Role Of Pharmacist Research Articles

Assessing risks and adverse effects of naphazoline hydrochloride: a literature review (2013-2023)

This study examines the risks and harms associated with the use of naphazoline hydrochloride (NHC). The methodology involved a narrative literature review from 2013 to 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which identified eleven relevant articles from Scielo, Medline Complete, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The guiding question was: What are the risks and potential adverse effects associated with the use of NHC? Results and Discussion: Pharmacists play a crucial role in educating against misuse and promoting responsible medication use. However, challenges arise due to the prevalence of self-medication and limited pharmacist involvement in prescribing. The Role of Pharmacists: Harms of Misuse: Key concerns identified include systemic effects, drug-induced rhinitis, and dependence. Overuse of NHC during pregnancy and in children can lead to serious consequences such as hypothermia, bradycardia, and nervous system depression. The abuse hazards of NHC include rebound effects, drug-induced rhinitis, and long-term health risks such as hypertension and heart problems. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced pharmacist training to equip them to effectively counsel and prevent misuse. Additionally, increased public awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote responsible non-prescription healthcare (NHC) use. Stricter dispensing measures, such as regulations to restrict over-the-counter access, should also be put in place. It is essential to promote responsible NHC use. Pharmacists play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with this widely used medication as public health educators and patient guides.

Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine

BackgroundWhile community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample.MethodsUsing a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants’ answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices.Results373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.

The Changing Role of Pharmacists in a New Paradigm toward a Humanistic Approach

The Changing Role of Pharmacists in a New Paradigm toward a Humanistic Approach

Compliance with guideline recommendations in the management of patients with hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia.

Compliance with guidelines in the empirical treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is very important to increase treatment success and reduce mortality. This study aimed to determine compliance with guideline recommendations for CAP and define the role of the clinical pharmacist (CP). Patients diagnosed with CAP were evaluated retrospectively between January 2018 and January 2020 and prospectively between February 2020 and February 2021. Compliance with guidelines was evaluated according to the local, national (Turkish Thoracic Society), and international (American Thoracic Society and Infectious Disease Society of America, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) guidelines. A total of 751 patients (423 in the retrospective and 328 in the prospective period) were included. It was determined that the 30-day mortality and length of stay were higher in patients who were not treated according to the guidelines. The compliance for empirical treatments was 16.3%-59.1% and 7.8%-30.1% in retrospective and prospective periods, respectively. During the prospective period, a total of 603 recommendations were made by CP, and 578 (95.9%) were accepted and implemented. In the prospective period, treatment duration was shortened, inappropriate fluoroquinolone use was decreased, the switch to oral treatment was increased, and the number of potential drug-drug interactions was decreased (p < 0.001). Compliance with guidelines is essential to be improved to reduce mortality, shorten the length of stay, determine the appropriate antimicrobial duration, and reduce the use of fluoroquinolones and broad-spectrum antibiotics unless necessary. CP intervention contributes to the rational selection of antimicrobials, limiting drug-drug interactions, avoiding toxicities, and compliance with guidelines.

Exploring pharmacist role in dispelling myths regarding covid-19 vaccination

Background Vaccination against Coronavirus provides adequate adaptive immunity to combat the infection; however, lack of knowledge and misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccines leads to “Vaccine hesitancy” among people and halts the immunization process. Aim of this study is dispelling myths and misinformation via a pharmacist counseling and optimizing the vaccine acceptance to withstand this pandemic. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in two phases at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad and its peripheral rural area; 200 non-vaccinated individuals were recruited in the pre-intervention phase and 50 in the post-intervention phase. Interview based questionnaire filling was done in both the phases for highlighting the myths causing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and major sources of spreading misinformation. Individuals were guided and counseled regarding misinformation about vaccination. Results In our study most of the respondents were females (70%). In current study, we counseled 50 participants from pre-intervention phase and significant difference has been seen in percentages. As in the pre-intervention phase, 77% individuals believed the myth that COVID-19 vaccine was developed too fast, and in the post-intervention phase it was reduced to 12% via counseling. Similarly 50% participants believed that vaccine is associated with COVID-19 illness that was decreased to 20% Highly prevailed myths included; too fast development of COVID vaccine (77%), its association with COVID-19 illness (72%), and doubt regarding its efficacy (53%). Chi square analysis found significant association between highly prevailed myths and education level. Study participants with higher education level were more reluctant as they were relying more on the misconceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccine (p-value &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Awareness regarding misconception and myths via proper counseling played important role in eradicating vaccine hesitancy and optimizing its acceptance. Longer follow up studies on large sample size are required for convincing results.

