Community Pharmacists In Qatar Research Articles

Evaluation of Community Pharmacists’ Awareness towards Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: A Simulated Client Method

Introduction: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus variant in the Arabian Peninsula. There is a lack of information regarding awareness and practices of community pharmacists in Qatar for this contagious disease. Aim: To determine the quality of the MERS-related information, recommendations, and counseling practices provided by Qatar’s community pharmacists by using Simulated Client Method (SCM). Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study using a non traditional SCM was conducted in community pharmacies of Qatar from February 2017 to April 2017. A total of 30 community pharmacies were visited twice by two independent simulated clients and data regarding, provision of evidence-based information, recommendations and counseling practices were collected to assess the competency of pharmacists in managing MERS as a primary care problem. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis. Results: In present study, majority of pharmacists encountered were male and younger than 45-year-old with 44 (73.3%) each. The average number of pharmacists who did not ask about the patient’s current medical conditions 56 (93.3), medications 58 (97.5%), allergies, and smoking status in both scenarios were not asked by any of the pharmacist. Most of the pharmacists gave an incorrect explanation of MERS 43 (71.7%). The overall quality counselling score for the pharmacists (mean±SD; median (IQR)) was {27.5±4.5; 28.5 (25.3-30.0)}. Quality counselling was significantly related to the type of pharmacy (p=0.0478). Conclusion: Qatar community pharmacist’s MERS related information, recommendations, and counseling practices were below expectations and inconsistent, thus urging the need for continuous professional development.

Community pharmacists' participation in adult vaccination: A cross-sectional survey based on the theoretical domains framework.

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess Qatar community pharmacists' practices in advocating and promoting adult vaccination and to characterize and quantify potential determinants of participation in adult vaccination as vaccine administrators, based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of a randomly selected sample of community pharmacists in Qatar was conducted using a self‐administered validated questionnaire. Items in the questionnaire on potential determinants of participation in adult vaccination were based on TDF. TDF items were subjected to principal components analysis.ResultsIn total, 271 respondents completed the questionnaire (67.7%). Most respondents (83.5%) did not have any previous training in vaccination administration and were not involved in any vaccine‐related advocacy activities (78.9%). Principal components analysis of TDF items gave eight components: pharmacists' perceived knowledge and skills (median score of 22, interquartile range [IQR] 17–26, possible range: 7–35); perceived confidence (16; IQR 12–20, possible range: 5–25); perceived external support (9; IQR 7–11, possible range: 3–15); professional role identity (38; IQR 33–42, possible range: 11–55); emotions (10; IQR 9–12, possible range: 3–15); perceived consequences (22; IQR 18–24, possible range: 6–30); perceived usefulness (16; IQR 14–18, possible range: 4–20); and behaviour control (6; IQR 4–8, possible range: 2–10).ConclusionPharmacists' perceived knowledge, skills, confidence and behavioural control are potentially important factors to address to facilitate participation in vaccination administration in Qatar. Along with providing vaccination training to community pharmacists, there is a need to change the current pharmacy practice structure to improve managerial and government support for and to equip pharmacies with resources for this role.

Assessment of Qatar community pharmacists’ competence and practices related to renal and gastrointestinal adverse effects of nonprescription NSAIDs

IntroductionNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently dispensed nonprescription drugs in community pharmacies. However, inappropriate use of NSAIDs by consumers has been associated with development of gastrointestinal (GI) injuries and renal injuries. Community pharmacists’ education of consumers on proper use of NSAIDs and their associated adverse effects has been shown to reduce the GI and renal injuries. In Qatar, no studies have been done to assess the community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices related to renal and GI adverse effects of NSAIDs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Qatar community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on the safe use of nonprescription NSAIDs to reduce the risk of kidney and GI injuries. MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among community pharmacists in Qatar. A pre-tested 28-item questionnaire that was developed through a multi-phase iterative process was administered to a convenient sample of community pharmacists in Qatar. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsOverall, 114 community pharmacists responded to the online questionnaire (response rate 15.2%). Approximately 90% of the community pharmacists demonstrated from good to excellent knowledge on the renal and GI adverse effects of NSAIDs, with none of their sociodemographic and professional characteristics having a significant effect on their knowledge scores. More than half of the pharmacists reported that they always or usually educated patients on the dosage (98.6%), administration (95.8%), side effects and precautions (78%), and contraindications (71.2%) of NSAIDs during their routine practices. The majority of the pharmacists had positive attitude towards educating patients about adverse effects of NSAIDs, as well as identifying high-risk patients who should avoid nonprescription NSAIDs. However, 45.7% of the pharmacists strongly agreed or agreed that educating patients about NSAIDs can be time consuming. ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in Qatar demonstrated good knowledge of the renal and GI adverse effects of NSAIDs with some obvious areas of improvement, and this can be reinforced through continuing professional development. They also showed positive attitudes towards protecting patients against the renal and GI adverse effects of NSAID. However, a significant proportion of the pharmacists admitted that educating patients on NSAIDs was time consuming, which is a cause of concern warranting further investigation. Community pharmacy managers should provide community pharmacists adequate time and support to educate individuals at risk of renal and GI injuries who obtain NSAIDs from their pharmacies. Also, the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar should consider making counseling on high-risk medications (e.g., NSAIDs and insulin) by community pharmacists mandatory so that measures can be put in place in the pharmacies to free the pharmacist for education and counseling.

