Pharmacy Staff Research Articles

Performance Analysis of Slamet Riyadi Hospital Pharmacy Installation Surakarta Using Balanced Scorecard Method

This study aims to determine the extent to which the performance of the Pharmacy Installation of the Hospital Class III 04.06.04 Slamet Riyadi Surakarta with the Balanced Scorecard method. This study is a non-experimental study with an exploratory and descriptive design. Data were collected retrospectively and simultaneously with in-depth interviews with pharmacists of the pharmacy facility, staff and patient questionnaires, and direct observation. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared with existing standards. The findings indicate that 1) Financial perspective performance, TOR values are not yet in accordance with standards, the average GPM value is in accordance with the standard of 20-33% and the GROS value has not met the standard. 2) Customer perspective performance shows that there is high patient satisfaction with the performance of the Hospital Pharmacy Installation. However, there is a significant gap between satisfaction with its performance and patient expectations. Customer retention has increased customer acquisition in period one to period two. 3) Internal business perspective performance shows that drug availability reaches an optimal 100%, dispensing time for compounded prescriptions meets the standard, but for non-compounded prescriptions has not met the standard. PIO is delivered optimally 100% on information on indications, dosages, rules of use, side effects and related contraindications and how to store drugs have not been given to all patients. 4) The performance of the learning and growth perspective shows that satisfaction and work enthusiasm have a high category and the Hospital Information Management (SIM) system has not been optimally integrated. 5) The results of the SWOT analysis are included in quadrant II with a diversification strategy.

Eco-Sustainability in Hospital Pharmacy: A Pilot Survey on 'Going Green'.

Purpose: Between 2009 and 2015, the Canadian health care system was estimated to be responsible for 4.6% of national carbon emissions. Determine awareness of and describe eco-initiatives that the department of pharmacy can implement to aim to reduce the carbon footprint in hospital pharmacy in an effort to 'go green'. Methods: In a quality improvement initiative, pharmacy employees (i.e. pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) completed a cross-sectional survey designed to gauge willingness to 'go green' at work, to identify actionable areas of waste, and to assess commuting practices. Results: A total of 15 respondents completed the survey conducted March 14th -April 7th, 2022. Most respondents (73%) were willing to engage in more sustainable practices at work. The main barriers to implementing green practices at work were 'too time consuming' (20%), 'adds too much complexity' (20%), and 'cost' (16%). For commuting, 60% indicated the primary mode of transportation as 'personal vehicle', where 'subsidized transit' and was listed as the greatest incentive that could encourage a greener commute. The three largest areas of waste cited were 'single use plastic' (36%), 'limited of awareness of green practices' (15%), and 'lights left on in empty rooms' (12%). Conclusions: Pharmacy staff shared willingness to engage in more sustainable 'go green' practices but raised challenges to do so. With the knowledge that Canada has the second most climate intensive health system, there is a need for future research to describe how hospital pharmacies can contribute strategically to 'go green', advancing with implementing low carbon sustainable pharmacy practices.

Comparing three methods to assess learning outcomes for a suicide prevention training program for pharmacy staff

ObjectiveTo examine whether pharmacists and pharmacy staff who complete a suicide prevention gatekeeper training program (Pharm-SAVES) react similarly to a written patient case, a live simulated patient (SP), and a prerecorded SP case. MethodsAfter completing the 30-min Pharm-SAVES training, participants completed a written patient case via survey and then, 1 month later, completed a prerecorded SP and live SP interaction via Zoom. For each assessment type, we documented whether the participant asked about suicide and referred the patient to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988). ResultsParticipants (n = 12) asked about suicide in 8 (67 %) written patient cases, 9 (75 %) prerecorded SP cases, and 8 (67 %) live SP cases. Participants referred patients to 988 in 8 (67 %) written patient cases, 5 (42 %) prerecorded SP cases, and 10 (83 %) live SP cases. ConclusionThe number of participants who asked about suicide was similar regardless of assessment type; however, referrals to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline happened less often with the prerecorded SP cases. InnovationThis is the first study to compare key learning outcomes of pharmacy suicide prevention gatekeeper training across written, live, and prerecorded SP encounters.

Improving language access in pharmacy at a comprehensive cancer center.

