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Combating drug abuse through pharmacist-led public health campaigns strategic initiatives for global prevention

The global drug abuse crisis continues to pose significant public health challenges, necessitating comprehensive prevention strategies. Pharmacists, as accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, are increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in drug abuse prevention. This paper explores pharmacist-led public health campaigns and interventions designed to mitigate drug abuse, particularly through education, outreach, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. It examines core components of effective campaigns, including targeting at-risk populations such as youth and high-risk communities. Additionally, the paper discusses global prevention strategies, addressing the cultural, economic, and legal barriers that pharmacists face while highlighting opportunities for their leadership in international drug prevention efforts. The conclusion emphasizes the need for policy recommendations to enhance the pharmacist’s role in drug abuse prevention, alongside future directions leveraging digital health technologies and international collaboration to achieve more effective global outcomes.

Rural community pharmacists' willingness to receive, administer, and recommend COVID-19 vaccines after the First U.S. vaccine rollout

IntroductionVaccines remain the cornerstone for prevention of COVID-19. Particularly in rural areas, community pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. Their advocacy for immunization can help overcome patients' vaccine hesitancy and close the disparity gap between rural and urban regions. This study explored factors influencing the willingness to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines among rural community pharmacists after the first U.S. vaccine rollout. MethodsA convenience sample of rural community pharmacists completed a selfadministered, validated paper/online survey (n = 86, 23.4% response rate). Measures included COVID-19 vaccination status, perceived benefits of offering COVID-19 immunization services at the pharmacy, and willingness to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were used to analyze potential nonresponse bias, survey responses, and associations between variables as appropriate. Alpha was set at 0.05. ResultsThe proportion of pharmacists who were vaccinated against COVID-19 was 79.1%. Over 75% of participants were in favor of recommending COVID-19 immunizations to eligible family members and patients and almost 85% agreed that they would administer COVID-19 vaccines to their patients. Most pharmacists perceived COVID-19 immunization services to be beneficial, such as attracting more patients into the pharmacy (81.2%), increasing pharmacy revenue (75.3%), and enhancing relationships with local clinics/public health agencies (74.1%). COVID-19 vaccination status and the perceived benefit of offering immunization services at the pharmacy were significantly associated with pharmacists' willingness to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines. ConclusionThe relatively high rates of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and the strong willingness of rural community pharmacists to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines, after the first national vaccine rollout, were encouraging. The findings underscore the importance of engaging rural community pharmacists in efforts to prepare for and respond to future pandemics and public health crises.

Enhancing Type 2 Diabetes Management: The Role of Pharmacist-Led Education and Booklets

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern, necessitating effective management to prevent complications. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, can play a pivotal role in patient education and self-management support. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led education and booklets on glycemic control and self-management behaviors in patients with T2DM. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a hospital in Central Java, Indonesia. Patients diagnosed with T2DM for at least six months were recruited. The intervention group received pharmacist-led education and a booklet, while the control group received standard care. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and self-management behaviors were assessed at baseline and after three months. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in FBG levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the intervention group showed improvements in self-management behaviors, including medication adherence, dietary control, and physical activity. Pharmacist-led education and booklets are effective in improving glycemic control and self-management behaviors in patients with T2DM. This intervention can be integrated into routine diabetes care to enhance patient outcomes.

Establishing mental health friendly pharmacies to assist in the early identification and support of older adults at risk of depression: The EMPATHISE pilot study

BackgroundLate-life depression (LLD) often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals (HCPs) and may play a significant role in LLD screening. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and pilot a pharmacist-delivered depression screening and referral service for older adults (≥65 years) at risk of depression, within community pharmacy. MethodsCommunity pharmacists across New South Wales, Australia, were recruited to participate in a prospective pilot study. Pharmacists/pharmacy staff received specialized training before recruiting and screening patients aged ≥65 years using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). Patients scoring ≥6 were referred to another HCP, e.g., general practitioner, and followed-up by the pharmacist 1-week postscreening. Patients were also followed-up by a research team member 6-weeks postscreening to explore outcomes of the screening. Semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and patients were undertaken following completion of the pilot study to explore their experiences delivering/receiving the screening service. A thematic inductive analysis approach was used to analyze interview data. ResultsA total of 39 community pharmacies participated in this study. In total, 113 participants attended the training sessions. Pharmacists screened 15 patients from 8 pharmacies, of which 67% were female. Two thirds of patients (67%) received a GDS-15 score of ≥6, indicating possible depression and requiring referral. Pharmacists referred 80% of patients to another HCP. One patient was diagnosed with depression and commenced antidepressant therapy. Five patients and 6 pharmacists participated in semi-structured interviews. Barriers to screening included lack of time and mental illness stigma. Facilitators included pharmacist-patient relationships and training. ConclusionPharmacist-delivered LLD screening was found to be acceptable by both pharmacists and patients, with pharmacists reporting training improved their comfort and confidence with depression screening. These pilot study findings may inform future work into service delivery models to support early identification and treatment of LLD.