Mental health, burnout and resilience in community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess burnout, resilience, and levels of depression, anxiety, stress and fear among community pharmacists during the pandemic, and examine if fear of COVID-19 is associated with these outcomes of interest. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Qatar was conducted. Pharmacists’ burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS™ for MP-Mindgarden). Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Fear of COVID-19 was assessed by the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Results256 respondents completed the survey and were included in the final study analysis (response rate: 42.7%). Overall, participants reported a moderate level of burnout as illustrated in the mean scores of the three burnout dimensions; 20.54 (SD = 12.37) for emotional exhaustion, 6.76 (SD = 6.22) for depersonalization, and 36.57 (SD = 9.95) for personal accomplishment. Moreover, depression, anxiety and stress were reported by 44.8%, 53.2% and 25.4% of particiants respectively. Participants had shown moderate resilience (mean score: 27.64 (SD = 8.31)) and their mean score fear of COVID19 was 15.67 (SD = 6.54). Fear of COVID-19 was a statistically significant and an independent predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress levels. ConclusionsThe pharmacists experienced moderate burnout but moderate resilience, which indicates their potential to overcome difficulties. Future interventions at the personal, national and organizational levels are required to enhance the pharmacists’ wellbeing by decreasing stress, improving self-efficacy and resilience, and preventing burnout.

Assessment of an intensive education program for pharmacists on treatment of tobacco use disorder using an objective structured clinical examination: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTobacco use is one of the major public health threats globally. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to offer tobacco cessation services owing to their easy accessibility by the public. To prepare Qatar community pharmacists to develop the competencies and skills required to offer smoking cessation services, an intensive tobacco control education program was designed and implemented. The study aimed to assess the impact of the tobacco education program on the pharmacists’ skills and competence.MethodsA random sample of community pharmacists in Qatar was chosen for participation in the program. Consenting participants were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. The intervention group received an intensive education program on treatment of tobacco-use disorder, while a short didactic session on a non-tobacco-related topic was delivered to the control group. The pharmacists’ tobacco cessation skills and competencies were assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).ResultsA total of 54 and 32 community pharmacists in the intervention group and the control group, respectively, completed the OSCE. The intensive tobacco education group achieved significantly higher total scores than the control group in all the OSCE cases. Specifically, the mean total scores for the intervention group were 15.2, 15.3, 14.2, 14.6, 16.3, and 15.2 compared to 8.8, 6.2, 7.7, 9.2, 8.3, and 11.3 for the control group (p < 0.001) for cases one to six respectively.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that an intensive tobacco cessation education program can improve pharmacists’ tobacco cessation skills and increase their tobacco cessation counseling abilities.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT03518476 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03518476) Registration date: May 8, 2018.

Use of the job demands-resource model to understand community pharmacists' burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst playing a vital role in medication supply and patient education, exposure to the pandemic demands and prolonged stressors increase their risk of burnout.ObjectivesUsing the Job Demands-Resources model, this study aims to understand the factors that led to community pharmacists’ burnout and to identify their coping strategies and perceived recommendations on interventions to mitigate burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach was used with focus groups and interviews of community pharmacists in Qatar who were recruited using purposeful, convenience, and snowballing sampling methods. Interviews were conducted between February and April 2021, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic analysis methodology, manual inductive and deductive (based on the model) codes from the interviews were used for synthesis of themes. 11 themes emerged from six focus groups, six dyadic interviews and mini focus groups, and four individual interviews with community pharmacists.ResultsThe contributing factors to community pharmacists’ burnout have been identified as practical job demands, and emotional demands including fear of infection. On the other hand, government and workplace-specific resources, personal characteristics such as resiliency and optimism, as well as the implementation of coping strategies, have reduced their stress and burnout.ConclusionsThe use of the Job Demands-Resources model was appropriate to identify the contributing factors to community pharmacists’ burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these factors, individual, organizational, and national strategies can be implemented to mitigate burnout in community pharmacists during the pandemic and future emergencies.

