Pharmacy Organizations Research Articles

Refer-to-pharmacy: a qualitative study exploring the implementation of an electronic transfer of care initiative to improve medicines optimisation following hospital discharge

BackgroundTransition between care settings is a time of high risk for preventable medication errors. Poor communication about medication changes on discharge from hospital can result in adverse drug events and medicines-related readmissions. Refer-to-Pharmacy is a novel electronic referral system that allows hospital pharmacy staff to refer patients from their bedside to their community pharmacist for post-hospital discharge medication support. The aim of this study was to examine factors that promoted or inhibited the implementation of Refer-to-Pharmacy in hospital and community settings.MethodsTwenty six interviews with hospital pharmacists (n = 11), hospital technicians (n = 10), and community pharmacists (n = 5) using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as the underpinning conceptual framework for data collection and analysis.ResultsUsing NPT to understand the implementation of the technology revealed that the participants unanimously agreed that the scheme was potentially beneficial for patients and was more efficient than previous systems (coherence). Leadership and initiation of the scheme was more achievable in the contained hospital environment, while initiation was slower to progress in the community pharmacy settings (cognitive participation). Hospital pharmacists and technicians worked flexibly together to deliver the scheme, and community pharmacists reported better communication with General Practitioners (GPs) about changes to patients’ medication (collective action). However, participants reported being unaware of how the scheme impacted patients, meaning they were unable to evaluate the effectiveness of scheme (reflexive monitoring).ConclusionThe Refer-to-Pharmacy scheme was perceived by participants as having important benefits for patients, reduced the possibility for human error, and was more efficient than previous ways of working. However, initiation of the scheme was more achievable in the single site of the hospital in comparison to disparate community pharmacy organisations. Community and hospital pharmacists and organisational leaders will need to work individually and collectively if Refer-to-Pharmacy is to become more widely embedded across health settings.

Comparison of two training methods in community pharmacy: Project VACCINATE

ObjectiveTo compare the impact of a whole-staff training strategy with a train-the-trainer strategy on 1) the number of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and pertussis vaccines administered by community pharmacists to adults; 2) staff confidence; and 3) fidelity to the intervention. SettingEight Quality Food Centers (QFC) Pharmacies in Seattle, Washington. Practice descriptionQFC Pharmacy is a grocery store division of The Kroger Co. with 30 pharmacies located in Washington State. QFC provides all routine and travel vaccines to adolescents and adults and has a culture of improving vaccine access to its community. Practice innovationPharmacists and pharmacy technicians from 8 QFC pharmacies received training to enhance their immunization care for adults. The entire staff from 4 pharmacies received whole-staff training, and staff members from the other 4 pharmacies received a train-the-trainer approach. The whole-staff training group had all staff members attend a live, 2-hour training. The train-the-trainer group sent 1 pharmacist and 1 pharmacy technician champion to attend the live training and then return to their pharmacy to train the other staff members. EvaluationThe number of immunizations administered, staff confidence, and self-reported fidelity to the intervention were measured before and after training. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsThe number of total influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and pertussis vaccines administered increased 12.6% in the whole-staff training group and 15.2% in the train-the-trainer group. Both training strategies increased confidence in identifying patients eligible for vaccines, talking to patients about vaccine needs, and using the bidirectional immunization platform. Pharmacy staff members in both groups indicated fidelity to key steps in the intervention process. ConclusionBoth whole-staff training and train-the-trainer approaches were associated with an improvement in the number of vaccines administered, staff confidence, and fidelity to the intervention. Community pharmacy organizations could use either training strategy when implementing enhancements to an existing patient care service. The train-the-trainer strategy may be less resource intensive.

