Pharmacy Disciplines Research Articles

A global investigation into antimicrobial knowledge in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary undergraduate students: A scoping review to inform future planetary health multidisciplinary education

BackgroundInappropriate use of antimicrobials can push the environment out of balance, and cause unnecessary waste that can contaminate our soil, animals and waterways. Health professional education is committed to preparing students for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and supporting planetary health, but a more multidisciplinary action is needed to curb the expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this scoping review is to showcase the current antimicrobial knowledge of undergraduate students across the disciplines of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary. This will consequently showcase the gaps and trends across the different disciplines and countries to help inform planetary health multidisciplinary undergraduate curriculums.MethodsA search of the existing literature published prior to December 2023 was conducted using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases. Studies were excluded if they included postgraduate students or discussed the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of students towards antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS related to a specific learning activity.ResultsA total of 144 articles were included. The most represented countries were India and Pakistan accounting for 17% and 8% of the studies, respectively. Single-disciplinary research accounted for approximately 80% of the studies. Medicine was the most represented discipline in both single-disciplinary and multidisciplinary research, appearing in approximately 62% of the studies, followed by pharmacy appearing in approximately 30% of the studies and dentistry appearing in approximately 18% of the studies. Three major priority themes were identified: students are more familiar with the term AMR compared to AMS; inappropriate use of antimicrobials is seen as the main driver of AMR; and the need for more training and education in the field of appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS.ConclusionThis review has highlighted that there is a need for more AMS interprofessional education (IPE) activities in all five disciplines, and especially within the disciplines of nursing, veterinary and dentistry, as shown by a lack of multidisciplinary research in this area. Most of the knowledge assessments have just touched the surface of AMS and focused on inappropriate antimicrobial use alone. Interdisciplinary planetary health education needs to go beyond these skills and broaden the understanding of other factors that can contribute to AMR such as inappropriate disposal, environmental contamination, monitoring and surveillance, one health, false allergies, and more importantly, how each health professional can contribute to a team.

Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder Supplementation on Isoprenaline-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Heart of Long Evans Rats, Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of This Old Medicinal Plant

Article Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder Supplementation on Isoprenaline-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Heart of Long Evans Rats, Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of This Old Medicinal Plant Mirza Alimullah 1, Nafiur Rahman 1, Puspa Sornaker 1, Kazi Akramuddaula 2, Sumaia Sarif 1, Shahnaz Siddiqua 3, Kaniz Fatima Mitu 1, Ishrat Jahan 1, Ferdous Khan 1, Nusrat Subhan 1 and Md. Ashraful Alam 1,* 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh 2 Pharmacy Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh 3 Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh * Correspondence: ashraful.alam@northsouth.edu or sonaliagun@yahoo.com Received: 27 July 2024; Revised: 28 August 2024; Accepted: 28 August 2024; Published: 5 September 2024 Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder supplementation on the oxidative stress of the cardiovascular system. Isoprenaline (ISO) was administered to the rats to develop the cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial infarction (MI). Terminalia arjuna bark powder was mixed with the food powder and provided for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected. ISO administration in rats increased the oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein product (APOP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in plasma and heart. Terminalia arjuna bark powder lowered the MDA, NO, and AOPP concentration level in ISO administered rats. Additionally, Terminalia arjuna restored the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD) activities. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory markers in the heart were studied. Terminalia arjuna restored Nrf-2, HO-1, HO-2, catalase, SOD, and GPx gene expression in the heart of ISO administered rats. ISO induced increased transcription levels of inflammatory genes such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, and NF-κB, which were decreased by Terminalia arjuna bark powder. Histopathology was checked and hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were performed on heart sections. ISO administration resulted in mononuclear cells infiltration and collagen deposition in the heart which were lowered by Terminalia arjuna bark powder. In conclusion, this study suggests that the Terminalia arjuna bark powder alleviated the oxidative stress by restoring the antioxidant genes and prevented the increase in inflammatory markers in the heart of ISO administered rats.

