Survey Of Community Pharmacists Research Articles

Paper Title: Colorectal cancer screening knowledge among community pharmacists: A national survey

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can reduce CRC morbidity and mortality. Community pharmacies could be a viable option for delivering home-based CRC screening tests such as fecal immunochemical tests (FITs). However, little is known about community pharmacists' knowledge about CRC screening guidelines. We assessed community pharmacists' knowledge about CRC screening to identify education and training needs for a pharmacy-based CRC screening program. Between September 2022 and January 2023, we conducted an online national survey of community pharmacists practicing in the United States (US) (Responders were eligible if they were currently-licensed community pharmacists and currently practiced in the US. The survey assessed knowledge of national CRC screening guidelines, including recommended starting age, frequency of screening, different screening modalities, and follow-up care. Using multiple linear regression, we evaluated correlates of community pharmacists' level of CRC screening knowledge, defined as the total number of knowledge questions answered correctly from "0" (no questions correct) to "5" (all questions correct). 578 eligible community pharmacists completed the survey, with a response rate of 59%. Most community pharmacists correctly answered the question about the next steps following a positive FIT (87%) and the question about where a FIT can be done (84%). A minority of community pharmacists responded correctly to questions about the age to start screening with FIT (34%) and how often a FIT should be repeated (28%). Only 5% of pharmacists answered all knowledge questions correctly. Community pharmacists answered more CRC screening knowledge questions correctly as their years in practice increased. Board-certified community pharmacists answered more CRC screening knowledge questions correctly compared to those who were not board-certified. To ensure the successful implementation of a pharmacy-based CRC screening program, community pharmacists need to be educated about CRC screening and trained to ensure comprehensive patient counseling and preventive service delivery.

A survey of community pharmacists’ and healthcare advisors’ views and experiences on the provision of a Test and Treat Service for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in a retail pharmacy chain in Ireland

Abstract Introduction The use of Point of Care Testing (POCT) as an aid to guide antibiotic prescribing has been highlighted in Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025 (iNAP2).[1] The role of community pharmacy is expanding with the introduction of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) POCT strategies. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent and burdensome in the community. With antibiotic resistance on the rise amongst uropathogens, AMS efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for urinary symptoms are paramount. Aim To evaluate community pharmacy staff views and experiences on the provision of a Cystitis Test-and-Treat Service for uncomplicated UTIs, while identifying opportunities for service improvement and expansion. Methods An electronic survey on Microsoft® Forms was distributed within a large retail pharmacy chain in Ireland during November 2021, with two reminders issued. Pharmacists and Healthcare advisors over the age of 18, working in 88 pharmacies that provided the Velieve Cystitis Test-and-Treat Service were eligible to participate. The survey was subdivided into participant demographics, local UTI information, views and experiences of participants on the Cystitis Test-and-Treat Service, the patient information leaflet and the training completed by pharmacy staff providing the service and included open-ended and closed-ended or Likert-scale questions. The survey was developed based on the literature and was revised following the contributions of pharmacy chain pharmacists and its Research Governance Committee who have a working knowledge of Service. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel and IBM® SPSS® statistics version 28.0. Qualitative data from the open-ended survey questions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 43 pharmacy staff (18 pharmacists and 25 healthcare advisors) participated in the study (overall participation rate of 10.2%). The majority of participants were female (83.7%) and most pharmacies were located in a town/suburb area (55.8%). The majority of participants (76.7%) estimated that service users with symptoms suggestive of UTI present to the pharmacy first, before visiting their GP. Participants believed that the Cystitis Test-and-Treat Service improved service user satisfaction in symptom management, reduced antimicrobial prescribing, alongside reduced general practitioner workload. High acceptability was attributed to the speed and convenience of the service, while time cost and time required explaining the service were identified as barriers. The associated smartphone application was identified as a service weakness. Participants recommended extended training on service user eligibility with perhaps training videos to improve overall confidence. While the low response rate and small sample size is a limitation of this study, the inclusion of participants from two differing pharmacy roles strengths the findings. Conclusion This study highlights that POCT are feasible AMS initiatives that enhance management of uncomplicated UTI and could be incorporated into community pharmacy practice. The perceived ‘poor public awareness of the service’ reported by the participants, suggests the need for increased promotion and advertising.

