Professional Pharmacists Research Articles

Gambaran Perilaku Keluarga dalam Menyimpan dan Membuang Obat Antibiotik di Kecamatan Pariangan, Kabupaten Tanah Datar

Faktor resiko terjadinya insiden obat dapat berawal dari masalah cara mendapatkan, menggunakan, menyimpan dan membuang obat yang tidak tepat termasuk obat antibiotik. Masalah obat antibiotik telah menjadi persoalan global yang harus mendapatkan perhatian serius termasuk di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian untuk melihat gambaran perilaku keluarga dalam menyimpan dan membuang obat antibiotik di Kecamatan Pariangan, Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Penelitian deskriptif ini menggunakan desain cross sectional dengan teknik pengambilan sampel secara purposive sampling. Berdasarkan perhitungan jumlah sampel dengan menggunakan rumus Slovin, diperoleh sebanyak 100 keluarga di Kecamatan Pariangan, Kabupaten Tanah Datar yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan ekslusi. Penelitian ini menggunakan instrument berupa kuesioner yang telah memenuhi syarat uji validitas dan reliabelitas. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan SPSS. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perilaku keluarga dalam menyimpan dan membuang obat antibiotik termasuk dalam kategori cukup dengan nilai mean masing-masing 6,07 dan 6,90. Berdasarkan hasil uji korelasi dapat disimpulkan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan keluarga terhadap profesi apoteker dan obat antibiotik dengan perilaku keluarga dalam menyimpan dan membuang obat antibiotik yang ditunjukan dengan nilai r = 0,163.

Impact of a Film on Student Pharmacists’ Views on Quality of Life and Aging

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of film in providing health and quality-of-life experiences of aging to student pharmacists. Methods. Third professional year student pharmacists enrolled in an elective course in geriatric pharmacy were shown a made-for-television movie, To Dance With the White Dog, which portrays elderly people experiencing health and quality-of-life issues. The student pharmacists were surveyed before and after viewing. The survey contained Likert-scale items as well as open-ended directed reflection questions. Responses to pre- and post-intervention surveys were compared using descriptive statistics and the Student t test for paired data. Qualitative content analysis was used to evaluate the directed reflection data. Results. Of the 69 students surveyed, 97% completed the pre- and post-intervention survey instruments. Comparison of pre- and post-survey data revealed non-significant increases in the strength of student pharmacists' agreement with statements on film as a useful resource. Students' self-reported understanding of geriatric health and quality-of-life experiences improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Agreement that film was a valid alternative to a lecture decreased slightly on the post-intervention survey. Through qualitative analysis of student reflections on the film activity, the themes of meaningful experience, opportunity to consider an approach to practice, and opportunity to experience the patient perspectives of autonomy, death, self-image of aging, and medication burden were identified. Conclusion. In pharmacy education, the combination of viewing a film followed by class discussion and written reflection was perceived by student pharmacists as a valuable method of learning about age-related health and quality-of-life experiences.

Assistência farmacêutica no estoque domiciliar de medicamentos

Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência, fatores contribuintes e riscos associados à estocagem de medicamentos em domicílio, bem como configurar a importância da assistência farmacêutica nesse campo. Método: Revisão de literatura por meio da identificação de artigos publicados nas bases Scielo, Pubmed e Medline no período de 2007 e 2020, utilizando como descritores: ‘assistência farmacêutica’, ‘medicamentos’, ‘domiciliar’, ‘uso racional’, ‘automedicação’, ‘estocagem’, com inserção em estudos observacionais e artigos originais. Resultados: É comum a estocagem de medicamentos em domicilio, impondo-se a necessidade de guardá-los da forma segura. De acordo com os achados, os medicamentos estocados comumente são aqueles isentos de prescrição médicas utilizadas para o tratamento de febre, diarreia, vômitos e resfriados, de fácil aquisição, e sobras de tratamentos. Observou-se também na revisão realizada a elevada frequência de armazenamento inadequado (exposição à luz, calor e umidade) e de data de vencimento e número de lotes ilegíveis, onde estas condições favorecem o risco de intoxicações por ingestão excessiva, uso não indicado e interações medicamentosas. Conclusão: Foi notório que o armazenamento de medicamentos em domicílio configura-se como uma prática comum dentre a população mundial. Associa-se então esta prática ao uso irracional de medicamentos e a intoxicações por fármacos colocando a saúde das pessoas em risco. Ressalta-se, a importância determinante da atuação do profissional farmacêutico na atenção farmacêutica básica e da família, bem como em farmácias comunitárias para traçar estratégias que corroborem para a solução desta problemática.

