Practices Of Community Pharmacists Research Articles

A National Survey of Community Pharmacists' Viewpoints About Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in Saudi Arabia.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists regarding pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists from different regions in Saudi Arabia was performed through convenience sampling between November 2020 and January 2021. The responses were received from 1,172 community pharmacists. Most respondents (86.7%) were familiar with the National Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Center, and 830 (70.8%) knew about the ADR reporting form. The majority (94%) of the respondents agreed with the importance of reporting ADRs for patient care and national health. Although 92.2% of the participants asked their patients about ADRs, 90.2% agreed that more training programs are required to be organized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for healthcare professionals on the ADR detection and reporting system. Analgesic agents were the most common drug category for which ADRs were reported (67.4%). The majority (92.1%) of ADRs reportedly occurred in patients with chronic diseases. The study concluded that most community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia are knowledgeable and have good attitudes and practices regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacist towards COVID-19 and uses of zinc and doxycycline in COVID-19

The public must routinely practice precautionary behaviors to control the spread of COVID-19, as no vaccines and antiviral treatments are currently available. This paper examines the public’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 and their relationships and identified the pandemic’s vulnerable populations to provide recommendations for behavioral interventions and policies. To Determine the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists towards COVID- 19 and use of Zinc and Doxycycline in COVID-19 and the objective is to understand the knowledge of community pharmacist regarding use of zinc and Doxycycline in COVID-19. This is the cross sectional study conducted among the Community Pharmacists in and around Avadi, Chennai. This study assess the knowledge attitude and perception of community pharmacist regarding Zinc and Doxycycline use in COVID- 19, In comparison of individual KAP of community pharmacist with their work experience there was no significant difference with respect to their work experience all showed a good knowledge, positive attitude and positive perception regarding the use of Zinc and Doxycycline in COVID- 19, the value are 0.3 for knowledge, 0.5 for attitude and 0.3 for perception.

North Carolina community pharmacists’ buprenorphine dispensing practices and attitudes

BackgroundMany barriers, including stocking behaviors and pharmacist attitudes, can limit access to buprenorphine in pharmacy settings. ObjectivesTo assess North Carolina (NC) pharmacists’ (1) buprenorphine stocking behaviors, (2) awareness and interpretation of federal and state policy regarding buprenorphine, (3) perceptions about changes in buprenorphine demand, and (4) reasons for not dispensing buprenorphine, including attitudes. MethodsA convenience sample of currently practicing community pharmacists was recruited to participate in a 10-minute online survey. The survey included demographic questions and assessed pharmacists’ buprenorphine ordering, stocking, and dispensing behaviors. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regressions examined associations with whether pharmacists (1) had ever refused to fill a buprenorphine prescription and (2) perceived buprenorphine dispensing limits. ResultsThe majority (96%) of respondents (n = 646, completion rate = 5.5%) kept buprenorphine in stock regularly or ordered it as needed, with generic formulations being stocked most often. Many pharmacists (62%) had refused to fill a buprenorphine prescription. Pharmacists with more negative buprenorphine attitudes were more likely to refuse to fill a buprenorphine prescription. Many pharmacists (31%) believed there were buprenorphine ordering limits, with wholesalers most commonly being perceived as the source. Pharmacists with more negative buprenorphine attitudes were more likely to perceive buprenorphine ordering limits, while pharmacists who worked at national chain, grocery or regional chains, and other pharmacy types were less likely to perceive ordering limits than independent pharmacies. ConclusionAlthough most pharmacies stocked buprenorphine products, pharmacists’ refusal to dispense and perceived ordering limits could limit patient access. Refusal and perceived ordering limits were associated with pharmacist attitudes and pharmacy type. Training that addresses logistical and attitudinal barriers to dispensing buprenorphine may equip pharmacists to address buprenorphine access barriers.