Dispensing of Antimicrobial Agents Without a Prescription in Iraq: A Call for Upholding the Legislations to Change Long-Standing Practices

Background: Antimicrobial prescribing patterns have an important role in the emergence of resistance, and community pharmacists have a substantial influence on this issue. Objective: To assess community pharmacists' behaviors and attitudes toward antimicrobial dispensing, determine their proportions and categories, and examine the underlying rationales for this practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Iraq was conducted from June to August 2023, using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The attitudes, practices, and motivations driving the distribution of antimicrobials without a prescription (AWP) were explored in three areas. Results: A sizable proportion (61.6%) of respondents rejected dispensing AWP at community pharmacies. Patients primarily seek antibacterials from community pharmacies owing to budget constraints, according to 82.7% of respondents, rather than for consultation and diagnostic services. The most powerful element in a pharmacist's decision to administer AWP is that patients will seek antimicrobials from another pharmacy if they are not dispensed by the pharmacist, owing to the pharmacist's experience in infection management. The study found that 50%–74% of patients who visited community pharmacies sought AWP. Antimicrobials are most commonly provided without a prescription for cold and flu and urinary tract infections (37.3% and 27.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The majority of pharmacists regularly dispense AWP. To guarantee compliance with Iraqi legislation and laws governing AWP distribution, ongoing training programs should be created to educate the public on the most effective methods.

The impact of burnout on over-the-counter counseling: a survey of community pharmacists in Vietnam

Abstract Background In many countries, self-medication is, in fact, the main service provided, exhausting pharmacist time and increasing their workload. However, there are currently no reports describing the impact of burnout on patient medication counseling. Objectives This study was conducted to determine the influence of burnout on over-the-counter (OTC) medication counseling services in Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies across four districts in Can Tho City, Vietnam, between April and May 2023. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), comprising three subscales: emotional exhaustion (EE; 9 items), depersonalization (DP; 5 items), and personal accomplishment (PA; 8 items). OTC medication counseling activities were evaluated using 12 questions. Results Of the 385 participants recruited, 22.3% reported high work intensity as a common factor contributing to burnout. Pharmacists with burnout had significantly lower medication counseling scores than those without burnout (mean = 4.35 vs. mean = 4.55, P = 0.005). Of the 12 OTC medication counseling activities, 6 activities, including inquiring about the recent medications used by the patient (P = 0.044), discouraging long-term medication use (P = 0.021), warning about the possibility of self-misdiagnosis (P < 0.001), warning about the possibility of the patient choosing the wrong treatment method (P = 0.001), providing advice on improving health (P = 0.005), and inquiring about allergies in the patient (P < 0.001), had significantly lower scores in pharmacists with burnout. Conclusions There was a significant negative association between burnout and medication counseling activities. Increasing staff numbers may be a useful solution for reducing work intensity, as this factor is reported to contribute the most to burnout among current pharmacists.

Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine

BackgroundWhile community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample.MethodsUsing a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants’ answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices.Results373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.

Preventing the Abuse and Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medicines: A Survey of Community Pharmacists in Finland

Background Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines intended for short-term use for self-care may be abused or misused. Aim To explore the experiences and perceptions of community pharmacists (dispensers, pharmacists, and pharmacy owners) of the use, abuse, and misuse of OTC medicines by pharmacy customers, and to identify their perceptions of the most appropriate methods to prevent inappropriate use of OTC medicines. Method A cross-sectional national online survey to community pharmacists in Finland. A previously validated structured questionnaire was modified. Three national pharmaceutical associations were contacted to help in recruitment of their members (n = 5594, calculated target sample size n = 360). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. Results In total, 442 responses were received. Most respondents strongly agreed (Md all = 5) that OTC medicines could be abused or misused; pharmacy owners were more likely to strongly agree than pharmacists (p = 0.012). Pharmacy owners were more likely to think that laxatives were liable for abuse than dispensers (p = 0.008), and that travel sickness medicines were liable for misuse than dispensers (p < 0.001) and pharmacists (p = 0.013). Patient counseling was the most commonly employed method to prevent the problem. Respondents perceived that providing training to staff about OTC medicines that can be abused (Md all = 5) was the most appropriate strategy to prevent OTC medicine abuse; pharmacy owners were more likely to strongly agree or agree of this (p = 0.005) than dispensers. Conclusion: Community pharmacists are aware of the liability of OTC medicines for the potential abuse and misuse. They employ various methods as advising and counseling the customer to support the rational use of OTC medicines.

