriate and safe utilisation of NSAIDs. Given that internet sources are presently the most accessible and used sources of information, governmental directions should prioritise the establishment and enhancement of freely accessible drug information sources for community pharmacists. Further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of counselling and appropriate guidance provided by community pharmacies in promoting safe and proper drug usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer Ehab Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Christine Nazir Aziz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
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Chong JBK, Yap CYH, Tan SLL, Thong XR, Fang Y, Smith HE. General practitioners' perceptions of the roles of community pharmacists and their willingness to collaborate with pharmacists in primary care. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 37789392 PMCID: PMC10546622 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00613-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists (CPs) have the capacity to contribute to patient care given their expertise in medication and accessibility to residents in the community. However, multidisciplinary patient care programmes where CPs collaborate with general practitioners (GPs) in patient care is rare in Singapore despite increasing healthcare demand. OBJECTIVES This study explores GPs' perceptions of CPs' current roles and GPs' ideas for and attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 private GPs from August to December 2020 via an online video-chat platform. GPs were recruited from the Primacy Care Research Network (pcRn), primary care networks, and using snowballing strategies. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded thematically. RESULTS Current working relationships between GPs and CPs appeared amicable but limited. GPs appreciate the existing roles of CPs: dispensing drugs not stocked in their practices and clarifying prescription details. Still, GPs appeared to rarely consider collaborative working. GPs acknowledged that CPs could enhance patient care with initiatives including medication reconciliation and advising on using medical devices. It was suggested that CPs could coordinate the purchase of drugs for primary care networks to improve GPs' inventory management, but less enthusiasm was expressed for clinical collaborations with CPs. Major concerns about GP-CP clinical collaborations included direct competition with GPs' own business interests, perceived low acceptability of pharmacy-led services by patients (citing extra time and cost), threat to continuity of care and the absence of a shared patient electronic health record system. Current funding mechanisms do not enable reimbursement of clinical services provided by CPs. Adoption of telemedicine technologies and governmental financial support were identified as possible enablers of GP-CP collaboration. CONCLUSIONS GPs saw potential in CPs' increased involvement in patient care, but perceived multiple barriers. Strategies focusing on overcoming these barriers could enable GP-CP collaboration to enhance patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Boon Ka Chong
- Watson's Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd, 300 Beach Road, The Concourse, #39-01/04, Singapore, 199555, Singapore.
| | - Clivia Yao Hua Yap
- Watson's Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd, 300 Beach Road, The Concourse, #39-01/04, Singapore, 199555, Singapore.
| | - Shawn Lien Ler Tan
- Ministry of Health Holdings Pte Ltd, 1 Maritime Square, #11-25, Singapore, 099253, Singapore
| | - Xuan Rong Thong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yang Fang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Helen E Smith
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
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Pilbrow S, Staniland L, Uren HV, Shand F, McGoldrick J, Thorp E, MacKrill M, Moullin JC. Evaluation of an online advanced suicide prevention training for pharmacists. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1203-1211. [PMID: 37702959 PMCID: PMC10600280 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01636-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the pharmacist role extending internationally to include health promotion and harm reduction, pharmacists are well-suited to adopt a frontline role within suicide prevention efforts. To maximise their abilities to implement suicide prevention strategies, suicide prevention training is essential to improve pharmacists' knowledge of, attitudes towards, and confidence in pharmacy-based suicide prevention. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an online Advanced Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists and explore how participant feedback may direct training improvements. METHOD One hundred and fifty pharmacists in Tasmania, Australia, completed the training. Of these, 109 participants completed surveys pre-, post- and 6-months post-training to evaluate changes in suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes, and explore participants' perceptions of the training. RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in suicide prevention attitudes (F(2, 20) = 4.12, p = 0.032, partial η2 = 0.292), and self-efficacy (F(2, 20) = 7.84, p = 0.003, partial η2 = 0.439), across the three timepoints, with improvements to knowledge and confidence evident between pre- and post-training (p < 0.05). Qualitative data reflected that the training was beneficial in aiding the identification and support of at-risk individuals, however barriers such as the pharmacy setting, personal discomfort, and perceptions of the pharmacist role were identified as impeding the implementation of suicide prevention within pharmacy practice. CONCLUSION Training is an effective means of improving pharmacists' suicide prevention knowledge, confidence, and attitudes. While personal barriers to suicide prevention improved, contextual and social barriers continue to impede pharmacists' implementation of suicide prevention in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pilbrow
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lexy Staniland
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Hannah V Uren
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Emily Thorp
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Tasmanian Branch, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Monique MacKrill
- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch, Battery Point, TAS, Australia
| | - Joanna C Moullin
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
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18
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Stewart V, McMillan SS, Hu J, Collins JC, El-Den S, O'Reilly C, Wheeler AJ. Refining a taxonomy of goals planned between mental health consumers and community pharmacists. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1391-1397. [PMID: 37468372 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with severe and persistent mental illnesses are more likely to experience co-morbid health conditions. Health-related behavior change can be promoted by the use of goal planning within community pharmacy settings. OBJECTIVES To trial and refine a recently developed taxonomy to categorize goals co-designed between community pharmacists and people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. This study also compared the data to the previously published taxonomy data to determine if the taxonomy could be applied across a range of mental health conditions. METHODS The published goal taxonomy was refined using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial (PharMIbridge). Community pharmacists provided an individualized support service using goal planning with people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Goals were categorized using the existing taxonomy and inconsistencies were used to modify and refine the taxonomy. Additionally, participant characteristics and categorization of goals were compared with results from the previous study. RESULTS 512 goals were reported by 158 consumer participants and categorized into five domains that included a diverse range of health behaviors (e.g., relationships, diet). Minor refinements to the taxonomy were made by replacing, adding or removing categories/descriptors. CONCLUSIONS Significant overlap between the goals of participants and the existing taxonomy was found, supporting the application of the taxonomy across different mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Stewart
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia.
| | - Sara S McMillan
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Jie Hu
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Jack C Collins
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarira El-Den
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire O'Reilly
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia; Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Yılmaz Z, Al-Taie A. A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists' self-reported disease knowledge and competence in the treatment of childhood autism spectrum disorder. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1088-1097. [PMID: 36547799 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioural challenges. Given the rising prevalence of autism and multiple medication use, healthcare professionals, including community pharmacists, are required to have sufficient ASD knowledge to affect positively the disease prognosis and related comorbidities. AIM To assess community pharmacists' knowledge of disease and pharmacotherapy of ASD, along with the provision of patient education and counselling provided by, community pharmacists in Turkey. METHOD This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists in Turkey using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess ASD knowledge, awareness, and the provision of patient education and counselling by community pharmacists. RESULTS 486 community pharmacists were included, with a mean age of 39.69 ± 13.10 years, and most (n = 151, 31.1%) in the age range between 20 and 29 years. 96.3% of community pharmacists never had training about ASD. 32.9% of the participants were aware of the medicines for ASD treatment, and 25.7% were aware of the drugs' side effects. The mean overall knowledge about childhood autism among health workers questionnaire (KCAHW) score was 11.83 ± 3.91, and there was a statistically significant KCAHW score difference between other pharmacists and those with ASD training (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION There is a lack of disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge about childhood ASD among Turkish community pharmacists, particularly about communication impairment, type, onset, and comorbidities, as well as poor knowledge about drug pharmacotherapy and patient counselling services. This potentially creates a barrier to the adequate provision of healthcare to autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Yılmaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, Kayışdağı Cad. No: 32, Ataşehir, 34758, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Anmar Al-Taie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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20
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Al-Dujaili Z, Hallit S, Al Faraj A. Knowledge, attitude, and readiness of pharmacists toward medication therapy management for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a cross-sectional quantitative study. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1277-1285. [PMID: 37695404 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a patient-centered service that optimizes drug therapy, improves clinical outcomes, and enhances quality of life. Pharmacists play a critical role in MTM services and provide comprehensive medication management for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). AIM The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and readiness of Iraqi community pharmacists regarding MTM services for ADHD patients. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 Iraqi pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Baghdad. Data were collected using a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire with 34 items. RESULTS Results showed that only 127 (26.5%) pharmacists had good knowledge, 146 (30.4%) had good attitude, and 148 (30.8%) had high readiness regarding MTM services in ADHD patients. Multivariate analyses showed that a higher number of hours worked per week in the hospital was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of high attitude, whereas practicing MTM services, high knowledge, and high attitude were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of high readiness. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that knowledge, attitudes, and readiness for MTM services for ADHD patients are inadequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective educational strategies to better prepare pharmacists for their potential role in the community, particularly for providing MTM services to ADHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Al-Dujaili
- College of Pharmacy, American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB), Baghdad, 10023, Iraq
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Achraf Al Faraj
- College of Pharmacy, American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB), Baghdad, 10023, Iraq.
