Pharmacy Institutions Research Articles

Features of forming a social package for pharmacy specialists in pharmacy institutions

Aim. To study the features of forming a social package (SP) for pharmacy specialists (PS) in pharmacy institutions and the directions of their targeted implementation in modern conditions.
 Materials and methods. The results of personal research, such scientific methods as sample observations, desk and analytical analysis, comparison, abstract-logical, synthesis, sociological (questionnaire), expert assessments were used.
 Results. Issues of social protection of PS have been given attention since the days of the planned economy. At the same time, the study of the features of forming SP for PS in pharmacy institutions as a necessary tool for the implementation of social protection was insufficient. According to the results of a survey of respondents, our research determined the motivational needs of PS when forming SP in pharmacy institutions, the expediency of taking into account certain groups of employees in them, the expediency of considering the age of PS, the attitude to the fulfillment of additional obligations and functions by PS when forming SP, the availability of ways to satisfy the needs of PS and employers in the formation of SP, the components of SP that are preferred by PS at the level of pharmacy institutions, possible directions for supporting PS in modern conditions of exposure to increased risks.
 Conclusions. It has been found that when forming SP for PS at the level of pharmacy institutions it is necessary to focus on certain features. For this purpose, the expediency of considering certain groups of employees, possible ways to meet the needs of PS and employers, the list of components of SP, the expediency fulfilling additional obligations and functions by PS in the formation of SP have been studied. The directions of support of PS when forming SP in pharmacy institutions in modern conditions have been outlined. In the complex, this will allow to increase the motivation in the professional activities of PS, their social protection and the quality of pharmaceutical provision, medical, civil and military institutions in general.

PH sensitive in-situ gel for ophthalmic delivery of ofloxacin and dexamethasone sodium phosphate: Formulation, development, and evaluation

Ofloxacin and dexamethasone sodium phosphate will be used to create a gel-forming ocular medicine delivery system and examine its efficacy. Conventional dose forms have a number of drawbacks, including inadequate routes for drug transport to the posterior portion of ocular tissue, poor ocular drug bioavailability, and pulse-drug entry following topical administration and systemic exposure due to nasolacrimal duct outflow. Ofloxacin and Dexamethasone were obtained from Trimed Life Science Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai India. HPMC E50, Carbopol 930 was obtained from MET’s Institute of Pharmacy, Nashik. The developed formulation showed sustained drug release for 480 Minutes. While compared with marketed eye drop which shows drug release within 80 Minutes. The formulations were evaluated for different parameters like Clarity, pH of Sol, Gelling pH, Viscosity of Sol, Viscosity of gel, drug content, and Percentage Cumulative Drug Release. From these studies, formulation gives good clarity and satisfactory gelling pH along with good gelling capacity. The in situ gelling systems of Ofloxacin and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate were successfully developed. It also showed increased residence time with good gelling capacity at physiological pH and sustained drug release.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA, HELMINTHES, AND COCCIDIAN INFECTIONS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THALA’A DISTRICT AT AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Background and objectives: The prevalence of intestinal parasite infection, which can range between 18% and 90%, is one of the most frequently reported diseases in Yemen and poses a serious health issue for schoolchildren. In Thala’a District, Amran Governorate, Yemen, the study's main goal was to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among primary school students. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2022 among 400 schoolchildren, in the age groups 7-12 years. All the children were residents of the city of Thala’a. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites according to standard laboratory methods. Results: The children's ages ranged from 7 to 12 years, with a mean±SD of 9.52 ± 2.9 years. The results showed that 136/400 (34%) of the tested children were positive for intestinal parasite infection with a higher prevalence of specific intestinal worms (50.4%) than protozoa (33.3%) and coccidian infection (16.3%). The rate of infection alone was also higher than that of multiple parasitic infections (19.3% vs. 14.8%). The highest number of intestinal parasites was 50/400 (12.5%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 49/400 (12.25%) for Entameba histolytica followed by 9.8% for Giardia lamblia, 11.5% for Entrobius vermicularis, 6.5% for Cryptosporidium species, 6.5% for Hymenolepis nana, 2% for Schistosoma mansoni, and 0.8% for Trichuris trichiura. Considering the associated factors, boys had a higher infection rate than girls (50% vs. 24.2%) with an OR of 2.6, CI =1.7–3.9 (p < 0.001). A higher rate was also recorded in older children (41%) with an odds ratio of 1.6 (p=0.03). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children in Thala’a city, and various control measures are required to control and prevent intestinal parasites among school children. Peer Review History: Received: 3 March 2023; Revised: 22 April; Accepted: 27 June 2023, Available online: 15 July 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine, rola@aauj.edu Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com