The Role of Pharmacists in Providing Pharmaceutical Services in Selected Government Hospitals in Kabul

Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of pharmacists in delivering pharmaceutical services within selected government hospitals in Kabul, utilizing the SERVQUAL model. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a sample population of 338 patients who were hospitalized in the selected hospitals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and perceptions of pharmaceutical services. The data were analyzed using the linear regression test to examine the relationships between the role of pharmacists and the combined indices. Results: he results indicated a significant positive relationship between the role of pharmacists and the combined indices of tangible factors, reliability and credibility, responsiveness, reassurance, and empathy (R = 0.642, R-squared = 0.412, Adjusted R-squared = 0.403, p &lt; 0.001). Tangible factors, reliability and credibility, and empathy demonstrated the most substantial influence on the pharmacists' role. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that patients in selected hospitals within Kabul are content with the quality of services provided. Based on the SERVQUAL model, patient satisfaction with service quality is achieved across five dimensions: tangible factors, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Notably, the reliability variable garners the highest satisfaction level, while the empathy variable receives the lowest. These findings emphasize the need for targeted efforts to enhance empathy, communication, and the overall quality of pharmaceutical services delivered by pharmacists in selected hospitals within Kabul.

Current scenario and challenges of clinical pharmacists to implement pharmaceutical care in DRG/DIP payment hospitals in China: a qualitative interview study.

The Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) or Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) payment system, now introduced in China, intends to streamline healthcare billing practices. However, its implications for clinical pharmacists, pivotal stakeholders in the healthcare system, remain inadequately explored. This study sought to assess the perceptions, challenges, and roles of clinical pharmacists in China following the introduction of the DRG or DIP payment system. Qualitative interviews were conducted among a sample of clinical pharmacists. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, either online or face to face. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key insights and concerns related to their professional landscape under the DRG or DIP system. Clinical pharmacists exhibited variable awareness levels about the DRG or DIP system. Their roles have undergone shifts, creating a balance between traditional responsibilities and new obligations dictated by the DRG or DIP system. Professional development, particularly concerning health economics and DRG-based or DIP-based patient care, was highlighted as a key need. There were calls for policy support at both healthcare and national levels and a revised, holistic performance assessment system. The demand for more resources, be it in training platforms or personnel, was a recurrent theme. The DRG or DIP system's introduction in China poses both opportunities and challenges for clinical pharmacists. Addressing awareness gaps, offering robust policy support, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and recognizing the evolving role of pharmacists are crucial for harmoniously integrating the DRG or DIP system into the Chinese healthcare paradigm.

Evaluation after implementation of chemical bowel preparation for surgical site infections in elective colorectal cancer surgery and role of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist: Retrospective cohort study

BackgroundWe evaluated the predictive factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective colorectal cancer surgery and the role of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) pharmacists in modifying the clinical pathway.Main bodyBetween February 2017 and January 2022, 414 elective colorectal cancer surgeries were performed. The results of multivariate analysis by SSI incidence were adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.96 (P = 0.039) for sex (female), aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.13–0.58 (P < 0.001) for laparoscopy, aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91 (P = 0.029) for chemical bowel preparation. The median (interquartile range) postoperative length of stay was 12 (10.0–18.5) vs. 10 (9.0–13.0) days before and after the clinical pathway was modified (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe role of AS pharmacists was primarily to conduct a literature search to explore whether SSIs could be ameliorated by pharmacotherapy, coordinate the addition of chemical bowel preparation, and epidemiologically confirm their effectiveness.

