Skills Of Pharmacists Research Articles

Striving for interrater reliability with a patient counseling assessment rubric: Lessons learned

BackgroundProviding effective patient counseling is an essential pharmacist skill to ensure patients understand how to take medications, prevent medication-related errors, and meet requirements of federal law. This study sought to develop a new patient counseling assessment rubric to minimize interrater variability, deliver a consistent summative competency assessment, and provide students with formative, actionable feedback. ImpactA first attempt to achieve statistically significant interrater reliability was not successful due to incorporation of too many variables into study design and the subjective nature of patient counseling. After reducing study variables (number of different medications, number of evaluators, and number of videos) and consulting a statistician, a second attempt was made to analyze interrater reliability for the rubric. However, even with variables minimized, this attempt did not lead to statistically significant agreement. RecommendationsThe faculty team identified four recommendations (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990): conduct a norming session for graders prior to the assessment (Rantucci, 2006), conduct a post-hoc analysis after grading to reduce interrater variability and increase consistency (Taitel et al., 2012), simplify the rubric to reduce subjectivity and clarify the intent of rubric elements, and (Saranagam et al., 2013) rubrics can be utilized differently in separate courses to target specific learning objectives. DiscussionAlthough the goal of creating a rubric with statistically significant interrater reliability was not achieved, we did learn important lessons about evaluating student pharmacist performance with less subjectivity and more consistency. The authors hope the results and lessons learned will be valuable to our colleagues at other institutions as patient counseling content and rubrics are developed.

Assessment of community pharmacist's knowledge and skills about appropriate inhaler technique demonstration in Khartoum locality: A cross-sectional study

Background: Inhalation represents the best choice of administration for the delivery of drugs to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma. Thus, the correct inhaler technique is required to ensure optimal clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life. Community pharmacists are responsible for counseling patients and their knowledge and skills of inhalers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of community pharmacists in demonstrating different inhalation device techniques in Khartoum locality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study concerning Khartoum locality pharmacies using a mystery patient method. The data were collected using a checklist for each device, which was filled by the investigator after visiting the pharmacy, and then the data were analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: The study covered 232 pharmacies. Most of the pharmacists get the score of an adequate level of knowledge and skills; the percentage levels for each device were as 58.2%, 65.7%, and 58.8% for pressurized metered-dose inhaler (Ventolin®), dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler™, Symbicort®), and dry powder inhaler (Diskus™, Seretide®), respectively. However, some of the pharmacists get the score of “don't know.” Although most pharmacists achieve an adequate score, they were varying in percentage when demonstrating critical steps for each device. Conclusion: The community pharmacists who are expected to educate asthmatic patients on how to deal with their inhaler's devices scored an adequate level of knowledge and skill on demonstrating different inhaler's device, so an extra effort should be made to level them up in that area through regular training programs.

EXPERIENCE IN THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS IN THE SIMULATION CENTER “EDUCATIONAL PHARMACY"

The results of the development of the layout, equipping with special technological equipment and the experience of the production of the technological department of the simulation center Educational Pharmacy are presented. This department allows you to form in the learning process and evaluate during the accreditation process the professional skills of pharmacists in the pharmaceutical manufacture and in the organization of the technological process.

Use of secret simulated patient followed by workshop based education to assess and improve inhaler counseling in community pharmacy in Jordan.