Predictors of Non-Adherence to Medications in Hypertensive Patients.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading causes for developing major cardiovascular events and still represents a major public health challenge worldwide. We aimed to provide data on predictors of poor adherence to medication in hypertensive patients in Serbia. Observational, analytical study was undertaken at a group of 388 patients who refilled their medications in the Pharmacy Institution, "Apoteka Kragujevac", Kragujevac, Serbia between Jan and Mar 2019. Afterward, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the influence of the variables associated with the adherence. We used a self-developed questionnaire and SF-36 to assess the influence of the quality of life on medication adherence. Results revealed four independent predictors of non-adherence: increased number of medications, living in a city, forgetfulness of the dosing regimen and low energy. The odds of non-adherence were the highest among the participants living in the city and the low energy was the only factor inversely associated with the level of non-adherence. Many factors were associated with the non-adherence to medication. Further studies are needed to find the most appropriate protocol to promote adherence. The four risk factors (increased number of medications, living in a city, forgetfulness of the dosing regimen and low energy) are associated with non-adherence in adult hypertensive patients.

OPERATIONAL LEVERAGE IN PROFIT MANAGEMENT OF A PHARMACY ENTERPRISE

In Ukraine, against the backdrop of a reduction in overall production volumes and demand, the pharmaceutical industry has a high need for profit planning and forecasting, and therefore the study of indicators that affect it. The article is devoted to the possibilities of planning the profit of a pharmacy enterprise based on the indicator of operating leverage. In the Ukrainian scientific literature, operational leverage in the management of the profitability of enterprises is studied quite poorly, there are no studies on the pharmaceutical industry at all. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the method of profit management of a pharmacy enterprise using the indicator of operating leverage; development of an effective toolkit for forecasting the profitability of a pharmacy with any breadth of assortment; determination of factors for choosing the method of calculating operating leverage for pharmacy institutions; providing recommendations to pharmacy institutions on monitoring and regulating the level of operating leverage depending on the circumstances of the economic environment. For a pharmacy institution, it is proposed to calculate the level of operating leverage in different ways – depending on the available data, the features of the assortment and the goals of the analysis. The article presents methodical approaches for calculating leverage both for the pharmacy as a whole and for individual assortment groups or product positions. The formulas for forecasting the profitability of the pharmacy as a whole and the profitability of specific groups of medicines are given. The methodology is demonstrated on a conditional example. Different ranges of leverage values are considered. The factors that determine the amount of operating leverage for pharmacy institutions are described. The need to take into account industry specifics and leverage management capabilities is emphasized. Recommendations are given to pharmacy institutions on monitoring and regulating the level of operating leverage depending on the circumstances of the economic environment, the life cycle of the pharmacy and the characteristics of the cost structure. In order to increase the level of operating leverage, pharmacy institutions are recommended to reduce the variable part of costs, in particular, to look for cheaper suppliers, to increase the volume of purchases, to refuse piece-rate payment of pharmacists, etc.