Community pharmacy professionals\u2019 practice in responding to minor symptoms experienced by pregnant women in Ethiopia: results from sequential mixed methods

BackgroundIn countries with limited access to healthcare services, community pharmacists’ management of minor symptoms experienced by pregnant women could be beneficial in terms of alleviating the burden of other health professionals and cost of services. However, evidence is limited regarding the practice of community pharmacy professionals in responding to minor pregnancy-related symptoms more generally, particularly in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate actual and self-reported practice of community pharmacists in the management of minor symptoms during pregnancy in Ethiopia.MethodsA sequential mixed method study using self-reported survey from 238 community pharmacists followed by 66 simulated client visits was conducted from March to July 2020 in six towns of the Amhara regional state in Ethiopia. Independent samples t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance was used to test the mean difference of practice score among subgroups of study participants.ResultsThe self-reported survey showed that most community pharmacist would ‘always’ gather most symptom-related information particularly about ‘duration of symptoms,’ ‘frequency of symptoms,’ and ‘gestational age’ and provide medication-related information on ‘how to use the medication’ and ‘duration of use.’ The highest mean practice scores were observed in relation to information gathering about ‘gestational age’ and information provision on ‘how to use the medication.’ In contrast, the lowest mean practice scores were observed in relation to information gathering about ‘weight of the woman’ and information provision on ‘dosage form.’However, the actual practice, as revealed by the simulated client visits, demonstrated that most community pharmacists would rarely gather symptom-related information nor provide medication-related information. In addition, dispensing of non-prescribed medications to pregnant women was also common. The extent of self-reported practice differed among subgroups of study participants.ConclusionsThis study highlights extent of practice of community pharmacy professionals during the management of minor symptoms in pregnancy in Ethiopia. Discrepancies of results between self-reported and actual practices of community pharmacy professionals were observed. The inadequate actual practice of symptom-related information gathering and medication-related information provisions needs considerations of implementing interventions to minimize potential harms.

Community Pharmacists' Attitude and Practice in Providing Personal Care Products Services: A Comparison between Southern and Eastern Regions of Saudi Arabia

Background: Cosmetics and Personal care products are substances used to improve human appearance. Community pharmacists play essential roles in dispensing and counseling. Objective: The study aimed to compare the attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in the Southern and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia regarding personal care products services. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2019 and March 2020. Community pharmacists from the Southern and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia responded to an online survey. Results: Two hundred and two community pharmacists from the Southern and one hundred and six from the Eastern regions have completed the questionnaire. Most of the respondents in both areas were males (96% & 99%, respectively). Most of them were aged between 23 and 35 years old (91% & 83%, respectively). The number of non-Saudi pharmacists was slightly higher in the Eastern region (97%) is compared with the Southern part (91%). The responses of pharmacists from the two areas were comparable. More than (40%) of participating pharmacists in both regions have six to ten years of experience. More than (98%) communicate directly with customers. More than half of pharmacists serve approximately one hundred customers daily (51.89 in eastern and 57.92 in southern). Pharmacists from Eastern regions spend more time counseling than their counterparts. They were more likely to agree that their customers were willing to listen to counseling about their products. However, a higher proportion of them reported workload as a barrier for counseling (34.9% versus 23.76%). Most pharmacists from both regions strongly agree that they must keep developing their communication skills with customers/patients. Conclusion: Community pharmacists in both Eastern and Southern regions have comparable good practices about personal care products. It is essential to continue the development of both educational and communication methods.

Evaluation of Current Community Pharmacist Practice in Saudi Arabia-A Cross-Sectional Study from Pharmacists' Perspective (Part II).

This study aimed to evaluate the current practice of community pharmacists from patients’ and pharmacists’ perspectives in Saudi Arabia. This paper presents the pharmacist’s perspective. A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was designed to collect responses from community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia from February to April 2021. The questionnaire consisted of several statements related to best practice in community pharmacy. Pharmacists’ responses to each statement were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores represented a greater extent to which they adhered to best practice in the community pharmacy setting and vice versa. Data of 164 participants were included in the analysis. The minimum median score was related to the statement: Pharmacist explains the main side effects. The maximum median score was related to the statement: Pharmacist explains dosage regimen. Pharmacists aged 30 years or above and non-Saudi pharmacists had significantly higher median scores compared with pharmacists less than 30 years of age (p = 0.016) and Saudi pharmacists, respectively (p = 0.001). A gap between best practice and current practice of community pharmacists was observed. Policymakers can utilize these findings to provide targeted professional development opportunities for the practicing community pharmacists in order to improve the overall service and care for patients.