Objectives:To assess inhaler technique demonstration skills of community pharmacists located in Amman, Jordan via incorporating the trained secret simulated patient (SSP) approach. Secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-hour educational workshop focused on SSP feedback.Methods:This cross-sectional study involved community pharmacies located in Amman, Jordan. Initially, a trained SSP was involved to enact baseline visits requesting advice on how to use Ventolin® (a pressurized metered-dose inhaler; pMDI) and Pulmicort® (a Turbohaler inhaler, TH). Immediately after each visit, the SSP completed an inhaler technique evaluation form with inhaler checklists based on previously published checklists (consisting of 9 and 10 items for pMDI and TH respectively). The SSP invited all participating pharmacists to a 2-hour workshop that included feedback on their demonstration skills, and the second evaluation of their inhaler technique. The workshop included a summary of the initial visits’ results highlighting pharmacists’ performance.Results:Sixty pharmacies were visited and 120 inhaler assessments were completed. During baseline assessment, pharmacists scored an average of 4.5 out of 9 for pMDI and 4.9 out of 10 for TH. Only 11 pharmacists (18.3%) attended the workshop. During the workshop, inhaler technique demonstration skills significantly improved, as scores improved from 5.4 (SD 1.6) to 7.8 (SD 0.9) (p=0.008) and from 4.6 (SD 2.5) to 9.9 (SD 0.6) (p=0.003) for pMDI and TH respectively.Conclusions:The SSP approach revealed a lack of ability to demonstrate correct inhaler technique for pMDI and TH inhalers by community pharmacists in Amman, Jordan. A focused educational workshop based on SSP feedback improved inhaler technique significantly.

Considerations for the incorporation of mindfulness into pharmacy education

IntroductionA range of approaches are needed to bolster the mental health and well-being of pharmacists and student pharmacists. CommentaryIn recent years, medical and nursing educators have been training students to use mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) techniques such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for mental health, wellness, and greater attention and presence. MOM training should be considered for incorporation into pharmacy education. Mindfulness can be included in the pharmacy curriculum in a variety of ways. These include introducing students to the topic didactically, encouraging and facilitating students to take an MBSR course, workshop, or online self-study, and integrating mindfulness through mindful moments during critical educational activities like product verification and communication assessments. ImplicationsMindfulness may be a valuable skill for student pharmacists, thus we encourage schools to expose students to the concepts of mindfulness and MOM techniques like MBSR. Additionally, more robust and rigorous research is needed to better understand the effects of MOM in different settings and contexts.

‘Both useful in their own way’: Video podcasts and typed solutions as feedback on undergraduate pharmaceutical calculations skills assessment

IntroductionAccurately completing pharmaceutical calculations is a core professional skill for pharmacists. To date, few studies have focused on to providing feedback on calculations, or the role of technology in feedback provision. This study aimed to develop a theory-informed video podcast-based method of providing formative feedback and evaluate student perceptions. MethodsFirst-year pharmacy students (n = 53) completed a formative pharmaceutical calculations assessment. Two forms of feedback were designed and evaluated; typed solutions (traditional format commonly used/seen in textbooks) and video podcasts informed by instructional design theory (novel format). ResultsA survey was completed by 70% (37/53) of students. Specific features of video podcasts reported useful included hearing reasoning, and the ability to pause and rewind. Most (76%) reported positive attitudes towards video podcasts, considered them useful (75%) and helpful for learning (79%). A comparable number (76% and 71% respectively) felt positively about typed solutions. The majority (51%) preferred to receive both types rather than podcasts alone (24%), or typed solutions alone (8%). Free-text responses indicated both were used in different ways; typed solutions for quick verification and video podcasts for clarification. ConclusionsVideo podcasts appear to be a potentially helpful additional method of delivering feedback that afford specific advantages. They can be readily developed by faculty with minimal expense/difficulty. However, as respondents indicated that they used both kinds of feedback in different ways to support their learning, and indicated a preference to receive both types, they should be considered an addition rather than replacement for typed solutions.

Perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists towards patient counseling and continuing pharmacy education programs in Iraq

The pharmacist's role in the community is currently directed towards providing drug information and patient care rather than drug compounding and dispensing. Patient counseling is an essential skill for pharmacists. So as to improve the pharmacist role in the community and enhance the patient's education and counseling skills, many continuing education programs are established. The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and tendency of community pharmacists in Iraq regarding patients counseling and continuing pharmacists’ educational programs.