Designing near-peer mentoring for work integrated learning outcomes: a systematic review

BackgroundWork-integrated learning (WIL) is a core aspect of allied health education. WIL placements typically focus on developing clinical skills, with broader conceptions of work readiness a secondary consideration. Near-peer mentoring (NPM), where senior students mentor junior students, is one WIL placement model that holds promise for developing students’ work readiness, along with additional benefits for educators and service users. While there is emerging evidence of the benefits of NPM in allied health, a more comprehensive understanding of the design and outcomes of NPM WIL placements for allied health students, their educators and service users is needed.MethodsA systematic search of seven electronic databases (CINAHL, ERIC, ProQuest Education, Medline, PsychInfo, EMBASE and Scopus) from 2003 to 2022 was conducted with 4195 records reviewed. Included studies reported on near-peer mentoring between at least one of the identified 11 allied health professionals providing services to real people (i.e. not simulation). Data extracted included pedagogical approaches, type of service model and relationship of peers to each other and educator, objectives for implementing the NPM, and effects for students. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Standards for Reporting of Qualitative Research (SRQR).ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority were North American in origin, from the disciplines of pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, and used a range of research designs. Four types of placement design were observed from incidental co-location of students and observing outcomes through to deliberate preparation of students and/or educators for their roles in a NPM placement. Outcomes for junior students included lowered anxiety leading to increased confidence and motivation to learn and thus enhanced clinical skills. Senior student outcomes included development of educator skills, increased confidence, and enhanced professional reasoning. Service users and educators also benefited from NPM; however, evidence was sparse in these areas.ConclusionThe evidence supports near-peer mentoring as a valuable WIL model to support work readiness, and several general pedagogical designs are evident. Future research should design NPM WIL with a greater integration of educational theory and evaluate outcomes beyond satisfaction and self-reported experiences.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems: An Important Direction for Drug Innovation Research and Development.

The escalating demand for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects in the pharmaceutical domain has catalyzed a new frontier of innovation and research in the field of pharmacy: novel drug delivery systems. These systems are designed to address the limitations of conventional drug administration, such as abbreviated half-life, inadequate targeting, low solubility, and bioavailability. As the disciplines of pharmacy, materials science, and biomedicine continue to advance and converge, the development of efficient and safe drug delivery systems, including biopharmaceutical formulations, has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. This article presents an overview of the latest advancements in drug delivery systems, categorized into four primary areas: carrier-based and coupling-based targeted drug delivery systems, intelligent drug delivery systems, and drug delivery devices, based on their main objectives and methodologies. Additionally, it critically analyzes the technological bottlenecks, current research challenges, and future trends in the application of novel drug delivery systems.

Perceptions of Human Factors and patient safety education in undergraduate healthcare curricula: a pharmacy perspective

Abstract Introduction A recent systematic review identified a lack of formal patient safety (PS) education in undergraduate healthcare curricula1. Gaps were also identified in relation to teaching of Human Factors (HF) in this context. Aim This qualitative study aimed to examine the perceptions of School of Pharmacy faculty at an Irish university relating to PS/HF in undergraduate healthcare education. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven School of Pharmacy faculty at an Irish university. Findings from a recent systematic review were used to inform research and interview questions.[1] Sampling was purposive and included lecturers from the disciplines of clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutics. Interviews were conducted, either in person or virtually, then transcribed and anonymised. Reflexive thematic analysis (TA) was chosen as the method of analysis, [2] conducted by the first author with input from the wider research team. Within the reflexive piece of this work was the drive to be informed by the lived experience of participants. In alignment with the principles of reflexive TA, an iterative approach was taken to data collection and analysis.[2] This approach informed a sample size which facilitated in-depth exploration of the topic. Results Seven interviews were conducted, and six key themes were derived from the analysis. These are presented in Table 1 along with the identified subthemes. Conclusion This study demonstrates gaps relating to HF/PS teaching in undergraduate pharmacy education in the Irish context. Findings of this study indicate that much PS learning is implicit and occurs while students are on clinical placement. Lack of synergy between the academic and clinical settings was identified as a gap. Interprofessional education was identified as a platform which may help bridge this gap. In agreement with previously published literature, there is a need for robust competency frameworks to underpin safety content.[1] These findings will inform future initiatives to develop HF and PS competency in undergraduate healthcare education. A limitation of this research is that all data were collected at a single university. A strength is that this study captures the lived experience of PS education from the perspective of academic staff at an Irish school of pharmacy which in 2015 made the transition to a new MPharm programme.