Why we should create uniform pharmacy education requirements across different countries: A review of current requirements and the need for global regulator input

IntroductionCurrently, there is no globally agreed upon standard for pharmacist undergraduate education, continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing education (CE), although global frameworks are available. Supporting uniformity globally from an undergraduate degree to ongoing lifelong learning will be reviewed. The continuing need for regulator input will also be discussed. CommentaryAcross the globe, multiple degree pathways exist to enter the pharmacist profession. These include a bachelor of science, a masters, and an increasing number of doctor of pharmacy degrees. Various models exist for lifelong learning (CPD and CE) requirements. While frameworks exist for a global model, there is limited evidence of progress. ImplicationsThis is call for pharmacy regulators globally to work together to identify global standards, with clear measurable outcomes, to share best practice and provide consistent patient care globally.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Penggunaan Obat untuk Siswa Sekolah Dasar

Public understanding of the use of drugs that are not true can cause new health problems. This empowerment activity aims to increase people’s understanding on medicine. This activity was conducted at SD Muhammadiyah Demangan Yogyakarta. The activities were conducted in stages, including joint program planning, tutorials (lectures), practice of recognizing and understanding medicine, mentoring, and recitation on understanding medicine. The main topic of discussion is knowledge about medicine, then added knowledge about healthy snacks, vitamins and their benefits for the body, as well as the role of the pharmacist profession in pharmaceutical services. The results of this service show an increase in the understanding of elementary school students about the use of drugs, healthy snacks, vitamins and their functions for the body as well as knowledge related to the pharmacist profession. There were 26 students of the 30 students who participated in the drug use assistance whose posttest scores improved compared to the pretest scores.

Role of community pharmacists in educating asthmatic patients: A multi-centered cross-sectional study in Ethiopia.

Background:Effective asthma management requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes; the physician, the patient, and the patient’s family.Objectives:The current study aimed to assess the roles played by community pharmacists toward asthma control together with the barriers hindering their practice and possible strategies to overcome those barriers.Methods:A multi-centered cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previously conducted studies and customized to fit with the current study setup. The collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was conducted and the results were presented using frequency tables and graphs.Results:A total of 122 community pharmacy professionals; 63 from Gondar, 26 from Bahir Dar, 15 from Debre Markos, 14 from Woldia, and 4 from Debre birhan participated in the study. About 96 (78.7%) of the participants reported that they teach their patients the basic facts about asthma. More than two-thirds of the participants 85 (69.7%) also reported that they were able to identify and manage the triggering factors of asthma for their patients. Lack of pharmacist time was reported by 78 (63.9%) of the study participants as a major reason for the inadequacy of the counseling service provided.Conclusion:It appears evident that there is a need for continuing professional education and pharmacists to receive additional training to improve their ability to go beyond identifying a problem and suggesting therapeutic options.

Control of biological chemistry knowledge in the process of gaining the professional competences by future pharmacists

The main goal of training a professional pharmacist is to develop a system of professional skills and competencies that form the basis for future professional activities. Therefore, in order to raise the quality of specialist training, an important condition is to develop and improve the forms and methods of quality control of students' academic achievements. The article explores the didactic principles of knowledge quality control, highlights the methodological approaches in the control of students' academic achievements and principles of assessment of students’ knowledge and skills in discipline "Biological Chemistry", which are focused on the optimization of educational process and improvement of professional training of the specialists in the pharmaceutical industry. For sake of the unbiased assessment of students’ knowledge and skills, the complex and diverse methods of control should be used with an adequate and creative approach to their applications, depending on the didactic purpose, the content of the educational material, the level of students' competencies and their intellectual developments. In order to increase the efficiency of the educational process, more attention should be paid to internal monitoring at the level of the higher education institution.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout among a Sample of Pharmacists Employed in Pharmacies in Central Italy.