Community Pharmacists' Attitude, Practice and Confidence in Supporting People with Diabetes in Japan and Ireland: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring long-term management. Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with reduced quality of life and micro- and macro-vascular complications. Community pharmacists have a role in supporting people with diabetes to better address their condition and reduce their risk of diabetes-related illness. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the attitudes, practices, and confidence of community pharmacists in Japan and Ireland on the care of people with diabetes. A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Ireland (388 respondents) and Japan (144 respondents) was conducted to assess their attitudes, practices, confidence, and other characteristics linked to diabetes management. A Likert scale was utilized, with a range of strongly agree to strongly disagree. The study reported that Japanese pharmacists have lower levels of practice (p<0.004), confidence, trust by patients, job satisfaction, concern with patients, and knowledge (all p<0.001) regarding diabetes management than Irish pharmacists. Although there was no significant difference in the attitude of pharmacists in both countries, the results show almost similar attitudes toward diabetes management, indicating their willingness to support people with diabetes. These results demonstrated less confidence in diabetes management and less practice of diabetes management care among Japanese pharmacists than Irish pharmacists. The results can be used to identify pharmacist education needs and develop training programs in diabetes management for pharmacists in Japan and Ireland.

Community Pharmacists' Knowledge, Attitudes and the Perceived Safety and Effectiveness of Melatonin Supplements: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Melatonin, which is classified as a dietary supplement by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, is used to manage sleep disorders. In this study, community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes about dispensing melatonin supplements and the perceived safety and effectiveness of melatonin were assessed. A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was conducted from March-June 2023. Community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes towards prescribing and dispensing melatonin supplements, the methods of dispensing melatonin supplements (prescription, over the counter, self-administered), indications, ages of users, dosage forms, and adverse drug reactions related to melatonin use among consumers were surveyed using a questionnaire. Potential participants were approached face to face, a questionnaire was administered to those agreeing to participate in the study, and responses were recorded electronically. The response rate of the 300 community pharmacists who participated in this study was 83.5%. The mean age of participants was 33.6 years, and 89.3% (n = 268) of community pharmacists reported dispensing melatonin supplements. Self-medication and over the counter (n = 213; 71.2%) were the most common dispensing and prescribing patterns (p = 0.001). Awareness rates about melatonin supplement pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics among community pharmacists were 38% and 37%, respectively. Despite its popularity, community pharmacists reported relatively low rates of awareness of melatonin supplement pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Further attention to this issue is needed.

An online cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists to assess information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists play an important role in healthcare. They are frequently visited by patients to receive advice on self-medication products. Little research has been conducted to investigate pharmacists’ information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling.AimTo assess community pharmacists’ information needs in five predefined areas: general and specific individual needs, quality needs, utilisation needs, implication needs, and access needs for evidence based self-medication counselling.MethodAfter ethical approval, we conducted an exploratory, semi-quantitative, cross-sectional online survey. Members of three different chambers of pharmacists in Germany were invited to participate anonymously in the survey. They gave informed consent and received no incentive for their participation.Quantitative outcome: Frequency of relevance / importance of items within predefined information needs areas, except for access needs. Qualitative outcome: Open-text responses concerning all information needs.ResultsWe analysed data from a total of 823 participants who completed the survey. General and specific information such as dosage (74.2% [611/823]) and when to refer to a physician (64.6% [532/823]) as well as an over-the-counter product’s effectiveness according to medical guidelines (71.4% [588/823]) were rated as very important. Participants reported to prefer digital information sources (50.5% [416/823] strongly agreed), especially in the form of an easily accessible database (61.6% [507/823] strongly agreed) that contains regularly updated, manufacturer-independent, critically appraised, concise information.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists expressed distinct information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling. Further information services on essential evidence-based pharmacy knowledge may be necessary to support implementation.