Assessing intradisciplinary pharmacy communication related to transitions of care

BackgroundPharmacists play an important role in transitions of care, where successful communication is vital. The primary objective of this study was to assess the extent of intradisciplinary communication between pharmacists during patient transitions of care. Secondary objectives were to evaluate pharmacist communication practices and to explore the potential barriers and facilitators to effective health communications. MethodsA twenty item online survey was administered by email to all pharmacists practicing within a multisite regional healthcare system in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics for multiple choice, select all that apply, and Likert-type questions. Themes were summarized for open ended questions. ResultsA total of 132 (32%) pharmacists responded to the survey of which 90 responses were included in the analysis. The majority of pharmacists felt either extremely comfortable (53.3%) or somewhat comfortable (33.3%) reaching out to another pharmacist within the same health system. However, most contacted other pharmacy disciplines within the health system ≤25% of their work week. The ability to reach the pharmacist was the most important factor to pharmacist comfort (extremely important n = 56, somewhat important n = 27). Not knowing who to contact was the biggest barrier (44.8%). The electronic messaging systems Microsoft Teams (almost always n = 33, often n = 25) and TigerText (almost always n = 17, often n = 23) were the forms of communication utilized most often. ConclusionsPharmacists feel comfortable communicating with pharmacists across different entities within the health system, however, intradisciplinary communication related to transitions of care activities is limited. Improving awareness of system-wide pharmacist directories (34.2%) and distribution of pharmacist schedules (18.4%) were identified as tools that may improve communication.

A streamlined multidisciplinary metabolic clinic in psychiatric recovery service: a pilot study.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes, that includes central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. An audit indicated inadequate MetS screening in an Australian psychiatric recovery service. We aimed to improve MetS screening, identification and intervention by offering streamlined lifestyle education, clinical reviews and discharge planning. This pilot program prioritized holistic, culturally-sensitive, patient-centric, and trauma-informed approaches to enhance metabolic health outcomes. A Metabolic Clinic was piloted in two psychiatric rehabilitation cottages (n=35), which involved disciplines of dietetics, exercise physiology, diversional therapy, occupational therapy, peer workforce, social work, clinical psychology, pharmacy, nursing and medical. Another cottage (n=15) was assigned as the comparison and received standard care. A 12-week, 3-times-per-week lifestyle and behavioral program, called MetFit, was devised and offered to those identified at screening for the treatment cottages. Outcome measures were feasibility measures, the five metabolic parameters (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose), functional measures, and a meal questionnaire. The treatment cottages had qualitative advantages in screening and identifying MetS. Of four enrolled consumers in MetFit, an improvement of triglycerides (p=0.08), squats (p=0.02), and push-ups (p=0.07) was observed. Major challenges of enrolment included an overall lack of acknowledgment of its importance, poor motivation of consumers and resources limitation. The one-stop provision of groups, peer support and inpatient pathway with multidisciplinary team-integration was generally accepted by consumers and the MDT and has iteratively demonstrated the urgent need for consumer-centered physical care and a cultural shift to foster collaboration within a psychiatric service.

Overall Satisfaction Index on the improvement of the program of the Pharmacology discipline in an Angolan university

Introduction: An educational intervention strategy was carried out in the teaching-learning process of the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy at the Jean Piaget Polytechnic Institute of Benguela in the Republic of Angola, prior to an initial diagnosis of the process, and the perception of the level of satisfaction of students and teachers was intended to be analyzed.Objective: to evaluate the level of overall satisfaction regarding the improvement of the Teaching and Learning Process in the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy.Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a quantitative or positivist approach. A questionnaire was applied to 8 teachers and 43 students. 28 variables were analyzed (15 for teachers and 13 for students). The Global Satisfaction Index was calculated through the Iadov technique.Results: the Iadov Global Satisfaction Index (ISG) was 0.63 and 0.57 for teachers and students respectively. According to the interpretation of this result, it is within the range of satisfactory evaluation. According to the professors' evaluation, low indices were obtained in the range of lack of definition in learning through clinical cases (ISG=0.44) and the topic of teaching based on experimentation (ISG=0.44). On the part of the students, the variable that generated dissatisfaction in them was the experimentation activities in any of its modalities [ISG= (-0.05)].Conclusions: Overall, there is satisfaction in students and professors with the modifications implemented in the educational teaching process in the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy

What Does Men's Health Education Look Like in Australian University Health Curricula? A Formative Evaluation and Future Enhancement Opportunities.