The role of a pharmacist as a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry

IntroductionThe literature has limited information on pharmacists working in the alternate career path of a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this study was to gather the background, functions, and skills of pharmacists working in the role of a medical information specialist (MIS) and their preparation for the role through their pharmacy education. MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to medical information departments and obtained information on educational background, prior job experience, and skills required for the MIS role. The survey also asked for suggestions on how pharmacy schools can prepare students for this role. ResultsThe survey was sent to 40 medical information departments from September to December 2017 and a total of 33 pharmacists responded. Approximately half of the responders did not complete post graduate training. The role of a MIS includes answering medical information questions and collecting adverse events and product complaints. Skills rated as important to the role as a MIS were communication skills, medical writing, and literature evaluation. Four pharmacists thought their pharmacy education definitely prepared them for role in medical information. The pharmacists suggested pharmacy curriculum focus more on drug information skills, structure of the pharmaceutical industry, and providing opportunities to improve emotional intelligence and critical thinking. ConclusionThe information collected in this survey can provide valuable insight for students interested in this career path. In addition, pharmacy schools may include more opportunities during the didactic and experiential years to help prepare students for this alternate career path.

Making the right thing the easy thing to do: strategies to improve outcomes in gout.

The burden of gout is increasing worldwide. Although urate-lower ing drugs have been available for more than half a century, the initiation and persistence of urate-lowering therapy remain low. Health-care system, practitioner, and patient barriers contribute to the clinical inertia in gout management. Pervasive beliefs about gout as a disease of an indulgent lifestyle that should be managed primarily with dietary modification are key barriers that prevent patients from receiving effective therapy. In light of safety concerns about newer urate-lowering medications, allopurinol, an inexpensive generic medication, is likely to remain the first-line urate-lowering therapy for the foreseeable future. Ensuring that allopurinol is optimally and persistently prescribed is a priority for improved gout management. A health literacy approach that focuses on patient understanding of gout as a chronic disease that requires behaviour change to take long term urate-lowering therapy is important. This approach provides a clear rationale for long-term urate-lowering therapy that is able to dissolve the monosodium urate crystals and ultimately prevent the symptoms of gout. Patient-centred models that use the skills of nurses and pharmacists to facilitate patient understanding can lead to major improvements in gout care. Additionally, systematic quality improvement approaches within practices, while reducing inconvenience and cost to patients, should be a priority.

Impact of ambulatory clinical pharmacist interventions on outcomes in the HIV population

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the benefit of clinical pharmacist intervention in the care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in an ambulatory care setting. Patients who receive interprofessional care that includes a clinical pharmacist are more likely to see clinical benefit including improved adherence and reduced HIV viral load. With recent improvements in virologic testing and HIV medications, it is useful to identify which types of pharmacist interventions are significantly improving clinical outcomes in the most difficult-to-treat patients. Aims: Determine the impact of clinical pharmacy interventions and specialty pharmacy involvement in an uncontrolled HIV population. Methods: HIV patients with a detectable HIV viral load (>20 copies/mL) were retrospectively included in the study if they had at least one visit with a clinical pharmacist and at least one follow-up HIV viral load documented after the visit between January 1, 2017 and March 1, 2019. Patient charts were reviewed to obtain information regarding HIV history, relevant interventions made by the clinical pharmacist, and adherence rates. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved an undetectable viral load (<20 copies/mL) after seeing a pharmacist in clinic. Secondary outcomes included types of pharmacist interventions, and specialty pharmacy capture rate. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the primary analysis. The median baseline viral load was 22,900 copies/mL and 68.6% of patients were able to achieve an undetectable HIV viral load after meeting with a pharmacist. The most common pharmacist intervention was compliance counseling, followed by medication change and medication initiation. In this cohort where 30% of patients were uninsured and unable to fill medications at the associated specialty pharmacy, the specialty pharmacy capture rate was 39%. Conclusions: The clinical pharmacists within the Regional Center for Infectious Disease care for a large proportion of the clinic’s difficult-to-treat HIV patients with uncontrolled viral loads. Within this population, patients whose care included clinical pharmacist interventions were able to achieve an undetectable viral load more than two-thirds of the time. Clinical pharmacists are also uniquely positioned to encourage utilization of specialty pharmacies to improve delivery and adherence. Utilization of skilled pharmacists will be vitally important in achieving new viral suppression rate targets, particularly within difficult-to-treat patient populations.