Pharmacy-based immunization in rural USA during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of community pharmacists from five southeastern states

IntroductionImmunization rates for seasonal and non-seasonal vaccines dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the extent to which community pharmacies in the USA continued to serve as immunization sites during the pandemic. This study compared 1) the types and perceived changes in non-COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at rural community pharmacies in 2020 (during the pandemic) to 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2) the delivery of non-COVID-19 immunization services in 2020 to 2019. MethodsA mixed-mode (paper/electronic) survey of a convenience sample of 385 community pharmacies operating in rural settings and have administered ≥1 vaccine in 2019 and 2020 was distributed in May-August 2021. Survey development was informed by relevant literature, pre-tested with three individuals, and pilot-tested with 20 pharmacists. Non-response bias was assessed, and survey responses were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. ResultsOf the 385 community pharmacies, 86 qualified pharmacies completed the survey (Response Rate = 23.8%). The percentage of pharmacies offering a given vaccine in 2019 and 2020 were similar; with one exception, a higher percentage of pharmacies reported having MMR administered for adults in the pharmacy in 2020 (McNemar’s test; p-value = 0.0253). For each given vaccine, the majority of respondents did not perceive a change in the number of doses administered in 2020 compared to 2019. Further, the majority reported no difference in how they delivered immunization services during and pre-pandemic. However, a small percentage of respondents (6.0–22.0%) adapted their services by adopting several measures to ensure the safety and continuity of immunizations during the pandemic. ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of community pharmacies as immunization sites during the pandemic. Community pharmacies continued immunization delivery at community pharmacies during the pandemic with almost no noticeable change to types and doses of vaccines compared to pre-pandemic nor the process of vaccine delivery.

Conciliation médicamenteuse et sécurisation de la transition hôpital–ville : enquête auprès des pharmaciens d’officine

To collect the community pharmacists' perception on their role in the medication reconciliation's process. We did an observational transverse study thanks to a survey of community pharmacists working in France, conducted in 2020. A digital questionnaire was submitted to Parisian community pharmacists before being shared on two Facebook groups. The responses were analysed with Microsoft Excel® software. We calculated percentages, used Chi2or Fisher's exact tests and did qualitative analyses. We collected the perception of 135community pharmacists, the majority was women (80%), relatively young (69.6% of 40years old or less). They were 63.7% to claim knowing the medication reconciliation, but they could not define it properly. The subject's knowledge was statistically related to age (P-value<0.001) and previous contacts of the health care facilities (P-value<0.001). The majority of interviewed pharmacist considered the transmission of information to those health facilities as relevant and feasible and they expressed their willingness to get involved. However, they were limited by some obstacles such as the non-exhaustiveness of the medicinal record, the unsecured mail and the lack of feedbacks. Although the community pharmacists expressed interest for the medication reconciliation process and willingness to get involved, their role remained limited. Therefore, this process needs an improvement of its organisation and a generalisation of its practice to really benefit the hospital-community transition's safety.

Factors associated with prescription drug monitoring program utilisation: a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists.

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) are databases which collect prescribing and dispensing information for high-risk medicines, and are one approach to mitigate prescription opioid-related risks. To examine correlates of PDMP use under voluntary and mandatory conditions, among a representative sample of community pharmacists in Victoria, Australia. An online anonymous survey was conducted and collected data in relation to pharmacist and pharmacy characteristics, comfort in performing certain tasks, PDMP training and the frequency of PDMP use under voluntary and mandatory conditions. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to determine the effect of each covariate on voluntary and mandatory PDMP use. In total, 265 pharmacists participated (response rate 47%). Under voluntary conditions, a quarter of pharmacists (24.9%) used the PDMP all the time, while half (51.7%) used the PDMP all of the time, once mandated. Pharmacies that stocked naloxone (OR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.11-3.45) and pharmacists that had attended formal PDMP training (OR: 1.78; 95% CI 1.05-3.05), were significantly associated with regular PDMP use under voluntary conditions. Under mandatory conditions, increased odds of PDMP use were associated with pharmacies that stocked naloxone (OR: 1.88; 95% CI 1.06-3.34). Pharmacists working in regional and rural areas had significantly lower odds (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.20-0.63) of always using the PDMP, as did pharmacists with > 15years' experience (OR: 0.24; 95% CI 0.11-0.51) once use was mandated. Given that PDMP utilisation was slower or less regular amongst pharmacists located in regional and rural areas, pharmacists with more years of experience and those not already supplying naloxone, targeted training aimed at these sub-populations may be beneficial.