Developing the capacity of the health system, and the practitioners within it, to provide quality gender responsive care to men and boys remains critical to advancing men's health, and reducing health inequities amongst men. The aim for this study was to undertake a formative evaluation of Australian university health curricula for men's health content and scope the opportunities for future enhancement. A two-stage evaluation first involved a review of online course information for a sample of medicine (n = 10), nursing (n = 10), pharmacy (n = 10), clinical psychology (n = 10), social work (n = 12) and public health (n = 15) university curricula for men's health and gender content and opportunities for curricula enhancement. Secondly, university staff completed a survey on the coverage of men's health in their course(s), and receptivity, barriers and facilitators to curricula enhancement. The curricula review found no dedicated men's health courses, and men's health was referenced in the information for 10 of 1246 courses (0.8%) in 8 of 67 curricula. Gender was rarely referenced in course information, particularly for the disciplines of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and clinical psychology. There was an average of 16 enhancement opportunities per curricula with 40% relating to communicating and engaging with men within healthcare. Seventy staff from 25 universities and all target disciplines validated the curricula review findings of limited dedicated men's health content. Eighty-three percent were receptive to curricula enhancement, facilitated by content integration into existing courses. This review provides clear evidence that there are gaps, opportunities, and educator receptiveness for improving and implementing content regarding men's health education and gender responsive care in Australian university health curricula.

Exploration and Practice of Integrating Ideology and Politics into the Medicinal Chemistry Curriculum at the National First-Class Pharmacy Discipline of a Medical University

Exploration and Practice of Integrating Ideology and Politics into the Medicinal Chemistry Curriculum at the National First-Class Pharmacy Discipline of a Medical University

A Critic on Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues of Off-Label Medicines Shepardizing Intellectual Property Law towards Pharmacoeconomics: A Discussion of Pfizer’s Norvasc Patent Case

Purpose: Pharmacoeconomics is a pharmacy discipline designed to tackle issues on clinical, ethical, and safety factors leading to advocacy of healthcare corporate governance in fulfillment of the pillars of sustainable development. Thus, it is necessary to discuss illegal diversions of Intellectual Property of drug patents as these legal problems serve as impediments to Pharmacoeconomics. This paper aims to elucidate the advantages of Off-label medicines in favor of clinical, ethical, and safety aspects of Pharmacoeconomics towards patient safety and treatment for welfare.
 Methodologies: Quantitative measurement is crucial for validation of drug quality products. It is used for comparison of both legal and illegal diversions of healthcare corporate governance. Patent Law and its policy options are tools to measure the violations of the perpetrator under Intellectual Property Law. Meanwhile, the British National Formulary follows the Human Medicines of 2012 and communicate with FDA for the implementation of off-label medicines as policy for clinical practice under legal removal of patent protection for medical research and practice. This study follows a diagnostic design as a research method based on ethical, regulatory, and legal presentations to characterize problems involved in drug management system towards efficiency of evidence-based medicine practice utilizing theories, models, and frameworks towards financial intelligence. 
 Findings: The elucidation of Kano Model Framework exhibits the aberration and compliance of patent drugs towards compliance of healthcare corporate governance. Based on exhibition of intellectual property law, it can be extended to fulfill the goals of sustainable development of monetary success and hence, the human society can be reflected as their success to their financial intelligence as their inventorship is declared as non-obviousness to public welfare and safety. Moreover, the moral standard of ethical decision-making illustrated the importance of opting to off-label medicines emphasizing cost-efficiency goals of Pharmacoeconomics in drug therapy. Hence, the Shariah Jurisprudence Method for Pharmacoeconomics is the modelling of Clinical Pharmacy Practice towards Healthcare Corporate Governance in fulfillment of business ethics as public welfare and safety of human society.
 Recommendation: Kano Model Framework is an integrated tool of measuring the success of healthcare corporate governance. With the elucidation aids of modelling the importance of Pharmacoeconomics, it is recommended to develop ways of making artificial intelligence as a sole success, profit, benefit, and contribution to clinical pharmacy practice, starting from its drug development up to its intended purpose of human drug treatment in healthcare setting, in relation to its accompanied FDA regulating bodies, as British National Formulary team compliance of maintaining the crucial functions of observing and monitoring document for patient safety.

Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Pharmacy.

Children's Oncology Group (COG) pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from more than 200 COG-member institutions comprise the COG Pharmacy Discipline. Discipline members serve an essential role in the design and execution of COG clinical trials. Core activities include study drug management, study drug access, clinical trial operations, protocol harmonization, and direct patient care. Discipline members are also actively involved in continuing education, membership engagement, and research across other COG committees/domains. Future areas of committed growth for the discipline include pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutics, and implementation science.

Dental Bite-Sized Bits: A Module for Teaching Common Oral Health Conditions to Multidisciplinary Students.

The Surgeon General's report in the year 2000 highlighted the association between chronic diseases and oral health infections. Current healthcare education programs, regrettably, report only 1 to 3h of oral health instruction within curricula. In the years 2020-2022, as part of their respective oral health curricula, 278 first-year physician assistant and 12 pre-clinical second-year pharmacy students were invited to participate in a voluntary survey examining the effectiveness of animated succinct, online video-based oral health units. Among all student responses for the post-use survey, respondents "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that learning objectives of the unit(s) were achieved after reviewing the videos. Of the participants, 97% "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that the videos helped them understand information of which they had no prior knowledge. Similarly, 98% "strongly agreed" or "agreed" the information was appropriate for their level of knowledge. Most students, 93%, "strongly agreed" or "agreed" the exercise was a valuable learning experience. Regarding the importance of future interprofessional collaboration pertaining to a mutual patient's oral health, 95% of participants "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that they would be likely to collaborate. This study demonstrates the importance of oral health as a critical area of focus in healthcare education. The study also confirms the hypothesis that Dental Bite-Sized Bits units deliver engaging, valuable oral health education for preclinical healthcare learners, incorporating interprofessional perspectives from the disciplines of dental, pharmacy, and physician assistant.

Conceptualization, development, and evaluation of 'pharmaceutical product development' graduate program within pharmacy discipline.

Designing a region's need-based programs can be an exceptional complement boosting the knowledge economy of the country. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasingly focusing on the pharma and biotech sectors. As a result, there have been increasing demands for qualifications in pharmacy education to fit into higher roles in pharmaceutical industries and multinational companies (MNCs) in the region. This study is a case demonstration that details the design processes authors used for the graduate program 'Pharmaceutical Product Development'. The three stages in program positioning; identifying the need for the new program, program design, and development, and program effectiveness are illustrated in this manuscript. The authors believe that this manuscript serves as a valuable resource for novice curriculum developers in the development of new educational programs.

An Update on the Progress Toward Gender Equity in US Academic Pharmacy

Objective. To evaluate the status of gender equity in US pharmacy education since the two previous publications on the topic in 2004 and 2014.Methods. Data were gathered from existing national databases, internal American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) databases, AACP meeting minutes, published reports, scholarly articles, pharmacy association websites, individual school websites, and LinkedIn profiles. Differences between men and women were evaluated on degree completion, discipline, rank, tenure status, research, leadership development, leadership positions, salaries, and professional awards. Comparisons were also made to academic medicine and dentistry.Results. Fifty-one percent of full-time faculty members across all academic pharmacy disciplines are women. The percentage of women at the rank of professor was 36.6%, compared to 25% in 2014. Of the 2992 tenured or tenure track pharmacy faculty, 39.2% were women. Out of 388 department chairs, 146 were women. Throughout 2014-2021, there were 121 chief executive officer (CEO) dean permanent appointments, with men holding 91 (75.2%) and women holding 30 (24.8%). Women received 29.7% of the National Institutes of Health grants awarded to pharmacy schools compared to men (70.3%), although women's funding amount was higher. In both the pharmacy practice discipline and all sciences disciplines, the total salary across all ranks and years in rank was significantly higher for men than women, even for department chairs, but there were no differences for CEO deans. To date, women have received 13% of four national pharmacy organizations' top 13 awards.Conclusion. Since 2014, some achievement gaps have narrowed, but areas of concern still exist and need continued attention and resources so inequities can be eliminated. Women in academic pharmacy need mentoring and support to extend throughout the trajectory of their careers in areas such as academic advancement, grant applications, salary negotiation, leadership pursuit, and award applications.