Burnout is defined as an occupational phenomenon linked to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed and included among the factors influencing health status or contact with health services. Although several studies were performed for assessing this phenomenon, there is a lack of data on the prevalence of burnout and associated predictors, due to different definitions of the syndrome and heterogeneity of assessment methods. One of the well-known evidences on burnout is related to the highest risk professions, which include policemen, firemen, teachers, psychologists, medical students, nurses, physicians, and other health professionals, such as pharmacists. Objective. The aims of the present study were to (1) assess the occurrence of burnout syndrome among a sample of pharmacists employed in public and private pharmacies located in Rome province (Latium Region; central Italy); (2) evaluate the role of some potential predictors for the development of the syndrome. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire elaborated ad hoc was administered online to 2,000 members of the Association of Professional Pharmacists of Rome and its province and employed in public or private pharmacies. The questionnaire included the 14-item Shirom–Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM) tool and questions on demographic characteristics and working conditions. Results. Physical exhaustion was the burnout dimension with the highest score; besides, approximately 11% of the studied pharmacists were categorized as having clinically relevant burnout levels (≥4.40). Several of the investigated variables significantly influenced the single burnout dimensions at the univariate analyses; multivariate analyses demonstrated that alcohol consumption and workplace location have a significant independent role on the overall SMBM index, while working time significantly influences clinically relevant burnout level. Conclusions. The results revealed that pharmacists are at risk of burnout, and thus, it is necessary to perform specific preventive intervention for managing this occupational threat.

PENGENALAN SEJAK DINI PROFESI APOTEKER MELALUI METODE STORYTELLING BERMUATAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER

Early childhood (2-6 years) is a golden age as well as an appropriate time to start character education and learn various skills that are useful for children as a foundation for higher skills in the future. The application of character education at that age will continue to imprint and underpin good character values that are beneficial to the child's future. TK Senyiur Indah is one of the educational institutions implementing character education through the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum. One of the themes raised in character education at TK Senyiur Indah is Work or Profession. However, the introduction of the health profession that was delivered at the time of learning activities at the Beautiful Senyiur Kindergarten was only limited to the profession of doctors and nurses. Students have not been introduced to the pharmacist profession. Whereas in fact, the pharmacist profession plays an important role in the success of health programs. The purpose of this service is to increase students' knowledge about the pharmacist profession through storytelling activities containing character education as an effort to improve health. The method used in this community service activity is the early introduction of the pharmacist profession, using the storytelling method using visual aids such as finger puppets, as well as games about the process of making drugs in the form of capsules. Solution to the agreement with partners can be seen through indicators of the success of this activity as measured by increasing the acquisition of pretest and posttest scores, which shows an increase in students' knowledge. The conclusion in this activity is the high enthusiasm of students so as to increase knowledge, skills, students in terms of medicine and the pharmacist profession so as to improve students' health.

Self-medication in pain management: The state of the art of pharmacists' role for optimal Over-The-Counter analgesic use.

Self-medication is associated with an important utilization of Over-The-Counter (OTC) analgesics. The medical outcome resulting from therapeutic options bypassing the physician prescription is a major issue. In that context, pharmacists are expected to play a crucial role. The main objective of this review was to analyse the state-of-the art of pharmacists' role in pain management self-medication. An expert multidisciplinary group dedicated to self-medication in pain was established. Selection of publications was performed from PubMedand EMBASE databases which was based on the use of "pain" and/or "self-medication" and/or "self-care" and/or "analgesics" and/or "painkillers" keywords, restricted to the past 10 years. A total of 480 papers were identified, 49 of which papers were considered relevant and finally kept for final discussion, on OTC pain management and pharmacist's role. Literature analysis demonstrates that OTC analgesics are generally safe when appropriately used. Risks associated with misuse or inappropriateness depend on patients' vulnerability (elderly, pregnancy) or behaviour. Social cognitive theory-based intervention and multimedia applications improve self-medication but do not replace health care professional advice Pharmacists' interventions may improve the benefits and safety of OTC analgesic medication, with a better management of pain. Considering the heterogeneity of patients' knowledge and behaviour reported worldwide, inappropriate use of OTC pain medication should not be underestimated. Community pharmacists are ideally placed to guide self-medication or recommend a medical advice when needed. Embedding pharmacists in primary care pain management is essential and pharmacist-led medication coupled with an appropriate training of pharmacy staffs should be encouraged. Analgesics are widely used without prescription, all over the world. They represent the largest market of OTC drugs, with an overall benefit/risk ratio favourable when appropriately used. Because of potential individual risks associated to the ailment or to the patient's behaviour, pharmacists' interventions have proven to optimize analgesic self-medication, provided that pharmacy staffs are both available and more specifically trained. In the future, in pain management, especially self-medication, pharmacists should play an increasing role and should be included in educational programmes and pain management guidelines.