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Tarhan N, Arslan M. Psychometric assessment of pharmacists' counseling in dementia. Patient Educ Couns 2023; 115:107903. [PMID: 37506523 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore pharmacists' counseling for dementia by developing a measurement tool based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. METHODS A survey was applied online to community pharmacists; in total, 190 community pharmacists participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Mann-Whitney U test were performed. RESULTS A six-factor structure was obtained from the EFA, and the CFA confirmed the structure. These factors explained 71.294% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the factors ranged from 0.728 to 0.913. In addition, the pharmacists rated themselves as having positive attitudes and intentions toward counseling for dementia. Differences in these factors were found between the groups based on their participation in vocational training on dementia. CONCLUSION The developed measurement tool had a satisfactory construct and convergent and discriminant validities and reliabilities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The developed measurement tool can be used to investigate pharmacists' self-reported counseling for dementia and can also be applied to the counseling behavior of pharmacists in various health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Tarhan
- Department of Pharmacy Management, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Pharmacy, Izmir, Turkiye.
| | - Miray Arslan
- Department of Pharmacy Management, Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Pharmacy, Van, Turkiye
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Senćanski D, Marinković V, Tadić I. A cross-sectional study comparing emotional intelligence and perceived stress amongst community pharmacists delivering and not delivering a new service. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1136-1143. [PMID: 36773208 PMCID: PMC9918812 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists contribute substantially to public health and person-centred care. Emotional intelligence (EI) may help health professionals better engage with patients, handle stress in challenging situations and, presumably, better introduce and implement new services. AIM The study's aims were to compare the EI and perceived stress (PS) levels of community pharmacists who provided a new service to patients with diabetes with their controls who provided standard pharmaceutical services and to test the correlations between the two constructs. METHOD This study used a survey methodology. Well-validated instruments were distributed electronically to all participating pharmacists. To compare the continuous EI and PS data between the two study groups, the paired-samples t test was used. Pearson and Spearman's correlations were used to test the associations between EI and PS and their respective subdomains. RESULTS A total of 86 pharmacists participated in the study (n = 43 in each group). The study groups did not differ by any characteristic except gender. Their mean EI and PS levels were 120.95 ± 11.53 and 17.45 ± 4.55, respectively, with no difference between the groups. In both study groups, inverse correlations were found between PS and EI levels, with statistical significance in the control group and in the overall study population (r = - 0.611 and r = - 0.370, respectively). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the introduction of the EI agenda into certification programmes for new community pharmacy services should be considered. The results also suggest that higher EI may have protective effects against PS. Additional research would clarify the need to invest more in such programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Senćanski
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Valentina Marinković
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Tadić
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Dahmani S, Cerbito EF, Hamad A, Yusuff KB. Predictors of community pharmacists' readiness to manage the effective and safe use of oral anticancer medicines in a developing setting. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:1580-1589. [PMID: 36426549 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221141696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of studies about the readiness of community pharmacists to manage the safe and effective use of oral anticancer medicines (OAMs) in developing settings. OBJECTIVES Using the readiness component (knowledge and willingness) of the situational theory of leadership, the study assessed community pharmacists' readiness to manage the safe and effective use of OAMs in Qatar, and also identified its significant predictors. METHODS A cross-sectional assessment of 252 community pharmacists was conducted with a pre-tested 48-item questionnaire. Readiness was assessed with a 5-point Likert-type scale and the maximum obtainable score was 70. The mean was used as the cut-off point to categorize willingness and knowledge as either high (≥ mean) or low (< mean). Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression was used for data analyses. RESULTS The mean SD score for the readiness of community pharmacists was 39.3 ± 11.2 (min = 11, max = 70). Only a minority of the respondents expressed an excellent understanding of the chemotherapy cycles (19.6%; 45/230), and familiarity with targeted anticancer therapy (14.3%; 33/230), side effects (22.2%; 51/230), and dosing of OAMs (14.4%; 33/230). Employment status, number of OAMs prescriptions dispensed per month and adequacy of the contents related to OAMs in undergraduate training were the significant predictors of readiness (R2 = 0.558, (F (11, 209) = 3.559, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists' readiness appear inadequate especially regarding its dosing, side effects, handling, and disposal of OAMs. These inadequacies probably underline community pharmacists' low familiarity and comfortability with dispensing and educating patients on the effective and safe use of OAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dahmani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emelith Florendo Cerbito
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anas Hamad
- Pharmacy Department, National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kazeem Babatunde Yusuff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Nairat LL, Abahri NA, Hamdan YA, Abdel-Khaliq RT, Odeh SM, Abutaha S, Al-Jabi SW, Koni AA, Abushanab AS, Zyoud SH. Assessment of practices and awareness regarding the disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products among community pharmacies: a cross-sectional study in Palestine. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1035. [PMID: 37759203 PMCID: PMC10537554 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The improper disposal of pharmaceutical preparations substantially threatens human health and environmental safety. Pharmacists are responsible for properly disposing of unwanted medications and educating patients about how to do so themselves. This study aimed to assess community pharmacists' knowledge, determine their views on how to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals, and assess the extent to which they realize that it is their responsibility to guide patients toward the safe disposal of expired medications. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and April 2022 among 400 practicing pharmacists who were chosen to participate by random cluster sampling. Community pharmacists' practices, awareness, and beliefs about disposing of unused drugs were evaluated. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 21 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS Of 400 pharmacists, 348 stated that they did not participate in courses on the safe disposal of unwanted medications. Disposal of drugs in the garbage, an unsafe method, was very frequently recommended by pharmacists to patients, especially regarding inhalers, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, and solid and semisolid drugs. However, many pharmacists advised patients to return their hormonal, category B, and category C drugs to the pharmacy. A total of 61.3% of pharmacists agreed and 26% strongly agreed that unsafe disposal of drugs negatively affects the environment. A total of 54.3% of the participants agreed that improper disposal of antibiotics might be a reason for increased antimicrobial resistance, and 54.5% of them agreed that improper disposal of hormonal drugs might contribute to the development of certain cancers. A total of 80.3% of the participants perceived that most unwanted drugs in pharmacies were those returned from patients. A total of 97.3% of the participants supported establishing a drug disposal system, with 77.5% choosing to have the district health board responsible for funding this system. A total of 48.5% of the participants indicated that a lack of education and awareness on the issue of getting rid of unused drugs constitutes a challenge to the safe disposal of medicines, and 66% of them said that a lack of law enforcement constitutes another challenge. A total of 95.5% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that good training for health sector workers and organizing workshops to develop knowledge on this subject would improve practices. A total of 93.3% supported distributing educational brochures, and 92.8% supported placing special containers in every pharmacy to collect unwanted drugs. CONCLUSIONS Most pharmacists in our study returned drugs to manufacturing companies and stores, and few followed the correct methods of incineration and return of drugs to the Ministry of Health. Current data emphasize the issue of improper disposal of medicine in Palestine and the need for improved education among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamees L Nairat
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Noor A Abahri
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Yosr A Hamdan
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Razan T Abdel-Khaliq
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Sawsan M Odeh
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Shatha Abutaha
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Samah W Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Amer A Koni
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Hematology and Oncology, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Amani S Abushanab
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
| | - Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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Cole J, Hughes C, Cadogan C, Vellinga A, Molloy G, Fahey T, Sheaf G, Maher A, Ryan C. Evidence for using point-of-care diagnostics in the management of respiratory tract infections in primary care: a scoping review protocol. HRB Open Res 2023; 6:59. [PMID: 38283945 PMCID: PMC10822039 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13770.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AmR) is widely considered a global health threat and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. Inappropriate antimicrobial use is the most important modifiable risk factor for AmR. Most human antimicrobial medicines use occurs in primary care [prescribed by general practitioners (GPs), dispensed by community pharmacists (CPs)]. However, up to 50% of use is deemed inappropriate. Point-of-care diagnostic tests are used as a basis for antimicrobial stewardship interventions to improve the diagnostic certainty of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and therefore ensure prudent antimicrobial use. However, there is a lack of guidance on their use, and they are therefore not routinely used in clinical practice. Objective: A scoping review will be conducted to synthesise the available evidence to inform the development of best practice guidance for using point-of-care diagnostics in the management of RTIs in primary care. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted following guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and reported using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Databases including Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, the International HTA database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as grey literature, will be searched. Screening will be undertaken independently by two reviewers to identify studies and literature reporting the use of point-of-care diagnostics in the management of RTIs in primary care by GPs and/ or CPs. Findings will be described using narrative synthesis. Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review will be used to produce draft guidance on the use of point-of-care diagnostic tests in primary care, which will undergo further development using a Delphi consensus methodology involving experts in the field of RTIs, antimicrobial stewardship, point-of-care diagnostics and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Cole
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Cathal Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Akke Vellinga
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Gerard Molloy
- School of Psychology, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, University of Galway, Galway, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Tom Fahey
- Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Greg Sheaf
- The University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Anthony Maher
- School of Psychology, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, University of Galway, Galway, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Cristin Ryan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
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Abualhasan M, Tahan S, Nassar R, Damere M, Salameh H, Zyoud H. Pharmacists' knowledge of drug food administration and their appropriate patient counseling a cross-sectional study from Palestine. J Health Popul Nutr 2023; 42:99. [PMID: 37710335 PMCID: PMC10500721 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacists have a responsibility in the treatment of patients. Interactions between food and drugs may lead to a loss of therapeutic effectiveness or drug toxicity. Our study's objectives were to assess pharmacists' knowledge of patient counseling with regard to informing the patient about taking the drug in relation to food, as well as community pharmacists' knowledge of any pharmaceutical instructions that must be given to patients when delivering the drug. The pharmacists were assessed using an interview questionnaire. The results showed a variation in the pharmacist's knowledge about the administration of the drug with food. The chief pharmacists had better knowledge of the proper food administration counseling than that of assistant pharmacists; the percentage of those who did not give the proper food counseling was 24 vs. 58%, respectively (P < 0.05). Only (21%) of pharmacists with more work experience provided proper counseling, while only 18.2 and 18.7% of pharmacists with moderate and low work experience provided proper counseling, respectively. The study showed the pharmacists' limited knowledge of drug administration with food and outdated counseling information. It is highly recommended that a continuous education system be encouraged and enforced by the ministry of health to update pharmacist's knowledge of dispensed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Abualhasan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine.
| | - Shahd Tahan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine
| | - Roa'a Nassar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine
| | - Maysoon Damere
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine
| | - Hadeel Salameh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine
| | - Hiba Zyoud
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, State of Palestine, Palestine
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Nsengimana A, Isimbi J, Uwizeyimana T, Biracyaza E, Hategekimana JC, Uwambajimana C, Gwira O, Kagisha V, Asingizwe D, Adedeji A, Nyandwi JB. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests in community pharmacies in Rwanda: availability, knowledge of community pharmacists, advantages, and disadvantages of licensing their use. Glob Health Res Policy 2023; 8:40. [PMID: 37700374 PMCID: PMC10496312 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presumptive treatment of malaria is often practiced in community pharmacies across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (m-RDTs) be used in these settings, as they are used in the public sector. However, their use remains unlicensed in the community pharmacies in Rwanda. This can lessen their availability and foster presumptive treatment. Therefore, this study investigated the availability of m-RDTs, knowledge of community pharmacists on the use of m-RDTs, and explored Pharmacists' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of licensing the use of m-RDTs in community pharmacies. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study among 200 licensed community pharmacists who were purposefully sampled nationwide from 11th February to 12th April 2022. Data was collected using an online data collection instrument composed of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between the availability of m-RDTs and independent variables of interest. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. RESULTS Although 59% were consulted by clients requesting to purchase m-RDTs, only 27% of the participants had m-RDTs in stock, 66.5% had no training on the use of m-RDTs, and 18.5% were not at all familiar with using the m-RDTs. Most of the participants (91.5%) agreed that licensing the use of m-RDTs in community pharmacies could promote the rational use of antimalarials. The chi-square test indicated that being requested to sell m-RDTs (x2 = 6.95, p = 0.008), being requested to perform m-RDTs (x2 = 5.39, p = 0.02),familiarity using m-RDTs (x2 = 17.24, p = 0.002), availability of a nurse in the Pharmacy (x2 = 11.68, p < 0.001), and location of the pharmacy (x2 = 9.13, p = 0.048) were all significantly associated with the availability of m-RDTs in the pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS The availability of m-RDTs remains low in community pharmacies in Rwanda, and less training is provided to community pharmacists regarding the use of m-RDTs. Nevertheless, community pharmacists had positive perceptions of the advantages of licensing the use of m-RDTs. Thus, licensing the use of m-RDTs is believed to be the first step toward promoting the rational use of antimalarial medicines in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amon Nsengimana
- USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Joyce Isimbi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Emmanuel Biracyaza
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Charles Uwambajimana
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Olivia Gwira
- USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Vedaste Kagisha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Domina Asingizwe
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- East African Community Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ahmed Adedeji
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- East African Community Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management, Kigali, Rwanda
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28
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Abouchouar I, Hindlet P, Ratsimbazafy C, Fernandez C, Schwab C. [Medication reconciliation and hospital-community transition securisation: Survey of community pharmacists]. Ann Pharm Fr 2023; 81:875-881. [PMID: 36754347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To collect the community pharmacists' perception on their role in the medication reconciliation's process. METHODS We did an observational transverse study thanks to a survey of community pharmacists working in France, conducted in 2020. A digital questionnaire was submitted to Parisian community pharmacists before being shared on two Facebook groups. The responses were analysed with Microsoft Excel® software. We calculated percentages, used Chi2 or Fisher's exact tests and did qualitative analyses. RESULTS We collected the perception of 135 community pharmacists, the majority was women (80%), relatively young (69.6% of 40 years old or less). They were 63.7% to claim knowing the medication reconciliation, but they could not define it properly. The subject's knowledge was statistically related to age (P-value<0.001) and previous contacts of the health care facilities (P-value<0.001). The majority of interviewed pharmacist considered the transmission of information to those health facilities as relevant and feasible and they expressed their willingness to get involved. However, they were limited by some obstacles such as the non-exhaustiveness of the medicinal record, the unsecured mail and the lack of feedbacks. CONCLUSIONS Although the community pharmacists expressed interest for the medication reconciliation process and willingness to get involved, their role remained limited. Therefore, this process needs an improvement of its organisation and a generalisation of its practice to really benefit the hospital-community transition's safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Abouchouar
- Département de pharmacie clinique, faculté de pharmacie, université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - P Hindlet
- Département de pharmacie clinique, faculté de pharmacie, université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France; Hôpital Saint-Antoine, pharmacie, AP-HP, GHU Sorbonne université, INSERM, institut Pierre-Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, Sorbonne université, 75012 Paris, France
| | - C Ratsimbazafy
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, pharmacie, GHU, Sorbonne université, AP-HP, 75012 Paris, France
| | - C Fernandez
- Département de pharmacie clinique, faculté de pharmacie, université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France; Hôpital Saint-Antoine, pharmacie, AP-HP, GHU Sorbonne université, INSERM, institut Pierre-Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, Sorbonne université, 75012 Paris, France
| | - C Schwab
- Département de pharmacie clinique, faculté de pharmacie, université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France; Hôpital Saint-Antoine, pharmacie, AP-HP, GHU Sorbonne université, INSERM, institut Pierre-Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, Sorbonne université, 75012 Paris, France.
