Perceptions Of Pharmacists Research Articles

Board of Pharmacy Specialties 2022 recertification data: Characteristics and perceptions of pharmacists successfully recertified.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The purpose of this retrospective study was to utilize existing data to (1) compare the characteristics of Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) credentials successfully recertified vs those that were not successfully recertified in 2022 and (2) compare survey responses about maintaining board certification by continuing pharmacy education (CPE) vs examination among those who successfully recertified. The characteristics of BPS credentials eligible for recertification in 2022 (n = 4,812) and survey responses from board-certified pharmacists who successfully recertified in 2022 (n = 3,629) were retrieved from the MyBPS database. Across all specialties, 75.4% of credentials were successfully recertified in 2022. Most credentials were recertified by CPE (92.1%). Successfully recertified credentials were predominately held by pharmacists practicing within the US (96.7%), those between the ages of 31 and 40 years (51.9%), and those completing the first 7-year certification cycle (73.9%). A significant difference was found between recertified credentials and those that were not recertified based on specialty, recertification pathway, credential holder practice location, and credential holder age. Over 89% of respondents reported that a primary benefit of maintaining board certification is to "expand knowledge and skills in pharmacy." Several factors influence the decision and/or ability of board-certified pharmacists to recertify and maintain their credentials. Successfully recertified board-certified pharmacists report expanded competency, credibility, personal gratification, and increased confidence among the primary benefits of maintaining board certification. Board-certified pharmacists who successfully recertify also report a preference for a recertification process that is temporally and financially efficient.

Pharmacist-Prescribed Hormonal Contraception: A Survey of Perceptions of Georgia Community Pharmacists and Non-Community Pharmacists.

Pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception (HC) is supported by a majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students; however, few studies have evaluated perceptions of non-community pharmacists, or differences in geographic areas. The primary objective of this study is to assess differences between community and non-community pharmacists in perceptions of pharmacist-prescribing HC in Georgia, a state that does not currently permit this practice. Secondary objectives include assessment of community pharmacist interest in prescribing HC, and differences in perceptions between pharmacists in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. A survey was emailed in early 2022 to 2592 Georgia pharmacists, with Likert questions assessing interest, perceptions, comfort, and perceived barriers regarding pharmacist-prescribed HC. Chi square testing identified differences between groups. The completed survey response rate was 11.8%. Regardless of practice site, a majority agreed that pharmacists are well trained to prescribe HC (community 61.8% vs. non-community 68.1%, p = 0.25) and provision of HC services is within pharmacists' scope (community 73.6% vs. non-community 74.2%, p = 0.90). Overall, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan community pharmacist perceptions were similar; however, more metropolitan pharmacists believed pharmacists are well trained to prescribe HC (66.7% vs. 48.7%, p = 0.049) and that it is within their scope of practice (78.1% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.045). In summary, the majority of pharmacists, regardless of practice type, believe that pharmacists are prepared to prescribe HC and that it is a part of pharmacists' professional scope of practice.

Complexity of patient encounters within a clinically integrated community pharmacy network Medicaid payer program

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists frequently care for patients with complex medical and social needs; however, specific evidence on pharmacist perceptions of what makes a patient encounter complex has not been clearly characterized. There is a need to better understand specific factors that contribute to patient encounter complexity and demonstrate how pharmacists in community settings care for these individuals. ObjectivesThe objectives of this programmatic case study were to: (1) elucidate factors that contributed to patient encounter complexity as a part of a Medicaid Managed Care Organization comprehensive medication management payer program in community pharmacies and (2) curate a series of patient case vignettes that provide evidence of pharmacists care for patients with complex medical and social needs within community pharmacies. MethodsThis qualitative programmatic case study utilized data from semistructured interviews with community pharmacists who provided comprehensive medication management services to Medicaid patients in Pennsylvania. Pharmacists described their most complex patient encounter. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by 2 investigators. The coded texts were grouped into categories, and a cross-case inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify complexity factors. ResultsThirty pharmacists provided 48 patient case vignettes and 3 complexity factors emerged: (1) care coordination, (2) behavioral health support, and (3) social determinants of health. Representative patient case vignettes were selected to illustrate these factors. ConclusionPharmacists, who participated in a community pharmacy Medicaid Managed Care Organization payer program, provided care to patients with complex health needs. In addition to medication-related problems, specific factors that increased pharmacist perception of encounter complexity were care coordination with other health care providers, behavioral health support, and addressing social determinants of health.