Practices of community pharmacists toward antimicrobials use and the application of antimicrobial stewardship

Antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens and prescribing patterns in hospital- and community-acquired urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospitalAchukutty Tomy, Aravind Hareendran, Emil David, Ravina Ravi, Lakshmi Ramachandran, Appu Thomas

Antimicrobial Resistance and Community Pharmacists' Perspective in Thailand: A Mixed Methods Survey Using Appreciative Inquiry Theory.

Global action plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are the subject of ongoing discussion between experts. Community pharmacists have a professional responsibility to tackle AMR. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of antibiotic resistance and attitudes to promoting Antibiotic Smart Use (ASU) amongst part and full-time practicing community pharmacists across Thailand. An online mixed-method survey applying Appreciative Inquiry theory was validated and conducted in 2020. Non-probability sampling was used, with online survey dissemination via social networks. A total of 387 community pharmacists located in 59 out 77 provinces seemed knowledgeable about antimicrobial resistance (mean score = 82.69%) and had acceptable attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing practices and antimicrobial stewardship (mean score = 73.12%). Less than 13% of pharmacists had postgraduate degrees. Postgraduate education, training clerkship, preceptors, and antibiotic stewardship training positively affected their attitudes. The community pharmacists proposed solutions based on the Appreciative Inquiry theory to promote ASU practices. Among these were educational programmes consisting of professional conduct, social responsibility and business administration knowledge, up-to-date legislation, and substitutional strategies to compensate business income losses.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of community pharmacists towards allergic rhinitis and its management in Khartoum state: A cross-sectional survey

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder that in recent decades has increased in prevalence. Pharmacists are typically the first-line contact since many drugs are available over the counter. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of community pharmacists towards allergic rhinitis and its management in Khartoum state.A cross-sectional study was conducted applying a validated self-administered questionnaire. The awareness and attitude were assessed statistically, and the association between those and different demographic characteristics was calculated. A total of 330 participants have enrolled in the study. The response rate was 100%, with the majority of the respondents were females 200 (60.6%). More than half 196(59.4%) were in the age group 25–30 years. A great percentage of the pharmacists (40%) were not aware of the definition and concept of AR, and some of them (6.7%) confuse it with the definition of asthma. Pharmacists show a poor level of knowledge in terms of symptoms of AR, classification, properties of different classifications of AR, pregnancy categories of medications used in the management of AR, appropriate inhaler technique usage, and different classes of medications. More than half of pharmacists show a poor attitude about their role in the counseling, management of AR, and inhalation device education. The findings of the study reflect that attention and concentrated efforts are required on the education and increasing knowledge of pharmacists towards AR.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists in Oral Contraceptives, Counseling and Dispensing in Tehran, Iran

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists in Oral Contraceptives, Counseling and Dispensing in Tehran, Iran

The pharmacist as entrepreneur: Whether, how, and when to educate?

IntroductionPolicy and funding changes are transforming how community pharmacists deliver services, with a level of entrepreneurship required to fulfil their dual roles as retailers and health care professionals. This study explored pharmacists' own entrepreneurship skill development, their views on the need for entrepreneurship training, and how and when this should be delivered. MethodsQualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 New Zealand practising community pharmacists and key pharmacy sector stakeholders known for having an entrepreneurial mindset. ResultsThematic analysis revealed five broad themes in relation to the study aim. Pharmacists had gained skills in entrepreneurship via training and education in a range of settings, including ‘on the job’. While views were divided regarding the feasibility of training individuals to be entrepreneurs, most felt that some form of training was required to address shortfalls in the current workforce. There was support for this being delivered as part of the undergraduate pharmacy degree, although some felt that clinical learning should remain the core focus at this level. There were also mixed views regarding the timing of education in entrepreneurship. ConclusionsThis study adds to the literature addressing the pharmacists view of when and by whom education in entrepreneurship should be delivered. The divergence of opinion has implications for educational leaders, policymakers and practitioners. Findings highlight the important role of education and training in developing pharmacists with entrepreneurship skills. However, the format of this in terms of delivery, timing, appropriate training providers, and training content, needs to be better understood.