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Ahmed NJ, Almalki ZS, Alsawadi AH, Alturki AA, Bakarman AH, Almuaddi AM, Alshahrani SM, Alanazi MB, Alshehri AM, Albassam AA, Fatani S, Alahmari AK, Aldosari SA, Alamer AA. Knowledge, perceptions, and readiness of telepharmacy among community pharmacists. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101713. [PMID: 37559867 PMCID: PMC10406857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Telepharmacy is a practical part of telemedicine that refers to providing pharmaceutical services within the scope of the pharmacist's obligations while maintaining a temporal and spatial distance between patients, users of health services, and healthcare professionals. The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia between March and May 2022 to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and readiness for telepharmacy. The survey was filled out by 404 respondents. The majority of respondents were male (59.90%) and the age of more than half of them was between 30 and 39 years old (54.46%). Most participants worked in urban areas (83.66%), and 42.57% had less than five years of experience in a pharmacy. Most participants agreed that telepharmacy is available in Saudi Arabia (82.67%). Approximately 70% of pharmacists felt that telepharmacy promotes patient medication adherence, and 77.72% agreed that telepharmacy increases patient access to pharmaceuticals in rural areas. More than 72% of pharmacists said they would work on telepharmacy initiatives in rural areas for free, and 74.26% said they would work outside of usual working hours if necessary. In the future, this research could aid in adopting full-fledged telepharmacy pharmaceutical care services in Saudi Arabia. It could also help academic initiatives by allowing telepharmacy practice models to be included as a topic course in the curriculum to prepare future pharmacists to deliver telepharmacy services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehad J. Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad S. Almalki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa H. Alsawadi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Almaarefa University, 13713 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen A. Alturki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz H. Bakarman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Almaarefa University, 13713 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alwaleed M. Almuaddi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed M. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshari B. Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Albassam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Fatani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah K. Alahmari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad A. Aldosari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A. Alamer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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Alshahrani A. Emerging trends: the involvement of community pharmacists in the planning and execution of pharmaceutical policies and economics. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 23:1169-1176. [PMID: 37747325 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2261630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze existing research on the involvement of community pharmacists in the planning and execution of pharmaceutical policies and economic strategies. METHODS The researcher searched five scholarly databases: Medline, BioMed Central (BMC), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), ProQuest, and PubMed for the reviewed articles. The search and selection of the articles involved searching each of the databases using specific keywords and a combination of them to form phrases and the Boolean search string. The researcher adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in developing this study. RESULTS From the original search, a total of 537 articles emerged from which 17 articles remained upon screening. Findings show that the community pharmacy role has expanded over the past years to enable pharmacists serve diverse roles, but there is a high lack of involvement of these stakeholders in the planning and execution of policies. The pharmaceutical and health-care sectors operate in a way that does not recognize nor engage community pharmacists sufficiently in the policy planning and execution. CONCLUSIONS Relevant stakeholders need to create an enabling and supportive environment for utilizing the abilities, knowledge, and skills of community pharmacists in policy planning and execution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Santos YS, de Souza Ferreira D, de Oliveira Silva ABM, da Silva Nunes CF, de Souza Oliveira SA, da Silva DT. Global overview of pharmacist and community pharmacy actions to address COVID-19: A scoping review. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm 2023; 10:100261. [PMID: 37096140 PMCID: PMC10091784 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists and community pharmacies play an important role in managing, identifying and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Objectives To characterize the global panorama of action by pharmacists and community pharmacies in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The scoping review was based on the search for scientific articles in the databases: PubMed; Scopus; ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The search was carried out on August 31, 2021. The selection process was divided into 3 phases: i) title analysis; ii) analysis of study abstracts; iii) analysis of the full texts of the studies selected in the previous step. Studies were independently selected by two investigators and discrepancies resolved by consensus during focus group discussions led by a third reviewer. Results The final search yielded 36 articles for the review. The main strategies for coping with COVID-19 were grouped into 4 categories defined by consensus between the authors: (1) services for providing care to the patient; (2) product management; (3) infection prevention and control practices in community pharmacy; (4) preparation, sources of information used and training offered/received. Through these, the aim was to involve technical managerial, technical assistance and pedagogical technical actions adopted, as well as structure and process indicators that allowed the continuity of the offer of services. Conclusion During the pandemic, pharmacists and community pharmacies have been providing essential health services to communities. The results of this review may help to identify the changes adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic and may contribute to improving the quality of practices in these establishments during the pandemic and after it, in similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yane Silva Santos
- Member of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Denise de Souza Ferreira
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Any Beatriz Matos de Oliveira Silva
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Clara Freire da Silva Nunes
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Sueza Abadia de Souza Oliveira
- Master in Collective Health by Federal University of Goias. President of Brazilian Society of Pharmacists and Community Pharmacies, Brasília (DF), Brazil
| | - Daniel Tenório da Silva
- Coordinator of the Study Group on Geriatrics and Gerontology (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
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Nathan AD, Shankar PR, Sreeramareddy CT. Topical corticosteroid counselling among Malaysian community pharmacists: a qualitative interview study. BMC Prim Care 2023; 24:119. [PMID: 37231354 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are commonly available in community pharmacies and are used in skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis among others. Problems such as overuse, use of potent steroids and steroid phobia have been identified in the use of TCS in the literature. The aim of the study was to obtain community pharmacists (CPs) views regarding factors influencing their counselling of patients about TCS; challenges associated, important problems, the counselling process, shared care with other healthcare professionals, and explore further the findings from the questionnaire-based study. METHODS Seven licensed practicing community pharmacists (from the Klang Valley, Malaysia) were interviewed between 23rd September to 14th November 2021. These were CPs participating in the questionnaire study who agreed to be interviewed. NVIVO 11 software was used for data analysis. Codes and themes were generated and agreed on by the researchers. RESULTS The major themes identified related to the process mentioned of providing information to patients, the issues addressed by CPs during the counselling (including steroid phobia, overuse of TCS, patients asking for a specific preparation by name), less counselling support material, language barriers, lesser knowledge about certain conditions, information sources used by CPs (material provided by Ministry of Health and Malaysian Pharmacists Association, MIMS) and suggestions to strengthen the quality of counselling (specialization in skin diseases, webinars, shared care models). For patients requesting a particular preparation by name, the pharmacist will decide whether the preparation requested is suitable or suggest an alternative. Steroid phobia was seen more commonly among parents of young children and young patients. MIMS was available as a smartphone application making it easier to use. Advanced training for CPs in the management of skin conditions like that provided for diabetes mellitus can be considered. CONCLUSIONS Counselling was conducted while dispensing TCS in the open area of the pharmacy. Challenges to counselling were lack of time, limited counselling materials, and language barriers. Steroid phobia requires attention. Initiatives to strengthen counselling were mentioned by respondents and appear feasible. Further research covering the entire country is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dayang Nathan
- Public Health student, School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pathiyil Ravi Shankar