Assessment of the public perception of the hospital pharmacist and their satisfaction level with the pharmacy services provided in a developing country: a cross-sectional survey in Malaysia.

To assess the public perception of the role of hospital pharmacists, their satisfaction with the pharmacy service provided, and the factors associated with their perception and satisfaction. A cross-sectional, questionnaire survey was conducted on adults older than 18 years who utilized public pharmacy services. A self-developed, validated questionnaire consisting of three parts was used, i.e., demographic data, perception, and satisfaction. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study of 50 study participants and demonstrated good reliability results of 0.900 for the perception section and 0.836 for the satisfaction section. Therefore, all items were used in the final questionnaire. Four hundred and seventy-nine completed questionnaires were collected with a response rate of 91.6%. The Cronbach's α for perception and satisfaction scores were0.938 and 0.841, respectively. The median total score for public perception was 83 (interquartile range [IQR]: 15), whereas the median total score for public satisfaction was 38 (IQR: 33). The level of public perception was significantly associated with the age groups (P = .009), ethnic groups (P < .001), respondents' locality groups (P < .001), the level of education achieved group (P = .017), and the income groups (P = .006). Satisfaction was not significantly associated with any sociodemographic factors. This study has found that the general public had a favorable perception of the role of hospital pharmacists, and they were generally satisfied with the pharmacy service provided.

Delivery of enhanced asthma care in pharmacies: Perceptions and experiences of Australian service providers

BackgroundEvidence-based asthma management services have been tested in Australian community pharmacies for over 2 decades and have been well received by patients but are not retained in practice. The positive clinical outcomes of these tested services suggest the potential for wider implementation, for which the providers’ perspective is critical. ObjectiveThis investigation evaluates the implementability of the Pharmacy Asthma Service (PAS) through the experiences and perceptions of the community pharmacists delivering the service. MethodsForty-eight pharmacists took part in a posttrial semi-structured qualitative telephone interview, representing 42 of 51 (82%) eligible PAS intervention arm pharmacies. Qualitative data were deductively analyzed in accordance with the Implementation Outcomes Framework. ResultsPharmacists recognized the positive impact of the service on patients’ health outcomes, the pharmacist’s practice, and in fostering stronger and more beneficial pharmacist-patient relationships. However, whilst acknowledging the importance of such a service, the pharmacists faced challenges in recruitment and patient follow-up. Pharmacists stated that further work is required to address pharmacist and patient time constraints, patient health beliefs and to increase the acceptance of pharmaceutical care provision in community pharmacy practice by patients and other health care professionals. ConclusionPharmacists can deliver enhanced clinical care for asthma patients with positive perceived professional and patient outcomes. However, it remains evident that time, remuneration, and recognition of the pharmacist’s role in chronic care management form barriers to the implementation of asthma services in community pharmacies. Broader policy and systemic changes are required to successfully balance medication supply and quality patient management roles at the same time as a required shift in research processes.

Availability of self-care products for sexual and reproductive health provided by community pharmacists in Rwanda: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Access to and use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remain a global public health concern, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to understand the attitudes and perceptions of pharmacists in Rwandan community pharmacies and to assess the availability of sexual and reproductive health products in these pharmacies. In a cross-sectional study conducted in Rwanda from 1 September 2023 to 30 November 2023, registered and licensed pharmacists from 864 community pharmacies were surveyed, employing a quantitative research approach. Systematic sampling was used to collect the data. A chi-square test was conducted for relationships between variables. SRH products for self-care were widely available in Rwandan community pharmacies, ranging from 82.3% to 97.3%, except for ovulation tests (28.4%). Chi-square tests indicated that married pharmacists were more likely to provide educational guidance on SRH products (χ 2 = 8.81, P-value = 0.012). Community pharmacists had positive attitudes and self-reported confidence in dispensing and providing education to pharmacy-based SRH users. The Rwandan community pharmacies had extensive availability of SRH products for self-care use. Pharmacists in these pharmacies had positive attitudes and self-reported confidence in dispensing and guiding the community on SRH products. Continuous professional training is recommended to enhance the quality and standards of SRH.