Role of clinical pharmacists in multidisciplinary collaborative management of blood glucose in COVID-19 patients with hyperglycemia

BackgroundDuring the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, the association between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection has emerged as a notable concern. Therefore, finding effective methods to manage hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 is crucial. ObjectiveTo introduce the clinical pharmacists participating in multidisciplinary collaborative whole hospital blood glucose management mode, and to explore its effect on blood glucose control in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and complicated with hyperglycemia. MethodsPatients with COVID-19 treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were assigned to routine diagnosis and treatment group and whole hospital blood glucose management group according to the blood glucose management plan received by patients. The groups were compared in regards to their adherence to management advice, blood glucose levels, fluctuation, inflammation-related indicators, medical service-related indicators, and incidence of hypoglycemia and adverse events. ResultsAfter 5 days of glucose management, both groups showed a decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial blood glucose in the whole hospital glucose management group was significantly lower than the routine group (P < 0.05). The whole hospital glucose management group showed a significant increase in compliance rate, improved inflammation-related indicators, and higher detection rates for hemoglobin and islet function (P < 0.05). Implementation rates for medical orders and treatment plans were also higher in the whole hospital group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events. ConclusionsMultidisciplinary blood glucose management is highly recommended for patients with COVID-19 who have hyperglycemia due to its effectiveness, standardization, safety, and improvement of inflammation indicators.

Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the collaboration among healthcare professionals in the nursing home setting

BackgroundThe theory of planned behavior (TPB) postulates that behavioral performance is guided by the intention to perform that behavior, influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This framework can be applied to studying interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals to enhance patient safety and public health within nursing homes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the roles of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses in the interprofessional collaboration process while identifying facilitators and barriers to effective collaboration among healthcare professionals. MethodsA qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was carried out. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 healthcare professionals. Qualitative data were then integrated and analyzed through the lens of the TPB. FindingsThe IPA revealed the ten following themes, considered as both facilitators and barriers to interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals in the nursing home setting: communication, roles and responsibilities, willingness and recognition of collaboration's importance, mutual knowledge, trust, confidence, support from decision-makers, protocols, and technology were considered as facilitators while distance was considered as a barrier. ConclusionEnhancing pharmacist-physician collaboration and refining pharmacist-nurse collaboration were essential goals. Intention for collaboration was influenced by attitudes (such as communication and mutual understanding), subjective norms (including support from decision-makers), and perceived behavioral control (such as confidence and adherence to protocols and technology). Addressing these factors could improve collaboration, enhancing residents' quality of life and professionals' sense of achievement.

Student Pharmacist-Led Basic Life Support Training for High School Students Improves Knowledge and Skill Achievement.

Introduction: The performance of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival among cardiac arrest victims. Near-peer teaching of Basic Life Support (BLS) may be an effective way to deliver resuscitation education. This article aims to assess the effectiveness of a student pharmacist-led American Heart Association (AHA) BLS course on high school students' knowledge and skill achievement. Methods: Student pharmacists were trained as AHA instructors and delivered BLS certification courses to high school students. Participants completed pre- and post-assessments adapted from the course learning objectives. Skills performance was evaluated using the AHA's standardized forms. Participants completed questions regarding their perceptions of the pharmacist's role in BLS and confidence in pursuing a career in healthcare. Results: There were 321 participants with the majority in 11th or 12th grade (86.6%) and attending public school (99.1%). After completing the training, the mean percentage of correct assessment responses increased from 41.2% to 89% (p <0.0001). All participants correctly performed BLS skills. Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the course changed their perspective of the pharmacist's role during BLS (74.8%) and increased their confidence in their decision to pursue future careers in healthcare (61.7%). Conclusion: Student pharmacist-led BLS training, using near-peer delivery, improves high school students' knowledge and skill achievement. This strategy promotes high school students' positive perceptions regarding pharmacists and their role in BLS, as well as their confidence in pursuing careers in healthcare.

