Opinions Of Pharmacists Research Articles

Community Pharmacists’ Perception of the Relevance of Drug Package Insert as Source of Drug Information in Southwestern Nigeria

Purpose: To evaluate the opinions of community pharmacists on the usefulness and reliability of drug package inserts (DPI) as drug information source, and necessary modifications needed to improve theircontents.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study using a pretested questionnaire was administered to sixty-one superintendent community pharmacists (CP) across two cities in southwestern Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data and evaluate respondents’ opinion. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the rank variables with p < 0.05 considered significant.Results: A majority of CP believed that information from DPI was precise and may be helpful in achieving therapeutic success (n = 42; 72.8 %). CP believed there is need for the modification of DPI content with respect to patient-related information (n = 52; 92.8 %) and health provider-relatedinformation (n = 52; 94.5%), non-uniformity of information on the same generic medicines (n = 31; 50.8 %), and ambiguity of content (n = 29; 47.5 %). Years of experience in practice significantly influenced respondents’ perception of precision and satisfaction with DPI as source of information.Conclusions: Community pharmacists in southwestern Nigeria believed that a properly modified drug package insert could be a useful and reliable source of drug information in daily practice.Keywords: Community pharmacist, Drug information, Drug package insert

Effect of Pharmacists Wearing a Mask on Patient Consultation Intention

This study sought to determine the effect of pharmacists wearing a mask on the consultation intention of patients who do not have a trusting relationship with the pharmacists. We conducted a questionnaire survey of customers at a Tokyo drugstore in August 2012. Subjects answered a questionnaire after watching two medical teaching videos, one in which the pharmacist was wearing a mask and the other in which the pharmacist was not wearing a mask. Data analysis was performed using a paired t-test and multiple logistic regression. The paired t-test revealed a significant difference in 'Maintenance Problem' between the two pharmacist situations. After excluding factors not associated with wearing a mask, multiple logistic regression analysis identified three independent variables with a significant effect on participants not wanting to consult with a pharmacist wearing a mask. Positive factors were 'active-inactive' and 'frequency mask use', a negative factor was 'age'. Our study has shown that pharmacists wearing a mask may be a factor that prevents patients from consulting with pharmacist. Those patients whose intention to consult might be affected by the pharmacists wearing a mask tended to be younger, to have no habit of wearing masks preventively themselves, and to form a negative opinion of such pharmacists. Therefore, it was estimated that pharmacists who wear masks need to provide medical education by asking questions more positively than when they do not wear a mask in order to prevent the patient worrying about oneself.

Polish pharmacy job market in opinion of pharmacists

For many years, the occupation of a pharmacist has been the profession, which ensured employment, and the period of seeking employment was not long. Those interested in this occupation may undertake education in the specialty of pharmacy at ten universities in Poland. Considering the wide scope of knowledge acquired by pharmacists during their studies, they are very well educated. Students at the faculties of pharmacy undertake an obligatory semi-annual apprenticeship in pharmacies, which after graduation results in obtaining the right to practice the occupation of a pharmacist, and is a passport to independent work in a phar macy. Those interested in further education have many educational possibilities: post-graduate studies and continuous improvement courses, which increase the knowledge and improve of qualifications. The objective of the study was identification of pharmacists’ opinions concerning the present pharmaceutical labour market in Poland. The research material was collected using an anonymous survey. The study was conducted during the period from September 2011 – January 2013, in a group of 504 respondents – Masters of Pharmacy employed in Polish community pharmacies. The analysis covered the period of seeking a job in this profession after graduation from university, number of changes of workplaces during occupational life as a pharmacist, and satisfaction with the occupation performed or lack thereof. The criteria of choosing this occupation and the attitude towards a phar macy as a workplace were also investigated.

