Pharmacy Profession Research Articles

Views & perceptions of community pharmacists in cyprus regarding their new role during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction Pharmacists are the third largest professional healthcare workforce after doctors and nurses and have played a vital role in the fight against COVID-19. Based on the '7-star' pharmacist and 9 standards, pharmacists are essential frontline carers for the safe and effective care of the public.1,2 Pharmacies have operated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic meeting the needs of the population. They have played an important role during the pandemic in providing advice and education to the public as well as maintaining the supply of medicines.3 In Cyprus, there are 663 registered pharmacies. Aim The aim of the study was to identify how community pharmacists, who are at the frontline of primary care, can support and coordinate the effective and rapid response to reduce coronavirus-related hospitalisation and mortality. Methods This quantitative research study took place in all the provinces of Cyprus. The survey-based questionnaire was designed after an extensive literature search of the published data. It consisted of 18 open and closed questions (multiple choice and Likert scale 1-5) as well as 4 demographic questions. The sampling method of the study falls under snowball sampling. A pilot study was conducted for the validity and reliability of the questions with no further changes. Pharmacists were approached via email by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association. The questionnaires were distributed electronically via the university’s platform (Moodle). The participation was anonymous and on a voluntary basis. Prior to data collection, all documentation was ethically approved by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee. Results In total, 71 pharmacists responded to the study. Of those, 53.5% (n=38) were females and 46.5% (n=33) males. Pharmacists characterise their daily relationship/communication with the public as excellent/good (n=42, 58.65%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half (n=49, 69%) stated that the most common way of communicating with the public during the pandemic was face-to-face. Pharmacists seemed to be confident in providing advice related to COVID-19 as most of them (n=64, 90.2%) strongly agreed/agreed that they are in a position and have sufficient knowledge to provide coronavirus prevention advice to the public. Additionally, an equal number of respondents strongly agreed/agreed (n=24, 33.8%) and strongly disagreed/disagreed (n=24, 33.8%) that the public perception regarding the pharmacy profession has changed for the better during the pandemic. More than half of the participants reported that their role as a pharmacist had been upgraded during the pandemic from a drug distribution centre to a primary care, prevention, and public information centre (n=36, 50.7% strongly agreed/agreed). Discussion/Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring pharmacists’ perceptions and views about their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study’s limitations included the small sample size which may not lead to generalisation of the results and the short data collection period Pharmacists are at the heart of the healthcare system, and they play an essential role in individuals’ healthcare, education, and counselling. Pharmacists in Cyprus should be proud of their strong role and strength during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be such an integral part of the healthcare system.

A survey exploring the barriers and drivers to leader and leadership development of the pharmacy workforce: a focus on advanced practice

Abstract Introduction Developing professional leadership skills is one of the workforce development goals of the International Pharmaceutical Federation1. Leadership is identified as an essential domain in advanced practice curricula for pharmacists in the United Kingdom2. The National Health Service People Plan recognises that leadership training and development can maximise productivity and shape a positive culture, which is essential for provision of 21st century healthcare3. However, leader and leadership development remain under-researched within the pharmacy profession. Aim To describe pharmacist leadership training experience and perceptions of barriers and drivers to leader and leadership development. Methods An online survey was developed, piloted, and distributed to 105 pharmacists at a single, tertiary care, acute hospital organisation in the UK between August and October 2020. The survey consisted of Likert scale questions relating to importance of leadership competencies, personal leadership qualities, barrier, and drivers to pharmacist leadership development. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel®. The study formed part of a local pharmacy service education and training service evaluation and review. Therefore, in accordance with the Health Research Authority toolkit NHS ethical approval was not required. Results The survey was completed by 39 pharmacists, providing a 37.1% response rate. Almost three quarters of pharmacists did not have leadership training. Over half the pharmacists surveyed identified leadership development as essential for career progression (n=26, 66.6%) and to improve performance in their current role (n=23, 59.0%). A key driver was support from line managers or work colleagues (n=28, 71.8%). Pharmacists reported workload (n = 19, 48.7%), not being valued (n=16, 41.0%) and lack of access or opportunity to work at strategic level (n= 14, 35.9%) as barriers to pharmacy leadership development. Discussion/Conclusion This is the first survey of pharmacist leadership development among pharmacists working in the hospital setting in the UK. Improving performance in current role and career development were identified as key drivers for pharmacist leadership development while workload and lack of access or opportunity of working at strategic levels were identified as key barriers.