Determination of potential drug-drug interactions in prescription orders dispensed in a community pharmacy setting using Micromedex® and Lexicomp®: a retrospective observational study.

Background Community pharmacists have a role in identifying drug-drug interactions (DDIs) when processing prescription orders and dispensing medications to patients. The harmful effects of DDIs can be prevented or minimized by using an electronic DDI checker to screen for potential DDIs (pDDIs). However, different DDI checkers have variable rates of detecting pDDIs. Aim To estimate the prevalence of pDDIs in prescriptions dispensedina community pharmacy setting using two electronic DDI databases and to evaluate the association between thepDDIs and contributory factors. Method Eligible prescription orders dispensed by a community pharmacy chain in Qatar from January to July 2020 were included in this retrospective observational study. For each prescription, Micromedex® and Lexicomp® were simultaneously used to identify pDDIs, and the interactions categorized based on severity and risk rating. Results Seven hundred-twenty prescriptions met the inclusion criteria, of which Micromedex® and Lexicomp® respectively identified 125 prescriptions (17.4%) and 230 prescriptions (31.9%) as having at least one pDDI. Moderate strength of agreement was found between Lexicomp® and Micromedex® in identifying pDDIs (Cohen's Kappa = 0.546). Micromedex® classified 61.6% of DDIs as major severity, while Lexicomp® classified 30.8% as major severity. The number of concurrent medications per prescription was significantly and positively associated with pDDI. Conclusion This study demonstrates a high prevalence of pDDIs among prescriptions dispensed in a community pharmacy setting.It is advisable that community pharmacists in Qatar, who typically do not have access to computerized patient profiles, use these DDIcheckers to ensure all pDDIs are communicated to respective prescribers for appropriate action.

Evidence of community pharmacists' response preparedness during COVID-19 public health crisis: A cross-sectional study.

Community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for the public, especially during pandemics. As outlined by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, community pharmacists have an important public health role during this Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. We therefore investigated the current practices, response preparedness and professional development needs of community pharmacists in Qatar. A descriptive cross-sectional online 38-item questionnaire-based survey constructed on evidence-based public health roles of pharmacists was conducted between 28 May and 18 June 2020. Questions related to current practices required responses on a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from "always" to "never". The questionnaire was evaluated for validity and the reliability analysis showed a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.921. The response (n = 311) rate for the survey was 34.2%. More than 75% of pharmacists "always" encouraged and practiced hygiene and social distancing measures. On the other hand, the proportion of pharmacists "always" involved in patient assessment, education or providing information related to COVID-19 and application of evidence-based protocol ranged from 32 to 73%. The vast majority (87-96%) of pharmacists indicated that they needed professional development related to COVID-19. Overall, 77% of pharmacists either "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that they have all the necessary COVID-19 related emergency response preparedness and training. Country from which pharmacists obtained their first degree, and the type of pharmacy where they practice influenced their overall perception toward emergency response preparedness. Community pharmacists in Qatar are willing to receive additional training related to COVID-19 public health crisis despite being prepared to engage with patients.

Continuing Professional Development Needs of Community Pharmacists in Qatar: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the educational needs and professional competencies of community pharmacists in Qatar to inform the development of relevant continuing professional development (CPD) programs.MethodsA mixed-methods cross-sectional exploratory study targeting community pharmacists was conducted using a questionnaire and an event diary. Descriptive and inferential analyses were utilized to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 21 software. For the event diary, thematic content analysis was used for data analysis.ResultsDrug information skills and pharmaceutical care process were the most identified topics for inclusion in CPD programs. None of the pharmacists thought that they were competent in core areas of pharmacy practice. Community pharmacists who filled an event diary highlighted the need for development in areas such as communication skills and medication safety.ConclusionThe identified needs shall help in developing a CPD program that addresses what community pharmacists perceive as educational and professional training needs.

Assessing Pharmacists Knowledge and Attitude Toward the Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Qatar.