Using Continuing Professional Development to Create Meaningful Co-Curricular Learning Opportunities for all Student Pharmacists

Objective. To illustrate a method for integrating co-curricular activities, quantify co-curricular activities, and evaluate student perception of achievement of goals. Methods. Throughout a longitudinal course, students engaged in self-selected, co-curricular activities in three categories: professional service, leadership, and community engagement. Hours were documented online with minimum course requirements. Students reflected on experiences and assessed goal attainment. Assignments were reviewed by faculty and feedback was given to each student. Results. From 2010 to 2016, there were 29,341 co-curricular hours documented by 756 students. The most popular events were attending pharmacy organization meetings and participating in immunization clinics. More than half of the students agreed they were able to meet all of their professional goals (mix of career and course goals) while 70% indicated goals were challenging to meet. Conclusion. This method for integrating co-curricular activities using a continuing professional development model demonstrates a sustainable system for promoting professional development through experience and self-reflection.

National Survey of Pharmacy Leadership at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia: Planning and Organization

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> To explore the national survey of pharmacy leadership at the Ministry of Health with emphasis on pharmacy planning and organization. <strong>Methods:</strong> It is a ninety days cross-sectional national survey of pharmacy leadership practice at Ministry of Health. The survey modified from self-assessment of 360 leadership and with pharmacy leadership literature. It consisted of a demographic section, leadership pathway, and fifty-three leadership ship questions. It contained selected eighteen leadership skills of 360 leadership self-assessment. The electronic format of the survey through the survey monkey system and distributed through emails. All analysis is done through the survey monkey system. The survey divided into for several parts for analysis, and discussion. Part one: practice management, part two: planning and organizations, part three: communications strategies, part four: problem-solving and decision making, part five: performances management, part six; working environment, and part seven: professional development. The study explored the part number two; National Survey of Pharmacy leadership: planning and organizations. <strong>Results:</strong> The survey distributed to one hundred hospitals, the response rate, was forty-two hospitals (42%) with seventy-pharmacy leaders. The gender distribution of responders was Male 43 (63.24%) and female 25 (36.76%) while the nationality was Saudi 69 (98.57%) and non-Saudi 1 (1.43%). The majority of responders were in the age range (25-34) years 30 (55.12%) and (35-44 years) 26 (38.24%). The average score planning skills (achievement) was 2.41 (80.33%) with the highest score was Makes a plan was done and translate strategic action 2.48 (82.65%), and the lowest score was Completes work on given time frame and budget 2.35 (78.32 %). The average score planning skills (Goals) was 2.61 (86.99 %) with the highest score was Makes sure that I have a bright idea of our group&rsquo;s goals 2.74 (91.32%), and the lowest score was Achieves goals Successfully 2.44 (81.32%). The average score organization skills (Flexibility) was 2.58 (85.99%) with the highest score was Adapts to new organizational structures, policies, or procedures 2.67 (82.65%), and the lowest score was Can handle changes without complaining 2.37 (78.99%). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The pharmacy leaders had excellent planning skills and organization with the inadequacy of objective achieving with appropriate time or budget. The regular survey of pharmacy leadership every one or two years is highly recommended for all healthcare organization in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key word:</strong> Pharmacy leadership, Planning, Organization, Ministry of health, Saudi arabia.

The digital medicine ATM: Noninvasive point-of-care diagnostics

Rapid developments in sensing and imaging technologies are transforming our ability to detect, diagnose, and manage disease. Given financial pressures on managed health care, there is increasing emphasis on disease prevention and wellness programs have become a feature of many plans. Recent market developments include the merger of pharmacy and health-care organizations, which promises to open new avenues in health maintenance and diagnosis. Herein, we review recent developments in the field and present a vision for how point-of-care providers can play a pivotal role in prodromal diagnostics and wellness programs. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in digital detection technologies which have the potential to accelerate evolution of such models. An additional potential benefit of large-scale community-based screening centers lies in the identification of patients for recruitment into clinical trials, and mechanisms are proposed.