Nature and extent of counseling practice in community pharmacies in Sulaimani city, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Community pharmacists play an important role in the best use of drugs and in improving patient outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that pharmacists' counseling improves the quality of life, clinical outcomes, and drug and disease knowledge and reduces the utilization of health services. This study aimed to investigate the nature and extent of counseling practices of community pharmacists in community pharmacies in Sulaimani region of Kurdistan, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in community pharmacies in Sulaimani city, in a one-month duration from November to December 2020. The sample size was 100 community pharmacies, which were selected randomly. The data were stored and analyzed using Excel 2016 and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: According to the completed questionnaires, about 78.8% of pharmacists would do counseling spontaneously each time they dispense any drug. Only 61% of the pharmacists would ask the patients if they understood what was said during their communication to assess the understanding of advice given to their patients. The most common barrier observed during patient counseling was the patient's lack of time. Conclusion: This study indicates that community pharmacists counsel the patients in an appropriate way. They provide information orally and in written form. However, further research is needed to evaluate the quality of patient counseling by using different methods like pseudo-patient methodology to gain real counseling data. Keywords: Counselling; Community pharmacist; Community pharmacy; Counselling barriers.

Dispensing Practices for Weight Management Products in Eastern Saudi Arabia: A Survey of Community Pharmacists.

Due to changing lifestyles and socioeconomic status, obesity prevalence has been rising in Saudi Arabia, and community pharmacists often counsel patients about its management. The study aimed to evaluate practices of community pharmacists involved in dispensing products for weight control in four cities located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving community pharmacists in Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar, and Al-Ahsa, using a Likert format questionnaire. Only those who consented to participate were handed the questionnaire. A total of 100 complete responses were analyzed. The median value for packs sold per month for tea containing products Al-Diafa Slimming Tea, Jamue Tea, and Green Tea was ≥6 while the same for orlistat and apple cider vinegar were ≤4. Moreover, >50% of pharmacists mentioned that orlistat and apple cider vinegar were effective while ≥35% mentioned that metformin and Jamue tea were effective. Furthermore, ≥25% mentioned that green tea and Al-Diafa slimming tea were effective. Excluding orlistat, >50% of pharmacists did not know about adverse effects for other products. The rate of dispensing of several weight loss products was significant for participants’ background characteristics, such as time duration of consultation, gender, and age of patients, and pharmacist work experience (p < 0.05). The tea products and orlistat were the most frequently sold products, and community pharmacists appeared most knowledgeable about the effectiveness and adverse effect of orlistat. The pharmacists seemed to be aware about the effectiveness of other weight loss products; however, their knowledge about their potential adverse effects was unsatisfactory.

Community pharmacist engagement in HIV and HCV prevention: Current practices and potential for service uptake

BackgroundThe central Appalachian region is at an elevated risk for HIV/HCV outbreaks, primarily due to injection drug use. Regional risk assessments highlight gaps in the evidence-based continuum of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies to minimize HIV/HCV transmission. One potential strategy for increasing the reach of HIV/HCV prevention efforts in rural areas is through provision of services at community pharmacies. ObjectiveTo qualitatively describe community pharmacists' HIV/HCV-related prevention behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs in a 3-state central Appalachian region. MethodsKey informant interviews were conducted with 15 practicing community pharmacists. Theory of Planned Behavior-based questions probed for perceptions about the role of pharmacies in preventing and reducing HIV/HCV outbreaks in rural areas through activities such as syringe services, screening for HIV/HCV, and linking people to treatment when appropriate. Investigators applied thematic analysis to deductively and inductively generate themes from the interview transcripts. ResultsTwo overarching themes regarding pharmacist engagement in HIV/HCV-related prevention services were generated: 1) current approaches to primary prevention through nonprescription syringe sales (e.g., gatekeeping behaviors) and 2) potential for uptake of the continuum of HIV/HCV-related prevention services in community pharmacies. Future engagement of community pharmacists in the continuum of HIV/HCV-related prevention services comprised 2 subthemes as possible underlying factors: general and specific willingness to provide services and perceived fit within the pharmacy profession. ConclusionsCentral Appalachian community pharmacists express a general willingness to help patients who may benefit from HIV/HCV-related prevention services, but current engagement, willingness, and perceived fit for offering specific prevention services in the community pharmacy setting is variable. This has potential immediate implications, such as prioritizing the introduction of more widely accepted services (e.g., provision of HIV/HCV-related prevention education) to community pharmacy practice, and longer-term implications, such as the integration and framing of HIV/HCV-related prevention services as helping behavior within the pharmacist professional identity.

