Applications In Pharmacy Research Articles

Synthesis of low-band gap porous zirconia nanoparticles via greener-route: Mechanistic investigation and their applications

Zirconia nanoparticles are one of the significant metal oxide nanoparticles, due to their diverse applications in biomedical science such as dentistry, drug delivery, and catalytic science. Among the various synthetic methods employed for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs), the greener plant-mediated route is anticipated to be the simplest and most economically viable pathway. In the present work, spherical zirconia nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by mixing a solution of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate and extract of green tea leaves followed by heating at 90 °C, drying at 120 °C, and finally calcining at 550 °C for 4 h. The prepared material was characterized by both spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and was found to be crystalline in nature and exhibited both monoclinic and tetragonal phases. The obtained XRD data were further verified through the Rietveld refinement method. The refinement confirmed that the prepared sample has tetragonal and monoclinic phases in 62.66 and 37.34% with space groups P 42/nmc and P121/c1, respectively. Furthermore, microscopic studies reveal the formation of polygonal nanoparticles having size of ∼7 nm. Interestingly, the values of crystallite and particle sizes were found to be in contrast to each other. In order to gain a mechanistic understanding of the pathway followed in the preparation and stabilization of the zirconia nanoparticles via the organic components of tea extracts, theoretical studies were performed. The prepared zirconia nanoparticles were evaluated for their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity against five different pathogenic bacteria. These studies would find applications in pharmacy, the biomedical field, and photocatalysis.

Optimization of Online Pharmacy System to Lower the Late Billing for Chronic Disease Drugs

One of the biggest cost control problems among hospitals in the National Health Insurance is chronic disease drug services. Billing fee delays or unpaid billing fees often occur due to patient failure to revisit the doctor according to the requirement of 30 (thirty) days from the last visit. It resulted in the hospital's inability to collect the financing for chronic disease drugs from Social Security Administrative Agency (BPJS). This study aimed to discover the root cause of the pending billing of chronic disease drug costs and executable solutions in hospitals. This research was conducted at X Hospital Malang. This research used mix-method of qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative method were observations of the service flow for chronic disease patients, interviews with all unit coordinators, and focus group discussion with the Pharmacy Unit and Casemix Unit coordinators. The quantitative method was done using CARL scoring to determine the priority of the problem solution. The root of the problem was the lack of adequate systems and resources in chronic disease drug services. The possible solution is to modify the flow in the outpatient pharmacy. It is necessary to apply patient screening through the Online Pharmacy Application at the outpatient pharmacy to prevent patients who visit for less than 30 days. The results of the solution implementation are expected to reduce the amount of money from pending billing for chronic disease drug costs, thereby minimizing hospital financial losses.

A Facile and Efficient One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of Novel 2-Substituted 3-Thioxoisoindolin-1-one Derivatives

AbstractIn this paper, a novel and efficient method is reported for the synthesis of novel 2-substituted 3-thioxoisoindolin-1-one derivatives. The method is based on the solvent-free reaction of 2-carboxybenzaldehyde with aliphatic amines and sulfur at 100 °C. This reaction is intensely significant, especially in pharmacy applications, due to the facile synthesis of asymmetric thioxoisoindolin-1-one derivatives with phthalimide backbones.

Photocatalytic Activity Induced by Metal Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sustainable Approaches: A Comprehensive Review.

Nanotechnology is a fast-expanding area with a wide range of applications in science, engineering, health, pharmacy, and other fields. Among many techniques that are employed toward the production of nanoparticles, synthesis using green technologies is the simplest and environment friendly. Nanoparticles produced from plant extracts have become a very popular subject of study in recent decades due to their diverse advantages such as low-cost synthesis, product stability, and ecofriendly protocols. These merits have prompted the development of nanoparticles from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, algae, proteins, enzymes, etc., allowing for large-scale production with minimal contamination. However, nanoparticles obtained from plant extracts and phytochemicals exhibit greater reduction and stabilization and hence have proven the diversity of properties, like catalyst/photocatalyst, magnetic, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, circulating tumor deoxy ribo nucleic acid (CT-DNA) binding, gas sensing, etc. In the current scenario, nanoparticles can also play a critical role in cleaning wastewater and making it viable for a variety of operations. Nano-sized photocatalysts have a great scope toward the removal of large pollutants like organic dyes, heavy metals, and pesticides in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner from industrial effluents. Thus, in this review article, we discuss the synthesis of several metal nanoparticles using diverse plant extracts, as well as their characterization via techniques like UV–vis (ultraviolet–visible), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), etc., and catalytic activity on various hazardous systems.