Identifying Opportunities for Improvement in Safety and Efficacy of Community Pharmacy Immunization Programs

Objective: To identify opportunities to improve safe and effective immunization delivery in community pharmacies. Methods: Pharmacy managers from chains in Michigan were interviewed about their company’s immunizations programs. A survey regarding immunization training, quality assurance measures, pharmacist comfort level immunizing different patient populations, and resources used in practice was distributed to community pharmacists throughout Michigan. Results: Most pharmacists (88.8%) confirmed they received American Pharmacists Association immunization training and felt they followed the guidelines outlined in that training course very well. No routine reassessment of immunization technique was reported. In a minority of respondents, some issues were identified: (1) not being up-to-date on cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as required by state law (7.1%), (2) lack of awareness of location of emergency kit (4.2% for epinephrine, 13.5% for diphenhydramine), and (3) feeling uncomfortable immunizing children (51% for children <7 years). Conclusion: To address quality control issues identified in the survey, we recommend chain pharmacies incorporate credential checks into annual pharmacy training requirements. Pharmacists may benefit from immunization-related continuing education requirements. State pharmacy organizations may want to take the lead in developing the material to ensure that it is timely and abides by state and federal laws.

STRUCTURAL AND LOGIC ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTIHYPOXIC DRUGS

Aim. The aim of this investigation was to establish the degree of saturation of the pharmaceutical market of Krasnodar Krai with antioxidants and antihypoxic drugs and to determine manufacturers of pharmaceutical substances for their production. Materials and methods. In the process of the study, a content analysis, comparative and assortment analyzes were used. Results. Marketing research conducted on the basis of 8 wholesale and 181 pharmacy organizations showed that 66.7% of international non-proprietary names of antioxidants and antihypoxic drugs from those registered in Russia are available on the pharmaceutical market of Krasnodar Krai. For their production, pharmaceutical substances of 21 domestic and 18 foreign factories of manufacturers are used. Сonclusion. Assortment saturation of antioxidants and antihypoxants in the pharmaceutical market of Krasnodar Krai is incomplete. Pharmaceutical substances used for the production of pharmaceuticals are 53.8% domestic.

Pharmacists' views on the development of asthma pharmaceutical care model in Indonesia: A needs analysis study.

Over recent years the pharmacy profession in Indonesia has adopted a stance of pharmaceutical care to expand their scope of practice. Asthma management presents a key opportunity for pharmacists to test expanded roles in health service provision. There is however no exploratory work on the willingness, experience or future practice needs of Indonesian pharmacists in the realm of specialised asthma service provision. The objectives of this study were to explore Indonesian pharmacists' experiences, perspectives, and needs regarding the provision of pharmaceutical care for asthma patients in Indonesia. The study utilised conventional qualitative content analyses with two stages, i.e.: deductive analyses and inductive concept development. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Method. FGDs were conducted using a topic guide and by facilitators trained in FGD conduct. FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to analysis. A maximum variation sampling methods targeted pharmacist across various settings of practice within Yogyakarta Indonesia. Nine focus groups with 103 pharmacist participants were conducted, with an average of 11 participants in each group. Inductively derived concepts that emerged included: willingness to adopt asthma service provision roles, pragmatism in recognising essential barriers/facilitators in adopting such roles, reflections regarding practice gaps and barriers to interprofessional collaboration mainly in relation to doctors. Inductive data analysis indicated clear differences in responses between hospital and non-hospital pharmacists. Key barriers to service provision included lack of training, lack of supportive professional frameworks, time and lack of reimbursement channels for services. Participants urged for a visionary leadership to facilitate pharmacists' role expansion into health services provision in Indonesia. Indonesian pharmacists were willing to adopt change and reported universally recognised barriers and facilitators to changing roles, especially in the provision of asthma care. Given this universality of pharmacists expressions, it may be suggested that the experience of researchers and academics who have expended time and effort in developing and implementing asthma care models in other countries should be, to some extent, transplanted to regions where pharmacy organisations are now considering adopting roles additional to medicines supply.

Unlicensed medicines use: a UK guideline analysis using AGREE II.