Stakeholders’ perspectives on involvement of community pharmacists in vaccine delivery services and implications for policy reform in Nigeria

Vaccination has proven to be one of the most potent ways of achieving disease prevention and consequently reducing the number of global deaths due to diseases. As a result, vaccination coverage must be prioritised in public health. Community pharmacists are pitched as critical to reaching broader vaccination coverage in Nigeria due to their position as one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in the country. However, the factors affecting the involvement of these professionals as vaccine administrators have not been adequately established. This study was thus conducted as a collaborative action qualitative research via the interview of regulatory and professional stakeholders to ascertain this involvement and propose steps to be taken towards the progress of integrating the pharmacists into immunisation programmes. The study results showed that while pharmacists do not face direct restrictions when administering vaccines, they are not enabled to do so by law. Also, pharmacists’ uptake of the vaccine administrator role would benefit the Nigerian health system, and efforts are geared toward officially incorporating pharmacists. To this end, the government's support via funding and policymaking is solicited for better outcomes.

Occupational burnout and job satisfaction among community pharmacists

IntroductionCommunity pharmacists (CPs) are the most accessible healthcare professionals in primary care due to pharmacies' open-door policy and convenience, resulting in high patient and prescription volumes, and numerous free-of-charge consultations. Therefore, they are at high risk for burnout. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to assess the levels of burnout among community pharmacists in Greece, marking the first investigation of its kind within the country. Additionally, this study aimed to explore potential correlations between demographic variables and other health-related factors with burnout scores. MethodsThis study used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving two validated questionnaires(the Greek version of Maslach (MBI) questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire). Prior to data collection, all the relevant documentation was approved by the Metropolitan College Research Ethics Committee and was adopted under the auspices of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association. Random sampling was used. Data collection period was July to August 2022. ResultsA total of 368 responses were included in the analysis, with the majority being pharmacy-owners (n = 292, 79.3%). Notably, a significant proportion of respondents were female practitioners working within community pharmacy settings (n = 230, 62.5%). Analysis revealed that the sample exhibited low levels of personal achievement (M = 30.99, SD = 6.41), high levels of emotional exhaustion (M = 41.73, SD = 6.94), and moderate levels of depersonalization (M = 23.38, SD = 3.78), indicative of substantial occupational burnout. Furthermore, gender had a discernible impact on depersonalization, with women scoring higher than men (t = −3.29, p < 0.01). Pharmacists who identified medicine shortages as their primary challenge in daily practice reported lower emotional burnout and depersonalization, albeit with a diminished sense of accomplishment (t = −2.62, p < 0.01). ConclusionsThis study sheds light on burnout levels and health-related quality of life among community pharmacists in Greece.

Incorporating social determinants of health into patient care workflows within a health-system specialty pharmacy

BackgroundThe influence of adverse factors on social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on patient outcomes is widely recognized. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing SDOH concerns. Health-system specialty pharmacies have consistently assisted patients in accessing expensive specialty medications and ensuring adherence to therapy. As such, they are uniquely positioned to address SDOH concerns of patients. ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of incorporating standardized SDOH screening and referral methods into the patient care workflows of a health-system specialty pharmacy. Practice descriptionThe University of North Carolina Health Care (UNC Health) Specialty and Home Delivery Pharmacy is a health-system owned specialty pharmacy serving patients in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. It holds accreditations from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission and Accreditation Commission for Health Care. Practice innovationA standardized SDOH screening and referral method were integrated into patient care workflows of a health-system specialty pharmacy. If SDOH concerns were identified upon screening by a specialty pharmacist, patients were referred to an entity within the health-system responsible for connecting patients to local community resources to address their SDOH concerns. Evaluation methodsThe types of SDOH concerns, frequency of SDOH referrals, referral turnaround time, outcomes of the referrals, and patient demographics were evaluated to determine the impact of this project. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. ResultsSixty-nine patients were included (female: n = 38, 55.1%; age (mean±SD: 48.9 ± 16.3). Eighty-seven SDOH concerns were reported, 54 patients (78.3%) were connected to local resources upon referral, and the average turnaround time of referrals was 2.2 business days. ConclusionThe findings of this pilot study highlight the effectiveness of incorporating SDOH screening and referral methods into specialty pharmacy workflows. Specialty pharmacies can successfully identify and address nonmedical factors impacting patients.