176 Background: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) conducted quantitative analyses of patient satisfaction survey data, stratified by patient demographics, to understand where gaps in experience exist. Results demonstrated differences among certain demographic groups, directing us to explore patient experiences qualitatively. DFCI conducted focus groups with diverse patient groups to identify improvement opportunities. Twelve virtual focus groups were conducted with adult cancer patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and/or from historically marginalized populations (n=34). One additional focus group was conducted with DFCI patient-facing staff (n=15). Focus group participants identified the need for providing timely and informative ways to telephonically communicate with pharmacy staff in their preferred language. Patients with LEP indicated they felt less valued/heard due to the language barrier and were subject to longer call wait times because they needed an interpreter to speak with pharmacy staff. Methods: A multidisciplinary team was assembled to assess the current state of telephonic pharmacy language access and to redesign the workflows of the pharmacy phone lines. By June 2024, DFCI aims to increase the number of languages in which patients can engage with pharmacy services from 1 to 5 by expanding telephone workflows to include multi-lingual prompts and automatic connection to an interpreter. Process metrics include rate of patients communicating telephonically with DFCI pharmacies in their preferred language and average time for a non-English speaking patient to connect with an interpreter. To assess patient experience, DFCI is administering a satisfaction survey (both pre- and post-go-live of the phone line redesign) to patients with LEP who have used the pharmacy phone lines. This will assess whether the change has resulted in improvement. Results: Post go-live (June 2024) results will include the process and patient experience metrics described above. Conclusions: DFCI is among the first in the country to analyze its patient satisfaction data by demographic characteristics; to convene focus groups (informed by patient satisfaction demographic analysis) with historically marginalized and/or LEP populations; and to carry out an improvement effort (leveraging quantitative and qualitative data) to redesign pharmacy phone lines to be more inclusive. The pharmacy phone line redesign is critical to providing an equitable and satisfying experience for our patients with LEP.

Medication Counselling on Unlicensed Medicines Should Be Improved – Results from a Finnish Survey for Patients and Pharmacy Staff

Medication Counselling on Unlicensed Medicines Should Be Improved – Results from a Finnish Survey for Patients and Pharmacy Staff

Storage practice and wastage of pharmaceuticals in Chinese urban-dwelling households: Description of urban-dwelling households.

At-home storage of medications could pose a threat to public health and the environment if not handled appropriately. Excessive storage also creates health care and economic burdens. This study investigated storage practices, waste, and their determinants in China. Data were collected by pharmacy staff of urban-dwelling households via online questionnaires. Descriptions at the household and medicine levels were conducted in Stata 16. Individual and family characteristics were associated with the presence of household medicine storage (84.6%, n=5290), but storage location was poor. Expiration was the primary reason for discarding medicines. Respondents were inclined to buy medicines in pharmacies without prescription for storage purposes at out-of-pocket expenses, and 60.7% of medicines were purchased at out-of-pocket expenses, despite medical insurance coverage. Regarding wastage, 11.2% of medicines had expired and 38.2% were no longer needed. Purchasing for storage purposes was related to less waste due to expiration, while purchasing for treating acute diseases rather than chronic diseases was related to more waste, due to less for use. Accounting for 12.2% of all medications, antibiotics were associated with expiration and no further need for use. Source-control measures targeting health facilities, pharmacies, and residents are needed under the combined efforts of all relevant departments.

Pharmacy barriers for transgender and gender diverse young adults

BackgroundTransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face substantial physical and mental health care barriers. Community pharmacies are one of the most accessible health care settings; however, concern for discrimination at the pharmacy has been reported. It is important to gain a better understanding of TGD individual’s perspectives and experiences at the pharmacy to ensure optimal and inclusive care. ObjectiveTo identify TGD individual experiences and barriers at the pharmacy. MethodsThis institutional review board−approved qualitative study recruited TGD young adults in the United States between ages 18 and 29 years for semi-structured focus group discussions. Questions focused on barriers to obtaining medications at the pharmacy and negative or positive experiences with pharmacists. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and transcripts were analyzed for common themes amongst participants. ResultsNine 1.5- to 2-hour focus groups were conducted and included 30 participants (2–6 participants in each group). All participants reported having been prescribed medications by a physician or mental health provider. Participants self-reported issues at pharmacies and with pharmacy personnel. Major themes included issues accessing medications and supplies (needles, syringes), questioning of prescription validity and patient identity, and lack of education or understanding of TGD individuals by pharmacy staff. ConclusionTGD individuals experience barriers at the pharmacy and concerning issues with pharmacy staff. Education, structural competency, and improvements in gender-related data management are necessary for pharmacists and pharmacy staff to provide equitable and inclusive care for TGD individuals.