Expanded prescribing: a comparison of the views of Australian hospital and community pharmacists

Community pharmacies and hospitals are the two main professional areas for pharmacists. There is currently a lack of comparison of pharmacists working in these two distinct settings in relation to an expanded prescribing role. To compare the attitudes of hospital and community pharmacists regarding an expanded prescribing role. Australian pharmacists. A self-administered postal survey was used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS(®) v19. Kendall's tau-c test was used to compare the mean values between categorical variables (i.e. hospital or community pharmacists) and continuous variables measuring attitudes on a Likert scale (i.e. reasons in favour and barriers of pharmacist prescribing, preferred therapeutic areas of prescribing and prescribing models). A Chi square test was used to analyse categorical variables (i.e. demographics). The opinion of hospital and community pharmacists regarding an expanded prescribing role. A response rate of 40.4% was achieved (1,049/2,592). Where significant differences were located, community pharmacists were more supportive of all proffered potential reasons in favour of pharmacist prescribing (p < 0.05) whereas hospital pharmacists were more in agreement with all suggested barriers to such a role (p < 0.05). In a supplementary (collaborative) prescribing model, hospital pharmacists were more confident than community pharmacists in prescribing for heart failure (p < 0.001) and anticoagulant therapies (p = 0.004). In an independent prescribing model hospital pharmacists were more supportive of prescribing anticoagulant therapies (p = 0.002). Significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to their support for independent prescribing (p = 0.020) and extension of the emergency supply 3 days rule to 30 days (p = 0.011). This study suggests that there are differences between hospital and community pharmacists in what they regard as potential reasons in favour of an expanded pharmacist prescribing role, perceived barriers to such a role and whether to prescribe independently of doctors. Hospital pharmacists' attitudinal differences in terms of support for certain therapeutic areas of prescribing reflects probably their existing active role in clinical decision making processes in patients who are often seriously ill.

An Evaluation of Pharmacists‘ Expectations Towards Pharmacogenomics

Given their expertise in pharmacotherapy, pharmacists are well positioned to play a leading role in the implementation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice. However, little is known about the opinions of pharmacists towards pharmacogenomics or their willingness to integrate this new field in their practice. We conducted a survey of 284 pharmacists practicing in the province of Québec (Canada) to describe the opinions, expectations and concerns of pharmacists toward pharmacogenomics. Pharmacists were very hopeful regarding the potential role of pharmacogenomics. Moreover, more than 95% of responders would be willing to recommend pharmacogenomic testing. Nevertheless, only 7.7% of pharmacists currently felt comfortable advising patients based on pharmacogenomic test results. Accordingly, the majority of responders (96.6%) indicated that they would like to undertake continuing education related to pharmacogenomics. Pharmacists are extremely hopeful towards pharmacogenomic testing. Furthermore, a vast majority is willing to integrate these tests as part of their clinical practice. Proper education will be required if the integration of pharmacogenomics in patient care is to be optimal.