Learner and supervisor perspectives on factors that influence the effectiveness of educational supervision in postgraduate pharmacy education

Abstract Introduction Educational supervision underpins the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education’s (CPPE) publicly funded national training pathways for pharmacy professionals working in primary care in England, mirroring arrangements for postgraduate medical specialty training. The educational supervision provided by CPPE comprises both one-to-one support and group learning to enable pharmacy professionals transitioning into primary care roles to progress with their education, manage workplace challenges and practise safely.1 However, little is known about its effectiveness. Aim The aim of this study was to explore learner and supervisor perceptions of factors that influence the effectiveness of educational supervision. Methods The study used a concurrent embedded mixed methods design. Following institutional ethical approval, data were collected using a validated online survey comprising items adapted from the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MSCC-26®)2 and the Academy of Medical Educators’ (AOME) framework. The survey, comprising a 25-item questionnaire, together with open-ended questions inviting respondents to explain their ratings, was sent to all 902 learners enrolled on a CPPE primary care training pathway and 52 CPPE education supervisors in July 2020. Statistical data were analysed with SPSS®, using non-parametric tests due to negative data skewing. Responses to open-ended questions were analysed with NVivo® using framework analysis and then compared with the statistical data. Results 187 learners (20.7%) and 51 supervisors (98%) responded to the survey. Overall, 82.5% learners and 100% of supervisors rated the educational supervision provided by CPPE as effective. Framework analysis of responses to open-ended survey questions identified three main factors perceived by learners and supervisors to influence the effectiveness of educational supervision: supervisor-learner relationships; a safe learning environment; and peer support. Within the theme of supervisor-learner relationships, trust and rapport was awarded the highest mean score of any survey item. Trust and rapport and the ability of supervisors to establish a safe learning environment showed significant positive correlations (ρ(8) = .48, p < .001 and ρ(8) = .74, p < .001 respectively) with overall scores for the effectiveness of educational supervision. Peer support did not form part of the survey yet was mentioned spontaneously in many learner and supervisor responses. Learners described the benefits of educational supervision in providing opportunities to learn from peers, to receive peer feedback and to obtain peer and supervisor support for personal issues such as workplace challenges. Discussion/Conclusion Consistent with the literature on factors that influence the effectiveness of clinical supervision in other healthcare professions3, the results indicate that educational supervision provided by CPPE was more effective when levels of trust and rapport between learners and supervisors were high and when supervisors were able to create a safe learning environment. However, peer support has not previously been identified as an influencing factor. This is an important finding, reflecting that unlike other disciplines, the educational supervision provided by CPPE encompasses both one-to-one and group learning sessions. Limitations of the study include the relatively low learner response rate, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which required provision of online supervision and the potential bias from insider research.

Research capability and aspirations of antimicrobial pharmacists: survey of UKCPA pin membership