Pediatric oncology services in Nepal: A special focus on pharmacy practice.

The role of clinical pharmacists or oncology pharmacists in pediatric oncology has been established as important in anticancer regimen review, dose calculation, recommendation, chemocounseling, identification of drug-related problems, its resolution, and, prevention and monitoring of adverse drug reactions within high-income countries. With several hospitals providing pediatric oncology services in Nepal, clinical pharmacist involvement in these hospitals is very poor. Upon reviewing the reputed organization and association focused on pediatric oncology pharmacy practice, it looks imperative for Nepal to initiate clinical pharmacy services which will further help in improving patient health outcomes. As such in this commentary, we try to accentuate the pediatric oncology services and pediatric pharmacy practice within Nepal and try to pinpoint the potential areas for clinical pharmacists to focus if they intend to provide services in pediatric oncology pharmacy practice.

The Critical Role of Ward-Based and Satellite Pharmacists in Improving Pharmaceutical Care in Hospital.

Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U. S., with medication mistakes being a common issue. Medication reconciliation (MR) involves comparing patients' orders with their existing medications to prevent errors. Pharmacists are ideally suited for MR tasks. Effective MR can reduce drug-related rehospitalizations. This study aimed to investigate medication errors among hospitalized patients and to evaluate the impact of ward-based and satellite pharmacists on the quality of drug administration services. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Nikan General Hospitals in Tehran, Iran, over 6 months. We assessed the performance of ward-based and satellite pharmacists in various wards. All patient medication activities were meticulously monitored and recorded. Adjusted drug-related problem (DRP) codes were then used to identify medication errors and the corresponding interventions. The study included 1682 patients, each experiencing at least one DRP. The data revealed a DRP prevalence of 6.44% (95% confidence interval: 6.15%-6.75%). A total of 2173 DRPs were identified, with 650 originating from intensive care units and the remaining 1523 from other wards. Notably, DRPs attributed to nurses (labeled as S2) constituted 18.36%, and those due to drug interactions (classified as D7) accounted for 13.48%. Following intervention, the most common pharmacist recommendations were initiating a medication (14.04%), discontinuing a medication (13.12%), changing a medication (11.38%), and reducing doses (11.09%). Effective MR, supported by comprehensive training of medical staff such as physicians and nurses, can significantly reduce DRPs in hospitalized patients. Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in this context.

The role of the hospital pharmacist to guarantee access and continuity of care for the management of epilepsy.

In this article the pivotal role of hospital pharmacists in the multidisciplinary management of epilepsy is discussed. Hospital pharmacists are members of national and local ethics committees, oversee clinical trials, and ensure adherence to regulations for patient access to novel therapeutic treatments. They actively contribute to regulatory processes and the definition of prescribing centers. In the post-launch phase, hospital pharmacists are a key member in the multidisciplinary team, they are involved in decisions relating to the local introduction of drugs, in the management of the drug within the hospital structure and with the direct distribution, and to ensure proper and timely treatment. The pharmacovigilance network, including hospital and community pharmacists, monitors and prevents adverse effects related to epilepsy medications and enhances a collaborative approach with specialists to promote prescription appropriateness, targeting therapy for better patient outcomes. Finally, the potential benefits of deprescribing are briefly discussed, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving doctors and clinical pharmacists to gather comprehensive data and enhance patient care in epilepsy management.