Pharmacist direct dispensing of mifepristone for medication abortion in Canada: a survey of community pharmacists

IntroductionPharmacists were acknowledged as the most appropriate healthcare professional to dispense mifepristone for medication abortion shortly after the prescription therapy became available in January 2017 in Canada.ObjectiveWe aimed to identify...

The Assessment of Telepharmacy Practice Among Community Pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Telehealth is transmitting medical information and providing and supporting clinical care from one place to another through electronic communication methods. Telepharmacy is the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients using technologies and telecommunications. Telepharmacy allows the pharmacist to provide patient care services in an area by taking history,reviewing patients' files, and assessing medications utilized by the patients. This study is aimed to analyse the assessment of tele-pharmacy practice among community pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey of community pharmacists practising in Lagos, Nigeria. We used a convenient sampling technique in recruiting participants to the study. The questionnaire was developed and validated. The final questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first domain centered on the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents while the second section probed for awareness and availability of telepharmacy services in community pharmacies inLagos. Results: From our results54(63%) of the total pharmacy providers who were randomly sampled for this pilot study were currently practicing telepharmacy services in Lagos state, 82(96.5%) of the total participants were aware and had the perception on the importance of telepharmacy practice in Nigeria. Also, 21(50.7%) of the telepharmacy providers started the practice within 1-5years hence buttressing the fact that there is a surge in telepharmacy growth from the COVID-19 era till present. From the results 43(50.6%) of the participants strongly agree that telepharmacy practice enables greater penetration of the pharmaceutical market, 37(43.5%) also agree that telepharmacy is more convenient for their patient and 31(36.5%) also strongly agree that telepharmacy is an effective means of discharging pharmaceutical services. Conclusion: Findings from the study show that most of the pharmacists practicing in Lagos were aware of the importance of telepharmacy practice and were also currently practicing telepharmacy, with also a more significant percentage of unaware pharmacists willing to practice telepharmacy. It was surmised that telepharmacy practice enables greater penetration of the pharmaceutical market, more convenient for the patients and is an effective means of offering pharmaceutical services. Telepharmacy faced some challenges, including poor internet connectivity, poor patronage, high installation cost, and lack of ICT resources, possibly leading to more telephone interviews than videoconferencing.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kentucky pharmacists’ experiences in dispensing abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics

BackgroundDespite pharmaceutical industry promise and enthusiasm, abuse-deterrent formulation (ADF) opioid use is relatively low. While some barriers to use have been addressed through state laws and policy, pharmacists’ experiences with and opinions of ADF opioids are unclear. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacists’ perceptions of dispensing ADFs. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists licensed and practicing in Kentucky conducted in late 2019. The survey asked about perception, experience dispensing, and insurance coverage of 5 ADF opioids available at the time. ResultsMost respondents (421/629, 67.9%) were familiar or very familiar with ADFs, and 63.1% agreed that all opioids should meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for abuse deterrence. Aside from OxyContin, most ADF opioid formations were not stocked (range: 46.7%–73.6%). Third-party payer claims were occasionally or almost always rejected for most ADFs (range: 56.3%–75.4%). Contrary to intended mechanism of deterrence, ADFs were rated as the least effective strategy to reduce opioid misuse/abuse, with over half (51.2%) of respondents believing ADFs were not effective or somewhat effective. ADFs were rated as effective or very effective at reducing opioid abuse by swallowing intact by 37.4% of respondents. ConclusionPharmacists are familiar with ADFs but do not dispense them frequently. Pharmacists appear skeptical about the effectiveness of ADFs but support policies that could increase ADF uptake.