Abstract Introduction The United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacist Association Pharmacy Infection Network (UKCPA PIN) is the community of pharmacy professionals with an interest or specialism in infection management. As we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for the leadership of UKCPA PIN to understand the current need and wishes of the community. Aim This study aimed to explore infection specialist pharmacy professionals about their research activity, experience, and perceived barriers to greater research activity. Methods An online, anonymised survey, consisting of closed and free-type open questions, was circulated to UKCPA PIN members for completion in September and October 2021 using the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire was developed and piloted amongst members of UKCPA PIN committee to identify current research activity and barriers. Responses were downloaded and underwent descriptive analysis with Microsoft Excel. This work was deemed a service evaluation and therefore did not require ethics approval. Results There were 38 responses were received from pharmacists in all 7 NHS England regions, Scotland, and Wales (6% of UKCPA PIN forum members). Pharmacy technicians were invited to participate but none did so. 13 (34%) described themselves as being actively involved in research, 13 (34%) described themselves as having done research in the past, 8 (21%) described themselves as not having the opportunity to develop research capabilities. 27 (71%) respondents had completed a postgraduate diploma, 8 (21%) had completed MSc or equivalent, 6 (16%) had completed a PhD or equivalent, 11 (29%) were Good Clinical Practice accredited and 10 (26%) had undertaken local research training. 6 (16%) were consultant pharmacists or accredited by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as being consultant-ready, 10 (27%) were building a consultant portfolio and 15 (39%) were aspiring to build a consultant portfolio in the future. Of the 28% that were building a consultant portfolio, 6 were confident that they were already meeting the research outcomes and 4 were not. Antimicrobial pharmacists were most frequently wanting to undertake research in the areas of antimicrobial stewardship (11, 29%), antifungal stewardship (5, 13%) and allergies/penicillin delabelling (5, 13%). The greatest barriers identified were lack of time/funding (27, 71% agreed significant barrier), lack of funding for costs of undertaking research (17, 45%), lack of support with research methods (9, 24%) and lack of support with dissemination of research (9, 24%). A number of potential support options were proposed to respondents, with “Signposting resources to help you write research protocols” and “A repository of in progress antimicrobial research in the UK” being the most popular (19 and 17 respondents, respectively, described as very useful). Discussion/Conclusion There is a significant interest in research amongst antimicrobial pharmacists and scope for enhancing the contribution of pharmacists to research around antimicrobials and infectious disease. A limitation of this study was the small sample size; however, the themes provide important information for UKCPA PIN to provide support for its members.

Are scrubs the new white coat? An exploration of MPharm students’ experiences of wearing scrubs

Abstract Introduction Many healthcare professionals and students wear uniforms while working in clinical environments which help develop professional identity, however, there is limited data regarding uniforms for pharmacy professionals in the UK.1 Historically, pharmacists and some pharmacy students wore white coats which increased professionalism, yet they are not practical with clinical roles.2 In September 2021, one UK School of Pharmacy introduced scrubs as a uniform for MPharm students for work-based learning (WBL) at several NHS hospital trusts. Aim To explore the experiences of MPharm students wearing scrubs during WBL. Methods MPharm students in years 2-4 (n=311) were invited to participate in a 5-item anonymous online questionnaire which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions to explore perceptions of wearing scrubs. Years 3 and 4 were asked additional questions to compare wearing scrubs with their prior WBL where they had to dress ‘’professionally’’. The data underwent descriptive and content analysis. This project received institutional ethical approval (17759-2021). Results 75 responses from years 2-4 were analysed (17%, 52%, and 31% respectively across the year groups, 24% overall response rate). Students were predominantly female (85%; n=64) and White British (52%; n=39). When asked how happy they were to wear scrubs on a Likert scale from ‘5-extremely happy’ to ‘1- not at all’, 92% (n=69) indicated they were extremely or moderately happy to wear scrubs (median=5; IQR 1). The accompanying free-text responses showed reoccurring groups of positive comments concerning: professionalism (21%), acceptance (24%), and identity (26%). Students viewed themselves as having a “shared identity, sense of professionalism and purpose and maturity” [P40]. More negative comments pertained to the sizing (13%), changing facilities (6%) and being mistaken for other professionals (9%). 44% (n=27) of year 3 and 4 students perceived a change in patients’ attitudes since wearing scrubs with 20% (n=13) citing patients as appearing more comfortable: ‘’Patients take us much more seriously - they see us as healthcare professionals rather than just students. I think it gives us greater confidence in ourselves.’’[P11]. Additionally, 39% (n=24) perceived a change in treatment from staff, with 10% of these students sharing that staff were more open to them being on the wards. ‘’we are taken more seriously by staff… there are no questions about why we are on the ward’’[P22]. Discussion/Conclusion The introduction of scrubs had a positive impact on student experience and contributed to a sense of belonging to the profession and within the ward environment. There were practical issues around sizing and changing facilities which should be considered at a local level but with mindfulness so as not to discriminate against individuals. Further data should be sought exploring the patient perspective and from students at other institutions. It should be noted that three NHS Trusts hosted placements and so there is some transferability. Scrubs are an appropriate and well-liked uniform for pharmacy students. Introducing scrubs across other Schools of Pharmacy could increase the professionalism, confidence, and socialisation of MPharm students whilst also creating a shared identity between pharmacy students, like that of the historic white coat.