- IMU Centre for Education, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Saadeh A, Jaradat R, Jarab AS, Saadeh N. Assessment of Jordanian community pharmacists' confidence to provide health services and advice on self-medication for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Int J Pharm Pract 2023; 31:183-189. [PMID: 36929412 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to describe the services provided by community pharmacists and their confidence in providing advice on self-medication for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. METHODS A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was distributed online to community pharmacists across Jordan in the period from August through December 2020. The questionnaire identified the services most frequently offered to women throughout pregnancy or breastfeeding and evaluated the community pharmacists' confidence in providing advice on self-medication and other services for this population group. KEY FINDINGS A total of 340 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Most of them were female (89.4%), and just over half (55%) had less than 5 years of experience. The services offered by community pharmacists to women throughout pregnancy were dispensing medicine (49.1%), and dispensing herbal products (48.5%), whereas the services mainly provided for women during breastfeeding were providing advice on contraception (71.5%), and dispensing medication (45.3%).The most frequent complaints reported by women during pregnancy were gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms, and for women during lactation low milk supply and contraception. Regarding pharmacists' confidence in providing advice on self-medication, nearly half of the respondents (50% and 49.7%) reported that they had confidence in solving medication and health challenges during pregnancy and breastfeeding, respectively. CONCLUSION Although community pharmacists provided different services for women who were pregnant or breastfeeding, many did not feel confident handling them. Continuous training programs are required to enhance community pharmacists' ability to provide adequate care for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Saadeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Roa'a Jaradat
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anan S Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noura Saadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Flynn F, Dobrescu MA, Richard G, Hassan C, Pigeon M, Chagnon M, Charbonney E, Serri K, D'Aragon F, Weiss MJ, Williamson D, Frenette AJ. Self-perceived role and knowledge of community pharmacists in organ donation. Int J Clin Pharm 2023:10.1007/s11096-023-01570-4. [PMID: 36977857 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a majority of North Americans is in favor of organ donation, registration remains challenging. Community pharmacists are highly accessible frontline health care professionals that could contribute to a new common registration donation consent system. AIM The objective of the study was to assess self-perceived professional role and organ donation knowledge of community pharmacists in Quebec. METHOD We designed a telephone interview survey using a three round modified Delphi process. Following questionnaires testing, we randomly sampled 329 community pharmacists in Quebec. Following administration, we validated the questionnaire by conducting an exploratory factorial analysis using principal component followed by a varimax rotation and rearranging domains and items accordingly. RESULTS A total of 443 pharmacists were contacted, 329 provided answers to the self-perception role and 216 of them completed the knowledge questionnaire. Overall, community pharmacists of Quebec had a positive view on organ donation and demonstrated interest in acquiring knowledge. Respondents have identified lack of time and high pharmacy attendance as non-limiting barriers to implementing the intervention. The average score on the knowledge questionnaire was 61.2%. CONCLUSION With the implementation of an appropriate education program to address this knowledge gap, we believe that community pharmacists could be key players in registered organ donation consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Flynn
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marc-Alexandru Dobrescu
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Guillaume Richard
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Chadi Hassan
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marjorie Pigeon
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Miguel Chagnon
- Statistics Consultation Service, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Charbonney
- Critical Care Department, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Karim Serri
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Critical Care and Cardiology Divisions, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche CIUSSSS du Nord de L'Ile, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Matthew-John Weiss
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec, Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Pediatrics Department, Intensive Care Division, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Transplant Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Williamson
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada.
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche CIUSSSS du Nord de L'Ile, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Anne Julie Frenette
- Pharmacy Department, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boul. Gouin O, Local J-3240, Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche CIUSSSS du Nord de L'Ile, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Al-Shami HA, Abubakar U, Hussein MSE, Hussin HFA, Al-Shami SA. Awareness, practices and perceptions of community pharmacists towards antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship in Libya: a cross-sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 36945072 PMCID: PMC10028782 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists play a vital role in promoting appropriate use of antibiotics in the community. This study evaluated the practices and perceptions of community pharmacists towards antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance, and antimicrobial stewardship in Libya. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Libya using a 47-item validated, pre-tested online questionnaire. Data was collected from December 2021 to February 2022 and was analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. RESULTS Of the 114 questionnaires included in the analysis, 54.4% were females, 78.1% had < 10 year working experience (78.1%), and 81.6% had a Bachelor of Pharmacy. Most (78.1%) strongly agreed/agreed that community pharmacists have an important role to play to reduce antibiotic resistance. Overall, the participants had a moderate perception towards antimicrobial resistance (median score: 21.5; IQR [16-28] out of 35.0). More than 40% supply antibiotics when patients requested them specifically, because if they do not supply them, patients will just go to another pharmacy. About 47% strongly agreed/agreed that if a patient cannot afford a full course of antibiotics all in one go, they will give them a smaller amount that they are able to afford at that time, even when a longer duration of treatment is required. Most (66.7%) had no previous involvement in antibiotics awareness campaign due to 'I have never heard about the campaign' (48.7%) and 'I do not have enough time to participate' (22.4%). Overall, the perception towards antimicrobial stewardship was good (20 [13-25] out of 25.0). Raising awareness of rational antibiotic use, including antimicrobial resistance, among pharmacy students (83.4%) and patient education by pharmacists in community pharmacies at the time medicines are supplied to patients (81.6%) were the most common strategies to improve rational use of antibiotics in community pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists in Libya recognise their role in reducing antimicrobial resistance. They had a moderate perception towards antimicrobial resistance and a good perception towards antimicrobial stewardship. However, inappropriate antibiotic practices were common. The most common strategies to improve rational use of antibiotics in community pharmacy were raising awareness about the rational antibiotic use among pharmacy students and patient education by community pharmacists at the time antibiotics are dispensed to patients. Regulations are needed to restrict dispensing antibiotics without prescription among community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba A Al-Shami
- Anaesthesia and Emergency Medicine Department, College of Medical Technology, Benghazi, 141, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Usman Abubakar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Maryam S E Hussein
- Anaesthesia and Emergency Medicine Department, College of Medical Technology, Benghazi, 141, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Hanin F A Hussin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benghazi, 141, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Sondos A Al-Shami
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Libyan International Medical University, 141, Benghazi, Libya
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Watson KE, Schindel TJ, Chan JCH, Tsuyuki RT, Al Hamarneh YN. A photovoice study on community pharmacists' roles and lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:944-955. [PMID: 36935325 PMCID: PMC10008092 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists were the face of the health response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Their pivotal role during the pandemic has been widely recognized, as they adapted to continue to provide a higher level of care to their patients. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of frontline pharmacists' lived experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their roles. METHODS Photovoice, a visual research method that uses participant-generated photographs to articulate their experiences, was used with semi-structured interviews to explore pharmacists' lived experiences. Frontline community pharmacists who provided direct patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada were recruited. Participants were asked to provide 3-5 photos that reflected on how they see themselves as a pharmacist and/or represents what they do as a pharmacist. Data analysis incorporated content, thematic and visual analysis and was facilitated using NVivo software. A published conceptual framework model was used as the foundation of the analysis with care taken to include new concepts. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Alberta health research ethics board. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 21 participants and they 71 photos. This study advanced the conceptual framework model presented in a scoping review, of what was made visible (pharmacists' information, public health, and medication management roles) and what was invisible but made visible by the pandemic (pharmacists' leadership roles). It was revealed through the reflective nature of this study the important leadership role pharmacists have in their communities. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the work of community pharmacists responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through their information, public health, medication management, and leadership roles. Their experiences also made visible the cost their work had on them as they did more to adapt and continually respond as the pandemic evolved. Pharmacists recognized their role as leaders in their practice and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Watson
- EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada.