An Implementation-Focused Qualitative Exploration of Pharmacist Needs Regarding an Opioid Use Disorder Screening and Brief Intervention.

Screening and brief interventions (SBI) can help identify opioid safety risks and healthcare professionals can accordingly intervene without a significant increase in workload. Pharmacists, one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to offer SBI. To design an effective intervention with high potential for implementation, we explored pharmacist needs and barriers regarding SBI for opioid use disorders. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted 11 semi-structured 60-minute interviews with community pharmacists. We used a purposeful sample of English-speaking pharmacists practicing in varied pharmacies (small independent, large-chain, specialty-retail) and positions (managers, owners, full-time/part-time pharmacists). Transcriptions were analyzed using deductive content analysis based on CFIR constructs, followed by inductive open coding. Utilizing a theoretical framework for data collection and analysis, a diverse sample of pharmacist roles, peer debriefing, and 2 independent coders for each transcript, altogether increased the credibility and transferability of our research. Data collection and analysis continued until data saturation was achieved. Pharmacists described good working relationships with colleagues, organization cultures that were open to new initiatives, and believed the SBI to be compatible with their organization goals and pharmacy structure, which are facilitators for future SBI implementation. Pharmacists were motivated by improved patient outcomes, more patient interaction and clinical roles, representing facilitators at the individual level. They also described stigma toward patients, mixed need for change, and lack of knowledge regarding SBI, which are potential barriers to be addressed. Pharmacists believed that the SBI model was adaptable, not complicated, and benefits outweighed implementation costs. We addressed current SBI literature gaps-mainly lack of focus on implementation and contextual data, through rigorous implementation-focused qualitative research. Our exploratory findings have direct implications on future pharmacy-based SBI implementation.

Breast is best? A small-scale study exploring knowledge, attitudes, and training amongst community pharmacists about breastfeeding

Abstract Introduction The United Kingdom (UK) has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, with the last Infant Feeding Survey showing a reduction from 81% of mothers initiating breastfeeding to 0.5% still breastfeeding at 12 months.1 It provides multiple health benefits for mothers and infants, and promoting breastfeeding is an important public health strategy, impacting the future health of the population. Community pharmacists are accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, giving expert advice on medication use and public health. Previous research has found a lack of knowledge and training on medicines use during lactation and breastfeeding-related conditions, often leading to unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding.2 Aim To explore breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and training amongst community pharmacists. Methods Following ethical approval from Kingston University and a pilot study, a paper questionnaire comprising 24 mixed-style questions was distributed to community pharmacists in the London boroughs of Ealing and Brent. The Raosoft online calculator was used to calculate the sample size of 110 pharmacists at 95% confidence interval. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Analyses were performed using SPSS software alongside thematic analysis for interview responses. Results Response rate was 75% (n=82/110) and 9 pharmacists participated in the interviews. 47.6% (n=39/82) pharmacists rated their current breastfeeding knowledge as neither poor nor good or lower. Only 11% (n=9/82) pharmacists stated the duration of breastfeeding should be greater than 2 years. 27.2% (n=12/44) pharmacists felt slightly or not confident providing over-the-counter medicines to breastfeeding patients compared to 61.4% (n=27/44) when making recommendations for breastfeeding-related conditions such as mastitis or nipple thrush. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for further research into medication use safety during lactation as pharmacists lacked confidence to make recommendations based on Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). 50% (n=41/82) pharmacists stated their knowledge was obtained from personal experience. 100% (n=82/82) of participants agreed that more education and training must be provided, and thematic analysis showed pharmacists would prefer a spiralled approach starting at university level, through foundation year training and post-registration. Discussion/Conclusion The majority of pharmacists showed somewhat or high confidence advising patients about over-the-counter medication safety during lactation, but this was reversed when confronted with breastfeeding-related conditions, in contrast to findings from Byerley2 where the majority of pharmacists were not confident about medicines advice. Pharmacists have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding with all desiring further training. Changes to pharmacy education and training are needed to develop pharmacists’ understanding on breastfeeding generally and medicines safety with the need for robust evidence from clinical trials to improve pharmacist’s confidence to advise appropriately,3 or at least to educate pharmacists about specialised resources such as the Drug and Lactation Database or Breastfeeding Network. Study strengths included providing information about an area with limited literature and a reasonable response rate. Limitations included a small sample size in a small geographical area. Only community pharmacists were surveyed but with evolving roles, it would benefit surveying primary care pharmacists.