Use of metformin in the management of colorectal cancer: A survey

A survey was conducted among 42 Howard University first year professional pharmacy students regarding their knowledge and opinions about the use of metformin in colorectal patients. Twenty-five (59.5%) respondents agreed that metformin reduces the risk of colorectal cancer in type 2 diabetes patients, and the majority (n=22, 52.4%) disagreed with the statement that metformin is a drug recommended for colorectal cancer. Twenty-five (59.5%) replied that colorectal cancer is a common illness regardless of age range. Twenty-four (57.1%) survey participants responded in favor of patients taking metformin to lower the risk of colon cancer. On the other hand, the majority (n=25, 59.5%) agreed that colorectal patients with diabetes mellitus taking metformin have the same outcome as those who do not have diabetes. In response to the opinion part of the questionnaire, the majority (n=23, 54.7%) admitted to feeling comfortable about recommending metformin to increase the chance of survival of colorectal patients, while only 18 (42.8%) were confident in explaining the benefits of metformin in preventing colorectal cancer. Twenty-three (54.7%) of respondents prefer natural and holistic methods, and 16 (28.1%) knew someone with type 2 diabetes who was taking metformin for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Most respondents (n=29, 69%) believe prescription medications should be used to prevent colorectal cancer rather than metformin which has inadequate supporting evidence. A sub-analysis appears to indicate that female participants, those with previous pharmacy-related jobs, and those with fewer years of work experience disagree with most of the opinion questions compared to their counterparts. They also had a wider range of opinions among themselves compared to their counterparts.

A cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of Australian pharmacists toward medicinal cannabis

BackgroundAustralian pharmacists currently dispense a wide range of prescription-only cannabis-based medicines. Recent regulatory changes will expand the role of pharmacists, allowing certain low-dose cannabidiol products to be supplied without a prescription in pharmacies. This harmonises Australia with many other countries where cannabidiol products are readily available to consumers.AimTo examine Australian pharmacists’ experience, knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and their preparedness to supply over-the-counter low-dose cannabidiol products.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a 51-item on-line questionnaire that was informed by previous surveys of health professionals and assessed for face validity. Australian pharmacists were recruited to complete the survey between May and December 2021, primarily through professional pharmacy organisations. Pharmacists were included in the final dataset if they completed the demographic characteristics section and at least one additional section of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and relational statistical tests.ResultsThere were 272 attempts to complete this survey and 217 responses included in the final dataset. Over half of the respondents (60.0%, 130/217) had dispensed at least one medicinal cannabis prescription during their career and 58.5% (127/217) had received at least one medicinal cannabis enquiry in the last fortnight. Only around half (53.9%, 117/217) felt comfortable supplying medicinal cannabis products and fewer (39.3%, 79/201) were confident discussing cannabis-related enquiries. More than half of the respondents (58.7%, 118/201) supported the provision of low-dose cannabidiol products through pharmacies. Two-thirds (67.8%, 80/118) of respondents achieved relatively low scores (< 60%) in the knowledge component of the survey. Most respondents (94.2%, 178/189) endorsed a need for further training in this area.ConclusionAustralian pharmacists tended to support medicinal cannabis availability and improved access to low-dose cannabidiol products via pharmacies. However, results highlight a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.

Perceptions of Healthcare Providers about Pharmacists' Clinical Roles in Patient Care in Ghana.