A longitudinal qualitative study examining the impact of Check-In, a novel learning activity on burnout for pharmacy students

IntroductionBurnout is a phenomenon that can occur in any occupation, but pharmacists may be more prone to its effects. Because of its relevance to the pharmacy profession, the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy incorporated an active learning activity to teach pharmacy students about healthcare provider burnout. This activity, named Check-In, was launched in March 2020 and consisted of one-on-one check-ins between pharmacy students and staff. As the first learning activity of its kind, the researchers wished to investigate the ongoing impact of Check-In. MethodsThis qualitative, descriptive study was composed of telephone interviews with 13 students that partook in Check-In. These interviews were held at two different timepoints: six and 18 months post-activity. Participants were recruited until data saturation, and transcripts underwent thematic analysis. ResultsFour themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Check-In was a valuable learning activity; (2) students performed some form of checking in post-activity; (3) burnout could be recognized and defined by students; (4) Check-In’s place in the pharmacy curriculum still needs to be determined. ConclusionsCheck-In is an innovative learning activity to teach pharmacy learners about healthcare provider burnout. It can be utilized by pharmacy institutions to incorporate wellness and student mental health into curriculum.

Compounding Education in US PharmD Curricula

ObjectiveTo determine the extent of compounding education (CE) offered in United States (US) doctor of pharmacy curricula. MethodsA 24-item survey instrument addressing various aspects of CE was developed and validated. An email containing the link to the survey instrument was shared with instructors of compounding at 122 of 141 accredited schools and colleges of pharmacy in the US. ResultsOf these, 112 schools and colleges responded, rendering a survey response rate of 91.8%. Survey results indicate that CE is offered to a similar extent either as a required standalone course or as integrated instruction as part of a standard course. Whereas 70.8% of programs reported mostly hands-on training in CE in their curricula, there were about 11% programs that mostly offered didactic instruction in CE. Dispersed systems and semisolid formulations are the most prepared in nonsterile compounding, while proper hand washing, garbing, and gloving are the most taught techniques in sterile compounding. Compounding education is delivered principally by pharmaceutics faculty (62.3%) compared to practice faculty (32.1%). ConclusionThe survey determined the extent to which CE is addressed across different schools and colleges of pharmacy in the US. Although some institutions lack minimal nonsterile or sterile compounding facilities, they may improve by modeling the established programs in the country. Leadership at pharmacy institutions may need to allocate funds for CE, and support faculty who instruct in compounding.

ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY AND MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE TO MICROBIAL ISOLATES FROM FOMITES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT HOLLY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, OCHADAMU, NIGERIA

Aim and objective: Microbial contamination of some fomites were screened for, in which over 100 samples were collected from table, mobile phone and biro pen from Holley Memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Using standard techniques, the samples were collected using a sterile swab stick dipped in normal saline and aseptically swabbing the surface of the fomites. The organisms; Staphylococcus aureus(40%), Escherichia coli (15%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%), Bacillus cereus (10%), Proteus mirabilis (5%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae(20%) were isolated and identified using both morphological and biochemical techniques. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: this finding revealed that all the organisms were sensitive to tarivid but were resistant to septrin with varied zones of inhibition. However, the highest inhibition zone was recorded for perfloxacin (30.00 mm) on Klebsiella pneumoniae. All the isolates showed varying multidrug resistant pattern to the antibiotics used. Conclusion: The understudied fomites are cheap source of nosocomial infections and also showed varying degree of multidrug resistant pattern. Peer Review History: Received: 11 February 2023; Revised: 12 March; Accepted: 27 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, summitpharm@yahoo.com

ОЦЕНКА БИОФАРМАЦЕВТИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ НОВОГО ИНТРАНАЗАЛЬНОГО ПРОТИВОВИРУСНОГО ПРЕПАРАТА НА ОСНОВЕ IN SITU СИСТЕМЫ