Surviving post traumatic stress disorder

The treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has often frustrated practitioners, as it is difficult to achieve the goals of treatment, primarily restoration of functioning. Far too often patients are treated unsuccessfully with prescription medications and turn to illicit drugs and alcohol to attempt to self-medicate. There is an ever-present need for more effective agents with fewer side effects. Clearly, there is a significant place for pharmacists in assuring appropriate treatment and monitoring is provided for patients suffering from PTSD.Understanding the epidemic of PTSD, especially that which is combat-related, is the focus of January's issue of the Mental Health Clinician. This issue includes evaluations of the current evidence available for the treatment of PTSD, including an excellent review of the use of antipsychotics in treating PTSD symptoms by Robert Connell Pharm.D., Kathryn Zeier Pharm.D., and Christopher Thomas Pharm.D., BCPS, BCPP, CGP. This review article happens to be the Mental Health Clinician's first peer reviewed article to be published. The issue incorporates an exploration of the treatment of non-combat related PTSD nightmares with prazosin with a case by Ray Lorenz Pharm.D., BCPP, John Hayes, CRNP, and Marianne Saitz, DO, MPH. Another case report by Emily Gray, Pharm.D., Michael Shuman, Pharm.D., and Ian McGrane, Pharm.D., shows the complicated nature of treating PTSD (particularly combat-related PTSD) and how patients often require polypharmacy in order to restore functioning. The toolbox includes medications commonly used for the treatment of PTSD, rating scales validated in the assessment of PTSD, as well as helpful resources for those seeking guidance in treatment patients with PTSD.This issue highlights one pharmacist practitioner's clinical practice, Jennifer Kelly, Pharm.D., MS, MBA, who sees patients in a dual-diagnosis program that focuses on care for veterans with PTSD. An interesting look at tobacco cessation in patients who have PTSD is written by colleagues Allan Ayala, Pharm.D., BCPP and Melanie Geer, Pharm.D. Marshall Cates, Pharm.D., BCPP, FASHP and Erin Gibbs, Pharm.D. candidate review the evidence for one preventative strategy studied in patients who have experienced a trauma, propranolol.A recent segment of Time magazine online featuring comedian, the late George Carlin, calls into question the use of the term disorder when referring to those that suffer from PTSD. See below at table 1 of terms that previously described what is known at present as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Removing the word “disorder” may de-stigmatize the illness from which so many people suffer says Lieut. General Eric Schoomaker, the Army surgeon general, who wants to “normalize” the illness.A study assessing the incidence of PTSD in troops leaving Iraq found that soldiers not involved in fighting had a PTSD incidence rate of 4.5%. For those in intense combat once or twice, the incidence rate more than doubled to 9.3%. The number is 13% for troops in three to five combat situations. More than five exposures and the occurrence rate of PTSD rises up to 20%.”1 Although PTSD is far too common, according to this study, at least 80% of those exposed to combat will return healthy without suffering from PTSD. In this humble pharmacist's opinion, removing the term disorder from the name takes away the severity of dysfunction caused by the illness. We should not consider the illness to be “expected” or “predictable” but should be doing what we can to prevent PTSD in those exposed to trauma and treat those that suffer. Perhaps we should be further exploring what it is in the 80% majority who do not develop PTSD, that allows them to conquer the trauma experienced.Please enjoy this in depth look at PTSD in this issue of the Mental Health Clinician! Happy New Year!

Role of community pharmacists in the prevention and management of the metabolic syndrome in Kuwait

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors and its prevalence is alarmingly high in Kuwait, affecting nearly one third of the adult population. There is lack of information about the role of community pharmacists in the care of patients with the metabolic syndrome. To assess the awareness and opinions of community pharmacists about the metabolic syndrome and identify the services they provide for identification, management and monitoring of patients with the metabolic syndrome. Community pharmacies in Kuwait. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a randomly selected sample of 225 community pharmacists. Data were collected via face-to-face structured interview of the pharmacists using a pre-tested questionnaire. Pharmacists' knowledge and views on the metabolic syndrome, monitoring services provided, self-reported practices and perceived effectiveness of the various management interventions for the metabolic syndrome. The response rate was 97.8 %. Nine pharmacists claimed to know about the metabolic syndrome, but only one pharmacist could identify the condition correctly. After being given a definition of the metabolic syndrome, 67.7 % of respondents strongly agreed that its prevalence was rising in Kuwait. Nearly two thirds of respondents reported providing height and weight measurement service while 82.7 and 59.5 % of pharmacies provided blood pressure and blood glucose measurements, respectively. Waist circumference and lipid profile measurements were the least provided services (1.8 %). Respondents claimed to be involved in counseling patients on lifestyle modifications including increased exercise (98.1 %) and weight reduction through diet (96.9 %). Most pharmacists were involved in encouraging patients' adherence with prescribed treatments (98.6 %) and perceived these as the most effective intervention for the management of the metabolic syndrome (95.0 %). Respondents were less involved in monitoring patients' response to therapy (75.0 %) and documenting patient care services (5.0 %). This study revealed significant deficits in awareness among community pharmacists about the metabolic syndrome. Given the proper education and training, community pharmacists could be important front-line contributors to the control of this emerging epidemic in Kuwait.