Background: Clinical pharmacy practice is distinguishable from the dispensing model by its focus on direct patient care. To function effectively in this role, pharmacists need to have clinical competencies, hence the establishment of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. In Ghana, the PharmD program is in its early stages; graduating its first set of pharmacists in 2018. There is therefore need to understand how these recent PharmD graduates are engaging in clinical roles and the perceptions of other health professionals they need to work collaboratively with. Methods: Four different focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with physicians, nurses and pharmacists in separate sessions. Questions explored perceptions of the clinical roles of pharmacists. The FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. Results: Perceptions around the roles of clinical pharmacists were in two categories - (1.) Roles associated with the provision of direct patient care [(i.) assurance of appropriateness, and (ii.) optimization of pharmacotherapy; and (2.) Roles involving participation in inter-professional collaborative care with other healthcare professionals through their (i.) contribution of pharmacotherapy expertise, and (ii.) input in interprofessional education and practice. Conclusion: Findings from the study highlight perceived contributions of pharmacists, and potential for more relevance to clinical care, while also drawing attention to the emergence of clinical roles of pharmacists in healthcare systems in a global context. There is continuing need for advocacy for the pharmacy profession and policy changes in healthcare delivery models to maximize potential benefits of clinical pharmacists to health outcomes.

Evaluation of Point-of-Care Testing in Pharmacy to Inform Policy Writing by the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists.

Pharmacy practice continues to advance, allowing professionals to contribute further to patient care and the healthcare system. Pharmacists are authorized to perform point-of-care testing (POCT) in seven out of ten Canadian provinces. In considering the potential for enhanced clinical decision-making with the opportunity to gain patient data at the site of care, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists (NBCP) proceeded to draft regulatory amendments and a policy to enable POCT scope in New Brunswick. Policy writing is a core function of Provincial Regulatory Authorities in Canada as the process determines principles that direct pharmacy practice. Each province has a differing scope of practice and method for developing documents. This paper highlights the approach, analysis, and findings of the NBCP pursuant to drafting a POCT policy. The policy development process included a literature search and environmental scan of the ten Canadian provincial regulatory authorities along with other countries. The findings highlighted in this paper describe the use of POCT, quality assurance, regulatory framework, educational opportunities, and the role of pharmacy technicians in relation to POCT in a pharmacy setting. The approach NBCP took to engage professionals and decisions on the direction of the policy are described. As point-of-care services continue to expand in pharmacies, the insights by the NBCP can be utilized by other regulatory bodies or pharmacy professionals who are implementing or enhancing POCT policies or procedures within their organizations.

Microbial nano-based approach and its bio-medical applications

Research on nanoparticles (NPs) has many applications in a variety of scientific fields including medicine, agriculture, engineering, pharmacy and other professions. Nanomedicine is a rapidly developing field of study. However, the range of physical and chemical processes that nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited, led to their formation. These conventional technologies have a number of drawbacks including a high energy requirement, high costs and the release of very toxic effluents as a result of the use of hazardous chemical ingredients in the treatment process. However, due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective biological synthesis of nanoparticles, microbial flora has provided the most viable replacement platform in modern times. Microbial nanoparticle synthesis is thought of as a green chemistry technique that connects microbial biotechnology and nanotechnology. In this review, we have summarized the distinct microbearbitrated amalgamation of various nanoparticles along with their potential applications.

Student Service-Learning Projects: Good Intentions, Questionable Impact.

Student pharmacist-led service-learning projects aimed at community engagement generally provide health education while promoting the pharmacy profession. Many such projects often assume the needs and wants of community residents, and key community partners are often left off the decision-making table when it comes to planning. This paper will offer some reflection and guidance for student organizations to consider when planning projects, with a focus on local community partnerships to identify and address needs for more meaningful and sustainable impact.

Five-Year Review of a Pediatric Pharmacy Internship Program.