Exploring a role for community pharmacists in the identification of alcohol-related liver disease: a qualitative interview study with professionals, patients, and the public.

To explore the views and attitudes of professionals, patients and the public to a role for community pharmacists in the identification of alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients with ArLD, members of the public, pharmacy staff, and clinicians managing patients with ArLD across the Wessex region of south England. The interviews explored experiences of alcohol, ArLD and health advice in pharmacies and elicited views of what a pharmacist role in identifying ArLD could entail and factors influencing this. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty-six participants were interviewed and three themes were generated: (i) acknowledging, seeking help and engaging with a hidden problem; (ii) professional roles, boundaries and attributes; (iii) communication, relationships, collaboration and support. Participants reported key challenges to identifying people at-risk of ArLD. Offering testing for ArLD was perceived to motivate engagement but there were concerns about pharmacists performing this. A role was mostly seen to be finding people at-risk and engaging them with further care such as referral to liver services. This was perceived to require developing interprofessional collaborations, remuneration and training for pharmacy staff, and community-based liver testing. Professionals, patient and public participants recognized a role for pharmacists in the identification of ArLD. This was envisaged to incorporate educating pharmacy users about ArLD risk, and identifying and directly engaging those at-risk with liver and support services through development of interprofessional collaborations. The findings of this study support and can inform future work to develop this role.

Getting rapid diagnostic test data into the appropriate hands by leveraging pharmacy staff and a clinical surveillance platform: a case study from a US community hospital

Abstract Objectives To outline the procedural implementation and optimization of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results for bloodstream infections (BSIs) and to evaluate the combination of RDTs with real-time antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) support plus clinical surveillance platform (CSP) software on time to appropriate therapy in BSIs at a single health system. Methods Blood culture reporting and communication were reported for four time periods: (i) a pre-BCID [BioFire® FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification (BCID) Panel] implementation period that consisted of literature review and blood culture notification procedure revision; (ii) a BCID implementation period that consisted of BCID implementation, real-time results notification via CSP, and creation of a treatment algorithm; (iii) a post-BCID implementation period; and (iv) a BCID2 implementation period. Time to appropriate therapy metrics was reported for the BCID2 time period. Results The mean time from BCID2 result to administration of effective antibiotics was 1.2 h (range 0–7.9 h) and time to optimal therapy was 7.6 h (range 0–113.8 h) during the BCID2 Panel implementation period. When comparing time to optimal antibiotic administration among patients growing ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales, the BCID2 Panel group (mean 2.8 h) was significantly faster than the post-BCID Panel group (17.7 h; P = 0.0041). Conclusions Challenges exist in communicating results to the appropriate personnel on the healthcare team who have the knowledge to act on these data and prescribe targeted therapy against the pathogen(s) identified. In this report, we outline the procedures for telephonic communication and CSP support that were implemented at our health system to distribute RDT data to individuals capable of assessing results, enabling timely optimization of antimicrobial therapy.

Barriers to pharmaceutical care provision in the community and hospital pharmacies of Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough pharmaceutical care has tangible positive importance in ensuring patient pharmacotherapy safety, its provision encounters several barriers. Therefore, this study investigated the obstacles pharmacy professionals faced while providing pharmaceutical care in Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30, 2022, to August 30, 2022, at all community and hospital pharmacies in Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia. The data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed via SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis tests, such as the independent t-test, variance, and multiple linear regressions, were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe study had a 97.7% response rate. Among the 130 participants, 71 (54.6%) were females. The mean (± SD) total score of pharmaceutical care provision barriers was 85.06 (± 20.2). The highest and lowest mean subscale scores of pharmaceutical care provision barriers were related to lack of resources and skill, respectively. Among resource-related barriers, lack of time and money, lack of trained staff, and lack of private space for consultation scored higher than other barriers. Concerning vision/attitudinal barriers, patients and other healthcare workers’ inappropriate attitudes toward pharmaceutical care obtained the highest scores. The lack of clinical education in pharmaceutical care, lack of communication, and lack of documentation skills of pharmacists scored higher than other barriers in the educational and skill-related barriers subscales. For the regulatory/environmental subscale, a lack of clinical practice guidelines and legal barriers scored higher than the other subscales did. Pharmaceutical care provision barriers were significantly associated with age (B = 14.008), years of practice (B = 13.009), and graduating institution (B=-16.773).ConclusionsResource and attitudinal/vision-related barriers were reported to be the most common barriers to pharmaceutical care implementation. Stakeholders should work together to develop strategic solutions to overcome these barriers and thus achieve optimal pharmaceutical care provision. These strategies should include optimizing the number of trained pharmacy staff, time and financial problems should be resolved, communication and documentation skills should be improved, pharmacy layouts should incorporate private counseling rooms, policies that support the pharmacist’s role in patient care should be developed, and effective training and continuing professional education programs should be offered.