Pharmacists', General Practitioners' and Consumers' Views on Integrating Pharmacists into General Practice

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntegrating pharmacists into general practice is not a novel concept. However, it is new to Australia and evidence supporting this role is limited.AimTo seek the views of pharmacists, general practitioners and consumers on integrating pharmacists into general practice.MethodQuestionnaires were used to elicit the opinions of pharmacists, general practitioners and consumers on integrating pharmacists into general practice.Results1038 participants (829 pharmacists, 167 consumers, 42 general practitioners) completed the survey. Commonly agreed roles for pharmacists in general practice included drug information and medication review. Perceived barriers to service provision included the pharmacist's clinical ability and turf protection. Remuneration was viewed as a facilitator and a barrier. Perceived facilitators included additional training for pharmacists and an existing rapport with the general practitioners.ConclusionThere was support for integrating pharmacists' professional activities into general practice. These findings will guide the development of a new model of integrated primary care with practice pharmacists.

Practice, awareness and opinion of pharmacists toward disposal of unwanted medications in Kuwait

BackgroundThe disposal of unwanted medications has been a concern in many countries, as pharmaceutical waste enters the ecosystem, ultimately having an effect on human health and environment. Earlier studies in Kuwait found that the method of disposal by the public was by disposing in the garbage or by flushing down the drain. In accordance with patient preference and environment safety, it would be appropriate to use local government pharmacies as collection points for proper disposal. ObjectiveTo determine the practice of pharmacists, working in government healthcare sectors, with regard to disposal of returned unwanted medications by the public. This study also aims to assess pharmacists’ awareness toward the impact of improper disposal on the environment and to investigate whether pharmacists agree to have their pharmacies as collection points for future take-back programs. MethodA random sample of 144 pharmacists from the six main governmental hospitals and 12 specialized polyclinics in Kuwait, completed a self-administered questionnaire about their practice of disposal, awareness and opinion on using pharmacies as collection points for proper disposal of UMs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsA total of 144 pharmacists completed the survey. Throwing UMs in the trash was the main method of disposal by majority of the respondents (73%). Only 23 pharmacists disposed UMs according to the guidelines of Ministry of Health, Kuwait (MOH). However, about 82% are aware that improper disposal causes damage to the environment and 97% agree that it is their responsibility to protect the environment. About 86–88% of the pharmacists agree to have government hospital pharmacies and polyclinics as collection points for future take-back programs. ConclusionEven though the current practice of disposal by majority of pharmacists is inappropriate, they are aware of the damage and acknowledge their responsibilities toward environment protection. Concerned authorities should monitor and implement proper disposal guidelines in all pharmacies. Majority of pharmacists support the idea of having the government pharmacies as collection points for safe disposal of UMs in Kuwait.

Allaitement maternel : opinions et connaissances des pharmaciens dans la métropole lilloise

Because of the French delay regarding breastfeeding compared to other Europeans countries, its promotion was one of the 9 specific nutritional goals of the 2001, 2006, and 2011 National Nutritional Health Program. The objective of this study was to establish the opinion and knowledge of pharmacists from a selected semi-urban territory of the Lille metropolitan area on breastfeeding. The 33 pharmacies around the city of Villeneuve-d'Ascq were contacted. First, the goal and the principles of the study were presented to the pharmacists and they were invited to participate in a survey. This survey was divided into 6 topics with 26 questions. The topics were: advice on breastfeeding, pain and inflammation during breastfeeding, use of a breast pump, preservation and reheating of breast milk, breastfeeding and medication, breastfeeding and contraception, and breastfeeding promotion. The survey also evaluated their willingness to promote breastfeeding and the assistance needed for undertaking this promotion. By counting the right answers from 13 of the 26 questions, a global grade was calculated reflecting the knowledge of the participants. The maximum grade was 20 because many questions had several correct answers. Twenty-nine pharmacies agreed to participate (participation rate, 88%). The mean grade was 13.4 (95% CI: 12.7-14.0). Professional and personal experience had no influence on the grades. In the opinion of the pharmacists, the 3 topics most frequently raised by women were cracked nipples, mastitis, and painful breast (quoted by 83% of the pharmacists), the infant formula to use as a complete or partial substitute for breastfeeding (66%), and breastfeeding and medication (59%). Fifty-five percent of the participants were aware of the WHO recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age. The desire to promote breastfeeding was strong (68%). Thus, all pharmacists favored the distribution of a leaflet giving information on breastfeeding. This study shows a strong desire to promote breastfeeding among the pharmacists surveyed. It allows focusing on the themes that could be the target for continuing education, based on mothers' needs.