Exploring the Experiences of Pharmacy Students and Their Transition to Online Learning during COVID-19.

Due to the heavy focus on development of communication skills, compounding laboratories and many practical workshops, undertaking a registerable pharmacist qualification in an online format is typically not an option for students. COVID-19 presented on-campus pharmacy students with the opportunity to experience online learning. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of on-campus pharmacy students who were required to move their studies to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretive phenomenological methodology was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacy students who were originally enrolled in on-campus learning and had to transition to online learning. Data were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach whereby themes were identified to aid in the development of the phenomena guided by ‘lived experience’. Seven interviews were conducted with pharmacy students. Four emergent themes resulted from the interviews: (1) life as an on-campus pharmacy student, (2) preconceived ideas of online learning, (3) learning differences as an online pharmacy student and (4) the future of online pharmacy programs. Students were initially hesitant to transition to online learning due to preconceived ideas and expectations that may have tainted their overall experience. Pharmacy students preferred face-to-face learning due to their sociable personality and heavy dependence on peer and teacher support. All participants reported that they preferred face-to-face learning and acknowledged that fully online programs were not suited to their learning style or to the discipline of pharmacy. After their experience of online learning, participants believed that there was a place for online learning components in pharmacy courses. Lectures and some discussion workshops could be delivered online, but some aspects, such as compounding; dispensing; counselling; and demonstration of medication delivery devices, such as asthma inhalers and injectable diabetes products, should be delivered on campus.

The Impact of Theoretical and Practical Guidance Regarding Metered Dose Inhaler Technique on Asthma Patients

Published on:August 2022Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(3):327-332Original Article | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.64 Authors: Sara Shahid1,2,*, Fahad Ahmed3, Gul Shahnaz1, Muhammad Saqlain1, Muhammad Ans4, Anosh Sana1, Abdul Nazer Ali5, Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Abdul Jamil6, Asma Fareed Khan7,8, Saba Naeem9, Shakeel Ahmad9, Aiman Mahmood4,9, Qandeel Rafi9, Asifa Anwar2, Rabeel Khan2, Naeem Mubarak2 1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PAKISTAN. 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lahore Pharmacy College, Lahore Medical and Dental College, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, PAKISTAN.3Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, PAKISTAN.4University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PAKISTAN.5Department of Pharmacy Practice, Geethanjali College of Pharmacy, Hyderabad, Telangana, INDIA.6Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, UniSZA, Besut, Terengganu, MALAYSIA.7Disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA. 8Children’s Hospital & University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, PAKISTAN. 9Department of Pharmaceutics, Lahore Pharmacy College, Lahore Medical and Dental College, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, PAKISTAN. Abstract: Background: Asthma is rapidly increasing globally. Inhalation therapy is the backbone for asthma management due to localized delivery and rapid onset of action. Currently, metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are the most widely prescribed and dispensed inhaler devices worldwide due to the advantage of portability, multiple dose delivery and better efficacy. Objectives: The current study aimed to access the effect of educational intervention on asthma patients’ competency regarding pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) technique. Methods: Asthma patients were recruited from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad, Pakistan. Inhaler technique steps based upon “National Asthma Education and Preventive Program” (NAEPP) criteria was set as evaluating tool to evaluate competency of asthma patients regarding MDI appropriate technique. Intervention involved educating study subjects (asthma patients) practically through placebo inhaler and theoretically through inhaler technique directed literature brochures. Pre intervention and post intervention inhaler technique competency was accessed and evaluated statistically. Results: Among 207 asthma patients, majority were never instructed by healthcare professional regarding inhaler technique (78.8%). However, most of the patients were observed to have inadequate inhaler technique (76.3%) at baseline. As the result of educational intervention, the competency of patients regarding inhaler technique was significantly enhanced from 11.6% pre-intervention to 34.8% post-intervention (p<0.001), statistically analyzed by McNemar testing. Conclusion: Originally, inhaler technique competency of majority of asthma patients was observed to be inappropriate. However, educational intervention proved to be effective in substantially enhancing the competency of study subjects regarding MDI technique. Keywords: Asthma, Inhalation therapy, Metered-dose inhalers, Educational intervention, National Asthma Education and Preventive Program.