Pharmacists’ perceptions and delivery of health behaviour change recommendations: Mapping the COM-B model

BackgroundPharmacists are trusted and accessible healthcare professionals who are well-positioned to deliver brief health behaviour change technique-based interventions for chronic health conditions. However, little is known about the factors influencing pharmacists’ use of behaviour change techniques and their capacity to deliver these interventions within community pharmacy. ObjectivesThis study employed the COM-B model to explore the factors that explain pharmacists’ delivery of behaviour change techniques in practice. A secondary objective was to ascertain whether capability, opportunity, and motivation are associated with and explain significant variance in the use of behaviour change techniques during patient interactions. MethodsTwo-hundred and eleven Australian pharmacists (mean age = 36.1, SD = 10.7) completed a survey on their capability, opportunity, and motivation to deliver behaviour change techniques, and their delivery and frequency of use in practice. ResultsMost pharmacists (91.3%) use behaviour change techniques during patient interactions. Results from a simple linear regression showed that a composite COM score was associated with pharmacists’ behaviour change technique use F(1,195) = 47.12, β = 0.44, 95 % CI [0.09, 0.16], p < .001, and their frequency of use (F(1,198) = 44.19, β = 0.43, 95 % CI [0.02, 0.06], p < .001). While capability, opportunity, and motivation were individually associated with the range and frequency of behaviour change technique used, motivation was the only significant variable in the composite model for range (β = 0.35, 95 % CI [0.11, 0.41], p < .001) and frequency of behaviour change technique use (β = 0.22, 95 % CI [0.01, 0.09], p < .05). ConclusionsPharmacist motivation was the most important construct explaining behaviour change technique use. Interventions should seek to foster pharmacist motivation and may benefit from adopting COM-B as a behaviour change framework, to understand the factors influencing the delivery of behaviour change interventions.

Patient care and customer services during the COVID-19 pandemic at accredited pharmacies: Pharmacists and patients' perspectives

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists are now the most accessible healthcare professionals, providing advice, information, drugs, and devices across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Thailand, accredited community pharmacies meet higher standards than qualified community pharmacies, but little is known about the perspectives of accredited community pharmacists and patients in this emergency situation. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' and patients' perspectives on the challenges and opportunities they faced in providing or receiving patient care and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in March–August 2022 in a province located in the eastern part of Thailand. Participants of the study were full-time pharmacists and patients at accredited community pharmacies. A convergent mixed methods design was used and involved quantitative data about the perspectives of participants measured by online self-administered surveys and qualitative open-ended questions. ResultsTwenty pharmacists and 416 patients provided complete responses. The meta-inferences were expansive in three standards including physical evidence, quality management, and good pharmacy practices/services for both groups of participants. For the social/community involvement standard, pharmacists' and patients' opinions (free-text responses) confirmed their perspective scores. ConclusionsThis study highlights community pharmacy's crucial role in maintaining essential healthcare services during the pandemic, with patients acknowledging and appreciating the dedication of community pharmacists. The mixed methods findings provide valuable insights into pharmacists' and patients' perspectives, facilitating a deeper understanding and exploration of the potential roles community pharmacists can play in a post-pandemic world, embracing new technologies for improved systems.

Development and Implementation of Workshops to Optimize the Delivery of Vaccination Services in Community Pharmacies: Thinking beyond COVID-19.

Vaccines are widely recognized as the most economically efficient strategy to combat infectious diseases. Community pharmacists, being highly accessible healthcare professionals, have the potential to significantly contribute to the promotion and facilitation of vaccination uptake. In Canada, the jurisdiction of healthcare falls under provincial legislation, leading to variations in the extent of pharmacist practice throughout the country. While some pharmacists in Canada already functioned as immunizers, Québec pharmacists gained the authority to prescribe and administer vaccines in March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Our workshop aimed to equip pharmacists in Québec with the necessary guidance to optimize vaccinations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and expanding immunization services beyond influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in the future. During the workshop, pharmacists had the opportunity to exchange valuable insights and best practices regarding workflow optimization, identifying areas for improvement in competency, effectively reaching vulnerable population groups, and integrating allied team members into their practice. Participants were also asked to develop a plan of action to help implement practice change beyond the workshop. Interactive workshops centered around discussions like these serve as catalysts for advancing the pharmacy profession, uniting professionals with a collective aim of enhancing patient care.