Pharmacists were found to play a key role in anticoagulation care. In order to make an appropriate selection and counselling regarding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), pharmacists should be knowledgeable and abiding by evidence-based practice. We aim in this study to assess the knowledge and practices of practicing hospital and community pharmacists in Qatar regarding DOACs and their reflection on the dispensing and patient education. A prospective cross-sectional survey was developed. It included questions on demographic and professional characteristics. Additionally, it evaluated the awareness regarding safety, efficacy, and dispensing of DOACs. Lastly, a separate question was used to address the participant’s satisfaction with their knowledge. A total response were received from 211 pharmacists participating in the survey. Overall awareness score was moderate (41.6% ± 26%). These scores were in alignment with participants’ self-satisfaction with knowledge on DOACs (72% of participants were not satisfied). Being a clinical pharmacist, of male gender, and with a board certification were factors associated with increased awareness on DOACs. Results from this survey point to the importance of having more educational activities in order to improve pharmacist’s knowledge of DOACs.

General public perceptions of pharmacy and pharmacist business practices in English community pharmacy

Individuals who suffer from major cardiovascular events every year have one or more risk factors. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment is an important strategy for the early identification of modifiable risk factors and their management. There is substantial evidence that shifting the focus from treatment to primary prevention reduces the burden of CVD.To evaluate the preparedness of community pharmacists in Qatar for the provision of CVD risk assessment and management services; and to explore the pharmacists' views on the provision of these services.A cross-sectional study using simulated-client methodology. Using standardized scenarios, community pharmacists were approached for consultation on two medicines (Aspirin® and Crestor®) used for managing specific CVD risk factors. Pharmacists' competency to assess CVD risk was the primary outcome evaluated. Scores for each outcome were obtained based on the number of predefined statements addressed during the consultation.The mean cumulative score for all the competency outcomes assessed was 11.7 (SD 3.7) out of a possible score of 31. There were no differences for the majority of the competencies tested between the two scenarios used. Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin® scenario than to the Crestor® scenario addressed hypertension as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (22% versus 11%, p = 0.03); whereas significantly more pharmacists in the Crestor® scenario compared to the Aspirin® scenario, addressed dyslipidemia as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (30% versus 7%, p = 0.02). Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin® scenario provided explanation about CVD risk than those exposed to the Crestor® scenario 36% versus 8%, p < 0.01).The results suggest that many community pharmacists in Qatar are not displaying competencies that are necessary for the provision of CVD prevention services.

Evaluation of community pharmacists' preparedness for the provision of cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management services: A study with simulated patients.

Individuals who suffer from major cardiovascular events every year have one or more risk factors. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment is an important strategy for the early identification of modifiable risk factors and their management. There is substantial evidence that shifting the focus from treatment to primary prevention reduces the burden of CVD. To evaluate the preparedness of community pharmacists in Qatar for the provision of CVD risk assessment and management services; and to explore the pharmacists' views on the provision of these services. A cross-sectional study using simulated-client methodology. Using standardized scenarios, community pharmacists were approached for consultation on two medicines (Aspirin® and Crestor®) used for managing specific CVD risk factors. Pharmacists' competency to assess CVD risk was the primary outcome evaluated. Scores for each outcome were obtained based on the number of predefined statements addressed during the consultation. The mean cumulative score for all the competency outcomes assessed was 11.7 (SD 3.7) out of a possible score of 31. There were no differences for the majority of the competencies tested between the two scenarios used. Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin® scenario than to the Crestor® scenario addressed hypertension as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (22% versus 11%, p = 0.03); whereas significantly more pharmacists in the Crestor® scenario compared to the Aspirin® scenario, addressed dyslipidemia as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (30% versus 7%, p = 0.02). Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin® scenario provided explanation about CVD risk than those exposed to the Crestor® scenario 36% versus 8%, p < 0.01). The results suggest that many community pharmacists in Qatar are not displaying competencies that are necessary for the provision of CVD prevention services.

Utilization of simulated patients to assess diabetes and asthma counseling practices among community pharmacists in Qatar.