Modern ways of doxicycline delivery and prospects of application in pharmacy

Currently, the global increase in resistance of pathogens to widely used antibiotics requires a return to the practice of using some classic drugs with preserved activity, finding new ways and directions of delivery of antibiotics to the locations of pathogenic microorganisms and the use of antimicrobial drugs that are not yet resistant. Doxycycline refers to antimicrobial drugs that do not yet have widespread resistance. Numerous studies of doxycycline have now been described as enhancing therapeutic effects, including COVID-19-related diseases, and finding new delivery routes to limit systemic side effects associated with high doses and avoid antibiotic resistance.
 The aim of the work was to analyze modern ways of doxycycline delivery, to determine the prospects for use in pharmacy, to summarize and systematize data on its functional purpose in the development of drugs with specified pharmaco-technological parameters.
 It is established that in the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market the range of drugs based on doxycycline hyclate is represented only by solid oral dosage forms - tablets and capsules for immediate release, but in the global pharmaceutical market there are additional dosage forms that provide parenteral delivery of doxycycline and oral forms. suspensions, syrups, dispersed tablets and delayed-release dosage forms – tablets, capsules and granules, which are the basis for the development of domestic drugs based on doxycycline.
 Development of new dosage forms with modified DH, such as implants, aerosols, lyophilisate for solution for injection, development of new manufacturing technologies, selection of excipients and delivery systems can improve the pharmacological action of antibiotics by reducing the dose and frequency of administration, prolonged or controlled programming. , and expanding the range of therapeutic action.
 Doxycycline is promising in pharmaceutical practice for the treatment of COVID-19, both due to its ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and antiviral activity, especially against Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is a secondary bacterial cause of pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Isolation and Evaluation of Collagen from the Fish (Thunnus Tonggol) Skin: A Biological Material for Medical Tissue Engineering

Introduction: Collagen bears many applications in pharmacy and medicine, health and cosmetic products as well as food industry. In recent years, much attention has been paid to separation of collagen from marine organisms arising from the fact that its use in the diet is not restricted and triggers no risk of contagious diseases as well as religious restrictions. Moreover, fish collagen is unique in terms of its extremely high solubility in dilute acid on a scale with mammalian and chicken collagen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the isolation and evaluation of collagen from fish skin (Thunnus tonggol) as a biological material for medical tissue engineering. Methods: Acid-soluble collagen (ASC) was isolated from fish skin using acetic acid. The Thunnus tonggol skin collagen was extracted by acid and base methods and evaluated by PAGE-SDS, FTIR and UV spectrophotography and amino acid composition analysis. Results: The results, predicated on SDS-PAGE and amino acid compositions, demonstrated that the fish skin collagen is of type I. Fourier transform infrared analysis also revealed helical compositions of both collagens. UV spectrophotometry in the Thunnus tonggol skin collagen indicated a maximum absorption of 235 nm. The amount of collagen extracted from the Thunnus tonggol skin turned out to be 17.3%. Through analysis of collagen amino acid extracted from the mentioned fish, glycine was predominant. The growth and proliferation of human fibroblast cells on the collagen extracted from the Thunnus tonggol skin was more than control. Conclusion: The results revealed that the fish collagen is an accessible and advantageous material for medical usage and tissue engineering.