Intranasal antiviral administration is a modern method for delivery of both immunobiological and synthetic substances. This route in medication delivery has a number of advantages: it is non-ivasive, highly practical, bioavailable and provides protective immunity at the entry gates of respiratory infections. The problem of intranasal delivery systems is short drug retention time under the effect of mucociliary clearance that results into limited absorbtion and prolongation capability. Аnatomical structure of the nasal cavity as well as the effect of mucociliary clearance result into an early evacuation of the administered drug so the active substance is not fully delivered. The solution to the problem is the usage of in situ delivery systems with stimulus typical for nasal cavity applied: temperature, ionic composition, pH. These systems make a phase transition at the area of application with viscosity increase enough for continuous effect on the mucous membrane. Earlier an intrasal ribavirin delivery system has been designed at the Institute of Pharmacy named after A. Nelubin. Ribavirin is an active substance known for more than forty years, approved by the FDA and included in the clinical guidelines for the treatment of diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of that research was to define the main biopharmaceutical parameters of the designed composition. The delivery system included ribavirin (10 mg/ml), poloxamer 407 – 16%, chitosan formate – 4%. The evaluation of biopharmaceutical characteristics was carried out according to the parameters рН, phase transition temperature, gelation time, viscosity, mucoadhesion and also spray torches, distribution area and retention on an in vitro model, releasing in the Franz cell test. Results of the evaluation of indicators: pH of the system – 7,07±0,12; sol-gel transition end temperature 30,7±0,4℃; gelation time - 36±15 s; increase in viscosity after phase transition - 7 times; mucoadhesion - 8,6±1,5 Н; distribution area - 44,9±5,3 cm2; retention on an in vitro model - 85,0±3,5%. During the determination of the release of ribavirin, it was shown that in the first 5 minutes about 62.5% is released, then the release is gradual and by six hours it reaches 84.7%. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that the developed composition is potentially promising and that it can be further evaluated in preclinical studies.

THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY OF THE MAIN GROUPS OF BAS IN MEDICINAL PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BUDGET OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION XIV EDITION

Relevance. The quality of medicinal plant raw materials is a necessary condition for its suitability for use along with safety. The appearance of impurities or the loss of biologically active substances during improper harvesting and storage negatively affect the pharmacological and physico-chemical properties. The regulatory framework for the evaluation of medicinal plant raw materials (LRS) in the Republic of Tajikistan includes the use of the USSR State Pharmacopoeia (GF) of the 11th edition, in the articles of which there is no section for determining the main groups of biologically active substances (BAS). Currently, the State Budget of the Russian Federation XIV has established a methodological approach for determining the main groups of BAS by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which is economical, express and can be recommended for use in routine analytical practice of chemical laboratories of the Republic of Tajikistan for the purposes of input control of raw materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to harmonize the methodological basis for assessing the quality of the LRS of the Republic of Tajikistan with the requirements of the State Budget of the Russian Federation XIV. The purpose of the work is to introduce into analytical practice the methodology for determining biologically active substances in plant raw materials produced and/or sold in pharmacy institutions of the Republic of Tajikistan by harmonizing and improving the methods of the State Budget of the Russian Federation XIV. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were motherwort grass (Leonurus spp.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), nettle leaves (Urtica dioica), thyme grass (Thymus serpyllum), representing LRS in cardboard packs purchased in pharmacies of the Republic of Tajikistan. It was not possible to determine the origin of raw materials (wild or cultivated) in these objects. Plates for Sorbfil PTSH-P-V-UV thin-layer chromatography were used as the stationary phase. The conditions of sample preparation, chromatography, and interpretation of the results obtained were optimized taking into account the current pharmacopoeia articles of the State Budget of the Russian Federation XIV. Results. The harmonization of methods for determining the main groups of BAS of horsetail grass, motherwort, thyme, nettle leaves growing in the Republic of Tajikistan by thin-layer chromatography was carried out. Methodological recommendations have been developed. Conclusions. The thin-layer chromatography method, due to its accessibility, cost-effectiveness and low time spent on analysis, can be widely used in the Republic of Tajikistan for the purposes of input and sample control of raw materials

Development of an integrated rheumatoid arthritis simulation that reinforces specialty pharmacy and managed care concepts