Background Patient counseling is one of the most important services a pharmacist can provide to patients. Studies have shown that counseling provided by pharmacists may prevent medication related problems and improve adherence to medication therapy. Objective To explore counseling practices among community pharmacists using simulated patients and to determine if patient, pharmacist, and pharmacy characteristics influence the counseling provided by community pharmacists. Setting Private community pharmacies within Qatar. Method This is a randomized, cross sectional study where simulated patients visited community pharmacies and presented the pharmacist with a new prescription or requested a refill for either a diabetes or asthma medication. Pharmacists completed a questionnaire at the end of the simulated interaction, which was utilized to determine if patient, pharmacist, or pharmacy characteristics had any influence on the counseling provided to patients. A scoring system was devised to assess the pharmacist's counseling practices. Main outcome measure To evaluate the type of information provided by community pharmacists to the simulated patient regarding diabetes and asthma. Results One hundred and twenty-nine pharmacists were enrolled in the study. Eighty one percent of pharmacists had a score <35%. Medication name (95%), directions (47%), indication (43%), and dose (41%) were the most frequently counseled components by pharmacists during the simulated interaction. Male patients received better counseling compared to the female patients (t=6.177; p<0.0001). Pharmacists with a master of pharmacy degree provided significantly better counseling (f=3.261; p=0.042). Many pharmacists (65%) provided hypoglycemia management to patients, however, 63% referred the patient to the physician when the patient experienced hypoglycemia from inappropriate medication administration. Only 2 (7%) pharmacists correctly counseled the patient on all 8 inhaler administration steps. Majority of pharmacists (50%) educated on the role of the rescue and controller therapy in asthma, however, 33% referred the patient to the physician when the patient inquired about controller therapy use. Conclusion Patient counseling was substandard with the majority of community pharmacists focusing on the name of the medication. Pharmacists rarely assessed patient's medical history or medication use. Disease management and problem solving skills of pharmacists were suboptimal with many referring patients back to the physician.

Evaluating community pharmacy practice in Qatar using simulated patient method:acute gastroenteritis management.

Objective:To evaluate Qatari pharmacists’ prescribing, labeling, dispensing and counseling practices in response to acute community-acquired gastroenteritis.Methods:The simulated patient method was used in this study. Thirty pharmacies in Doha were randomly selected and further randomized into two groups: Face-to-Face (n=15) vs. Telephone-call (n=15) per simulated patient; 2 simulated patients were involved. Prescribing, labeling, dispensing and counseling practices were assessed. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney and chi square tests at alpha=0.05.Results:Most pharmacists prescribed and dispensed medicines (96%), including antimicrobials (43.9%), antidiarrheals (36%), antiemetics (5.1%) and antipyretics (3%). Counseling practices were poor (62.1% in the face-to-face group vs 70% in the telephone-call group did not counsel simulated patients about the dispensed medicines; p-value=0.50). In more than one-third of the encounters, at least one labeling parameter was missing. The duration of each interaction in minutes was not significantly different between the groups [median (IQR); 3(4.25) in the face-to-face group versus 2(0.25) in the telephone-call group; p-value=0.77]. No significant differences in prescribing or dispensing behaviors were present between groups (p-value>0.05).Conclusion:Qatar community pharmacists’ labeling, dispensing, and counseling practices were below expectation, thus urging the need for continuous professional development.

Medication use review in Qatar: are community pharmacists prepared for the extended professional role?

The incidence of chronic illnesses is increasing globally. Non-adherence to medications and other medication-related problems are common among patients receiving long-term medications. Medication use review (MUR) is a service provision with an accredited pharmacist undertaking structured, adherence-centered reviews with patients receiving multiple medications. MUR services are not yet available in community pharmacies in Qatar. The current study aims to evaluate community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and perception towards establishing MUR as an extended role in patient care. Private community pharmacies in Qatar including chains and independent pharmacies. Methodology A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among licensed community pharmacists from December 2012 to January 2013. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to MUR concept and services. A total of 123 participants responded to the survey (response rate 56%). The mean total knowledge score was 71.4 ± 14.7%. An overwhelming proportion of the participants (97%) were able to identify the scope of MUR in relation to chronic illnesses and at enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical care. Furthermore, 80% of the respondents were able to identify patients of priority for inclusion in an MUR program. However, only 43% of the participants knew that acute medical conditions were not the principal focus of an MUR service, while at least 97% acknowledged that the provision of MUR services is a great opportunity for an extended role of community pharmacists and that MUR makes excellent use of the pharmacist's professional skills in the community. The participants generally reported concerns about time, dedicated consultation area, and support staff as significant barriers towards MUR implementation. This study suggests that community pharmacists in Qatar had sufficient knowledge about the concept of MUR and its scope, but there were still important deficiencies that warrant further education. The findings have important implications on policy and practice pertaining to the implementation of MUR as an extended role of pharmacists and as part of Qatar's National Health Strategy to move primary health care forward.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists on generic medicines in Qatar