Examination of differences between actual and potential revenue generation in a pharmacist-run ambulatory clinic

BackgroundPharmacists are not billable health care providers under Medicare Part B or most insurance plans. Because of this, pharmacist services are relegated to incident-to-provider billing, despite pharmacists routinely providing services high in complexity. This discrepancy may negatively skew perceptions of pharmacists’ contributions to outpatient clinic care. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the potential revenue generation for pharmacist-delivered services at a single, rural South Dakota clinic if pharmacists were considered billable health care providers. MethodsThis retrospective, single center study utilized a chart review of first-quarter data from a single ambulatory clinic served by a 0.5 full time equivalent pharmacist serving Chronic Disease Management (CDM) and COVID-19 patients. For each appointment, the chart note was reviewed for elements that would satisfy requirements for Current Procedural Terminology billing codes. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement was determined using official 2022 Physician Fee Schedules and private insurance reimbursement was set at a single rate of 60% of the fee schedule of the most common private payer. ResultsDuring the 3-month study period, 118 patients (206 appointments) were seen by the pharmacist. The amount paid to the clinic was estimated at $2174.91. The hypothetical amount paid to the clinic if pharmacists were considered billable health care providers is $10,415.31 for CDM clinic and $7953.48 for COVID-19 clinic, totaling $18,368.79. Excluding uninsured patients, the hypothetical total is $17,102.03, with total unrealized revenue of $16,193.88. ConclusionIf pharmacists were considered billable health care providers and their services were billed accordingly, the potential revenue generation is significantly higher than actually generated revenue. This estimated data can be used to better quantify and qualify appointment-related data for nonpharmacist clinic managers.

The potential feasibility of tobacco-focused medication therapy management in pharmacies affiliated with Federally Qualified Health Centers: Perspectives of pharmacists

BackgroundTobacco-focused medication therapy management (MTM) interventions executed in pharmacies located in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) may provide an innovative means to reach smokers with low incomes and reduce health disparities. However, greater understanding of the intervention’s potential feasibility in this setting is needed. ObjectiveTo inform the feasibility of implementing an MTM program to address tobacco and nicotine dependence in the FQHC setting by assessing the experience and perceptions of pharmacists working in pharmacies associated with FQHCs. MethodsA convergent mixed methods approach was used to assess indicators associated with the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Pharmacists from FQHC-based pharmacies in the Southeast United States completed surveys (n = 24) and interviews (n = 15). Quantitative data were summarized descriptively. Qualitative data were content coded. ResultsQuantitative and qualitative data were mapped across all 5 CFIR domains. Pharmacists report high rates of tobacco and nicotine use among their patients and that addressing their use is important. A total of 62.5% of pharmacists had some or a great deal of experience with tobacco and nicotine dependence. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate that the pharmacists and their FQHCs would support MTM efforts focused on tobacco and nicotine dependence. Qualitative findings highlight that pharmacists view an MTM intervention as aligning with their current workflow. Quantitative and qualitative data highlight how factors related to pharmacists’ engagement in introducing tobacco and nicotine dependence treatment programs to patients, the electronic medical record, time, staffing, and patient-level barriers could impact the feasibility of an MTM intervention focused on tobacco and nicotine dependence. ConclusionFindings suggest an MTM intervention focused on tobacco and nicotine dependence has the potential to be feasible within FQHC-based pharmacies. Considerations related to training, staffing, time, identifying participants, and supporting participant engagement must be taken into account to support its implementation.

Impact of a clinical decision support system on identifying drug-related problems and making recommendations to providers during community pharmacist-led medication reviews in Ontario, Canada: A pilot study.