P066 HOW BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICES ARE OBTAINED FOR HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY AMONG AUSTRALIA ADULTS

Background and Objective. Only 20% of automated blood pressure (BP) devices available for purchase are validated. However, how consumers obtain devices for home BP measurement and whether their devices are validated remains unknown, which was the aim of this study. Methods. Surveys (n=225) and interviews (n=27) among adults who measure BP at home in Australia (June-December 2023). Survey questions included how the BP device was obtained, device details to determine validation status, and considerations in choosing a device. Interviews explored how and why BP devices were obtained in detail. Results. Most participants (n=216, 96%) used an upper-arm cuff device, of which 52% (n=118) were validated. Of 9 participants that used wrist cuff devices, 67% (n=6) were validated. Most participants purchased (n=176, 91%) their BP device, predominantly from pharmacy (n=126, 72%; 50% validated), followed by online (n=36, 16%; 52% validated). Validated BP devices were on average $38.53 AUD more expensive than non-validated devices (p<0.001). Although accuracy was the most important consideration when choosing a BP device (n=112, 50%), few interview participants cited device validation status as a consideration. “I just assumed that they were all accurate”. Most interview participants avoided cheaper BP devices, believing these were less accurate, and they were willing to “make an investment” in their BP device due to the importance of getting an accurate BP measurement. Interview participants rarely received recommendations from their GP about which BP device to use and reported pharmacy staff provided retail support based on in-store device availability rather than information about accuracy. Conclusion. This study found only 50% of devices used by consumers for home BP measurement have been validated. Devices that are validated are more expensive, but critically, consumers are willing to make an investment in an accurate BP device. However, little guidance is provided to support consumers when selecting a BP device. These findings demonstrate the need for credible information and resources that support consumers to obtain validated BP devices.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malagasy pharmacy staff regarding the use of topical corticosteroids in children with atopic dermatitis

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malagasy pharmacy staff regarding the use of topical corticosteroids in children with atopic dermatitis

Improving medication safety in a Latin American hospital: Examination of medication errors and the role of pharmacists.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Prospective medication order review by a clinical pharmacist is uncommon in many South and Central American countries. Voluntary error reporting and analysis are similarly uncommon. This paper describes the results of pharmacist prospective order review, medication error reporting, and quality improvement activities in a Latin American hospital. On January 1, 2020, the hospital initiated prospective review of all medication orders in both the hospital and clinic setting by pharmacists. Health professionals were encouraged to report errors identified to the hospital's voluntary reporting program. Data collected included the medication name and dose, stage of the medication use process, error severity, and error cause. Error reports were periodically reviewed by pharmacy staff. In the 402,100 orders reviewed, errors were found in 605 inpatient orders and 405 clinic orders (0.25%). Most errors were identified before they reached the patient (69.9% of inpatient errors and 81.0% of clinic errors). The prescribing phase was associated with the highest proportion of errors (50.8% of inpatient errors and 41.7% of clinic errors). The most common reasons for prescribing errors were confusing orders and wrong doses. Analgesics (22.7%) and antibiotics (21.3%) were the medication classes most frequently identified. After aggregated review, pharmacists generated 19 clinical alerts leading to system changes and staff education. This study demonstrates the impact of prospective order review by pharmacists on patient safety. In addition to preventing errors from reaching the patient, voluntary error reporting and evaluation led to system changes intended to reduce the likelihood that similar errors would occur again.