The practice of generic medicines prescribing, dispensing and substitution in developing countries has been controversial among healthcare professionals, particularly due to issues on quality, safety and efficacy. These controversies are as a result of inter-country differences in policies and laws as well as individualized knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists pertaining to generic medicines. This study primarily aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists in Qatar towards generic medicines. Community pharmacy settings throughout the State of Qatar. A cross-sectional study using a pretested paper-based survey was conducted among a random sample of community pharmacists in Qatar. The data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS(®) version 20. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of generic medicines pertaining to regulatory standards, safety, efficacy, quality, and future policies. Results A total of 160 surveys were distributed to community pharmacists of which 118 were returned (response rate, 74 %). The mean total score of generic medicines knowledge among the pharmacists was 6.8 ± 1.6 (maximum possible score was 10). Years of practice as well as place of obtaining academic degree did not influence knowledge score. Approximately 72 % of the pharmacists supported generic substitution for brand name drugs in all cases where a generic medicine is available and the majority (93 %) agreed that pharmacists should be given generic substitution right. Nearly 61 % of the pharmacists considered lack of proven bioequivalence to original brands as an important barrier for selecting generic medicines and 55 % rated "lack of policy for directing the practice of generic medicine" as an important barrier. In order to enhance the quality use of and to promote the practice of generic medicines in Qatar, an educational program should be implemented. A national generic medicine policy and guidelines are warranted in the State of Qatar.

Home diagnostic tests in the state of Qatar: a snapshot of public views, level of awareness and use

In Qatar, home diagnostic tests are available over the counter in community pharmacies. While possibly beneficial, these tests have the potential for harm if they are used in the absence of pharmacist counseling. To determine the public views, level of awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and to evaluate the extent of community pharmacists' involvement in educating the public about these tests in Qatar. Qatar's Supreme Council of Health lists 245 community pharmacies in Qatar. Ten community pharmacies were randomly selected from the list as study sites. The investigators visited selected pharmacies on different weekdays and at different times of the day. Members of the public who appeared to be over 16 years of age and able to communicate in English or Arabic were randomly approached, provided with the study objectives, and requested to participate. Those who offered oral consent were anonymously interviewed using a multipart survey. Measures include the public awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and the extent of community pharmacist involvement in educating the public about these tests. During the 5-month study period, 297 patients answered the survey (60 % response rate). Most respondents were aware of at least one home diagnostic test (98 %). The top four home diagnostic tests that the respondents had ever heard of included: thermometers (91 %), blood pressure monitors (91 %), blood sugar tests (86 %) and regular pregnancy tests (72 %). Seventy-one percent of respondents had performed at least one home diagnostic test. When asked about the factors that influenced their choice of the home diagnostic tests, the pharmacist was only cited by 7 % of respondents. The majority of respondents (>80 %) agreed that using a home diagnostic test is convenient, comfortable and helps them in early diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions. Only 31 % agreed that the pharmacist offered sufficient information on what to do in case the test result turns to be positive. The study results suggest that generally, the public has good attitudes and awareness of home diagnostic tests. However, the results indicate that Qatar community pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in public education about home diagnostic tests. Pharmacists should take a more active role in counseling the public on the proper use of these tests.

Smoking cessation counseling in Qatar: community pharmacists’ attitudes, role perceptions and practices

Smoking is a major public health problem in Qatar. The potential for community pharmacists to offer smoking cessation counseling in this country can be high. To determine the current smoking cessation practices of community pharmacists in Qatar, to examine their attitudes about tobacco use and smoking cessation, to evaluate their perceptions about performing professional roles with respect to smoking cessation and to assess their perceived barriers for smoking cessation counseling in the pharmacy setting in Qatar. Community pharmacies in Qatar. The objectives were addressed in a cross sectional survey of community pharmacists in Qatar from June 2010 to October 2010. A phone call was made to all community pharmacists in Qatar (318 pharmacists) inviting them to participate. Consenting pharmacists anonymously completed the survey either online or as paper using fax. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS®) Version 18. Qatar community pharmacists' smoking cessation practices, their attitudes toward tobacco use, smoking cessation and smoking cessation counseling and their perceived barriers for smoking cessation counseling. Over 5 months, we collected 127 surveys (40 % response rate). Only 21 % of respondents reported that they always or most of the time asked their patients if they smoke. When the patients' smoking status was identified, advising quitting and assessing readiness to quit were always or most of the time performed by 66 and 52 % of respondents respectively. Only 15 % always or most of the time arranged follow-up with smokers and 22 % always or most of the time made smoking cessation referrals. Most respondents (>80 %) agreed that smoking could cause adverse health effects and that smoking cessation could decrease the risk of these effects. In addition, the majority (>80 %) believed that smoking cessation counseling was an important activity and was an efficient use of their time. The top two perceived barriers for smoking cessation counseling were lack of time (65 % of respondents) and lack of patients' interest in smoking cessation (54 %). Qatar community pharmacists have positive attitudes toward smoking cessation counseling. These attitudes need to be translated into action. Interventions should be implemented to overcome perceived barriers and to improve smoking cessation activities among pharmacists.