To evaluate the impact of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) to identify drug-related problems (DRPs) during community pharmacist medication reviews. Pilot 3-phase (group), open-label study. Two community pharmacies in Sarnia, Ontario, with pharmacists providing medication reviews to patients. Five pharmacists participated in three phases (groups). During Phase 1, pharmacists conducted medication reviews in 25 adult patients using the usual approaches. In Phase 2, pharmacists were trained to use a CDSS to identify DRPs, and then conducted medication reviews using the tool in a different group of 25 adult patients. In Phase 3, pharmacists conducted medication reviews without the aid of the CDSS in 25 additional adult patients. The primary outcome was recommendation to the primary care physician to alter pharmacotherapy based on medication review, assessed using mean number and frequency (yes/no) of recommendations by patient. Secondary outcomes included number of potential DRPs, actual DRPs, medication review duration time, pharmacist's perceptions of the CDSS and patient satisfaction with medication review. The mean number of recommendations to primary care physicians to alter pharmacotherapy per patient in Phases 1, 2 and 3 did not differ: 1.0 (SD = I.2) versus 1.5 (1.0) versus 1.5 (1.0), respectively; p = 0.223. The percentage of patients with a pharmacy recommendation sent to physicians across the phases, however, differed: 52% versus 80% versus 88%, respectively; p = 0.010, with more in Phases 2 and 3 compared to 1. There were more potential DRPs in group 2 compared to other groups. There were no differences in actual DRPs and medication review time. Pharmacists had positive attitudes about the CDSS. Patients were generally satisfied with their medication review. This small pilot study provides some preliminary evidence for performance and feasibility of a CDSS to identify DRPs that pharmacists will act on. Future research is recommended to validate these findings in a larger sample.

Comparing South Dakota Pharmacist Perspectives of Pharmacy Services in Rural versus Urban settings

BackgroundAccess to healthcare services is a major barrier to residents of the rural state of South Dakota. As a highly accessible member of the healthcare team, outpatient pharmacists can play a key role in a patient's healthcare journey. There is a need to identify the unique barriers and facilitators pharmacists in both rural and urban areas face to maximize the impact of their role. ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to compare perceptions of rural and urban pharmacists regarding the facilitators and barriers to providing patient care in South Dakota. MethodsThis qualitative project highlights results from interviews and focus group sessions with a convenience sample of South Dakota pharmacists. Participants were recruited using a referral word-of-mouth system, contracts with healthcare market research agencies, newspaper advertisements, and posters displayed in public locations in South Dakota. Practice location was characterized as rural or urban based on United States Department of Agriculture definitions. Findings from interviews and focus group sessions were coded and analyzed using content analysis by two student researchers. ResultsParticipants included 12 rural-practicing and 21 urban-practicing pharmacists in South Dakota. In both rural and urban areas, key barriers included communication with providers (50% rural; 50% urban), lack of electronic health record access (25% rural; 14% urban), not enough staff (22% rural; 20% urban), and patient misunderstanding the scope of pharmacy (22% rural; 40% urban). Barriers specific to rural areas included time to provide services (22%), having smaller facilities (27%) and provider hesitation regarding collaborative practice agreements (29%). There were no urban-specific barriers. Facilitators specific to urban areas included frequent communication with patients (6.1%) and good quality support staff (9.1%). There were no rural-specific facilitators. ConclusionsNext steps include increasing awareness of pharmacy-based patient care services, researching further to identify the extent to which facilitators and barriers influence the ability to initiate and sustain pharmacy services in rural and urban areas, and providing support to pharmacies to overcome barriers and leverage facilitators.