Results of a National Survey on Over-The-Counter Medicines, Part 1: Pharmacist Opinion on Current Scheduling Status

> OTC medicines make up an important part of the community pharmacy world. As with most aspects of practice, however, hurdles exist that prevent an optimal level of care. To gauge pharmacist agreement on the scheduling status of various OTC medicines. Pharmacists across Canada were surveyed by mail. Of the 5037 surveys mailed, 2403 were returned, with 2305 being usable for analysis (response rate of 49.4%). Across 25 agents, pharmacists tended to support existing control for pharmacies (such as Nix crème rinse and minoxidil topical solution) and returning control to pharmacies for unscheduled agents (such as ranitidine 75 mg tablets and nicotine patches). Pharmacists generally favour tighter control of OTC agents, especially those that are unscheduled. This hopefully reflects pharmacist desire to ensure their proper selection and use.

Opinions of community pharmacists on the value of a cardiovascular polypill as a means of improving medication compliance

Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem despite established treatment guidelines and significant healthcare expenditure worldwide. Poor medication compliance accounts in part for some of the observed evidence/practice gaps. Trials of fixed-dose combination pills are currently underway, but the attitudes of relevant health professionals to the routine use of a cardiovascular polypill are generally unknown. Pharmacists are a group of providers who play an important role in patient compliance with long-term medications. The objective was to identify the main perceived barriers to compliance and to investigate pharmacists' opinions regarding the routine use of a cardiovascular polypill. The setting was community pharmacies in the metropolitan and greater areas of New South Wales, Australia. Structured questionnaires were administered to a random sample of community pharmacists and peer-to-peer, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-sample. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS V16.0 and interviews were analysed thematically. Questionnaires were completed by 72 of the 250 pharmacists invited to participate. The major barrier to cardiovascular medication compliance identified by respondents was polypharmacy. Other barriers included patient disinterest, time constraints and costs. Most pharmacists agreed that a cardiovascular polypill could be one potential solution to poor compliance by simplifying the treatment regimen (73.6% agreed) and reducing patient costs (79.2% agreed). Inability to tailor treatment and to ascribe side effects was among some of the identified concerns. The use of a cardiovascular polypill as a means of increasing patient compliance with long-term cardiovascular preventive therapies is seen as potentially valuable by community pharmacists.

Patient interview project in a women's health elective course: student perceptions

Objectives To evaluate student opinions of pharmacists' knowledge of women's health conditions before and after a patient interview, to determine whether patient interviews improve the student's confidence in patient counseling and to determine whether this type of activity is valuable and should be used in other classes. Methods Pharmacy students in a women's health elective interviewed a female patient about a disease state relating to the course content. Students completed a survey before and after the interview. The survey contained items relating to knowledge of the disease state, confidence in communication skills, perception of pharmacists as knowledgeable resources, and the usefulness of the interview. Results Eighty second-year pharmacy students were enrolled in a women's health elective course and completed the survey over three years. Overall, student self-assessment of knowledge of the patient's disease states improved from before to after the interview as did their confidence with patient counseling. Students expressed that interviewing patients is a valuable learning method that should be used in other classes in the pharmacy curriculum. Conclusions Student self-assessment of knowledge and student opinion of pharmacist knowledge of women's health conditions significantly increased after the patient interview. Student confidence significantly improved after completion of this activity. The activity may heighten student awareness regarding pharmacists as a resource in women's health and improve student confidence in interviewing patients.