Public Perception of the Range of Roles Played by Professional Pharmacists.

Background: Professional pharmacists should be directly involved in patient healthcare as members of therapeutic teams are not the only dispensers of medication. Public perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists is expressed through patients’ attitudes, trust, and expectations as health and illness consultants, or qualified retailers of medicines. This perception is influenced by numerous determinants, both health-related and social. Objective: This research intends to describe the range of social roles pharmacists play from the perspective of potential pharmacy customers/patients. Methods: The data presented in the article comes from cross-sectional survey-based research, undertaken in 2018, on a representative sample of 600 Polish adults. Results: Over-the-counter medication is purchased by almost all Polish adults, but they do not tend to ask for advice at pharmacies. Most respondents consider a pharmacist to be “a person qualified to sell medicines”, with some of the participants regarding pharmacists as “ordinary retailers”. A small number of respondents are interested in benefiting from pharmaceutical care, but the pharmacy is still perceived to be a point of purchase for medication. Conclusions: Respondents do not treat pharmacists as health advisors and reduce its role to that of dispensing medication. Sociodemographic variables have no significant effect on social perception of pharmacists.

A New Emerging Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Radiology Department- Reporting Errors and Clinical Intervention by Clinical Pharmacist

Radiology department will provide a variety of inpatient and outpatient services. These services use medical imaging such as radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound. Error in radiology department implies an incorrect interpretation of an imaging study. To improve safety, error-reporting strategies should include identifying errors, admitting mistakes, correcting unsafe conditions, and reporting systems improvements to stakeholders. Reducing errors will improve patient care, may reduce costs and will improve the image of the hospital. To identify reporting errors in CT, MRI and x ray in a tertiary care hospital and assess the role of clinical pharmacist in reducing the reporting errors. In this study patients who were referred to undergo CT scan, MRI and x ray were taken in to the study. Duration of study was 8 months. Patients reports were taken and reporting errors were noted in the respective data collection form reporting errors was identified and analyzed. In the present study very less error reports were identified which shows the regular monitoring of the clinical pharmacist, results in the accurate diagnosis of the patient and accurate treatment plan that reflects the health care practice in a hospital. Error in reports can cause wrong diagnosis and which may result in false treatment plan. So identification of errors in reports by the health care professional (pharmacist) at the basic level before going for final assessment of the condition may improve patient care, reduce healthcare cost and time for re do’s. This also creates a new task for the clinical pharmacist.

Funds Reimbursement of High-Cost Drugs in Gastrointestinal Oncology: An Italian Real Practice 1 Year Experience at the National Cancer Institute of Naples.

Introduction: The therapeutic scenario of Oncology is enriching of innovative agents which are determining an increase in public expenditure because of their high cost. In Italy, a web-based government Registry is used to monitor the clinical use of these drugs and, in later phases, to obtain funds reimbursement according to specific economic agreements with companies.Methods: A health policy expert Pharmacist was included in the multidisciplinary team of the Department of Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Naples “G. Pascale Foundation” in order to improve the management of the Registry for oncologic drugs monitoring. Pharmacist activities were: basal data registration, prescription appropriateness, drug request, response monitoring, toxicity reporting, follow-up, reimbursement request. These activities were conducted in strict interrelation with clinicians. The source of data were medical records and a web-based national reimbursement platform. The analysis of the economic impact of this strategy was descriptive and it was indicated as resources recovery comparing 2 years: 2015 vs. 2016. The currency reference used was the Euro (€).Results: A total of 932 patients were followed-up and registered, 365 treatments are ongoing at the Department of Abdominal Oncology (NCI of Naples, Italy). The most prescribed biologic drug in advanced gastrointestinal cancers was bevacizumab. Compared to the year 2015, in 2016 we recorded a strong increase of reimbursements: EUR 881.712,42 vs. EUR 214.554,98.Conclusions: We suggest that the reimbursement process can be improved when a health policy reimbursement professional Pharmacist is integrated in the multidisciplinary team along with clinicians.