| | - Theresa J Schindel
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan C H Chan
- EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Ross T Tsuyuki
- EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Yazid N Al Hamarneh
- EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Canada
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Sendekie AK, Dagnaw AD, Dagnew EM. Pharmacists' involvements and barriers in the provision of health promotion services towards noncommunicable diseases: Community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:31. [PMID: 36841787 PMCID: PMC9968412 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community drug retail outlets (CDROs) are among the initial healthcare facilities where pharmacists play a crucial role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study assessed pharmacists' level of involvement and barriers in the provision of health promotion for noncommunicable diseases at CDROs in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June 2022. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. The level of involvement mean score difference among pharmacists was investigated using an independent samples t-test and a one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between pharmacists' level of involvement and other variables. A p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 285 (94.4%) participants participated in the study out of 302 approached samples. Overall, more than half (58.9%) of the participants showed a high level of involvement in health promotion. Pharmacists who had a degree and/or above (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01-0.63; p < 0.001) and served a lower number of clients per day (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-94; p = 0.042) were less likely to have low involvement in health promotion services. Pharmacists who worked fewer hours per day (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.79-7.48; p = 0.005) were more likely to have low involvement. Lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs (52.1%) and lack of coordination with other healthcare providers (43.6%) were the most reported barriers to the provision of health promotion. CONCLUSION Most pharmacists were found to have a high level of involvement in health promotion activities. A lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs and a lack of coordination with other healthcare providers were among the most reported barriers. Pharmacists might benefit from training to increase their educational backgrounds, and barriers could be addressed to enhance the pharmacist involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Abera Dessie Dagnaw
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Mebratu Dagnew
- grid.449044.90000 0004 0480 6730Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Gregory PA, Gill M, Datta D, Austin Z. A typology of vaccine hesitancies: Results from a study of community pharmacists administering COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:332-342. [PMID: 36266175 PMCID: PMC9547396 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacists were integral to the vaccine administration process during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, they encountered a variety of different forms of vaccine resistance. This qualitative study explored 33 community pharmacists (from varying geographical and practice types) responses to vaccine resistance and tactics utilized to support vaccination amongst diverse community members. A typology of 8 different variants of vaccine hesitancy emerged, each with its own root cause and potential opportunities for intervention. Pharmacists in this study described techniques to support adherence to public health guidance based on their assessment of root causes for resistance demonstrated by patients. Importantly, all pharmacists in this study described feelings of anger towards truly anti-vax patients and unwillingness to actually engage or even try to address this group in their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manmohit Gill
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Dhruv Datta
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Zubin Austin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation – Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada,Corresponding author
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Tobia L, Muselli M, De Luca F, Cofini V, Mastrangeli G, Fabiani L, Necozione S. Community pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of stress during COVID-19. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36707906 PMCID: PMC9880923 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00523-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists play a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, performing frontline roles for the community, and supporting the healthcare system. This study aimed at investigating stress and its correlates among this category of workers at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS The participants for this study were employees of the "Municipal Pharmaceutical Company" of L'Aquila (Italy). Data were collected using an anonymous, web-based, self-administered questionnaire. Two independent surveys were conducted, from June to July 2020, and in January 2021. RESULTS Two separate groups of respondents were involved: a total of 37 workers participated in the first survey (mean age 44.9 ± 10.7, 75.7% women) and 18 in the second survey (mean age 45.9 ± 9.2, 94.4% women). The average total scores of the perceived stress (GHQ-12 score) increased significantly from 15.5 to 18.2 (p = 0.0438), showing a moderate level of stress in the category investigated. CONCLUSIONS We observed a strong emotional exhaustion in the study sample of pharmacists, who reported high-risk perceptions and fear. A comprehensive assistance should be granted to support the well-being of healthcare workers who provide an essential service, despite the high risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreta Tobia
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Mario Muselli
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Fabio De Luca
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Vincenza Cofini
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Giada Mastrangeli
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Leila Fabiani
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Stefano Necozione
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
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Melton TC, Hawkins BK. A Community Pharmacist's Guide to Oral COVID-19 Antivirals. Innov Pharm 2022; 13:10.24926/iip.v13i3.4961. [PMID: 36627913 PMCID: PMC9815871 DOI: 10.24926/iip.v13i3.4961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent approval of novel, oral antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19 has significantly altered the outpatient management of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. From a community pharmacy perspective, the two treatment options for mild to moderate COVID-19 are Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and Lagevrio™ (molnupiravir). While the availability of these antivirals has expanded community pharmacists' capability to provide care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19, many community pharmacists may struggle to effectively operationalize these agents in practice. This commentary provides a review of Paxlovid™ and Lagevrio™ clarifying the differences between each medication and their respective places in therapy, as well as suggestions and best-practices to operationalize the provision of these services in community pharmacies. These considerations are necessary to support and inform community pharmacy practice when providing oral COVID-19 antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Melton
- Rural Health Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Pharmacy
| | - Brandon K. Hawkins
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy,Corresponding author: Brandon K. Hawkins, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP Assistant Professor University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy 1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: 865.946.3407;
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Iguchi K, Ueyama M, Nishio H, Tamaki H, Osanai A, Ino Y, Nonomura K, Horibe M, Matsunaga T, Nakamura M. Impact of the increase in the number of community pharmacists on their geographical distribution in Japan: a retrospective survey. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:96. [PMID: 36482416 PMCID: PMC9733021 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00499-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate distribution of health care resources is required to adjust regional disparities in the quality of health care. Besides, the number of community pharmacists in Japan has increased recently, but the impact of this increase on the distribution of community pharmacists is unknown. Thus, we aimed at investigating the effect of the increase in the number of community pharmacists on the distribution per population and per area of inhabitable land. METHODS Data from 2008 to 2018 were used. Equity among municipalities in the number of community pharmacists per population and per area of inhabitable land was assessed using the Gini coefficient. A mosaic plot was used to demonstrate the relationship between the population density and increase in the number of community pharmacists per municipality. RESULTS The number of community pharmacists increased by approximately 1.3-fold from 2008 to 2018 in Japan. The Gini coefficient per population decreased gradually, whereas that per area increased slightly, with no change in distribution per area of inhabitable land. The number of community pharmacists per population increased regardless of the population density, but this increase per area was smaller for lower population density groups and larger for higher population density groups. CONCLUSION The increase in the number of community pharmacists has improved the distribution of community pharmacists per population, but not that per area of inhabitable land. The maldistribution of community pharmacists per area implies an imbalance in the distance between pharmacies and residents. Thus, there is need for measures to improve the distribution of community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Iguchi
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Midori Ueyama
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Hiroto Nishio
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tamaki
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Arihiro Osanai