Pharmacy Patrons 'Awareness of Pharmacists' Education and Routine Patient Care Responsibilities

To assess the similarities between pharmacists' and pharmacy patrons' views of pharmacists' roles and to explore the extent to which persons actually see pharmacists assuming certain roles. Cross-sectional survey was administered to pharmacists and patients who were filling prescriptions or seeking nonprescription medications in 9 community pharmacies in Morgantown, West Virginia. The survey assessed 11 routine patient care services. Main outcome measures include opinions of pharmacists and patients about responsibility for providing 11 routine care services and the extent to which these services are provided. Pharmacists and patients had similar opinions about services that pharmacists should provide for 7 of the 11 services evaluated. For the other 4 items for which opinions were divergent, the mean scores for the extent to which pharmacists provide these services indicated that pharmacists do not always provide these services. Pharmacy patrons might not attribute certain patient-related functions to pharmacists because pharmacists do not frequently perform these routine care-related services in actual practice. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.

Promoting interprofessional collaboration: pharmacy students teaching current and future prescribers about Medicare Part D.

Nearly all health professional students and prescribers, regardless of specialty, will care for older adults who are enrolled in or eligible for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Given the growing numbers of older adults, the increased burden of chronic disease, and the escalating costs of health care, health professional students and prescribers across disciplines should learn strategies to promote cost-effective prescribing and collaborate with pharmacists who are experts in medication use and costs. To describe and evaluate the impact of a statewide peer education program in which selected students at 7 California schools of pharmacy delivered a clinically relevant lecture on Part D to a multidisciplinary audience of health professional students and prescribers. Trained pharmacy students delivered a case-based lecture on Medicare Part D to other health professional students and prescribers throughout the state of California. An 11-item survey designed to evaluate (a) self-assessed Part D knowledge, (b) opinion of pharmacists' roles on the health care team, (c) intent to collaborate with pharmacists, and (d) awareness of cost-savings strategies to reduce patients' out-of-pocket drug costs was administered before and after the lecture. Pre-lecture versus post-lecture results were tested for statistical significance using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni adjustment of alpha to 0.004 because of multiple comparisons. From October 2008 through May 2010, trained students from 7 pharmacy schools gave 58 presentations to a total of 1,490 current or future prescribers, including 304 nurse practitioner students and 279 resident physicians. At baseline pre-lecture, self-rated knowledge of Medicare Part D was generally poor; only 4.9% of respondents strongly agreed that "I understand the Medicare Part D benefit," and 6.6% strongly agreed that they could "identify key Medicare Part D resources to help my patients." Nine of 11 survey items showed statistically significant improvement (P less than 0.001), including all 4 items in the Part D knowledge domain and all 5 items in the intent-to-collaborate domain (e.g., "I consult with pharmacists and/or pharmacy students about drug costs"). Outcomes were similar across the 7 schools. At pre-lecture baseline, self-reported deficits in knowledge about Part D policy and drug cost-savings resources and strategies existed among medical, nursing and physician assistant students, resident physicians, and other health professionals. A pharmacy student-led peer education lecture can be used to bridge this gap, resulting in timely dissemination of geriatrics health policy information and increased awareness of pharmacists' roles and expertise in pharmaceutical health policy and patient care.