Implementation and evaluation of pharmaly houses as learning communities to promote community, wellness, and advising

IntroductionAlthough medical education has demonstrated learning communities promote wellness and community while supporting advising and mentoring, its application in pharmacy is limited. This study explored faculty and student perceptions of pharmacy learning communities (PLC), including structure, member interactions, and curriculum topics. MethodsPLCs involving first-year (PY1) student advisees, third-year (PY3) peer mentors, and faculty coaches were implemented. The PLC model included Pharmaly Houses, which were compromised of multiple Pharmalies, with each Pharmaly consisting of one faculty coach, two PY3 peer mentors, and approximately 10 PY1 advisees. PLC members were invited to participate in semi-structured focus groups, and transcripts were analyzed using inductive coding. ResultsThree major themes and related subthemes emerged: strengths of the PLC structure (e.g., multiple perspectives, community, networking); interactions of Pharmaly members (i.e. faculty coaches, PY3 peer mentors, PY1 advisees); and feedback on PLC curriculum topics (e.g., topic consultation, continued learning). Participants indicated the multiple perspectives provided by Pharmaly members was a strength and highlighted the PLC structure facilitated a sense of community and belonging among Pharmaly members while promoting expanded networking within the House. While the PLC expanded networks, faculty and PY1 advisees desired more one-to-one interactions. Further, students reflected on how current PLC curriculum topics (e.g., wellness) prompted continued learning, reflection, and discussion outside the House or Pharmaly meeting. ConclusionsParticipants indicated PLCs can support student access to mentoring and advising, promote wellness, and foster a sense of community and belonging. The unique peer mentoring model further promoted community.

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2020-21, Degrees Conferred 2020-21, Fall 2021 Enrollments

This report presents data that describe the 2020-21 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2020-21, and fall 2021 pharmacy program enrollments. As of fall 2021 there were 142 colleges and schools of pharmacy with accredited (full, candidate, and precandidate status) professional degree

Formation of serpentinite-hosted talc in a continental crust setting: Petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, and O, H and Cl isotope study of the Gilów deposit, Góry Sowie Massif (SW Poland)

The Gilów deposit is located in the Góry Sowie Massif of the Central Sudetes (NE Bohemian Massif, SW Poland). Talcose rocks are associated with serpentinite bodies hosted by country migmatitic paragneiss, in an area where paragneiss also hosts amphibolitized eclogite bodies and granitic pegmatite veins. The talcose rocks and wall rocks were subjected to petrographic examination, electron microprobe study of minerals (including monazite Th-U-total Pb chemical dating), bulk rock chemical examination, as well as stable O, H and Cl isotope analysis. The talcose rocks can be used as a carving material and in ceramics, although the presence of tremolite and anthophyllite, and high Cr and Ni contents, preclude application in pharmacy and cosmetics. High Cr (2121.0–2148.4 ppm), Ni (1079–1561 ppm) and Co (57.4–84.8 ppm) contents, low ΣREE (2.13–13.81 ppm), as well as isotopic composition of O and H, classify the talcose rocks as a serpentinite-hosted type of deposit. Location in the strongly folded metamorphic unit, in the intimate vicinity of several faults and mylonitic zones, implies classification along the thrust-bound and fold-related metamorphogenic deposits. The talcose rocks are separated from serpentinites by the metasomatic chlorite schist, which contains two generations of monazite yielding two, different Th-U-total Pb dates. Older (389.8 ± 11.4 Ma) probably dates serpentinites juxtaposition with country paragneiss and chlorite formation. Younger (365.0 ± 18.2 Ma) likely dates amphiboles and talc formation, as overlaps the ages of amphibolite facies, country paragneiss migmatitization and intrusions of granitic pegmatites, and the talcose rocks contain talc-tremolite-anthophyllite assemblage indicative of the low-pressure mid-amphibolite facies. High MgO (24.27–27.21 wt%), Fe2O3 (5.06–5.12 wt%), Cr, Ni and Co contents are inherited from serpentinites. On the other hand, SiO2 (57.30–60.46 wt%), CaO (0.86–4.39 wt%), Al2O3 (1.38–3.04 wt%), TiO2 (0.02–0.04 wt%) and F (197–337 ppm) contents in the talcose rocks are higher than in host-serpentinites, likely due to a metasomatic introduction by fluids derived from migmatitic paragneisses or intruding pegmatites. Introduction of these elements is evidenced by a negative δ37Cl and elevated δ18O of the talcose rocks relative to host-serpentinites that are typical effects of interaction with a felsic crustal material. Interaction with paragneiss- and pegmatite-derived fluids is further evidenced by REE and trace elements patterns of the talcose rocks. The LREE/HREE enrichment, negative Sr and Ti anomalies, and positive Nb-La and Zr-Hf-Sm slopes, of the talcose rocks patterns, are similar as in paragneiss and pegmatite. Serpentinite bodies transformation into the talcose rocks was gradual and associated with increase of δ18O, and decrease of a Cl content, δD and δ37Cl. Pseudomorphic serpentinite, similar to abyssal serpentinites in terms of an isotopic composition (δ18O = +5.7‰, δD = −64‰, δ37Cl = +2.0‰), recrystallized into non-pseudomorphic serpentinite (δ18O = +7.1‰, δD = −48‰, δ37Cl = −0.1‰), which, in turn, was replaced by the talcose rock (δ18O = +8.3‰ to +8.7‰, δD = −52‰ to −48‰, δ37Cl = −2.6‰ to −0.1‰). Moreover, paragneiss- and pegmatite-derived fluids might have interacted with eclogite bodies during amphibolite facies-retrogression. Amphibolitized eclogite has Cl-rich amphibole rims, and negative δ37Cl (−0.5‰) consistent with a Cl-rich crustal fluid.