Background and purposeAs pharmacy services expand, it is critical for schools/colleges of pharmacy to prepare learners to provide patient care in a variety of settings and to subsequently assess skills that are necessary for clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop and implement a simulation that required students to integrate knowledge from multiple courses and disciplines, (2) assess students' performance and perceptions of the activity, and (3) measure student confidence related to managed care, specialty pharmacy, and clinical and foundational concepts prior to and after the simulation. Educational activity and settingFaculty developed an integrated simulation that required students to provide information for prior authorization of a new medication, counsel a patient on rheumatoid arthritis and the medication, and address patient questions about insurance formularies, cost, and prior authorization processes. Students completed pre- and post-surveys to determine changes in knowledge and perceptions of the simulation. Exam questions that corresponded to simulation concepts were also analyzed. FindingsAnalysis of pre-post surveys indicated that students' self-perceived knowledge and confidence significantly improved in all areas (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). Student perceptions of the simulation were positive, with comments referencing the activity's realism. Correct answers on knowledge-based questions related to simulation concepts were selected by at least 90% of students on course examinations. SummaryThis integrated simulation was effective at increasing self-perceived student knowledge and confidence on concepts from all disciplines, and it can easily be replicated and adapted at other pharmacy institutions.

Emergence BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 as newly identified omicron subvariants: current scenario and future outlook - an update.

aFaculty of Allied Health Science, Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Daffodil smart city, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh bSt. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharshtra, India cDivision of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh - 243122, India Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article. Published online ■ ■ *Corresponding author. Address: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh, Mobile: +8801935567417, E-mail address: [email protected] (S. Akash). *Corresponding author. Address: Principal Scientist, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, Bareilly, U.P, India, E-mail address: [email protected] (K. Dhama). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Evaluation of Curricula Content on Kidney Disease in US Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Objective. Although pharmacists improve outcomes in the care of patients with kidney diseases and current guidelines advocate multidisciplinary care, pharmacist nephrology training is not well described. This study seeks to characterize required and elective coursework within US Doctor of Pharmacy curricula. This information will be valuable in identification and evaluation of educational gaps for pharmacists as best practices in the education and care of kidney diseases for pharmacists are established.Methods. This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study assessed current practices and trends in education on kidney diseases within Doctor of Pharmacy curricula at accredited programs in the United States through an electronic survey.Results. Forty-three percent (N=61) of all ACPE-accredited pharmacy institutions were represented in the survey. Content on kidney diseases was found to be taught in both required and elective coursework, and one-third of responding institutions offered advanced pharmacy practice experiences focused on kidney diseases. Variation was found in the amount of time allotted for the teaching of kidney diseases topics in pharmacy curricula and the types of experiential training offered. Six respondents reported offering postgraduate education that focused on kidney diseases. Most respondents were clinical faculty who had completed residency training and board certification.Conclusion. Given the complex interplay between kidney diseases and other health conditions, the increasing incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases, and the potential expansion of pharmacists' roles in the care of patients with kidney diseases, a review of current Doctor of Pharmacy curricula is necessary to guide any future optimization efforts to ensure practice-ready pharmacists.

RECURRENT TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ANKYLOSIS AMONG YEMENIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background and aims: Recurrence of ankylosis is one of the most common complication following surgery especially during gap arthroplasty without interposition material. The main aim of these current study was to obtain a comparison between three different methods in prevent of recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Methods: A number of 15 patients with (2-22 years) age ranged between were obtained from those attending to Al-kawait Hospital, clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sana’a University, Yemen. All patients in the present study that have ankylosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were included in period time from March 2017 to April 2020. the temporomandibular joint ankylosis Diagnosis was obtained through history of a chief complain, medical history, clinical and radiographic examinations. All patients were divided into three groups based on the type of treatment. Results: No any signs of surgical site infection in or around the incision. In group I: three cases of recurrence ankylosis were happened, while one case was dislodging of cartilage from harvested rib in group II. However, in group III, there were no complications observed after the end period of follow-up. Conclusion: The most effective procedure to prevent recurrence of temporomandibular joint ankylosis was the temporalis fascia as interpositional material, also produce a good esthetic and function results. Peer Review History: Received: 25 December 2022; Revised: 8 February; Accepted: 5 March 2023, Available online: 15 March 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Similar Articles: HISTOLOGIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF PATHOLOGIC CHANGE IN COMPLETE IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS DENTAL FOLLICLES

Which Entrustment-Supervision Scale is Right for Pharmacy Education?