Offline Digital Education for Postregistration Health Professions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by the Digital Health Education Collaboration.

BackgroundThe shortage and disproportionate distribution of health care workers worldwide is further aggravated by the inadequacy of training programs, difficulties in implementing conventional curricula, deficiencies in learning infrastructure, or a lack of essential equipment. Offline digital education has the potential to improve the quality of health professions education.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of offline digital education compared with various controls in improving learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, satisfaction, and patient-related outcomes. The secondary objectives were (1) to assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions and (2) to assess adverse effects of the interventions on patients and learners.MethodsWe searched 7 electronic databases and 2 trial registries for randomized controlled trials published between January 1990 and August 2017. We used Cochrane systematic review methods.ResultsA total of 27 trials involving 4618 individuals were included in this systematic review. Meta-analyses found that compared with no intervention, offline digital education (CD-ROM) may increase knowledge in nurses (standardized mean difference [SMD]=1.88; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.62; participants=300; studies=3; I2=80%; low certainty evidence). A meta-analysis of 2 studies found that compared with no intervention, the effects of offline digital education (computer-assisted training [CAT]) on nurses and physical therapists’ knowledge were uncertain (SMD 0.55; 95% CI –0.39 to 1.50; participants=64; I2=71%; very low certainty evidence). A meta-analysis of 2 studies found that compared with traditional learning, a PowerPoint presentation may improve the knowledge of patient care personnel and pharmacists (SMD 0.76; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.23; participants=167; I2=54%; low certainty evidence). A meta-analysis of 4 studies found that compared with traditional training, the effects of computer-assisted training on skills in community (mental health) therapists, nurses, and pharmacists were uncertain (SMD 0.45; 95% CI –0.35 to 1.25; participants=229; I2=88%; very low certainty evidence). A meta-analysis of 4 studies found that compared with traditional training, offline digital education may have little effect or no difference on satisfaction scores in nurses and mental health therapists (SMD –0.07; 95% CI –0.42 to 0.28, participants=232; I2=41%; low certainty evidence). A total of 2 studies found that offline digital education may have little or no effect on patient-centered outcomes when compared with blended learning. For skills and attitudes, the results were mixed and inconclusive. None of the studies reported adverse or unintended effects of the interventions. Only 1 study reported costs of interventions. The risk of bias was predominantly unclear and the certainty of the evidence ranged from low to very low.ConclusionsThere is some evidence to support the effectiveness of offline digital education in improving learners’ knowledge and insufficient quality and quantity evidence for the other outcomes. Future high-quality studies are needed to increase generalizability and inform use of this modality of education.

Internet literacy skills of community pharmacists in Lagos State, Nigeria

Purpose Community pharmacists need good retrieval skills and competencies for effective use of online information resources for professional practice. This study aims to ascertain the internet literacy skills of community pharmacists in Lagos State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A survey research design was adopted for the study. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting community pharmacists. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, whereas descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings The study revealed that community pharmacists possess requisite internet literacy skills for effective use of online health information resources. There is a positive relationship between informational and operational internet literacy skills [r = 0.820, p(0.000) &lt; 0.05], informational and strategic internet literacy skills [r = 0.838, p(0.000) &lt; 0.05] and operational and strategic internet literacy skills [r = 0.810, p(0.000) &lt; 0.05]. There is a statistically significant gender difference in the level of skillfulness in internet use based on self-reported skills. There is a significant relative contribution of demographic variables (gender, age, educational qualification and number of years in professional practice) to the level of skillfulness in internet use among community pharmacists. Practical implications To improve the use of online internet resources, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, should conduct training needs assessment regularly to offer the right levels of internet use skills. They must be proactive and incorporate training on computer and internet skills into their annual conferences and zonal meetings. They should also prepare and give internet use manuals to their members to read and understand how to use the internet more effectively. Community pharmacists, especially the female pharmacists, should also take advantage of free online training sessions called webinars to improve their internet literacy skills to cope with rapid changes in the e-environment, as well as to boost the quality of health-care services delivery. Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria, the agency responsible for regulating and controlling the education, training and practice of pharmacy, should include an internet literacy skills module in the Mandatory Professional Continuing Education Programme. Originality/value The study investigated the internet literacy skills of community pharmacists in Lagos State and identified the gender gap in level of skillfulness. This study also explored the relationship between level of skillfulness and internet use, as well as the relationship between community pharmacists’ informational, operational and strategic internet literacy skills.