In vivo study of cardioprotective effect of bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum) extract

Background: The excessive use of chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin might induce cardiovascular diseases. Heart-specific biomarker enzymes such as LDH and BNP indicated the early signs of cardiotoxicity. However, there is no report on the effect of bay leaf on LDH and BNP nor its bioactive compounds and histopathology analysis.Objective: This study aims to determine the cardioprotective effect of Ethanol Extract of Bay Leaf (EEBL) based on phytochemical analysis, LDH and BNP levels, and cardiac histology of rats administered with doxorubicin.Methods: About 24 Wistar rats were divided into six groups treated with 100 mg/kg BW, 300 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW of EEBL with CMC-Na 0.5 %, vitamin E, and doxorubicin. Preconditioning was 14 days, followed by 21 days of intraperitoneal administration. LDH and BNP parameters were measured on days 1st, 7th, 14th, and 20th. Histology analysis was conducted on day 21st.Results: Dark green EEBL showed sufficient physical quality and properties for practical application in pharmacy. EEBL has significantly affected LDH, BNP, and cardio recovery dose-dependent. The most effective doses were observed at 500 mg/kg BW, and its performance is not statistically different from those of the commercial vitamin E. The histopathological images revealed significant improvements in interstitial edema, wavy fibers, hemorrhage, intracellular vacuole, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Here we report six bioactive compounds obtained from EEBL have cardioprotective effects; Neophytadiene, squalane, phytol, methyl palmitate, stigmasterol, and 9,12-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester.Conclusion: This study has shown the promising potential of bay leaf extract as a cardioprotector with sufficient quality pharmacological standards.

Application and Multi-Stage Optimization of Daylight Polymer 3D Printing of Personalized Medicine Products

Additive technologies have undoubtedly become one of the most intensively developing manufacturing methods in recent years. Among the numerous applications, the interest in 3D printing also includes its application in pharmacy for production of small batches of personalized drugs. For this reason, we conducted multi-stage pre-formulation studies to optimize the process of manufacturing solid dosage forms by photopolymerization with visible light. Based on tests planned and executed according to the design of the experiment (DoE), we selected the optimal quantitative composition of photocurable resin made of PEG 400, PEGDA MW 575, water, and riboflavin, a non-toxic photoinitiator. In subsequent stages, we adjusted the printer set-up and process parameters. Moreover, we assessed the influence of the co-initiators ascorbic acid or triethanolamine on the resin’s polymerization process. Next, based on an optimized formulation, we printed and analyzed drug-loaded tablets containing mebeverine hydrochloride, characterized by a gradual release of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), reaching 80% after 6 h. We proved the possibility of reusing the drug-loaded resin that was not hardened during printing and determined the linear correlation between the volume of the designed tablets and the amount of API, confirming the possibility of printing personalized modified-release tablets.

A Review on Green Synthesis of TiO2 NPs: Photocatalysis and Antimicrobial Applications.