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Yoko Ino
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Community Pharmacy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Kazuya Nonomura
- Mamiya Dispensing Pharmacy, 2-15 Kiyozumi-Cho, Gifu, 500-8178 Japan
| | - Megumi Horibe
- grid.411456.30000 0000 9220 8466Department of Nursing, School of Health Science, Asahi University, 1851 Hozumi, Mizuho, Gifu, 501-0296 Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsunaga
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Education Center of Green Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 5-6-1 Mitahora-Higashi, Gifu, 502-8585 Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Nakamura
- grid.411697.c0000 0000 9242 8418Laboratory of Drug Informatics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
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EL-Kaffash D, Fetohy E, Mehanna A. Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict community pharmacists' intention to provide diabetes care. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1479. [PMID: 36471391 PMCID: PMC9721017 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the pharmacist has changed from dispensing medicines, to working with other healthcare professionals to assure appropriate medication therapy management. This study assessed community pharmacists' intention regarding diabetes care based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in Alexandria, Egypt. METHODS A sample of 385 community pharmacies with one index per site (one pharmacist per pharmacy) was recruited in the sample using a multistage random sampling technique. This cross-sectional survey was performed using a self-administered questionnaire that measured the constructs of TPB. A structural equation model was used to identify specific factors that most contribute to and predict pharmacists' intention to provide diabetes care. RESULTS The sample included 385 pharmacies, approximately half of them (51.4%) were males and the majority of them (94%) had a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences. Intention was significantly correlated with attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. "Regular screening for complications can improve quality of life for diabetic patients" (β = 1.131) was the most specific factor motivating pharmacists to perform diabetes care, while "some physicians do not appreciate pharmacists' involvement in diabetic care" was the most specific factor that negatively influenced intention of pharmacists to provide diabetes care (β = 4.283). CONCLUSION Community pharmacists demonstrated a positive attitude, perceived significant approval from others and felt able to intervene in diabetes care. However, lack of physician collaboration was a specific hindering factor for pharmacists' practice of diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia EL-Kaffash
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Master Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 105 Gamal Abd EL-Nasser Street Sidi Bishr, Alexandria, 21624 Egypt
| | - Ebtisam Fetohy
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Azza Mehanna
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Kharaba Z, Khasawneh LQ, Aloum L, Ghemrawi R, Jirjees F, Al Bataineh N, Al-Azayzih A, Ali Buabeid M, Zain Al-Abdin S, Alfoteih Y. An assessment of the current practice of community pharmacists for the disposal of medication waste in the United Arab Emirates: A deep analysis at a glance. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1773-1780. [PMID: 36601509 PMCID: PMC9805962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to identify the current practice carried out by community pharmacists to dispose of expired medications in their workplace and assess any practical steps utilized to reduce medication waste. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The participants were asked about their routine practice in disposing of different expired medications and the current actions taken to reduce the number of disposed medicines. Results The study included (n = 418) community pharmacists. More than a third of expired liquid, solid, and semi-solid dosage forms were collected by licensed contractors. In addition, more than a third of the pharmacists disposed of different dosage forms via unauthorized methods (general garbage, sink and toilet). Most expired drugs were skin and hair products, antibiotics and analgesics. The majority of pharmacists (68.4 %, n = 286) agreed that expired pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products, other than those disposed of via contractor, should be done through a specialized centre. This opinion was found to be strongly associated with years of practice as community pharmacists (P < 0.05). Conclusion Part of the existing disposal practices for expired pharmaceutical products in the UAE is carried out by contractors licensed by health authorities. However, concern remains regarding some pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products that have not been disposed of correctly. Additionally, there is a need for a specialized center for medication disposal (p < 0.05). A stock limitation is the best practice for managing medication quantities in stock (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon tyne, UK,Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE.
| | - Lubna Q. Khasawneh
- Department of Genomics and Genetics, Collage of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Lynn Aloum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kingston University, London, UK
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE
| | - Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Nezar Al Bataineh
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Medical and Health Sciences/ Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu-Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sham Zain Al-Abdin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, UAE
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Simegn W, Weldegerima B, Seid M, Zewdie A, Wondimsigegn D, Abyu C, Kasahun AE, Seid AM, Sisay G, Yeshaw Y. Assessment of prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:62. [PMID: 36243738 PMCID: PMC9569042 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication errors have serious consequences for patients’ morbidity and mortality. The involvement of pharmacy professionals in the prescribing and dispensing procedure allowed the detection of a range of drug-related problems in addition to identification by prescribers. They are often the first point of contact in the healthcare system in identifying prescribing errors and intervening in these errors by dealing with the prescribers and the patients. Objectives This study aimed to assess prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia. Methods A self-administered cross-sectional survey was employed from February 29 to June 23, 2020, to collect data on prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals. All community pharmacy professionals found in Gondar town were included. Community pharmacy professionals who were ill at the time of study and who had less than 6 months of work experience were excluded. Results Seventy-four pharmacy professionals participated in the study with a response rate of 93.6%. The overall prevalence of prescribing errors was 75.1% (95% CI 71.08–78.70). Of these errors, drug selection was the most common (82.4%), followed by errors of commission (79.7%) and errors of omission (78.4%). Antibiotics (63.5%) were commonly involved in prescribing errors, followed by analgesics (44.5%) and antipsychotics (39.5%). Conclusion The findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of prescribing errors in Gondar, Ethiopia. Drug selection was the most prescribed error, followed by errors of commission. Stakeholders should design interventions such as training, integrating prescribers with clinical pharmacists and supervising interns by seniors. Large-scale studies that include potential factors of prescribing problems are recommended for future researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Berhanemeskel Weldegerima
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Seid
- Gondar University Referral Hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayal Zewdie
- Gondar University Referral Hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimsigegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chilot Abyu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Emagn Kasahun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdulwase Mohammed Seid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Sisay
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yigizie Yeshaw
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Wong YJ, Ng KY, Lee SWH. Community pharmacists-led interventions in tuberculosis care: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022:S1551-7411(22)00300-X. [PMID: 36096865 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multidisciplinary approach is required to tackle the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, which is one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide. However, community pharmacists are underutilized in TB programs. OBJECTIVE To identify community pharmacists-led interventions in TB management with their corresponding impacts in TB case detection and treatment outcomes. METHODS A systematic search was performed in six electronic databases and health organization websites, from database inception to August 2, 2022. Studies which described TB screening, referral and/or treatment monitoring by community pharmacists with their corresponding outcomes were screened and reviewed independently by two reviewers. The studies were checked for the risk of bias using Cochrane risk of bias tools. All data of included studies were analysed qualitatively and presented narratively. RESULTS The search yielded 8,121 studies and five reports for initial screening. Sixteen studies and two case study reports were included in this review. Community pharmacists were involved throughout the TB care cascade, contributing their services in TB screening, referrals and in directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS) program. These interventions showed improvements in the effective control and prevention of further spread of TB, which improves individual, community and population level outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of community pharmacists into TB program can improve the continuity of care, bridging the gaps in TB case detection and treatment monitoring. Adequate training and support are essential, to further empower the role of community pharmacists in TB control and prevention, in building a TB-free world.