The medical emergency team pharmacist: describing an overnight service

AbstractBackgroundClinical practice after hours and attendance at medical emergency team (MET) calls are two novel and emerging areas of pharmacy practice. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, our institution's pharmacy services expanded from 8 am–5 pm to 24 h daily, including MET call attendance.AimThis study aimed to describe pharmacist roles, including medications charted by the general medicine and intensive care unit pharmacists during the period of extended‐hours pharmacy practice and the characteristics of MET calls attended.MethodThis descriptive, cross‐sectional study included patients admitted to the Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia between 3 April 2020–28 February 2021, when a MET was called between 5 pm–8 am, a pharmacist attended, and medication changes occurred. Data collected included whether the MET call was medication related and a description of medication changes. Ethics approval was granted by the Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 297/21).ResultsOne thousand six hundred and forty‐four MET calls (average 5.4 calls per night) were attended by pharmacists during extended hours. Medication changes were made in response to clinical deterioration at 627 (38%) calls. The most frequent change was the initiation of cardiovascular medications (n = 206). Partnered pharmacist medication charting, including commencing, ceasing, or changing medications, occurred at 39% of MET calls with therapy changes.ConclusionPharmacists can play a key role in managing deteriorating patients as part of a MET team. Medications may be implicated in clinical deterioration of patients and are frequently administered at MET calls. The expansion of pharmacy services provided the opportunity for pharmacists to contribute to MET calls across the 24‐h period.

Self-care and minor ailments: The view from Canada

This manuscript offers a glimpse into the Canadian healthcare system, emphasizing the prevalence and management of minor ailments through self-care practices. The first section outlines the strengths and challenges of the healthcare system, including access issues and escalating costs. The second section explores self-care in Canada, outlines the Self-Care Readiness Index, and Canadians' proactive management of common conditions through self-care activities, including the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Consumer behaviors, preferences, and the thriving OTC market are discussed. It also discusses existing programs and initiatives encouraging self-care. While lacking a coordinated national strategy, various organizations, including Health Canada, have taken steps to regulate and promote self-care products. The role of pharmacies, industry groups, and public health campaigns in fostering self-care is explored, along with public access to OTC medicines, Rx-to-OTC switching, and consumer expectations related to such medicines. Factors influencing self-care and self-medication are explored, focusing on access to medical care, public perceptions of OTC medicines, and the public's ability to engage in appropriate actions. The crucial role of pharmacists in minor ailment care is examined. Insights are provided into Canada's healthcare landscape, emphasizing the significance of self-care in managing minor ailments. The public has access to many resources on how to engage in self-care and deal with minor ailments, but a formal system to promote them is lacking. The findings prompt considerations for future healthcare policies and public health campaigns, highlighting the evolving nature of healthcare practices in the nation.

Antibiotic Drug Interaction in Prescribing Asthma Patients in One of the Clinics in the Surabaya Area

Drug interactions are interactions that can occur if the effects of a drug are changed by other drugs, food or drinks. The aim of this research is to determine the potential for interactions between antibiotics and other drugs prescribed to asthma patients. Antibiotics are the drugs most widely used for infections caused by bacteria. Determining the mechanism of potential interactions between antibiotics and other drugs prescribed to asthma patients in this study using the Medscape application. The research results showed that there were 2044 prescriptions for the period Juli - December 2022, which provided the highest potential for drug interactions, namely interactions with pharmacokinetic mechanisms in the metabolic phase with 69 incidents (20.47%). Meanwhile, the highest level of severity was monitoring closely, 291 (86.35%) and those with the potential for serious interactions were 46 incidents (13.65%). In this research, the active role of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists is needed to monitor the use of drugs that have the potential to cause drug interactions with prescribing doctors in the hope that undesirable drug interactions can be avoided.

Factors Associated with the Implementation of Pediatric Immunization Services: A Survey of Community Pharmacies.