Promotion of clinical pharmacy services and discipline construction based on the system of chief resident pharmacists

By referring to the management model of chief residents, the system of chief resident pharmacists is established to promote the training of clinical pharmacists and the construction of clinical pharmacy disciplines. Professional clinical pharmacists are elected to be the chief resident pharmacists, who are designated based on qualification for application, appointment procedures, scope of responsibilities and job description. The establishment and implementation of the chief resident pharmacist system plays a positive role on the team building of high-quality clinical pharmacists, accelerating the development of clinical pharmacy disciplines. It can serve as an important measure to further strengthening the construction of clinical pharmacists system. Key words: Pharmaceutical services; Chief resident; Clinical pharmacist; Chief resident pharmacist system

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО ПРОЦЕСУ ПРОВІЗОРІВ-ІНТЕРНІВ НА КАФЕДРІ ФАРМАЦІЇ НАВЧАЛЬНО-НАУКОВОГО ІНСТИТУТУ ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОЇ ОСВІТИ

Мета роботи – проаналізувати основні фактори, які впливають на організацію навчального процесу для провізорів-інтернів на кафедрі фармації ННІ ПО Тернопільського державного медичного університету імені І. Я. Горбачевського.
 Основна частина. Кафедра фармації Навчально-наукового інституту післядипломної освіти Тернопільського державного медичного університету імені І. Я. Горбачевського є базовою для навчання та підготовки в інтернатурі провізорів до самостійної та успішної роботи у фармацевтичній галузі, оснащена аудиторіями, науковою лабораторією та відповідними технічними засобами: комп’ютерами, відеосистемами, проектором, які використовуються для активних методів навчання.
 Колектив висококваліфікованих викладачів, із досвідом практичної роботи, відстежує важливі тенденції у вітчизняній та світовій фармації, впроваджує відповідні зміни у робочих програмах та доносить цю осучаснену інформацію до інтернів.
 При складанні навчально-методичних матеріалів дотримується концепція, згідно з якою фармацевт може покращити відповідальне вживання лікарських засобів, і, відповідно, потрібно розвивати такі навики для досягнення цієї мети, що є однією з рекомендацій FIP.
 Під час навчання в інтернатурі молоді спеціалісти засвоюють як основні фармацевтичні науки, так і основи застосування лікарських засобів у контексті фармацевтичної опіки. Після закінчення програми підготовки в інтернатурі провізори підлягають атестації для визначення рівня знань і практичних навичок.
 Висновок. Підготовка професійних кадрів, провізорів вимагає використання усіх наявних національних ресурсів та рекомендацій Міжнародної фармацевтичної федерації відповідно до міжнародних стандартів і національних інтересів, чим і керується у своїй роботі колектив кафедри фармації ННІ ПО Тернопільського державного медичного університету.

Implementation of a Proactive Pilot Health Plan-Driven Opioid Tapering Program to Decrease Chronic Opioid Use for Conditions of the Back and Spine in a Medicaid Population.

In 2016, the Oregon Health Authority and the Health Evidence Review Commission implemented guidance for Oregon Medicaid members who were taking opioids for chronic pain related to conditions of the back and spine. This guidance required that an individualized taper plan be developed and initiated by January 1, 2017, and a discontinuation date for all chronic opioid therapy of January 1, 2018. This program evaluated the effect of a proactive and voluntary health plan-driven opioid tapering program on morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) before the implementation of governmental guidance. Two mailings were sent to the providers of the targeted members with a variety of resources to facilitate an opioid taper. Pharmacy claims were analyzed to measure member opioid use, in the form of MEDD, after the provider outreach to be compared with their MEDDs before the outreach. A total of 113 members met the study inclusion criteria for the second provider outreach. Of the 19 members' providers who submitted responses via fax to the health plan in response to this outreach, 6 indicated they would initiate taper plans. Of the 6 members with taper plans, 5 had decreases in MEDD (3.6%, 4.5%, 42.9%, 45.5%, and 46.1%) after the 3-month data collection period, while the sixth member had no change in MEDD. Of the 113 members, 16 members (14.2%) had a decrease in MEDD; 23 members (20.4%) had no change in MEDD; and 72 members (63.7%) had an increase in MEDD. This study demonstrated that when a physician agrees to enroll patients in a health-plan driven clinical program it may result in decreased opioid use as referenced by MEDD. However, the results also showed the progressive nature of opioid use in this population. While these initial taper results were promising, a larger sample size and longer follow-up duration are needed to validate long-term adherence to an opioid tapering program and confirm that these results are attributable to the program and not other factors. This study was sponsored by Moda Health. Patel is employed by Moda Health; Page and Saliba were employed by Moda Health during this project; and Traver was employed by Moda Health during part of this project. Page is now employed by Oregon State University (during the writing of this manuscript) to support the College of Pharmacy's contract with the Oregon Health Authority to provide professional pharmacist support for the Oregon Medicaid program. All other authors have nothing to disclose. Study concept and design were contributed by Page and Traver, who also collected the data. Data interpretation was performed by Page and Patel. The manuscript was written by Page and revised by Page, Patel, and Saliba.