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Baruwa S, Tobey E, Okafor E, Afolabi K, Akomolafe TO, Ubuane I, Anyanti J, Jain A. The role of job aids in supporting task sharing family planning services to community pharmacists and patent proprietary medicine vendors in Kaduna and Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:981. [PMID: 35915491 PMCID: PMC9340708 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CPs and PPMVs are an important source of modern contraceptives in Nigeria, yet many lack the requisite knowledge and skills to capably provide these services. This skills gap might be addressed through targeted family planning (FP) training. This study measures family planning knowledge retention of CPs and PPMVs after receiving training in FP counseling and services in Kaduna and Lagos States, in Nigeria. Methods In a quasi-experimental longitudinal design without a comparison group, 559 CPs and PPMVs who were enrolled in the IntegratE project between January and December 2019, completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge related to the provision of FP counseling, and injectable and implant contraceptive services at three points in time: 1) before the training; 2) immediately after the training; and 3) 9-months after the training in Kaduna and Lagos states, Nigeria. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of provider characteristics and receipt of job aids on FP knowledge retention 9 months after the training. 95% confidence intervals and p-values were used to assess statistical significance. Results Majority of study participants were females (60.3%) and between 30 and 49 years old (63.4%). The study revealed the importance of jobs aids as influence on knowledge retention. CPs and PPMVs who reported having the Balanced Counseling Strategy plus (BCS+) counseling cards, were more likely to retain knowledge (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.01–8.40, p-value = 0.05) at 9 months follow-up. Similarly, in terms of knowledge of injectable contraceptives, CPs and Tier 2 PPMVs who reported receiving the Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) Wheel were 2.1 times more likely to retain knowledge of injectable contraceptives 9-months later on (95% CI: 1.14–3.99, p-value = 0.02). Conclusion Community Pharmacists and Proprietary Medicine Vendors had good retention of family planning knowledge, especially when combined with job aids. Training and providing them with job aids on FP will therefore support task shifting and task sharing on family planning services provision in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru Baruwa
- Population Council, House 4, No. 16 Mafemi Crescent, Off Solomon Lar Way, Utako, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | | | | | | | - Toyin O Akomolafe
- Population Council, House 4, No. 16 Mafemi Crescent, Off Solomon Lar Way, Utako, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Innocent Ubuane
- Population Council, House 4, No. 16 Mafemi Crescent, Off Solomon Lar Way, Utako, Abuja, Nigeria
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Mikhael EM, Al-Hamadani FY, Hadi AM. Design and evaluation of a new mobile application to improve the management of minor ailments: a pilot study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:920. [PMID: 35841030 PMCID: PMC9287937 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seeking pharmacist advice about minor ailments is a common practice among Iraqi patients because such advice is free and quick. Unfortunately, the assessment and management of minor ailments by Iraqi pharmacists were inappropriate. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model for a mobile application that can assist community pharmacists in the diagnosis and management of minor ailments. METHODS The scientific content of the application was based on the information in the symptoms in the pharmacy and British National Formulary books. The design and content of the application were approved by two experts. Thereafter, the application was built for Android mobiles using flutter technology and dart language. A pre-post pilot study was conducted to assess outcomes associated with use of the application, including user acceptance and appropriateness of clinical recommendations. Fifteen students from the College of Pharmacy/University of Baghdad who had an Android mobile participated in this study. Two different scenarios about diarrhea were used during the pilot study, in which the researcher acted as a patient (SP) and the participant student as a pharmacist. RESULTS After using the application, the number of questions asked by the participated student to the SP was significantly increased to about double. Additionally, providing the SP with appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapy along with optimum counseling and education were also significantly improved. All study participants agreed on the application's ease of use and ability to reduce diagnosis and medication errors. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of the newly developed mobile application, diarrhea management step by step, was associated with improvements in assessment and recommended treatments for diarrhea cases with good acceptance by a pilot sample of pharmacy students at Baghdad University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Mudher Mikhael
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | | | - Ali Mohammed Hadi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
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Stewart V, McMillan SS, Wheeler AJ. The development of a taxonomy to support goal setting between mental health consumers and community pharmacists. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:4003-4008. [PMID: 35717529 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Goal setting is widely used in mental healthcare, yet there is limited information about goal development between community pharmacists and people experiencing mental health conditions. OBJECTIVES i) To review goals developed in partnership between Australian community pharmacists and people experiencing depression/anxiety, and ii) categorize goals and develop a taxonomy. METHODS Community pharmacists (n = 142) who had completed a mental health training program provided an individualized medication support service and documented goal planning for 350 people experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Goals were reviewed using a general inductive content analysis to develop themes which were then grouped, categorized, and coded. This involved three researchers in different phases of the coding, repeated review and redrafting of the taxonomy, and inter-rater reliability consistency checks. RESULTS The goals (n = 749) represented a diverse range of health behaviors and outcomes (e.g., medication adherence, relationships, leisure activities). The resulting taxonomy involved five overarching domains: improved health; satisfaction with life; manage physical illnesses; manage mental health; and use of medicines. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists have a role in providing person-centered care and addressing social determinants of health by considering factors that contribute to a person's overall wellbeing. While further testing is necessary, the taxonomy is valuable for pharmacists unfamiliar with supporting goal development with people experiencing anxiety and/or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Stewart
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia.
| | - Sara S McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia; Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Abubakar U, Subramaniam L, Ayinla A, Ambali MN, Mohamed Noor DA, Daud NAA, Isah HK, Al-Shami HA. Knowledge, attitude and perception of community pharmacists towards pharmacogenomics services in northern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:39. [PMID: 35614463 PMCID: PMC9134695 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate knowledge, attitude and perception of community pharmacists towards pharmacogenomics services.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in two cities in Northern Nigeria using a self-administered, validated and pre-tested questionnaire. The data were collected from December 2021 to February 2022 and were analysed using both descriptive and inferential analyses. Results A total of 161 completed questionnaires were included in this study (response rate was 61.9%). Most of the respondents were males (59.0%). Only 25.5% had previous pharmacogenomics training but 90.1% indicated an interest in attending pharmacogenomics training in the future. Overall, respondents had moderate knowledge of pharmacogenomics with higher knowledge score found among those who had previous pharmacogenomics training (11.9 ± 1.7 vs 10.5 ± 2.4; p = 0.001), and those with postgraduate qualification (11.7 ± 1.9 vs 10.7 ± 2.3; p = 0.028). The mean attitude score was 6.8 ± 2.0 out of 10.0 indicating a good attitude towards pharmacogenomics services. Those with previous training (8.1 ± 1.7 vs 6.2 ± 1.9; p < 0.001) and those with postgraduate qualification (7.2 ± 2.3 vs 6.6 ± 1.9; p = 0.042) had better attitude towards pharmacogenomics services. The median perception score was 34.0 out of 45.0, indicating a positive perception towards pharmacogenomics. There was a better perception among those with previous pharmacogenomics training (40.0 [21–45] vs 34.0 [0–45]; p = 0.002) and those with postgraduate qualifications (39.0 [0–45] vs 34.0 [21–45]; p = 0.010). Barriers to the implementation of pharmacogenomics included lack of knowledge (89.4%), lack of guidelines (87.5%) and lack of reimbursement (81.4%). Conclusion Community pharmacists have a moderate knowledge, a good attitude and a positive perception towards pharmacogenomics services. Those with previous pharmacogenomics training and those with postgraduate qualifications had better knowledge, attitude and perception towards pharmacogenomics services. Lack of knowledge, lack of guidelines and lack of reimbursement were the major barriers to the implementation of pharmacogenomics services in community pharmacies in Nigeria. Pharmacogenomics should be included in pharmacy training curricula to prepare pharmacists for the provision of pharmacogenomics services. Development of local guidelines and a robust reimbursement plan for pharmacogenomics services is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Abubakar
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Lienarrubini Subramaniam
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Abdulkadir Ayinla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Hospital Management Board, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mobolaji Nurudeen Ambali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Hospital Management Board, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Dzul Azri Mohamed Noor
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aizati Athirah Daud
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hauwa Kulu Isah
- Al-Jidda Pharmacy and Store, Isa Kaita Road, Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna, Nigeria
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Sanchez-Molina AI, Benrimoj SI, Ferri-Garcia R, Martinez-Martinez F, Gastelurrutia MA, Garcia-Cardenas V. Development and validation of a tool to measure collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians from the perspective of community pharmacists: the professional collaborative practice tool. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:649. [PMID: 35568892 PMCID: PMC9107731 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08027-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians is becoming increasingly common. Although tools and models to explore collaborative practice between both health care professionals have been developed, very few have been validated for their use in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a tool for measuring collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians from the perspective of community pharmacists. METHODS The DeVellis method was used to develop and validate the Professional Collaborative Practice Tool. A pool of 40 items with Likert frequency scales was generated based on previous literature and expert opinion. This study was undertaken in Spain. A sample of community pharmacists providing medication reviews with follow-up and a random sample of pharmacists providing usual care were invited to participate. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the tool's reliability and content validity. RESULTS Three hundred thirty-six pharmacists were invited with an overall response rate of 84.8%. The initial 40 items selected were reduced to 14 items. Exploratory Factor Analysis provided a 3-factor solution explaining 62% of the variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the three factors "Activation for collaborative professional practice," the "Integration in collaborative professional practice," and the "Professional acceptance in collaborative professional practice." The tool demonstrated an adequate fit (X2/df = 1.657, GFI = 0.889 and RMSEA = 0.069) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.924). CONCLUSIONS The Professional Collaborative Practice Tool has shown good internal reliability and criterion validity. The tool could be used to measure the perceived level of collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians and monitor changes over time. Its applicability and transferability to other settings should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shalom I Benrimoj
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ramon Ferri-Garcia
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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