Nanotechnology is a fast-expanding area with a wide range of applications in science, engineering, health, pharmacy, and other fields. Nanoparticles (NPs) are frequently prepared via a variety of physical and chemical processes. Simpler, sustainable, and cost-effective green synthesis technologies have recently been developed. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in a green/sustainable manner has gotten a lot of interest in the previous quarter. Bioactive components present in organisms such as plants and bacteria facilitate the bio-reduction and capping processes. The biogenic synthesis of TiO2 NPs, as well as the different synthesis methods and mechanistic perspectives, are discussed in this review. A range of natural reducing agents including proteins, enzymes, phytochemicals, and others, are involved in the synthesis of TiO2 NPs. The physics of antibacterial and photocatalysis applications were also thoroughly discussed. Finally, we provide an overview of current research and future concerns in biologically mediated TiO2 nanostructures-based feasible platforms for industrial applications.

GAMBARAN PENERAPAN PELAYANAN FARMASI KLINIK DI PUSKESMAS

Clinical pharmacy services are part of the pharmaceutical service standards at the puskesmas, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes and ensure the patient's quality of life. The study aimed to determine the suitability of 7 aspects of pharmaceutical services with pharmaceutical service standards in the application of clinical pharmacy at the puskesmas. This research is an observational study using a survey method. The study was conducted at 31 Puskesmas in Bone Bolango and Pohuwato districts, Gorontalo Province, in May-August 2021. The pharmaceutical staff in charge of pharmaceutical services is the population in this study. The total sampling technique was used in sample selection. This research instrument is a checklist compiled based on pharmaceutical service standards at the puskesmas—collected data utilizing observation and interviews with respondents. Did analysis descriptively. The results showed that assessment and prescription services and drug information services were suitable, while the other five elements were poor.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS BY FOREIGN AND UKRAINIAN PHARMACIES WITHIN THE CONCEPT OF HOLISTIC MARKETING

digitalization of the pharmaceutical sector requires the use of modern marketing approaches to provide pharmacies with quality and safe pharmaceutical care within the holistic concept of marketing management. A promising direction of digital transformation of the retail market of medicines is the introduction of special mobile applications in the activities of pharmacies, which become a safe and accessible platform for the sale of medicines to the population.
 The main purpose of the study is to exercise the analysis of the features of pharmaceutical services provision using mobile applications to foreign and Ukrainian pharmacy chains.
 The study is based on the use of content analysis, analysis of electronic resources, system, and logical analysis, as well as of the modeling method.
 As the objects of the study, American pharmacy chains CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, British Boots, and Lloyds Pharmacy were selected, as well as 10 pharmacy chains in Ukraine in terms of turnover in January-October 2020.
 It is revealed that the leading world leaders in the retail market of medicines have been using this digital tool in their marketing activities for a long time. Unlike domestic pharmacies, applications of foreign pharmacies additionally provide such services as online registration for testing and vaccination against COVID-19, additional opportunities for the visually impaired, drug disposal, and others. Among the studied Ukrainian pharmacy chains by market share, only a half have mobile applications with various functions, among the most developed mobile applications are “Like” from LLC “Apteka-Magnolia” (“Pharmacy-Magnolia”), "Pharmacy 911" and “Apteka Dobroho Dnia” (“Good Afternoon Pharmacy”).
 An integrated model of a mobile application of a modern pharmacy has been developed, aimed at effective interaction of all necessary functions to provide the population with high-quality, convenient, and available pharmaceutical care. Promising areas of further research are the justification of the feasibility of using certain functions of mobile applications, as well as other digital tools, such as pharmacy websites, social media pages within the concept of holistic marketing.
 The results of the study conducted may be useful to specialists in the pharmaceutical industry for use in practical pharmacy.

A Review on Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles, Characterisation and Their Biological Applications.