Pharmacy internship programs improve job readiness for pharmacy learners. Pediatric-focused programs are not well described in the literature and represent only a small subset of pharmacy internships; furthermore, they offer unique experiences for learners with a strong interest in pediatrics. To better meet this need, a paid pediatric pharmacy internship was implemented in 2017 for rising second- and third-year professional pharmacy students. The program provides high-quality inpatient experience to pharmacy students with a strong interest in pediatrics via a 10-week, full-time summer program and ongoing weekend shifts throughout the academic year. Key focus areas of the internship include clinical shadowing and topic discussions, completing medication histories, research activities, and inpatient pharmacy triage. This program offers a multifaceted approach to providing interns with health-system experience and prepares learners for future careers in clinical and health-system pharmacy. To date, 100% of the 6 former interns who have graduated from pharmacy school have obtained residency positions. Furthermore, a permanent medication history technician role was created secondary to the positive response to interns providing this service.

Researchers’ experiences of pharmacy involvement: a UK cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objectives We aimed to explore the experiences and opinions of researchers who have involved pharmacy professionals in research studies. Pharmacy teams are valued healthcare professionals, with a wide knowledge base and skill set. They have regular contact with service users who may be interested in research, placing them in a good position for collaboration with researchers. Methods Cross-sectional survey circulated to researchers in the UK; analysed using descriptive, quantitative methods. Key findings A total of 238 responses were received from researchers, mainly within hospitals and universities. Most had more than 10 years of experience (45%) and had worked on 2–10 studies involving pharmacies (54%), frequently requiring hospital services (74%). Two-thirds of researchers had worked on clinical trials of investigational medicinal products. Most researchers worked with pharmacy teams that all had previous research experience (78%) yet did not involve them in participant recruitment (85%). Pharmacy staff frequently managed or dispensed medication (43%), however also engaged with other research-related tasks. Their previous experience and keenness were desirable qualities for researchers. Many respondents had a positive experience of collaboration and acknowledged various advantages (e.g. developing training/knowledge) and disadvantages (e.g. staffing issues). Conclusions Researchers’ positive impression of working with the pharmacy sector bodes well for future collaborations. Many had experience with pharmacy, however, those more unfamiliar should consider the roles staff could perform; and pharmacy teams and professional bodies should advocate their involvement. For collaboration to prosper, we should promote the benefits of research engagement and consider how to overcome known challenges.

Medicinal chemistry: Actual teaching aesthetics

Medicinal chemistry has been the backbone of the pharmacy profession. Medicinal chemistry may be defined as chemistry of medicines. This allied branch with pharmacology is being taken as a cumbersome and troublesome subject. This review deals with the mostly incorrect practice and assumptions of Medicinal chemistry as a theoretical subject being taught at the college level for diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacy Professionals Against Dispensing Antibiotics Without Prescription in Ethiopia.

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat that warrants immediate intervention. Dispensing of antibiotics without prescription (DAWP), is an inappropriate practice that contributes significantly to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants towards DAWP. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data was collected from community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants during the eighth national pharmacist's day, which was held on December 4, 2021, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprise of four sections (socio-demographic characteristics, and knowledge, attitude and practice towards DAWP) was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, standard deviation) were computed. Binary logistic regression was used to predict determinates of DAWP. A total of 175 community pharmacy professional were invited in the study, with 158 (111 pharmacists and 47 pharmacy assistants) completing the survey for 90.3% response rate. Most of the participants (86.7%) were aware that DAWP is illegal in Ethiopia. Despite their knowledge, the extent of DAWP was found to be 67.7%. The most common reason given by study participants for DAWP was that most patients do not want to consult prescribers unless the infection appears serious (53.2%). Pharmacy professionals with educational background of masters and above (AOR= 0.354, 95% CI: 0.013-0.744, P= 0.045), and with two to five years of working in community pharmacy (AOR= 0.745, 95% CI: 0.595-0.933, P= 0.010) had a lower tendency to DAWP, respectively. Despite majority of pharmacy professional are aware that DAWP is illegal and contributes to antibiotic resistance, they commonly DAWP for common cold and diarrheal diseases. Strict enforcement of existing antibiotic supply policies, and ongoing educational support for community pharmacy professionals on the judicious use of antibiotics is recommended.

A systematic review on pharmacists' turnover and turnover intention.