ObjectivesThere is widespread use of unlicensed medicines within primary and secondary care but little information is available around how these medicines are used. This analysis examines and evaluates the content and quality of relevant guidance documentation currently in use within the UK.MethodsGuidance documents were identified through a literature search as well as email requests to pharmacy organisations throughout the UK. Unlicensed medicine documentation suitable for inclusion in the analysis underwent thematic analysis and quality assessment using the AGREE II tool.Key findingsThematic analysis of 52 guidelines revealed four parent themes: (1) Professional responsibility (2) Usage practicalities (3) Risk versus benefit (4) Controlling use. There was variability in scores across the AGREE II domains with areas covering Scope and Purpose and Clarity of Presentation scoring well. Conversely, an area needing attention was Rigour of Development.ConclusionHealthcare organisations would benefit from agreeing a ‘core content’ for the development of unlicensed medicines guidelines to ensure consistency and the presence of robust operating systems to deliver safe, effective treatment to all NHS patients.

Bridging the Gap: Collaboration between a School of Pharmacy, Public Health, and Governmental Organizations to provide Clinical and Economic Services to Medicare Beneficiaries

Objective: Promoting healthy communities through the provision of accessible quality healthcare services is a common mission shared by schools of pharmacy, public health departments, and governmental agencies. The following study seeks to identify and detail the benefits of collaboration between these different groups.&#x0D; Methods: In total, 112 mobile clinics targeting Medicare beneficiaries were held in 20 cities across Northern/Central California from 2007 to 2016. Under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, trained student pharmacists provided vaccinations, health screenings, Medicare Part D plan optimization services, and Medication Therapy Management (MTM) to patients at each clinic site. Clinic support was extended by public health departments, governmental agency partners, and a health professional program.&#x0D; Results: Since clinic inception, 8,996 patients were provided services. In total, 19,441 health screenings and 3,643 vaccinations were collectively provided to clinic patients. We assisted 5,549 beneficiaries with their Part D benefit, resulting in an estimated aggregate out-of-pocket drug cost savings of $5.7 million. Comprehensive MTM services were provided to 4,717 patients during which 8,184 medication-related problem (MRP) were identified. In 15.3% of patients, the MRP was determined severe enough to warrant prescriber follow-up. In total, 42.9% of clinic patients were from racial/ethnic minority groups and 25.5% had incomes ≤150% of the Federal Poverty Level.&#x0D; Conclusion: Collaboration between a school of pharmacy, public health departments, and governmental organizations can effectively serve Medicare beneficiary populations and result in: 1) lower out-of-pocket drug costs, 2) minimization of medication-related problems, 3) increased vaccination uptake, and 4) increased utilization of health screenings.&#x0D; Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.&#x0D; Treatment of Human Subjects: IRB review/approval required and obtained&#x0D; &#x0D; Type: Original Research

Assessment of the benefits of and barriers to HIV pharmacist credentialing

ObjectivesTo ascertain the reasons for, benefits of, and barriers to pursuing the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) HIV Pharmacist (AAHIVP) credential. MethodsA cross-sectional study using an electronic self-administered survey was used. Two separate invitations to participate in online surveys were sent to pharmacists who practice in HIV-related settings: 1 to pharmacists with the AAHIVP credential and 1 to members of key pharmacy organizations and employers without the credential. The surveys assessed demographics, concurrent credentials and certifications, and factors influencing the pursuit of and benefits gained from having the AAHIVP credential (credentialed population) or barriers to pursuing the AAHIVP credential (credentialed and noncredentialed populations). ResultsThere were 192 participants (survey response rate 38.8%) in the credentialed population and 212 participants in the noncredentialed population. Perceived recognition as an HIV expert from pharmacist (n = 174; 90.6%) and physician (n = 162; 84.4%) peers was the main reason for credentialing; only 20.4% (n = 23/113) of participants’ employers reimbursed for the credential. Common reasons for nonpursuit included lack of employer incentive (n = 46; 26.6%) and lack of fee reimbursement (n = 38; 21.9%) in those aware of the credential. However, a majority of these noncredentialed participants reported they would be interested in pursuing credentialing (n = 152; 80.4%). ConclusionAAHIVP credentialing is sought and maintained on the basis of perceived intangible benefits, such as peer recognition, over tangible benefits, such as increased salary and reimbursement by third-party payers. Despite interest, a lack of employer reimbursement is perceived to be a barrier to AAHIVP credentialing among those who have not yet been credentialed.