Community pharmacists' preparedness for substituting biologics and dispensing biosimilars – Lessons learned from a multinational survey

Interchangeability between biological medicines and biosimilars, and subsequent substitution by pharmacists represent an important opportunity for costs savings for health care systems. Because biological medicines are complex products, the expert role of the pharmacist to inform patients and support physicians is indispensable. However, regulations on substitution of biosimilars differ around the globe, such that a substitution that is allowed in one country may be forbidden in another. Overall, pharmacists' knowledge of biosimilar medicines is incomplete and hesitancy to engage in substitutions is perceptible. As counter-balancing remedy, continued education about biosimilars is needed among practicing community pharmacists.

Usefulness and effectiveness of community pharmacists-led mobile phone communication in identification and referral of presumptive tuberculosis cases in a selected district of Tamil Nadu

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists’ usually are not able to be actively involved in the identification and referral of presumptive TB cases approaching their pharmacy for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The main barriers from their perspective were increased patient volume and work burden. Therefore, a new methodology was adopted by appointing an auxiliary pharmacist who will be actively involved in the identification and referral of presumptive TB cases. The present study aimed to assess the usefulness and effectiveness of community pharmacists-led mobile phone communication in identification and referral of presumptive tuberculosis cases in a selected district of Tamil Nadu. MethodsA community intervention trial with pre and post-test comparison study was conducted among the community pharmacists in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Knowledge about TB and referral practice of community pharmacists were captured and the same were taught to them. Details of the cases with the complaints of TB who came to the enrolled pharmacists for OTC drugs during the intervention period were collected by the community pharmacists and given to auxiliary pharmacist through WhatsApp. Auxiliary pharmacist called each patient and educated about TB and followed the patients. ResultsA total of 191 pharmacists were included in the study. 389 patients who approached pharmacy for OTC medications were suspected as TB by the community pharmacists based on their symptoms. 32 patients were not willing to give their details, while the details of others were collected by the community pharmacists and forwarded to auxiliary pharmacist through WhatsApp. 217 patients responded to phone calls made by the auxiliary pharmacist. Of them, 189 patients’ health conditions were improved, while 28 patients suffered with symptoms and they had visited PHC and 2 patients were diagnosed as TB by clinician. ConclusionUse of auxiliary pharmacist in collaboration with community pharmacists through phone communication is a useful and comfortable mode of collection of presumptive TB cases from the community pharmacies. Similarly, health education and follow-up of the presumptive cases via phone call is an effective way in the identification and referral of presumptive tuberculosis cases.

ANTIBIOTICS IN THE HANDS OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS: A PROSPECTIVE AVENUE FOR COMMUNITY BASED ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is high on the agenda of global health organizations with an increasing interest in community-based AMS initiatives, as this is where the majority of antibiotic use occurs. This study sought to evaluate the practice of community pharmacists toward antibiotic use and the likely need for AMS. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among registered community pharmacists in Benin City, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. All study participants were duly informed on study objectives and informed consent was sought. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Of the 101 pharmacists who participated in the study, 92 (91.1%) dispensed antibiotics without prescription. The most prescribed antibiotic is Ciprofloxacin 59(58.42%), followed by Amoxicillin 42 (41.58%) and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid 41 (40.59%). Ninety-six (95%) of the pharmacists use antibiotics agents as an adjunct in Typhoid fever treatment, and 78(77.2%) of them use it as an adjunct in Malaria treatment. Cost 32 (31.68%) is the most common reason for dispensing antibiotics without laboratory investigation and physician’s consultation. Most (93.1%) pharmacists agree that they need training on antimicrobial stewardship practice. The antibiotic prescription pattern among community pharmacists was high, the possibility of antibiotic misuse in the hands of community pharmacists without appropriate guidelines cannot be overlooked. This emphasizes the need for the inclusion of community pharmacies in antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Pharmacists on Antibiotic Resistance and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Antimicrobial/Antibiotic Resistance (AMR) is among the major threats to global health. Due to limited information on the subject matter in Zambia, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of community pharmacists on AMR and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS). Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 144 randomly selected community pharmacists through a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 at a 95% confidence level. The Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors of community pharmacists and their knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. Results: A response rate of 91% (n = 144) was achieved. Interestingly, 93.8% had good knowledge while 67% had positive attitudes regarding AMR and AMS. Conversely, 75% of the community pharmacists demonstrated poor practices towards AMR and AMS. The majority of the CPs 69.4% agreed that antibiotic resistance is a public health problem. The majority of the CPs 57.6% agreed that the appropriate use of antibiotics improves patient care and outcome. Of concern, (32.6%) of CPs rarely collaborated with other healthcare workers in activities that promote infection control and AMS. Also, the majority of the CPs did not take part in antibiotic awareness campaigns nor educate the public on antibiotic use and over 80% of CPs regularly issued antibiotics without a prescription. Conclusions: Even though community pharmacists had good knowledge and positive attitudes, they demonstrated poor practices that require quick educational interventions. As most CPs issue antibiotics without a prescription, this should be highlighted as a major policy issue on AMR and should be addressed by the Government. There is a need to promote AMS sensitization programmes among community pharmacists.

The relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists regarding persons with substance use disorders

Background: Community pharmacists can play a meaningful role in identification and treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). However, inadequate disease knowledge and negative attitudes are known barriers. The relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practice of pharmacists regarding persons with SUD has not been evaluated comprehensively in the United States. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of community pharmacists regarding medications for SUD and evaluate their attitudes, levels of stigma, and clinical practices in SUD. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess practices, knowledge, screening services, and attitudes toward harm reduction strategies and treatment. A standardized measure of stigma was included along with demographics. A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia among a non-probability sample of community pharmacists working for a retail pharmacy chain (n = 910) and a local alumni network (n = 50). Scores were calculated for each factor and descriptive analyses, mean differences (t-tests and ANOVA), correlations with demographics and practice characteristics were performed. Linear and ordinal regressions were utilized to predict knowledge, practice, screening, and stigma scores. Results: A total of 134 responses (response rate 13.9%) were collected. On average, the pharmacists were 38 years old, had worked for 15 years, primarily full-time with practice locations in suburban settings. Only 53% reported they received SUD education in pharmacy school. Pharmacists received a mean score of 5.5 and 3.5 out of eight and seven on knowledge and practice scales, respectively. Pharmacists overall had slightly stigmatizing and negative attitudes, with higher stigma significantly related to performing lesser services and considering screenings as important. Number of years worked significantly predicted knowledge and screening. Conclusion: Relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices indicate a need for experiential education that includes psychosocial aspects of care with increased opportunities for practice.

Pharmacist Views Regarding the Prescription Opioid Epidemic

Background Community pharmacists have significant opportunity to contribute to prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders, but barriers to implementation still exist. Understanding their viewpoints is critical to designing future interventions. Objective To qualitatively explore experiences and beliefs of community pharmacists regarding the misuse of prescription opioids in the United States. Methods The study was part of a larger project that utilized a survey questionnaire to evaluate the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists in substance use disorders. The survey included an open-ended item on pharmacist views regarding the prescription opioid epidemic. The responses were used for inductive content analysis. Axial coding of themes was conducted to analyze underlying relationships: associations, consequences, intervening relationships, and action strategies regarding a central phenomenon. A model describing pharmacist experiences in the opioid epidemic was conceptualized. Results The open-ended question resulted in 50 (37.3%) usable responses. Final abstraction resulted in six themes including (1) overprescribing opioids: inappropriate prescribing as a contributor to the epidemic, (2) policy and practice recommendations: potential action strategies against the epidemic, (3) poor prescriber-pharmacist relationship: barrier to addressing the epidemic, (4) negative attitudes: intervening condition affecting roles of the pharmacist, (5) personal experience: facilitator to improve pharmacist roles and (6) decreased access to opioids: consequence of strict prescribing laws. Conclusion The study identified themes that described pharmacist views, attitudes, barriers, and experiences related to their perceived role in prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders. Future research should consider the implications of the barriers and facilitators identified.