Turnover is an important issue in all healthcare professions including pharmacy practice settings. A high turnover rate of pharmacists, not only has negative financial impact, but also reduces quality of care and patient safety. The high turnover also increases workload and job stress which can increase job errors and decrease job efficiency and performance in pharmacy practices. To systematically review the extent of pharmacists' turnover and their intention to leave their jobs or the pharmacy profession. An electronic search was performed from database inception to December 19, 2020 using the following 6 databases; PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, ERIC, and ERIC-EBSCO. Articles were included if they were relevant to reports of pharmacist turnover or turnover intention. Only research studies were included, but not editorials, letters, or review articles. Twenty-eight studies were contained within this systematic review. Using the QualSyst assessment tool to assess the included article qualities, all studies demonstrated good quality with quality assessment score of 0.75. Fifteen studies (53.6%) were conducted from the US, 3 studies (10.7%) from Taiwan, 2 studies (7.1%) from the UK, and the remaining studies from Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Jamaica. The turnover of the pharmacists from their jobs ranged from 8.6 to 17%, and the turnover from the pharmacy profession was in the range of 6-9%. The turnover intention of the pharmacists in their jobs was from 13% to 61.2%, and the turnover intention in the pharmacy profession was 6.5%-18.8%. Hospital pharmacists had significantly higher turnover intentions than community ones. The turnover intention rates of both hospital and community pharmacists have gradually increased over time in both European countries and Asian countries. Based on the included articles, pharmacists' turnover rate appeared to increase over time. However, based on the heterogeneity of studies, further research is warranted to confirm this and to help to identify the potential causes of turnover intention since intention was related to behavior.

Impact of a Well-being Promotion Training Program on Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Conference Leaders

Objective. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the attitudes and self-efficacy of advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) conference leaders after completing the Well-being Promotion (WelPro) training program developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy.Methods. The WelPro training program was developed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to assist APPE students in distress and promote student wellness. After completing the WelPro training program, a 20-item survey was administered to 10 conference leaders via a web-based survey tool to assess their attitudes about burnout and self-efficacy in assisting students in distress. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize attitudes and self-efficacy.Results. Ten conference leaders participated in the training program. Of these, nine reported experiencing burnout in their careers, and all believed burnout within the pharmacy profession could be avoided. After the WelPro training program, confidence levels of the conference leaders significantly improved in the following areas: identification of students in distress, identification of resources for students, and recognition of when and how to refer students in distress.Conclusion. Increased self-efficacy of conference leaders to identify and assist students in distress could be translated into their improved ability to support students' overall well-being. The WelPro training program can serve as a model for similar wellness training programs that directors and preceptors in experiential education can implement at their institutions.

Pharmacists as Health Care Providers: Where Are We Now?

The pharmacy profession is an outlier in the ranks of health care professionals because they are not considered health care providers under the rules of the Medicare program. Other professions, including physical and occupational therapists and dieticians can be directly reimbursed for their services-but not pharmacists. The author discusses the policy and advocacy work that ASCP has been undertaking on the 1135 waiver.

Self-medication with ophthalmic drugs and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients attending three hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and practice of self-medication and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients.DesignAn analytical cross-sectional study design was employed.SettingThree hospitals inAsmara, Eritrea.ParticipantsSamples of ophthalmic outpatients aged >18 years...

Understanding Professionalism’s Interplay Between the Profession’s Identity and One’s Professional Identity

Pharmacy schools have taught professionalism for many years but are now discussing the model of professional identity formation adopted by academic medicine. While professionalism is an outward expression of a community's norms, professional identity is an internalization of those norms such that one thinks, acts, and feels like a member of that community. Some have expressed concern that the wide-ranging roles and responsibilities of pharmacists mean there is no universal identity for the pharmacy profession, and therefore a student's professional identity cannot be intentionally developed. This commentary suggests that the profession's identity is an outward expression to patients and other health care providers of what pharmacists do, while one's professional identity is an internal acceptance that being a pharmacist is part of who one is. While a clear identity of the profession may make one's professional identity easier to develop, full agreement on the profession's identity is not required to begin guiding student pharmacists in the formation of their professional identities.