Perceptions of Pharmacy Involvement in Social Prescribing Pathways in England, Scotland and Wales.

Social prescribing is increasingly viewed as a non-pharmacological option to address psychosocial consequences of social isolation, loneliness and bereavement; key contributors to poor mental health and wellbeing. Our study explored experiences and attitudes of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to social prescribing in England, Scotland, and Wales, using an on-line survey. (Ethical approval, University of Bath, November 2017). The electronic survey was distributed to pharmacists registered with Royal Pharmaceutical Society local practice forum network groups in England, Scotland, and Wales, and pharmacy technicians via social media platforms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free text by thematic analysis. One hundred and twenty respondents took part in the survey; (94.6% pharmacists and 5.4% pharmacy technicians). Responses indicated a lack of knowledge and experience with social prescribing; however, there was enthusiasm for pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team to be involved in local social prescribing pathways. Respondents believed they were well positioned within the community and consequently able to be involved in identifying individuals that may benefit. Barriers to involvement, included time, funding and training while enablers were pharmacist skills and the need within the community for social prescribing. There is a willingness in pharmacy, to be involved in social prescribing, however further research is required to enable the pharmacy team to be full participants in social prescribing pathways.

Implementation of a Renal Replacement Therapy Simulation to Strengthen Essential Pharmacist Skills

Objective. To assess third-year pharmacy students' knowledge and application of renal pharmacotherapy using a renal replacement therapy (RRT) simulation. Methods. A simulation was developed that involved three stations related to RRT: peritoneal dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and hemodialysis. Stations involved demonstration of each modality, literature searches for drug information questions related to renal dosing with written recommendations, and utilization of an electronic medical record (EMR) to develop a verbal Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pre- and post-simulation assessments regarding therapeutic knowledge of RRT was used. Results. All 174 students completed the pre- and post-simulation assessments over the course of two years. Student performance indicated significant improvement in overall knowledge based on the assessments with significant overall differences in questions relating to indications for RRT, type of RRT indicated for hemodynamic instability, and agents used to maintain circuit patency. Overall inter-class differences were also identified at baseline and specifically for the questions regarding indications for RRT and agents used to maintain circuit patency. Both classes showed significant improvement in overall knowledge based on the post-simulation assessments. Debrief sessions and course evaluations indicated student satisfaction with the simulation experience. Students reported that the experience met the simulation objectives. Conclusion. Participation in an RRT simulation allowed pharmacy students to apply knowledge and skills learned didactically related to renal pharmacotherapy.

Adverse Drug Reactions in Children: Pediatric Pharmacy and Drug Safety.

An underappreciated problem in child health is the risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). While there is an impression that children are at a lower risk than adults for ADRs, in fact a number of factors germane to pediatric therapy place certain groups of children at a high risk for adverse events associated with therapy. Given the importance of drug safety, an understanding of a diagnostic classification for ADRs and of how to approach a possible ADR clinically are key skills for pediatric pharmacists. As drug therapy for children evolves, becomes more complex, and begins to use novel molecules and biologicals there will be an increasing need for pediatric pharmacists to be more involved in clinical care, education, and research specific to drug safety.