Design and Implementation of a Professional Development Course Series

Objective. To design and implement a longitudinal course series focused on professional development and professional identity formation in pharmacy students at Western New England University. Methods. A four-year, theme-based course series was designed to sequentially and longitudinally impart the values, attributes, and characteristics of a professional pharmacist. Requirements of the course include: goal planning and reflective assignments, submission of "Best Works," attendance at professional meetings, completion of service hours, annual completion of a Pharmacy Professionalism Instrument, attendance at Dean's Seminar, participation in roundtable discussions, and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Though the Professional Development course series carries no credit, these courses are progression requirements and students are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Results. Course pass rates in the 2015-2016 academic year for all four classes were 99% to 100%, suggesting the majority of students take professional development seriously and are achieving the intended outcomes of the courses. Conclusion. A professional development course series was designed and implemented in the new Doctor of Pharmacy program at Western New England University to enhance the professional identity formation of students.

Case-based studies in teaching medicinal chemistry in PharmD curriculum: Perspectives of students, faculty, and pharmacists from academia

Background and purposePharmacy practice has evolved tremendously over the years to meet the demands of the growing healthcare system. Foundational sciences like, medicinal chemistry can enhance the critical-thinking and therapeutic decision-making skills of today's professional pharmacists. The importance of medicinal chemistry for the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum has been discussed from the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and practicing clinical faculty whose focused practices vary from infectious diseases to geriatrics. Educational activity and settingAn Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved perception survey and a year-end course evaluation were given to the second and third professional year students. FindingsEighty-eight percent of the participating second-year students and 92% of the participating third-year students thought that the introduction of case studies in the medicinal chemistry curriculum enhanced their learning and appreciation for the subject. Discussion and summaryThe Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) exams, given at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy during the years of 2013–2015, were briefly discussed. Since the requirement to administer the PCOA went into effect in early 2016, the authors felt that not enough time existed to establish meaningful controls to conduct a correlation study with the student perspective survey results obtained and PCOA data provided in 2015. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of integrated approaches to pharmacy teaching at the University of Houston.

Educational outcomes associated with early immersion of second-year student pharmacists into direct patient care roles in health-system practice

Background and purposeTo assess the educational impact of engaging second professional year student pharmacists in active, direct patient care experiences in health system practice. Educational activity and settingStudent pharmacists in their second professional year completed a redesigned, skill-based four-week introductory pharmacy practice experience in health system practice. The immersion consisted of experiences in both operational and clinical pharmacy environments. Students were assessed with skill development checklist assessments. Pre-post surveys were also collected. Data were analyzed using a mixed methods approach. FindingsTwenty-eight student pharmacists were included; of those, 26 completed both surveys (92.9% response rate). Survey results revealed significant increases in 81.8% of operational and 100% of clinical self-efficacy statements (p<0.05) and positive perceptions of the program overall. Overall, findings suggested that student pharmacists developed skills in health system practice while identifying additional areas for emphasized learning. SummaryStudent pharmacists engaged in early, hands-on, direct patient care experiences enhanced their skill development in operational and clinical pharmacy practice.

Determinants of community pharmacists’ quality of care: a population-based cohort study using pharmacy administrative claims data

ObjectiveTo determine if a prototype pharmacists’ services evaluation programme that uses linked community pharmacy claims and health administrative data to measure pharmacists’ performance can be used to identify characteristics of...