The study of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) has constantly been expanding, especially in the last decade. The biosynthesis of BNPs mediated by natural extracts is simple, low-cost, and safe for the environment. Plant extracts contain phenolic compounds that act as reducing agents (flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids) and stabilising ligands moieties (carbonyl, carboxyl, and amine groups), useful in the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), and are free of toxic by-products. Noble bimetallic NPs (containing silver, gold, platinum, and palladium) have potential for biomedical applications due to their safety, stability in the biological environment, and low toxicity. They substantially impact human health (applications in medicine and pharmacy) due to the proven biological effects (catalytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and regenerative activity). To the best of our knowledge, there are no review papers in the literature on the synthesis and characterisation of plant-mediated BNPs and their pharmacological potential. Thus, an effort has been made to provide a clear perspective on the synthesis of BNPs and the antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and size/shape-dependent applications of BNPs. Furthermore, we discussed the factors that influence BNPs biosyntheses such as pH, temperature, time, metal ion concentration, and plant extract.

Narrative Review: Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care in Hypertension in Indonesia

Background: In the past, patient care was not a pharmacy orientation. Several developed countries have applied pharmaceutical care in the treatment of hypertension for years. However, it is still there. In Indonesia, the government issued guidelines for the care of hypertension medications for the first time in 2006. The stages are that pharmacists carry out assessments, prepare pharmaceutical service plans, then implement and monitoring. This study aims to examine the application of pharmaceutical care in hypertension in various articles published in Indonesia. Methods: This research is non-experimental research with a narrative review design. Articles were selected using the keywords pharmaceutical care, pharmacy care, pharmaceutical care and hypertension. Articles in national journals. The number of articles reviewed was 13 articles from 2014 to 2019. Results: The application of pharmaceutical care in hypertension in Indonesia has been carried out by pharmacists, especially in hospitals. The implementation stages are more focused on implementation and monitoring. Only 15% carried out the plan, and almost no carried out the assessment. Conclusion: The application of pharmacy in hypertension has not fully complied with the guidelines. Pharmacists have not assessed when they will start pharmaceutical care. Intervention is carried out with various models, such as leaflets, short messages sent and counselling. Results were monitored on the patient's knowledge, compliance and blood pressure. The result is an improvement, although some are not.

Preparation and Characterization of Indomethacin Supramolecular Systems with β-Cyclodextrin in Order to Estimate Photostability Improvement.

Cyclodextrins have found wide application in contemporary chemistry, pharmacy and medicine. Because of their unique properties, cyclodextrins are constantly used in research on solubility or stability improvement, as well as other physicochemical properties of medicinal substances. Indomethacin (IND) is a photolabile molecule that also attracts the interest of researchers due to its therapeutic potential and the need to overcome its problematic photosensitivity. Supramolecular complexes of indomethacin with β-cyclodextrin (CD) are already known, and they show greater stability compared to complexes with other types of cyclodextrins. So far, however, the sensitivity to light of physical mixtures and inclusion complexes in the solid phase has not been studied, and their various stoichiometries have not yet been investigated. Due to this fact, the aim of the present study is to obtain supramolecular systems (inclusion complexes and physical mixtures) of indomethacin with three different amounts of β-cyclodextrin. Assessment of the photochemical stability of indomethacin-β-cyclodextrin systems in the solid state is performed in order to find the best correlation between IND stability and the amount of CD. Comparative analysis of physicochemical degradation for stoichiometry systems [CD:IND] = [1:1], [0.5:1] and [0.1:1] is performed by using ultraviolet spectroscopy, transmission—FTIR, reflection—ATR-FTIR infrared spectroscopy and DSC calorimetry.

Research methods from human-centered design: Potential applications in pharmacy and health services research.

Challenges faced by health systems have become increasingly complex, and expanding the range of methodological options available via interdisciplinary collaboration is important to enable researchers to address them. As complexity increases, it can be more difficult to ensure solutions remain patient-centered. Human-centered design is an approach that focuses on engaging with and understanding the needs of all services users while retaining a systems perspective. Therefore, design professionals skilled in these approaches are increasingly collaborating within health systems in pharmacy and health research teams. This methodological paper considers the potential contribution of human-centered design approaches to optimising development, implementation, and sustainability of patient-centered interventions in pharmacy and health services research. It provides an overview of human-centered design principles and their application, and outlines the emerging roles of design professionals in pharmacy and health services research. It focuses on three key human-centered design methods that can most readily be used by pharmacy and health services researchers. Journey mapping, prototyping, and user testing are discussed in detail. Journey mapping enables holistic visualisation of patient experience from practical and emotional perspectives. It may be used to visualize current practice or model potential future services, and can be informed by quantitative and qualitative data derived from both primary and secondary research. Prototyping facilitates exploration of interventions such as new services quickly and at low-cost. Health services researchers can utilize prototypes for services, processes, experiences, physical objects, environments, spaces, or digital tools for example. Formative evaluation and user testing supports rapid iteration of prototypes to ensure that they meet patient and healthcare professional needs. Finally, challenges with interdisciplinary collaboration and strategies to maximize the potential of using human-centered design approaches in pharmacy and health services research to address complex challenges, enhance practice and deliver benefits for service users, patients, and health systems are discussed.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS BY FOREIGN AND UKRAINIAN PHARMACIES WITHIN THE CONCEPT OF HOLISTIC MARKETING