Using the andersen healthcare utilization model to assess willingness to screen for prep in pharmacy-based settings among cisgender sexually minoritized men: results from the 2020 american men’s internet survey

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV is severely underutilized among sexually minoritized men (SMM). Inequitable access to PrEP-prescribing facilities and providers is a critical barrier to PrEP uptake among SMM. Integrating HIV prevention services, such as PrEP screening, into pharmacy-based settings is a viable solution to addressing HIV inequities in the US. We aimed to examine willingness to obtain PrEP screening in a pharmacy and its associated correlates, leveraging Andersen’s Healthcare Utilization Model (AHUM), among a national sample of SMM in the U.S.MethodsData from the 2020 American Men’s Internet Survey, an annual online survey among SMM, were analyzed. Drawing on AHUM-related constructs, we used a modified stepwise Poisson regression with robust variance estimates to examine differences in willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy. Estimated prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).ResultsOut of 10,816 men, most (76%) were willing to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy. Participants were more willing to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy if they (1) had a general willingness to use PrEP (PR = 1.52; CI95% =1.45, 1.59); (2) felt comfortable speaking with pharmacy staff about PrEP (PR = 2.71; CI95% =2.47, 2.98); and (3) had HIV-related concerns (PR = 1.04; CI95% =1.02, 1.06). There were no observed differences in men’s willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy by race/ethnicity, education level, annual household income, nor insurance status.ConclusionsStrategically offering PrEP screening in pharmacies could mitigate access-related barriers to HIV prevention services among SMM, particularly across various sociodemographic domains. Importantly, this approach has vitally important implications for addressing broader inequities in HIV prevention. Future studies should examine strategies to successfully integrate PrEP screenings in pharmacies among diverse populations, especially among those at elevated risk for HIV.

Analysis of the Risks Associated with the Functions of a Pharmacy Cleaner in Pharmaceutical Compounding

INTRODUCTION. Pharmacy compounding involves certain risks that are directly related to the process of extemporaneous preparation and the actions of its participants. However, the role of pharmacy cleaners, whose actions can influence the quality of compounded medicinal products, has not been studied yet.AIM. This study aimed to analyse the risks to the quality of compounded medicinal products associated with the functions of a pharmacy cleaner in pharmaceutical compounding of non-sterile dosage forms.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study used failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) in accordance with the relevant Russian State Standard, as well as open brainstorming discussion. The study examined the functions of a pharmacy cleaner in pharmaceutical compounding of non-sterile dosage forms. The results were assessed by statistically processing the study data and assigning each potential failure mode a certain category.RESULTS. The risk analysis identified 45 potential failure modes for the functions of a pharmacy cleaner. Of these, 12 failure modes (26.7%) had a high level of criticality, 14 failure modes (31.1%) had a medium level of criticality, and 19 failure modes (42.2%) had a low level of criticality. Not all potential failure modes had valid documented regulatory provisions for the risk assessment and the development of prevention-type controls.CONCLUSIONS. The analysis of the functions of a pharmacy cleaner highlighted the potential risks to the quality of extemporaneous medicinal products prepared by compounding pharmacies. The study identified a lack of valid regulatory documentation. The authors suggested using the study results to amend the regulatory documents and standard operating procedures (SOPs) guiding the work of a pharmacy cleaner, to develop illustrative educational materials, and to conduct on-the-job training for pharmacy staff.

Reported Barriers and Facilitators for Autistic Individuals, Persons with Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Their Caregivers to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Pilot Study.

Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals.

Evaluation of patient safety culture practice amongst pharmacy staff in secondary and tertiary Hospitals in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Patient medical and medication safety is of paramount interest and one of the major goals of quality healthcare delivery system. The study evaluates patient safety culture amongst pharmacy staff in tertiary and secondary hospitals in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.Data was obtained by administering a validated patient safety questionnaire developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), AHRQ data and analytical tool and GraphPad Prism 6. Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the items and composite measure results between UBTH and Central Hospital. A composite score of ≥ 75% was seen as areas of strength, while score of less than 50% indicates areas requiring improvement. The results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Teamwork had the highest positive responses for both healthcare facilities, with PSC scores of 84% and 95% respectively for UBTH and Central Hospital (P = 0.0192). Reporting patient safety errors, also shows a statistically significant difference (P = < 0.0001) and a positive score of (65%), and (23%) for UBTH and Central Hospital. Only Central hospital scored above 75% in areas of communication openness (81.3%), organization learning continuous improvement (78.3%), communication about errors (78.3%), and handoffs and information exchange (78.3%). The positive ratings of UBTH and Central Hospital were 58% and 75%, respectively.The overall patient safety culture practiced in both hospitals is obviously good. There is higher ‘teamwork’ amongst pharmacy staff in Central Hospital, while UBTH staff showed better patient ‘safety error reporting. The composite measure averages show that both healthcare facilities have the potential for improvement.