Focused Preceptor Feedback Assessing Student Pharmacists’ Ability to Administer Pediatric Immunizations

ObjectiveTo evaluate experiential pharmacy preceptor perceptions of student pharmacists’ ability to administer pediatric immunizations. MethodsSemi-structured, qualitative key informant interviews using the Outcomes Evaluation Framework were conducted with 10 pharmacist preceptors in outpatient community pharmacies where pediatric immunizations were provided. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deidentified prior to analysis by the research team. Qualitative analysis and thematic coding procedures were used to identify relevant themes. ResultsSaturation was met after 10 pharmacists participated. All stated that it was beneficial for student pharmacists to administer pediatric vaccines if trained in proper technique. Participants acknowledged that the training students currently receive in immunization administration within the PharmD curriculum is valuable but did identify general confidence and child-comforting techniques during and after vaccination as areas of improvement for students. Just-in-time training, preceptor coaching, and hands-on practice outside of the didactic curriculum were utilized to help build confidence. Barriers to the implementation or expansion of pediatric immunization delivered by students in community pharmacies were identified as competing priorities, time, and reimbursement. ConclusionStudent pharmacists can be helpful in easing the challenges of incorporating pediatric immunization services into the community pharmacy setting. Results demonstrate that the integration of student pharmacists into these services is beneficial. Pediatric immunizations are still relatively new to many pharmacists and specific training for pediatric immunization administration may not be integrated into all Doctor of Pharmacy curricula but the experiential education of pediatric immunization training can be beneficial to help prepare student pharmacists for hands-on practice.

Patients’ perceptions of community pharmacists’ role: A cross-sectional study in Lebanon

Introduction Recognizing, fostering, and maintaining a favorable public image is crucial for developing strong connections between patients and pharmacists, ultimately enhancing the pharmacist’s influence on healthcare results. Consequently, this research seeks to evaluate how the community perceives the role of pharmacists in Lebanon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Lebanese residents over 2 months. One-way analysis of variance assessed the relationship between the perception score and the general characteristics of the study sample. A multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression models to evaluate the combined effect of predictors on the perception score. Results The study comprised exclusively Lebanese participants, with a slightly higher proportion of males (53.4%) than females (46.6%) and a diverse age distribution, ranging from 18 to 65 years old, with 9.1% being 65 years or older. After adjusting for covariates, females scored 0.25 points lower than males (CI (−0.65, 0.15); p = .217), while individuals aged 40–49 and 50–65 had perception scores of 0.18 and 0.55 points lower than those aged 18–29, respectively (CI (−0.83, 0.48); p = .595 and CI (−1.29, 0.20); p = .153, respectively). Participants from Nabatiyeh had a perception score increase of 0.82 compared to those in Beirut (CI (0.15–1.49); p &lt; .017), and those working in non-medical fields scored 0.90 points lower than others (CI (−1.49, −0.32); p = .002). Individuals with at least one comorbidity scored 0.83 points lower (CI (−1.44, −0.21); p = .008), while patients with public insurance and those with a treatment duration of 6 months had perception scores 0.57 and 0.66 points lower, respectively, compared to their counterparts (CI (−1.12, −0.03); p = .039 and CI (−1.29, −0.03); p = .040). Conclusion Findings stress the significance of tailored healthcare and consistent patient-pharmacist relationships, especially for managing complex conditions, underscoring the importance of understanding these dynamics to bolster trust and appreciation for community pharmacists in Lebanon.

To reveal the unseen low-hanging fruit: A multi-method study of Indonesian hospital pharmacist perception regarding the implementation of injection-to-oral conversion activity.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the adoption of injection-to-oral conversion strategies in hospitalised patient yields both clinical and economic benefits. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of the current state of implementation and evaluate the perspectives of hospital pharmacists to guide future initiatives towards conversion implementation in Indonesia. A multi-method design was utilised. Quantitative approach used cross-sectional study design in which data were collected online using Google Form from August to October 2021. Qualitative analysis employed a phenomenological approach by performing in-depth interviews from July to August 2021. Each approach's data were compared to discover connections and discrepancies, and the final interpretation was done simultaneously. A total of 204 pharmacists participated in the survey, with 64.2% of them reporting no previous experience in conversion. An in-depth interview included seven hospital pharmacists, with three themes were emerged: (1) strategic roles of the pharmacist; (2) key considerations; and (3) potential barriers and enablers of conversion implementation. Based on the elaboration of quantitative and qualitative data, the study found that pharmacist had strong perception regarding pharmacist role in conversion despite their little experience in implementing the activity. For future improvement, a platform that taking into account the pharmacist current conditions and insights should be created. Pharmacists appreciated conversion activity and grasped its concepts despite little clinical experience. Consider possible enabling and barrier factors and essential considerations before taking action. Local guidelines and instructional materials that emphasise application or implementation are encouraged. Furthermore, the implementation project must be piloted and evaluated for clinical and economic outcomes.