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are an outgrowth of the competency-based educational model to support workplace-based learner assessments and evaluation. A learner’s performance of EPAs is assessed by the degree of provided entrustment and required supervision rather than by a score, percentage, or letter grade typically assigned in traditional academic coursework. Entrustment-supervision (ES) scales are used to document learner progression and steer learner development over time. The purpose of this article is to critique various ES tools in health professions education for utilization within an EPA framework for learner assessment in workplace-based settings and to determine which will best suit pharmacy education. Exploring the advantages and disadvantages across all types of ES scales is a critical step in determining the most useful ES tool for use within a specific pharmacy institution and across the Academy. An ES scale with the traditional 5 levels, a prospective assessment frame, and increased stratification at lower levels should be recommended by the Academy and utilized in workplace-based settings for formative and summative assessment to provide more valid assessment of learners, support the ideal of life-long learning, and give more meaning for pharmacy faculty and learners within assessment.

Taking Action Towards Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Pharmacy Curriculum and Continuing Professional Development

Increased awareness of social injustices and inequities highlight the relevance and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in health care. Former and recent graduates of pharmacy schools remain deficient in their knowledge of DEIA topics such as unconscious bias, which can directly influence health outcomes in an undesirable manner. Particular DEIA areas that are pertinent to pharmacy practice include: race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability status, religion, socioeconomic status, and political beliefs. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) affirmed its commitment to DEIA as a priority. However, existing gaps in knowledge of pharmacy graduates in this area have the potential to contribute to health disparities and inequities, which are significant public health issues. We call on academic pharmacy institutions and professional pharmacy organizations to elevate DEIA topics and to designate them as essential to both addressing health equity and improving care for underserved populations. We also implore licensing boards to require continuing education related to DEIA as a foundational step to closing the knowledge gap for pharmacists in this area.

Cassia occidentalis Potentiates wound Healing Process in Type-2 Diabetic Rats

Indian Journal of Natural Products,2022,36,1,52-57.DOI:10.5530/ijnp.2022.1.8Published:February 2023Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Rajesh Singh Pawar, Avinash Singh Mandloi, Umesh Kumar Patil, and Shweta Kumar Author(s) affiliations:Rajesh Singh Pawar1,2,*, Avinash Singh Mandloi1, Umesh Kumar Patil3, Shweta Kumar4 1Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA. 2Department of Pharmacy, Truba Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA. 3Department of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA. 4Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Introduction: This work is focus on a cost-effective herbal hydrogel formulation comprising of extract, from the leaves of Cassia occidentalis L. (Caesalpiniaceae). The formulation is highly effective for delayed wound healing due to diabetes. Background: Cassia occidentalis (CO) is extensively used in folklore medicine system. It is a common weed scattered from foothills of Himalayas to West Bengal, South India, Burma and Srilanka. Objectives: The study aimed to explore the role of Cassia occidentalis (leaf) for wound healing potential in diabetic rats using the excision wound model. Materials and Methods: The characterization of the phytoconstituents and bioavailability profiles of methanolic extract of CO (MCO) were investigated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detector analysis. Insulin resistance was induced in rats by feeding them a diet rich in fructose and hyperglycemia was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (bw), intraperitoneally (ip). After confirmation of diabetes fasting blood glucose level, the wound was induced. Excision wound healing activity was examined on Wistar rats. Results: The hydrogel of MCO (5 and 10%) reduced significantly wound size. Significant mean epithelialization period, higher hydroxyproline content and tensile strength were revealed at the concentrations of MCO hydrogel of 5 and 10% compared to the diabetic wound control group. Conclusion: These results provide promising baseline information for the wound healing potential of MCO in type-2 diabetes treatment. Keywords:Biochemical parameters, Cassia occidentalis, Hydrogel, Hydroxyproline, HyperglycemiaView:PDF (906.38 KB)

Barriers and facilitators to implementing simulation into pharmacy programs globally