Pharmacists are well-positioned to help increase pediatric immunization rates. This study assessed the types of pediatric vaccines offered in community pharmacies, compared participant/pharmacy characteristics and participants' perceptions of barriers and pharmacists' role in providing pediatric immunizations between pharmacy-based providers and non-providers, and assessed factors associated with pharmacy-based pediatric immunization provision. A cross-sectional survey was sent to Alabama community pharmacies from February to April 2023, of which 240 responded (20.5% response rate). Measures included whether they offered childhood vaccines in 2022 and the types of vaccines administered, participants' perceptions of pharmacists' role in pediatric immunization, and perceived barriers to providing pharmacy-based pediatric immunizations. Roughly half of pharmacies (50.8%) provided pediatric immunization services with influenza vaccines (91.0%) the most commonly provided vaccines and poliovirus-inactivated vaccines (4.9%) the least. Pharmacies providing pediatric immunization services significantly differed from non-providers. That is, the majority of providers practiced within a grocery or retail store; they were younger and practiced in a pharmacy with higher average daily prescription volume and a higher average pharmacy practice full-time equivalent; and they perceived lower implementation logistics barriers and a lower role of pharmacists regarding pediatric immunization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that implementation logistics is significantly associated with pharmacies offering pediatric immunization services after controlling for pharmacy/participant characteristics (p = 0.01). Therefore, ameliorating implementation logistics barriers should be considered when devising strategies to promote pediatric immunization services in community pharmacies.

Impact of Pharmacy-Related Memes on Students’ Professional Identity Formation

ObjectiveProfessional identity formation (PIF) is the process which one internalizes the values and norms of a profession, ultimately becoming a member of that profession. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived professional identities of pharmacists in memes and how pharmacy-related memes affect students’ PIF. MethodsStudent pharmacists from a single academic institution participated in focus groups to discuss the concept of professional identity, view self-submitted pharmacy-related memes, and reflect on the memes’ impact on their PIF. An inductive, thematic content analysis was performed, and a theoretical model was developed to illustrate the themes observed. ResultsTwenty-six student pharmacists participated in the study. Before exposure to the self-submitted memes, the participants described the professional identity of a pharmacist in a more idealistic way, noting pharmacist roles such as medication expert, educator, and patient care provider. After exposure to the memes, the participants’ responses reflected a pharmacist identity based on feelings of being antagonized, overwhelmed, and misperceived. Despite these challenges, the participants noted the importance of remaining professional. ConclusionWhen exposed to pharmacy-related memes, the students’ perceptions of the pharmacist identity changed from one based on idealistic roles to an identity based on negative feelings and interactions. Owing to memes’ ability to reflect one’s experiences, it is important to recognize the impact memes may have on PIF. Further research is needed to determine how pharmacy educators can help students navigate identity dissonances that arise from the students’ pharmacy experiences.

Characteristics of the clinical pharmacists' interventions at the main general tertiary care hospital in Qatar.

Medication-related problems (MRPs) are prevalent throughout healthcare systems, whereby pharmacy-based interventions are pivotal to reducing occurrence. In the Middle East, including Qatar, the professional roles of pharmacists have been expanding to improve patient safety. This study aimed to characterize and analyze pharmacist-led interventions among hospitalized patients in the leading general hospital in Qatar. A retrospective analysis of pharmacist interventions in the internal medicine ward, critical care unit, and emergency department (ED) was conducted. Data were extracted from three periods of 1 month (March 1-31, 2018, July 15-August 15, 2018, and January 1-31, 2019). A descriptive type of analysis was undertaken. A total of 340 patients with 858 interventions were analyzed. The average age of the study participants was 51 years (SD ± 17.7). The study population was predominantly male (65%). The prevailing pharmacist intervention was adding drug therapy (27%), followed by medication discontinuation (18%) and dosage adjustments (16%). This pattern was maintained across all subpopulations, e.g., gender, age, and ward, except for the ED, where cessation of medication was the most frequent intervention (4%). The two pharmacological classes associated with most interventions were anti-infective and cardiovascular agents. Pharmacist interventions effectively identify, prevent, and resolve MRPs in general inpatient settings in Qatar.