Public Opinion of Pharmacists and Pharmacist Prescribing

Background: Pharmacists generally enjoy a high ranking when members of the general public are asked to rate the most trusted professions. While it is a good thing that the pharmacy profession appears to be trustworthy, it is not clear whether the public fully appreciates what pharmacists can do. Methods: A telephone survey in the province of Saskatchewan was conducted between February 25 and March 2, 2010. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items. Results: A total of 1283 people were contacted; 403 (31.4%) agreed to participate. A majority of respondents were female (253, 62.8%). Two-thirds (262, 65%) felt they were a “customer” when visiting a pharmacy; only 14.9% (60) felt they were a “patient.” There was some limited support for an expanded role for pharmacists. Conclusions: Gender appears to play a role in public perceptions of pharmacists; women tended to have a more favourable view of the profession than men. Lower education and income level were associated with a more positive view of pharmacists. This study adds to our understanding of the public perceptions of pharmacists and the potential for increased scope of practice. Respondents in this study, as in similar studies, generally had a positive view of the pharmacy profession, but there is still some variation, perhaps showing that an inconsistent message is being communicated to the general public about the role of pharmacists.

Residents' views and experiences of pharmacy questioning and advice relating to non-prescription medicine purchases

Abstract Questionnaires were sent to a sample of 2,190 Cardiff residents asking their experiences of, and attitudes to, the questioning and provision of advice associated with non-prescription medicine sales from pharmacies. Eight hundred and ten questionnaires (37 per cent) were returned. A total of 585 respondents had made such a purchase in the previous six months, and 486 of the 585 (83 per cent) had bought their most recent medicine for their own use. Of the 486, 157 had not used the medicine on a previous occasion. Seventy-three of the 157 respondents (46.5 per cent) stated that pharmacy staff had selected the medicine for them and it was found that such respondents were more likely to have been questioned (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and advised (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than those for whom pharmacy staff had no influence on the medicine purchase. Over 90 per cent of the 810 respondents believed that it was a good idea to be asked questions when purchasing non-prescription medicines and fewer than seven per cent resented such questioning. Only 16 respondents (2 per cent) indicated that they never wanted advice regarding non-prescription medicines, even for those medicines that they had not previously used. The majority of respondents expressed positive opinions of community pharmacists.

Attitudes of hospital pharmacists to adverse drug reactions and the “yellow card” scheme: a qualitative study

Abstract Objective To elicit the views of hospital pharmacists towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. Method Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted on a face to face basis using a prepiloted questionnaire. Analysis was carried out using Winmax Pro, content analysis and comparison of interpretation by two independent reviewers. Setting All major hospitals in one Committee on Safety of Medicines/Medicines Control Agency (CSM/MCA) regional monitoring centre in England. Key findings It was considered that introduction of reporting had been poorly publicised and promoted. Only 42 per cent of those interviewed had submitted more than one “yellow card” report and a similar percentage had reported none. The CSM/MCA has a poor image in terms of accessibility and its perceived opinion of pharmacists' role in reporting. Feedback from the CSM/MCA was satisfactory and Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance was highly regarded. Several factors appear to be dissuading pharmacists from participation in the scheme, including lack of clinical knowledge, pressure of work and a lack of time. The absence of a fee did not appear to be a deterrent to reporting; in fact, a fee was considered inappropriate. Initial schemes for education and training were perceived as having been successful. However, ongoing training needs had not been fully addressed. Conclusion While hospitals pharmacists acknowledge ADR reporting as part of their professional role, it is not yet considered as part of their daily practice and requires more vigorous promotion. Further investigation and quantitative work are required to investigate fully this aspect of pharmacy practice.

Pharmacist characteristics, medication use perceptions, and professional satisfaction: a first national survey in the state of Qatar