Simulation for Continuing Pharmacy Education: Development and Implementation of a Simulation-Based Workshop on Medicines Reconciliation for Pharmacists.

Simulation has been increasingly used to train health care professionals on clinical skills. Little is published on simulation-based education in the context of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) of pharmacists. This article describes the development implementation and evaluation of simulation-based workshop to train hospital pharmacists on medicines reconciliation in Kuwait. The study aimed to explore pharmacists' perceptions about simulation use in CPE. It also assessed the impact of the workshops on pharmacists' attitudes toward, knowledge, and comfort level to apply medicines reconciliation. One hundred ten pharmacists attended 11 simulation-based workshops. Data were collected using focus groups and self-administered surveys in a mixed-method research design. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for content. Descriptive statistics were used to report surveys' findings. The workshops were well-received by pharmacists. Few pharmacists recalled previous exposure to simulation in CPE activities. Pharmacists' perceived challenges to simulation integration into their professional training were the need for good preparation/setting, qualified faculty, well-trained simulated patients, and time constrains. Participants felt that simulation enhanced their attitudes toward, knowledge, and comfort level to apply medicines reconciliation. They rated their knowledge level as having increased by 62.3% and comfort level as having increased by 37.0%. They overwhelmingly welcomed more integration of simulation in CPE activities. A simulation-based continuing education workshop was well-received by pharmacists and enhanced their self-reported knowledge, comfort level, and preparedness to apply medicines reconciliation. Efforts are needed to expand simulation use in the development, refinement, and maintenance of clinical skills of pharmacists throughout their educational continuum including CPE.

The Extent and Reasons for Dissatisfaction From Outpatients Provided With Pharmacy Services at Two Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Background: Satisfaction of patients for pharmaceutical services reflects their preferences and expectations, and the realities of care. It is critical to understand the extent of dissatisfaction for pharmaceutical services and its associated factors in order to optimize the required quality of the services provided. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore the extent and reasons for dissatisfaction from outpatients provided with the pharmacy services at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and Federal Harar Police Hospital in Harar, eastern Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 844 outpatients. Data were collected by interviewer administered interviews that employed a structured questionnaire which was meant to estimate dissatisfaction/satisfaction of the outpatients for the pharmacy services provided using a 1–5 point LIKERT scale. SPSS version 20.0 was employed to analyze data. Accordingly, potential covariates were identified using chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analyses were undertaken to adjust for the covariates.Results: The highest (61.1%) dissatisfaction was scored for lack of consistent availability of prescribed drug(s). Factors that showed significant association with dissatisfaction were marital divorce [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.67; 95% CI 1.01–7.06]; lack of quality system or Auditable Pharmaceutical Transaction Services (AOR 13.56; 95% CI 9.10–20.23); and patients’ perceived insufficient knowledge of pharmacists (AOR 2.50; 95% CI 1.61–3.87) and good interaction with their pharmacists (AOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14–0.56).Conclusion: Outpatients’ highest dissatisfaction was related with the inadequate availability of prescribed drug(s). Lack of quality system; marital divorce; and patients’ perceived insufficient knowledge of pharmacists increased the likelihood of dissatisfaction but it was less likely to occur in outpatients who perceived their interaction with pharmacists as positive. Therefore, in addition to securing consistent availability of drugs and implementing a quality system, improving the technical and personal skills of pharmacists is likely to improve satisfaction of patients with the pharmacy services.