Evaluating Eating Disorders among Medical Students in Baghdad, Iraq

Background: Eating disorders represent a psychological problem characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and related emotions and thoughts. Aim: The study aims to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among medical students in Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in medical departments that include medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy disciplines from January 2021 to March 2021 using an English version of a structured questionnaire. About 552 medical students participated in this study. Results: The study showed that in some individuals with normal Body Mass Index values, 64.47% suffered from eating disorders as diagnosed by EAT-26 while according to SCOFF, 23.5% of normal individuals suffer from eating disorders. Overweight individuals are more likely to have eating disorders than underweight individuals. According to SCOFF, 33.44% of the overweight and 4.18% of underweight individuals scored above the cutoff value. They were likely to have eating disorders. Similarly, in accordance to EAT-26, 19.70% of the overweight individuals and 9.48% of the underweight individuals were likely to have eating disorders. Conclusion: Many Iraqi medical students are predisposed to having eating disorders, with females being more vulnerable than males. To reduce the frequency of eating disorders among Iraqi medical students, a variety of initiatives and strategies are required.

Problematic Use of Social Media Platforms and Its Association With Depression in Pharmacy Students

Objectives. The objective of this investigation is to examine the association between depression and problematic use of social media among university students with a focus on the differential effect of studying pharmacy as compared to other disciplines.Methods. A cross sectional study was conducted using an online survey that recruited students from different disciplines at one university. Problematic use of social media was measured using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Depression was assessed using the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).Results. Responses from 105 respondents out of 140 invited were analyzed. The average age of participants was 19.9 years (SD=2.1 years). Forty-seven participants (44.8%) reported depression. Depression was less prevalent in pharmacy students than in students of other disciplines (35.7% vs 62.9%, respectively). Social media addiction score (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12) and pharmacy discipline (OR: 0.2; 95%: 0.02-0.66) were identified as independent predictors of depression. The extent of problematic use of social media was similar between pharmacy and non-pharmacy students (49.8 and 52.7, respectively).Conclusion Studying pharmacy may have a differential effect on the association between problematic use of social media and the development of depression among undergraduate university students.

Microcredentials training in pharmacy practice and education: an exploratory study of its viability and pharmacists\u2019 professional needs

BackgroundMicrocredentials (MCs) are short courses that certify/recognise an individual’s achievement of specific skills or knowledge. Schools of pharmacy could be well-placed to contribute to the continuing professional development (CPD) of pharmacists through the inclusion of MCs training in their programs. This study aimed to explore pharmacy professionals’ views on the need and viability of MC courses globally.MethodsEleven semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with pharmacy practitioners, policymakers, and academics across seven countries. The participants were selected using purposive sampling to explore information from varying pharmacy disciplines. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a general inductive approach.ResultsParticipants regarded MCs in pharmacy as an innovative idea, well-suited to the increasingly technology-driven world. They believe MCs provide easily accessible means of skills and knowledge acquisition that fulfils the needs of the pharmacy profession. MCs were also perceived as an alternative pathway of meeting the requirements of traditional CPD programmes. Many participants believe universities are well-suited to provide MCs; however, numerous challenges such as recognition, time and resources have been identified as potential barriers to enrolment and implementation.ConclusionsThis study provides an insight into the views of pharmacy practitioners and academics on MCs, and their potential utility in pharmacy education and practice. The findings should help in the development of MCs that could be utilised by pharmacy practitioners around the world for CPD purposes. This study comes at a time when alternative models of teaching and learning are being explored as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.