Qualitative Assessment of a Human Trafficking Module Intervention in Pharmacy Education.

Description of the Problem: Human trafficking is a critical public health threat in the United States, yet education on human trafficking for pharmacy students has not been evaluated despite pharmacists being the most accessible health care professionals. Description of the Innovation: To evaluate the most valuable aspects of an introductory module on human trafficking, pharmacy students participated in a human trafficking module, and their perception of human trafficking was evaluated after the module. Content on human trafficking was delivered through an asynchronous online presentation followed by a synchronous Zoom class discussion. Fifty-three third-year pharmacy students from the Women's Health elective in the fall semester of 2020 at the University of Minnesota - College of Pharmacy were included. Consensual Qualitative Research methodology was used for qualitative data analysis. Critical Analysis: Students' perceptions of the value of this learning module was evaluated through consensual qualitative research. The findings suggest the module held significant value for students to better understand human trafficking and the role of pharmacists. Implications: A hybrid model on human trafficking involving discussions, case examples, and questions posed by students was found to have a positive impact on their knowledge on human trafficking. The results of this study will provide direction for future modules, classes, or adaptations to the curriculum on human trafficking for pharmacy students and may prove beneficial for other health care professionals.

The Pharmacist's role in dermatology: Patient medication adherence.

Medication non-adherence is currently estimated to have caused at least 100 000 preventable deaths and over $100 billion in preventable medical costs. Adherence is particularly poor in dermatological conditions, with more than 50% of patients discontinuing topical treatments within the first year. Pharmacists are among the most accessible health-care professionals with the potential to greatly impact medication non-adherence through patient education, medication therapy management, and improved access to care. This review aimed to determine how pharmacists have improved medication adherence in dermatology and discuss strategies for further involvement. An extensive medical literature search using the PubMed database was conducted to evaluate clinical studies, published in the last 20 years, that have evaluated the pharmacist's role and impact on adherence of to dermatological products. PubMed search terms include: "pharmacists' role in dermatologic medication adherence", "pharmacist-led interventions in dermatology", "pharmacist medication adherence dermatology" and "pharmacist intervention dermatology". A total of 18 relevant studies were identified. Pharmacists improved dermatological medication adherence by increasing access to medications, providing medication counseling programs, and performing treatment monitoring services. However, corticophobia may contribute to pharmacists' hesitancy in making corticosteroid over-the-counter recommendations. Pharmacists are accessible health-care providers with the potential to improve dermatological medication adherence. Future advanced training in dermatology medications may refine pharmacists' knowledge of dermatological products.

Pharmacist-Led Management of HIV PrEP Within the Veterans Health Administration.

Uptake and access to HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is key to reducing incident HIV infections. Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care professionals in the United States and are well suited to address this need. We describe a model of care at the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in which clinical pharmacist practitioners developed and implemented a pharmacy-led PrEP clinic colocated within an infectious disease clinic. Veterans Health Administration clinical pharmacists provide direct patient care under a scope of practice that includes ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and providing PrEP prescriptions. To improve access and patient acceptability, we also used novel telemedicine modes of care to ensure flexible appointment scheduling. This model can be used by other federal and community-based health care organizations to implement interdisciplinary pharmacist-managed PrEP clinics and expand telehealth modalities to deliver outpatient services.

COVID-19 host genetic risk study conducted at community pharmacies: Implications for public health, research and pharmacists’ scope of practice

Community pharmacists serve a large, diverse population of patients, resulting in the potential to utilize community pharmacies as recruitment sites for clinical research. Beyond traditional roles as one of the most accessible health care professionals in the US healthcare system, pharmacists have played a major role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, administering hundreds of thousands of vaccines and tests. However, less emphasis is placed on the ability to leverage community pharmacies as research-focused partners for clinical studies. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility and workflow of recruiting study participants from community pharmacies and confirm genetic markers of COVID-19 susceptibility. Specific genetic markers include those associated with COVID-19 infection risk (ACE2, TMEM27, and RAVER1), difficulty breathing (NOTCH4), and hospitalization (OAS3). In addition, collaboration with a clinical laboratory allowed for a more seamless consenting process without substantial training needs or workflow disruption at the community pharmacy site. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice is a key factor in managing the population health crisis; this study demonstrates that pharmacies can also advance clinical research studies by serving as sites for patient recruitment from a large, diverse, and ambulatory study population.