PRS62 - PHARMACIST-LED SMOKING CESSATION SERVICES IN RESOURCE LIMITED SETTINGS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL AND SIMULATED STUDY IN ETHIOPIA

With the rising interest in expanding the role of pharmacists in smoking cessation, a needs analysis to assess baseline knowledge about current smoking cessation practice is needed. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students and practising pharmacists regarding smoking and smoking cessation in Ethiopia, as well as documenting smoking cessation supports delivered in community pharmacies in Ethiopia. This study utilised a cross-sectional and simulated patient (SP) methods. The questionnaire was administered to final year pharmacy students and practising pharmacists. Results from the surveys were presented and analysed using mean total scores, analysis of variances (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test. Two scenarios simulating tobacco use in pregnancy and cardiovascular patient were selected and played by two well trained SPs. A total of 410 participants (213 pharmacy students; response rate 89.5% and 197 pharmacists; response rate 54.6%) completed the questionnaire. Both pharmacists and students had positive attitudes toward smoking cessation and both groups had similar mean knowledge scores. A total of 80 simulated visits were conducted. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) were supplied in only 10 of the visits. NRTs were suggested but not dispensed in 35 of the visits. The majority of the pharmacists demonstrated poor history taking practice and seldom assessed the patients’ nicotine dependence level. Our study revealed the presence of major clinical knowledge gaps related to pharmacy-based smoking cessation services. Overall skills of community pharmacists were also inadequate. There is a need for modest changes in pharmacy school curriculum to provide more practical training and education on counselling and advising patients on smoking cessation and enhance pharmacists’ confidence of their perceived roles.

ІННОВАЦІЙНІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ В ПРОФЕСІЙНІЙ ОСВІТІ: СУЧАСНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ТА ПРАКТИКА ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ

Мета роботи – висвітлити досвід застосування дистанційної форми навчання, яка працює на відкритій і найбільш популярній у світі платформі – Moodle, для підвищення якості підготовки висококваліфікованих фахівців-провізорів у Дніпропетровській медичній академії.&#x0D; Основна частина. У статті розглянуто досвід впровадження новітніх інноваційних технологій навчання, які використовуються викладачами на кафедрі загальної та клінічної фармації при підготовці фахівця-провізора. Показано особливості дистанційної системи навчання, її переваги. Оцінка ефективності використаних інноваційних технологій проводиться протягом усього терміну навчання конкретної дисципліни, шляхом тестування та постійного контролю і перевірки опанування теоретичного матеріалу та практичних навичок перед початком кожного практичного чи лабораторного заняття. Показана ефективність використання дистанційної системи навчання як позааудиторної форми організації самостійної роботи студентів.&#x0D; Висновки. Інноваційні технології навчання сприяють розвитку пізнавальних і когнітивних здібностей студентів, а саме – вміння вирішувати поставлені завдання, займатися збором, аналізом і синтезом даних, витягувати з них інформацію, самостійно мислити, володіти комунікативними навичками. Освітні технології відкривають нові горизонти викладання, навчання й оцінки здобутих знань, дозволяють втілювати інноваційні, ефективні моделі адміністрування та управління. Здійснювати постійний моніторинг оволодіння професійними компетенціями, що дозволяє за короткий строк відкоректувати та індивідуалізувати процес навчання. Дистанційні системи навчання надають можливості безперервного навчання, забезпечуючи великому колу людей можливість отримання як післявузівської, так і додаткової освіти.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Role of Pharmacists in Medical Student Training for the Prescribing Safety Assessment.

Five years after the introduction of the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) in the UK, the role pharmacists play to help prepare medical students for this challenge is uncertain. Our study explored pharmacists’ perceptions about their role in undergraduate medical training for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA). One hundred and seventy-nine prospective participants from UK hospitals and education and training boards were emailed an interview schedule aimed at ascertaining their current involvement in undergraduate medical education, particularly the preparation for PSA. Responses received via email were thematically-analysed. A total of 27 hospital pharmacists and 3 pharmacists from local education and training boards participated in the interviews. Pharmacists were positive about their involvement in medical student training, recognising the added value they could provide in prescribing practice. However, respondents expressed concerns regarding resource availability and the need for formal educational practice mentoring. Despite a low response rate (17%), this research highlights the potential value of pharmacists’ input into medical education and the need for a discussion on strategies to expand this role to maximise the benefits from having a pharmacist skill mix when teaching safe prescribing.