Towards Effective Healthcare Delivery: An Assessment of Public Perception of Pharmacist’s Role in Nigeria

Towards Effective Healthcare Delivery: An Assessment of Public Perception of Pharmacist’s Role in Nigeria

Empowering and educating the next generation of pharmacists through children’s books: A quality assurance initiative

ObjectiveThe objective of this quality assurance initiative was to internally measure children’s perceptions of the book, “All Aboard the Rx-Express!” and knowledge gained from its content. MethodsThis pharmacy-focused children’s book was read to elementary-age youth at a rural, Pennsylvania elementary school in the Spring of 2022. A brief, optional, anonymous prepost survey was administered to the youth before and after the reading to measure the book’s impact on third through fifth graders’ perceptions and knowledge of the pharmacy profession. Descriptive statistics, chi squared analysis, independent samples t-tests, and one sample proportions tests were used to analyze survey responses. ResultsOne hundred ninety-one students participated in the presurvey to assess baseline knowledge about the pharmacy profession before the book was read. One hundred eighty-five students answered the postsurvey. Prepost respondent demographics were collected in aggregate and were not significantly different between the pre- and postcohorts. Survey results demonstrated an increase in all questions that asked about students’ perceptions of pharmacists and the profession, and students reported favorable perceptions of the book itself. ConclusionEarly interventions such as this can increase elementary-age youth’s perceptions and knowledge of the roles of pharmacists. Future work in early intervention will be needed to increase interest in the profession and admissions to pharmacy schools.

Building an antimicrobial stewardship model for a public-sector hospital: a pre-implementation study.

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as an important global health risk, associated with increased mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) involves a coherent set of processes that promote the rational use of antimicrobials.Gap statement. An AMS programme should be adapted and developed according to the available resources of a facility. This requires an analysis of the core AMS elements that are already in place and the resources available.Aim. This study aimed to assess the readiness of a tertiary healthcare facility and staff towards implementing an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP).Methodology. This study focused on two aspects during an AMS pre-implementation phase. A situational or strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was conducted based on (1) a questionnaire on attitudes and perceptions of pharmacists, clinicians and nurses towards AMR and AMS and (2) a situational analysis on the readiness of the facility.Results. The questionnaire, which was available for completion between September 2021 and December 2021, was sent to a total of 3100 healthcare professionals (HCPs). Thirty-two (1.0 %) HCPs comprising 2 pharmacists, 16 clinicians and 14 nurses completed the questionnaire. Of the total participants, 31 (96.9 %) viewed AMR as a problem in South African hospitals and 29 (90.6 %) perceived AMR as a problem at their facility. The majority (n = 29, 90.6 %) of the participants were familiar with the term AMS, and 26 (81.3 %) participants agreed to willingly participate in any initiatives involving antimicrobial use at the facility. The situational analysis depicted existing strengths in terms of AMS structures such as the formation of an AMS committee and information and technology systems at the HCP's disposal. Weaknesses included the limited number of AMS activities being carried out and poor participation from HCPs within the AMS team.Conclusion. A pre-implementation phase in the building of an ASP can greatly assist in finding gaps for improvement, which can then be addressed in the implementation phase. Furthermore, the pre-implementation phase provides a baseline to measure improvements once the implementation phase has been instituted.

Exploring the Perceptions and Behaviours of UK Prescribers Concerning Novel Lipid-Lowering Agent Prescriptions: A Qualitative Study.

Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels lowers the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. With the current and future portfolios of emerging lipid-lowering therapies included in various national and international guidelines, the objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the perceptions of UK prescribers', including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, on current lipid management for cardiovascular diseases and prescriptions of novel lipid-lowering therapies, and (ii) to explore the challenges and facilitating factors of prescribing novel lipid-lowering therapies through qualitative interviews. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with twelve medical and non-medical prescribers were conducted, around 20-30 min in length. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed on an online platform. A thematic analysis was deployed. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) prescribing barriers; (2) prescribing enablers; (3) inter-profession variability; and (4) health literacy. These themes highlighted the contrast between the need for optimal shared decision making and the various constraints in practice. Participants expressed their inexperience with novel lipid-lowering therapies and acknowledged the requirement and importance of these agents for primary cardiovascular disease prevention. Participants recognised confidence and competence as key drivers for prescribing therapies and welcomed further education and training to enhance their skillset. Patients' misconceptions towards current lipid-lowering therapies contributed to their refusal of newer agents, highlighting a requirement to improve patient education. Targeting communities through awareness campaigns was identified as a viable solution.

Comprehensive Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Preparedness of Ghanaian Pharmacists Towards a Pandemic or Another Wave of COVID-19

Despite the decline in infection and death rates, COVID-19 remains a significant global health concern. This study delves into Ghanaian pharmacists' knowledge, perception, and preparedness towards a pandemic or another wave of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists across all 16 regions of Ghana between May and July of 2023, with a total of 1199 responses recorded. The data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). Of the respondents, 629 (52.5%) were males, while 570 (47.5%) were females. Our study reveals that 98% of the participants provided positive feedback about knowledge-related questions. The study also found an adequate understanding of pharmacists' attitudes toward coronavirus symptoms, transmission, disease severity, and preventive measures. Ghanaian pharmacists' responses toward the perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 were analyzed using questions related to disease contamination, contracting, and fear level due to the disease. The optimistic behaviour and perception of Ghanaian pharmacists were commendable. However, only 45% of the pharmacists were confident about their level of preparedness, underlining the urgent need for updated information and infection control policies. Infection control policies with updated information should be available for all healthcare professionals. Moreover, Ghana needs a blueprint for pandemic management.

PCR93 Assessment of Prior Experience With Pharmacists and Perceptions of Pharmacists’ Education and Training on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Patients’ Willingness to Accept Pharmacist-Provided Services

PCR93 Assessment of Prior Experience With Pharmacists and Perceptions of Pharmacists’ Education and Training on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Patients’ Willingness to Accept Pharmacist-Provided Services

Assessment of the implementation of pharmacist prescribing: Challenges and pathways for ambulatory practice

BackgroundPrescribing by pharmacists is an increasingly common practice worldwide. In Brazil regulation of this practice began in 2013, and the practice remains unexplored as a research topic. ObjectiveWe aimed to explore and gain insights into pharmacist prescribing practices in Brazil and assessing pharmacist's perceptions of their training and preparedness to prescribe medications. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 via convenience sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire covering sociodemographic issues, academic training, prescribing practices, and perceptions regarding the provision of pharmacist prescribing in ambulatory care. Exploratory descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were performed to estimate the associations between pharmacist characteristics and their practices in prescribing medicines. ResultsAmong the 305 valid responses, 58.7% of the outpatient pharmacists stated that they had not prescribed any medication in the previous three years. Over-the-counter medication prescriptions were most common (42.0%). Only 4.6% of respondents had prescribed prescription-only medicines provided through collaborative agreement, with 2.6% reporting that they had adjusted doses, and 2.3% played a role in prescription renewal. Pharmacists living in Northeast regions tended to be more active prescribers (PR = 1.42; 95%CI 1.03–2.18), whereas those in primary healthcare (PR = 0.61; 95%CI 0.39–0.96) and self-declared Black pharmacists (PR = 0.30; 95%CI 0.10–0.97) prescribed less. Respondents strongly believed in the pharmacist's role as a prescriber, although they remained ambivalent regarding their responsibility for patient outcomes. Progress barriers include infrastructure gaps and strained relationships with physicians. ConclusionsThis study suggests that pharmacists in Brazil predominantly prescribe over-the-counter medications, and variations in setting, region, and race can influence prescribing by pharmacist in ambulatory care.