A needs assessment for suicide prevention training within community pharmacies

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of deaths globally, with over 700,000 deaths by suicide reported annually. In Ireland, numbers of suicides increased by 5.4% from 2015 to 2019. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, and together with their staff they are well placed to identify those who may be at risk of suicide and guide them towards care pathways. Furthermore, their role in medication management can limit vulnerable patient access to potentially harmful medications. This study aims to explore the experience of community pharmacists and their staff in dealing with patients at risk of suicide and to identify ways of increasing education and support in this area. MethodsPharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey via Google Forms in May 2020, and to circulate the online survey link to their community pharmacy staff (CPS). The survey comprised 29 questions across the following categories: interactions with at-risk patients; communication; training and resources. Free text responses to the following question were invited: “Without any identifying information, please tell us briefly about a time when you interacted with a patient who you were concerned may hurt himself or herself”. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. ResultsOf 219 eligible responses (67% female, 94% pharmacists, 6% other pharmacy staff), 61% percent (n = 134) reported having a patient die by suicide. Forty percent (n = 87) of participants reported feeling either very or moderately uncomfortable communicating with patients that may be at risk of suicide or self-harm. Most respondents (88.5%, n = 194) had not completed any suicide training. Online/webinar style trainings (82.1%, n = 180), and local/regional in-person events (50%, n = 111) were the most preferred education mode. Qualitative themes that emerged were: (i) accessibility; (ii) medication management; (iii) therapeutic relationship; (iv) knowledge and training; and (v) continuum of care pathways. ConclusionThis study highlights the high frequency of community pharmacy interactions with those at risk of suicide and the necessity for appropriate training in suicide prevention. Further research-informed action is required to facilitate navigation of such interactions with knowledge and confidence.

Patient Perspective: Vaccines for Older People.

Pharmacists, as one of the most accessible health care professionals in the community, can educate, promote, and administer vaccinations. Immunizations are an important way to protect communities from potentially severe diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, pneumonia, shingles, hepatitis, and monkeypox. Though adults 65 years of age and older tend to have higher vaccination rates than other age groups, there are health care disparities that exist in relation to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions cause concerns in older people that can challenge both vaccine administration and rates. Other concerns for older people are the cost, safety, and side effects of vaccines. In addition, updated vaccine guidelines were released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in early 2023 that affect recommendations for influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines. Older people are at higher risk for severe illness, making immunizations especially important in this patient population. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in health promotion by staying up to date on immunization guidelines and addressing barriers to vaccination.

Self-perceived role and knowledge of community pharmacists in organ donation.

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. The objective of the study was to assess self-perceived professional role and organ donation knowledge of community pharmacists in Quebec. 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. 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%. 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.

The association of management and leadership competencies with work satisfaction among pharmacists in Lebanon

BackgroundPharmacists are at the core of the healthcare system and are the most accessible healthcare professionals. Their new roles involve leadership skills, among others. Work satisfaction of pharmacists might affect the quality of the services they provide. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the management/leadership skills and work satisfaction of pharmacists and working pharmacy students. The secondary objective was to establish the relationship between management/leadership competencies and work satisfaction.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 415 Lebanese pharmacists and fifth-year pharmacy students (undergraduates) working in different pharmacy sectors across Lebanon from August 2021 through October 2021 using the snowball sampling technique and validated tools to assess management/leadership competencies and work satisfaction.ResultsManagement/leadership competencies were significantly correlated with work satisfaction (B = 0.288) and inversely associated with being engaged/married (B = − 2.825) and living outside Beirut or Mount Lebanon (B = − 1.873). Pharmacy students did not significantly differ in their leadership/management level from graduate pharmacists. Work satisfaction was significantly associated with management/leadership competencies (B = 0.062) and inversely related to education level (B = − 0.644).ConclusionsPharmacists’ work satisfaction and management/leadership competencies are interrelated, although the level of satisfaction seemed lower than the declared level of competencies. These concepts are differentially affected by personal and work-related characteristics. More efforts should be exerted to improve both the satisfaction and management/leadership competencies of pharmacists in Lebanon.