BackgroundMyDispense is a simulation software developed by Monash University that has been utilized by over 200 institutions worldwide to educate pharmacy students. However, little is known about the processes by which it is used to teach dispensing skills to students and how they use it to facilitate critical thinking in an authentic environment. This study aimed to understand and investigate how simulations are used to teach dispensing skills in pharmacy programs globally, and to determine the opinions, attitudes and experiences of pharmacy educators towards MyDispense and other simulation software within their pharmacy program.MethodsPurposive sampling was used to identify pharmacy institutions for the study. A total of 57 educators were contacted, 18 responded to the study invitation, 12 were MyDispense users and 6 were non-users. Two investigators conducted an inductive thematic analysis to generate key themes and subthemes to provide insight into the opinions, attitudes and experiences towards MyDispense and other simulation software used specifically for dispensing within pharmacy programs.Results26 pharmacy educators were interviewed, of which 14 were individual interviews and four were group interviews. Intercoder reliability was investigated and a Kappa coefficient of 0.72 indicated substantial agreement between both coders. Five main themes were identified: “dispensing and counseling”, which encompassed discussions about how dispensing techniques were taught, the time allocated for students to practice their skills and the use of software other than MyDispense; “description of MyDispense use” includes discussions about the setup of the software, how dispensing skills were taught prior to using MyDispense as well as its use in student assessments; “barriers to MyDispense use”, covers discussions about the obstacles users have faced; “facilitators to use MyDispense”, includes discussion about the various motivators to using MyDispense and lastly “future use and suggested improvements” of MyDispense are covered by the interviewees.ConclusionThe initial outcomes of this project evaluated the awareness and utilization of MyDispense and other dispensing simulations by pharmacy programs globally. By addressing the barriers of use, promotion of the sharing of MyDispense cases can assist in creating more authentic assessments, as well as improving staff workload management. The outcomes of this research will also facilitate the development of a framework for MyDispense implementation, thus streamlining and improving the uptake of MyDispense by pharmacy institutions globally.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG HEALTHCARE AND NON-HEALTHCARE STUDENTS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Introduction: Self-medication is regarded as the system of taking medicines without the consultation of licensed medical practitioner. Self-medication leads to irrational use of medical drugs which is hazardous for health. The prevalence of this crucial issue is rapidly increasing worldwide. The present study was aimed to access the pattern of self-medication trends in healthcare students and non-healthcare students of Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based observational study has been conducted to access the knowledge along with the attitude of medical and non-medical students regarding self-medication. The study settings included different universities and medical colleges of Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 301 students from medical department and other departments were included in the study. A validated self-medication assessment questionnaire was used to access the knowledge along with attitude pattern of self-medication among healthcare students as well as non-healthcare students. Results: The findings of the present study presented that medical students are more aware of the potential side effects and adverse reactions of the self-medicated drug as compared to the non-medical students. Whereas, trends of self-medication was observed to be slightly higher in healthcare students as compared to the non-healthcare students. Moreover, the frequency of antibiotic use was comparatively more frequent in medical students as compared to the non-medical graduates. Whereas, the use of painkillers without prescription was more prevalent in non-medical students as compare to the medical graduates. Conclusion: There has been a significant difference in knowledge of healthcare students and non-healthcare students of Lahore, Pakistan. Although both healthcare and non-healthcare students have high prevalence of self-medication but differences have been observed in case of drugs taken. Healthcare students practice self-medication more as compared to the non-health-care students. Peer Review History: Received: 10 November 2022; Revised: 18 December; Accepted: 5 January 2023, Available online: 15 January 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Similar Articles: ANTIMICROBIALS SELF MEDICATION AMONG PARAMEDICAL STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY ANTIBIOTICS KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR USES AGAINST VARIOUS DISEASES AMONG THE DORMITORY STUDENTS OF A RESIDENTIAL UNIVERSITY IN BANGLADESH: A PILOT STUDY

Simultaneous Estimation of Eugenol and Scopoletin by UV-Spectroscopic Method Using in-house Avipattikar churna

Priya Shah, K Pundarikakshudu, Kinjal Patel and Maitreyi Zaveri Author informationArticle notesCopyright and License information K. B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, INDIA Department of Pharmacognosy, L. J. Institute of Pharmacy, L. J. University, Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, INDIA Department of Pharmacognosy, K. B. Raval College of Pharmacy, Shertha, Gandhinagar,