digitalization of the pharmaceutical sector requires the use of modern marketing approaches to pro-vide pharmacies with quality and safe pharmaceutical care within the holistic concept of marketing management. A
 promising direction of digital transformation of the retail market of medicines is the introduction of special mobileapplications in the activities of pharmacies, which become a safe and accessible platform for the sale of medicinesto the population.The main purpose of the study is to exercise the analysis of the features of pharmaceutical services provisionusing mobile applications to foreign and Ukrainian pharmacy chains.The study is based on the use of content analysis, analysis of electronic resources, system, and logical analysis,as well as of the modeling method.As the objects of the study, American pharmacy chains CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, British Boots, and LloydsPharmacy were selected, as well as 10 pharmacy chains in Ukraine in terms of turnover in January-October 2020.It is revealed that the leading world leaders in the retail market of medicines have been using this digital tool
 in their marketing activities for a long time. Unlike domestic pharmacies, applications of foreign pharmacies ad-ditionally provide such services as online registration for testing and vaccination against COVID-19, additional
 opportunities for the visually impaired, drug disposal, and others. Among the studied Ukrainian pharmacy chainsby market share, only a half have mobile applications with various functions, among the most developed mobileapplications are “Like” from LLC “Apteka-Magnolia” (“Pharmacy-Magnolia”), “Pharmacy 911” and “AptekaDobroho Dnia” (“Good Afternoon Pharmacy”).An integrated model of a mobile application of a modern pharmacy has been developed, aimed at effective
 interaction of all necessary functions to provide the population with high-quality, convenient, and available phar-maceutical care. Promising areas of further research are the justification of the feasibility of using certain functions
 of mobile applications, as well as other digital tools, such as pharmacy websites, social media pages within theconcept of holistic marketing.The results of the study conducted may be useful to specialists in the pharmaceutical industry for use in practicalpharmacy.

Adoption of online pharmacy applications during COVID-19 pandemic; empirical investigation in the Indian context from push-pull and mooring framework

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify antecedents of adoption and post-adoption switching of online pharmacy applications (OPA) in Indian society. A push-pull-mooring (PPM) model was formulated to evaluate the impact of various constructs upon “consumers’ switching intention” (CSI).Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was sent to 252 users of OPA in India. Hypotheses were generated to examine the push, pull and mooring effects of constructs developed. The relationships between dependent and independent variables were evaluated using structured equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe study explicated the effect of PPM constructs on CSI in the context of OPA adoption. “Perceived usefulness,” “perceived ease of use” and “alternative attractiveness” had a significant “pull” effect on CSI. “Switching cost” had a “mooring” effect on CSI, whereas the degree of “customer involvement in decision-making” was found to have a “push” effect upon CSI.Research limitations/implicationsThis study theoretically established that the constructs of “perceived usefulness,” “perceived ease of use” and “alternative attractiveness” had significant “pull” effect on “consumers’ switching intention.” The construct of “switching cost” had a “mooring” effect on CSI, whereas the degree of “customer involvement in decision-making” was found to have a “push” effect upon CSI.Practical implicationsThe study provided valuable insights regarding consumer behavior regarding OPAs. These findings could be applied by managers in framing effective strategies to grow and retain the customer base of OPAs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first empirical investigative studies to assess precursors of adoption and post-adoption characteristics of consumer behavior through the PPM model, in the context of Indian OPAs.