An underutilised resource for Antimicrobial Stewardship: a 'snapshot' of the community pharmacists' role in delayed or 'wait and see' antibiotic prescribing.

Various strategies have been implemented in primary care to address the inappropriate use of antibiotics, with varying degrees of success. One such intervention is delayed or 'wait and see' prescribing, where the prescriber indicates to wait a few days before dispensing the antibiotic. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacists' perceptions and practice experiences with delayed antibiotic prescribing. An online survey was advertised in two professional pharmacy organisations' e-newsletters for community and internship pharmacists in Queensland, Australia, from January to April 2016. We received 120 responses. 103 (86%) worked in a community pharmacy. Sixty per cent of the respondents would not dispense the delayed antibiotic prescription if a patient presented to the pharmacy within 24 h of seeing a doctor. Instead, they would advise the patient to wait and fill the prescription if they are not improving. The concept of delayed or a 'wait and see' antibiotic prescription was well received by the participating community pharmacists. These healthcare professionals are well placed to be effective stewards of antibiotics and can play an important role in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to optimise the quality use of antibiotics in primary care.

Forming a group of baby food products that require pharmaceutical advice on their selection and dispensing from pharmacy organizations

Forming a group of baby food products that require pharmaceutical advice on their selection and dispensing from pharmacy organizations

Pharmacies could struggle to recruit in a 'no-deal' Brexit, pharmacy organisations tell MPs

Pharmacies could struggle to recruit in a 'no-deal' Brexit, pharmacy organisations tell MPs

Повышение эффективности бизнес-процессов

The same business process can be performed based on personal priorities or priorities of the organization, and each time it will yield the different results. The results corresponding to the purposes of the organization may only be received, if the value orientations of employees correspond to the values declared by the corporate culture of the organization. If the corporate culture has developed spontaneously, under the influence of random events and personal characteristics of employees, it will be difficult for the head to affect the priorities of employees when executing business processes. It may be possible to solve to problem by introducing the value-based management of the team of the pharmacy organization.

The system of pharmacy organization in China of the XIX century according to the testimony of Russian doctors

The system of pharmacy organization in China of the XIX century according to the testimony of Russian doctors

Разработка алгоритма на основе статистических методов для оценки ценовой политики региональных аптечных организаций

Разработка алгоритма на основе статистических методов для оценки ценовой политики региональных аптечных организаций

Рынок автомобильных грузовых перевозок на Дальнем Востоке России

Рынок автомобильных грузовых перевозок на Дальнем Востоке России

Сравнительная характеристика составов стоматологических гелей, представленных на отечественном фармацевтическом рынке

In pharmacy organizations of the Russian Federation there are at least twelve names of dental gels and at least eight names of oral care products. All substances that are part of the soft medicinal forms can be divided into the following groups: active pharmaceutical substance, gellants, plasticizers, preservatives, flavoring agents, neutralizers, flavoring agents, etc. Lidocaine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine and various extracts are most often used as an active pharmaceutical substitute medicinal plants. For the formation of the gel base, it is preferable to use the slightly cross-linked acrylic polymers or cellulose derivatives. As preservatives, esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid are used as mono-components, and in combination with other substances. Solvents are also an integral part of soft medicinal forms.

Опыт внедрения дисциплины «фармацевтическое консультирование» в процесс обучения будущих работников аптечных организаций

Опыт внедрения дисциплины «фармацевтическое консультирование» в процесс обучения будущих работников аптечных организаций