Development of a Prepharmacy Underrepresented Mentorship Program for Undergraduate Students

ObjectiveTo describe the development of an innovative prepharmacy underrepresented mentorship program (PUMP) to provide guidance and support to prepharmacy students who are committed to serving underrepresented communities with health disparities. MethodsThree virtual PUMP workshops were designed and delivered per admissions cycle for prepharmacy students who were applying to any school of pharmacy and self-identified as interested in serving underrepresented communities. Faculty, current pharmacy students, staff, and school leadership provided guidance and support on the application and interview process and how to select a program once offered admission. Data collection included the number of students who attended each workshop and were accepted to and matriculated at the school of pharmacy. Preworkshop and postworkshop surveys provided insight into communities that attendees were committed to serving, perceptions of the workshops, and intent to matriculate, if accepted. ResultsDuring the first three admissions cycles, 189 prepharmacy students participated in 8 PUMP workshops. A favorable trend was observed with an increased number of participants annually and an increased number of attendees who matriculated (an average of 34% over 3 cycles). Attendees were committed to addressing health disparities in various communities including but not limited to Southeast Asian; Latinx; Native American; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, or asexual; Black/African American; Refugee; and Pacific Islanders. Most attendees (96%) reported that attending PUMP workshop(s) positively changed their impression of the school. ConclusionA pilot prepharmacy mentorship program was developed and implemented. A growth in program participation and matriculation of students over 3 cycles who self-identified as committed to serving underrepresented communities was observed.

Assessment of Patient Safety Culture Amongst Pharmacy Staff of Selected Healthcare Facilities in Delta North, Nigeria

The strategy for improving patient safety in hospitals heavily relies on safety culture. The study aimed to evaluate patient safety cultures amongst pharmacy staffs of selected health facilities in Delta North, Delya State, Nigeria. Data on patient safety amongst 70 pharmacy personnel in two major secondary and 5 general health facilities across Delta North senatorial district, Delta State, were collected using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) tool. Information on communication openness, the frequency of documenting different types of mistakes, as well as the overall patient safety culture rating, was collected. Composite scores were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Measurement data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and compared using a student t-test. The results were considered significant at p<0.05. The mean scores of all the various composite item responses were calculated and grouped into positive and negative responses with a mean score of ≥4 and <4, respectively. The safety cultures of physical space and environment, staff training and skills, and communication openness had a good composite score of 4.0 – 4.1. The safety culture of procedures for communicating prescriptions across shifts was poorly rated, with composite scores of 3.8. The safety culture of patient counselling had the highest composite score of 4.3. The safety composites for documenting various shades of mistakes had a mean score of 3.5. Overall, 68.1% of the healthcare facilities were rated excellent, although there were some loopholes (documenting mistakes and poor communication across shifts) in the safety composite scores requiring areas for improvement.

The Proposed Model for Pharmacy Led Med-to-bed Discharge Service in Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: The pharmacy-led discharge medication delivery to bedside (Med-to-bed) service in a tertiary care Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) hospital aims to optimize medication management during patient transitions from admission to discharge, especially for those with chronic conditions. The service entails the direct delivery of discharge medications to patients at the pharmacy following their discharge from inpatient wards, accompanied by comprehensive medication counseling. The pharmacy-led Med-to-Bed service aims to reduce patient wait times and improve overall clinical outcomes. Methods: This article highlights common challenges in medication reconciliation and post-discharge prescription fulfillment, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and improved hospital adherence to ensure seamless care transitions. It also discusses future considerations for optimizing the Med-to-Bed service, including proposed pharmacy renovations, installing a dedicated robotic dispensing system, and providing private spaces for patient counseling during medication pickup. Additionally, the proposal suggests deploying more pharmacy staff to address delayed discharge orders and making systemic enhancements to the EHR system to streamline prescription pickup. Result: The successful implementation of the proposed pharmacy-led Med-to-Bed service demonstrates the efficacy of interdisciplinary collaboration among nurses, physicians, and pharmacists. Through this collaborative approach, the Med-to-Bed service has shown tangible improvements in operational efficiency and patient outcomes, underscoring its potential to transform healthcare delivery models. Conclusion: Overall, this proposed model provides valuable insights into the transformative impact of integrated care initiatives like the Med-to-bed service in tackling complex medication management and enhancing quality patient care in hospitals.