Community Pharmacists in the State of Qatar: A Survey of their Smoking Cessation Knowledge and Educational Interests

Background: Cigarette smoking is one of the preventable causes of ill health in Qatar. Qatar community pharmacists are in an ideal position to play an important role in smoking cessation. This role necessitates adequate smoking cessation knowledge and education. The study objectives were to assess Qatar community pharmacists&apos; smoking cessation knowledge and to gauge their perceptions of which aspects of smoking-related education would be most interesting. Methods: A pretested survey was used to solicit community pharmacists&apos; anonymous responses. The survey was designed after reviewing relevant smoking cessation literature. A phone call was made to all community pharmacists in Qatar to request their participation. Interested pharmacists were sent the survey link by email or by fax. Data was descriptively analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences software version 18. Results: Over 20 weeks, we collected 112 surveys (35% response rate). Smoking cessation knowledge was evaluated using 8 true or false questions. Thirty seven percent of respondents scored less than 60% and 13% scored more than 80%. The mean score was 61% with a standard deviation of 17%. Eighty-nine percent of respondents indicated that they have not received before any smoking cessation education. Nevertheless, at least 70% indicated that they were interested in receiving additional smoking cessation education. Respondents were mostly interested in receiving education on motivating smokers to quit and on counseling on behavioral techniques (89% and 86% respectively). Sixty nine percent indicated a preference for mailings of printed materials as method of information delivery. Conclusion: Despite their low smoking cessation knowledge, Qatar community pharmacists are interested in receiving additional smoking cessation education. A smoking cessation education program should be offered to these pharmacists to give them the knowledge they need to be competent smoking cessation counselors.

Breast cancer health promotion in Qatar: a survey of community pharmacists’ interests and needs

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Qatar. Despite the sustained efforts to increase breast cancer public awareness via campaigns and public screening programmes, breast cancer screening rate remains low. The involvement of community pharmacists in the communication and distribution of breast cancer screening information should have a significant positive impact. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities in Qatar, to explore their attitudes towards the involvement in breast cancer health promotion, to assess their breast cancer knowledge, to gauge their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education and to list their perceived barriers for including breast cancer health promotion activities into their daily practice. Community pharmacies in Qatar. The study objectives were addressed in a cross-sectional survey of all community pharmacists in Qatar. The extent of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities, the community pharmacists' interest and comfort in providing breast cancer health promotion, their breast cancer knowledge, their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education, their attitudes and beliefs towards breast cancer health promotion and their perceived barriers for integrating breast cancer heath promotion activities into their daily practice. Over a 12-week period, we collected 195 surveys (60% response rate). Eighty-eight percent indicated that they never invited healthcare professionals to provide breast cancer education in the pharmacy, 78% said that they never distributed breast cancer educational materials, and 58% reported that they never counseled patients about breast cancer. Nevertheless, more than 60% were highly interested in being engaged in breast cancer health promotion activities. In addition, 87% believed that discussing breast cancer awareness with female patients in the pharmacy was beneficial to patients. Yet pharmacists perceived many barriers for integrating breast cancer health promotion into their daily practice including lack of educational materials (79%) and lack of public recognition (61%). Moreover, their breast cancer knowledge mean score was 63% with 77% expressing a high interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education. Despite their low involvement in breast cancer health promotion, the majority of pharmacists were interested in educating patients about breast cancer. However, low breast cancer knowledge and other barriers can prevent actualizing this role. Further work should focus on providing these pharmacists with breast cancer continuous education and overcoming all stated barriers.