Pharmacist characteristics, medication use perceptions, and professional satisfaction: a first national survey in the state of Qatar Maguy Saffouh El Hajj1, Nadir Kheir1, Manal Zaidan2, Peter J Jewesson11College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; 2Pharmacy Department, Al Amal Cancer Centre, Doha, QatarPurpose: To characterize the professional demographics, opinions about the medication use process, perceived public satisfaction with pharmacy services, and professional satisfaction of pharmacists practicing in the state of Qatar.Materials and methods: The study was designed as a hypothesis-generating, online, anonymous, opinion survey of practicing pharmacists in Qatar.Results: Two hundred and sixty-four survey accesses were recorded during the 6-week study period, and 250 surveys containing responses to one or more questions were included in the analysis. Eighty-four percent of respondents reported graduating at least 5 years prior to the survey, and 86% held a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy as their highest degree. The most common source of the highest degree was one of five countries (Egypt, Jordan, India, Sudan, or Pakistan). Forty-five percent of respondents were working in a hospital setting, and 33% were in a community pharmacy. The lowest incidence of agreement across the 10 drug procurement and distribution process statements was observed for the adequacy of medication supplies statements (33% of all respondents). The highest incidence of agreement across the eight medication use process statements was for the statement pertaining to infrequent dispensing errors (68%), and the lowest incidence of agreement was observed for the statement pertaining to the adequacy of patient monitoring (30%). The pharmacist was chosen as the best candidate to resolve perceived unmet medication needs for four of eight statements, whereas physicians were most frequently chosen for three of the four remaining statements. Respondents&#39; perceptions regarding patient satisfaction with the different elements of the medication use process revealed that the lowest incidence of agreement pertained to patients&#39; satisfaction with the waiting time required to obtain their medications (35%). Forty percent of all respondents rated themselves as professionally dissatisfied. Improvements to their professional role, greater opportunities for professional development, and enhancements in human resource-related conditions were identified as potential remedies to this situation.Conclusion: This study represents the first known attempt to formally solicit the opinions of pharmacists in Qatar. The study results have provided valuable information regarding the demographic characteristics, pharmacist perceptions about the medication use process, and professional satisfaction of practicing pharmacists in the country. This information is being utilized to guide workforce planning, to help identify potential shortcomings in the health care system, and to better understand continuing education and professional satisfaction needs of Qatar&#39;s pharmacy practitioners. We encourage other countries to conduct similar surveys in order to better understand the characteristics, perceptions, and needs of their health care workers.Keywords: pharmacist, characteristics, medication use, perceptions, professional satisfaction

Pharmaceutical Consultation in UAE Community Pharmacies.

In recent years, the focus of pharmacists as traditional drug dispensers has shifted to more active and participative role in risk assessment, risk management, and other medication related consultation activities. Pharmacy profession is evolving steadily in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pharmacists in UAE are so much occupied in their administrative and managerial duties that dispensing is mostly attended to by pharmacy technicians. Pharmacist-led patient counseling is limited to the dosage and frequency of medications and rarely adverse reactions and drug interactions with other medications. Therefore we decided to perform quantitative questionnaires study to explore the role of pharmacist in patient counseling in UAE, the evaluation of pharmacist's opinion on patient counseling and the potential determinants of personal consultation. Results show the frequency and nature of inquiries received by pharmacist. Five to twenty inquires per month are received from patient, most of them related to drug prescription and dose recommendation. Thirty nine percent of pharmacists received inquiries from doctors, most of them related to the dose and mode of action. Ninty two percent of the pharmacists agreed that patient counseling is their professional responsibility. About 82% of pharmacists agreed that counseling will increase their sales and enhance the reputation of their pharmacies. Seventy percent of pharmacists mentioned that they need to undergo training for effective counseling while 46% of pharmacists felt that more staff in the pharmacies would have a positive influence on patient compliance to medication therapies and patient safety. The potential determinants of personal consultation show that 52% of participants trusted pharmacist and 55% considered the pharmacist as a friend. Forty eight percent of participants visited the pharmacy for medical recommendation while 30% for drug compounding, 72% agreed that pharmacist conducts full instruction while 31% agreed about full investigation. In conclusion, reorganization of the pharmacist's activities may improve pharmaceutical consultations. Pharmacists must be exposed to recent trends in drug therapy, dosage forms, dosage, adverse effects and interaction. This will go a long way in providing rational use of drugs to the patients and improve their quality of life.