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.

Mental health, burnout and resilience in community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess burnout, resilience, and levels of depression, anxiety, stress and fear among community pharmacists during the pandemic, and examine if fear of COVID-19 is associated with these outcomes of interest. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Qatar was conducted. Pharmacists’ burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS™ for MP-Mindgarden). Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Fear of COVID-19 was assessed by the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Results256 respondents completed the survey and were included in the final study analysis (response rate: 42.7%). Overall, participants reported a moderate level of burnout as illustrated in the mean scores of the three burnout dimensions; 20.54 (SD = 12.37) for emotional exhaustion, 6.76 (SD = 6.22) for depersonalization, and 36.57 (SD = 9.95) for personal accomplishment. Moreover, depression, anxiety and stress were reported by 44.8%, 53.2% and 25.4% of particiants respectively. Participants had shown moderate resilience (mean score: 27.64 (SD = 8.31)) and their mean score fear of COVID19 was 15.67 (SD = 6.54). Fear of COVID-19 was a statistically significant and an independent predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress levels. ConclusionsThe pharmacists experienced moderate burnout but moderate resilience, which indicates their potential to overcome difficulties. Future interventions at the personal, national and organizational levels are required to enhance the pharmacists’ wellbeing by decreasing stress, improving self-efficacy and resilience, and preventing burnout.

Community pharmacy practice related to the COVID-19 pandemic: barriers and facilitators

BackgroundCommunity pharmacies provide an important healthcare service. Their significant value has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.ObjectivesTo identify and categorize potential barriers and facilitators to the role of community pharmacists during the pandemic and their association with demographic factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire during April 2020 across all regions of Egypt.Key findingsRespondents (n = 1018; 98.4% response rate) revealed practical and psychological barriers, including inadequate levels of pandemic preparedness (mean 61.43%; ±SD 0.47), inadequate working environments (mean 56.23%; ±SD 0.49) and uncooperative behaviour from stakeholders (mean 65.3%; ±SD 0.47).The majority of respondents emphasized the universal, region-independent necessity for facilitators, including the availability of timely (94.9%) guidance (97.4%) published by the Egyptian healthcare authority (94.6%), in electronic format (82.1%), through smartphone application (80.0%) and the provision of a dedicated telephone hotline (89.5%). Furthermore, authorities must use the media to manage public perceptions (97.2%) and increase public trust (94.8%) towards the pharmacist.ConclusionsThe barriers and facilitators identified herein could improve service provision in an integrated manner by overcoming the reported inadequate level of preparedness (barrier) through the provision of electronic guidance (facilitator), and the use of the media in managing public perceptions and trust (facilitators) to reduce the panic that negatively affects the working environment (barrier) for pharmacy staff. The varied level of healthcare authority cooperation reported in many regions requires further investigation.

The response to COVID-19 among drug retail outlets in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices

SummaryBackgroundPharmacists have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Indonesia, providing medicines, advice, and referral services often in areas with limited healthcare access. This study aimed to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and practices during the pandemic, so that we can be better prepared for future emergencies.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Indonesia was conducted between July and August 2020. The dataset was analysed descriptively, and logistic regression was used to explore willingness to participate in COVID-19 interventions.Findings4716 respondents participated in the survey. Two-thirds (66·7%) reported knowing only “a little” about COVID-19 and around a quarter (26·6%) said they had not received any COVID-19 guidelines. Almost all were concerned about being infected (97·2%) and regularly took steps to protect themselves and their clients (87·2%). Stock-outs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other products (32·3%) was the main reason for not taking any precautions. Around a third (37·7%) mentioned having dispensed antibiotics to clients suspected of having COVID-19. To support COVID-19 response efforts, most respondents were willing to provide verbal advice to clients (97·8%), distribute leaflets to clients (97·7%), and participate in surveillance activities (88·8%). Older respondents, those identifying as male, and those working in smaller outlets were more willing to provide information leaflets. Those working in smaller outlets were also more willing to engage in outbreak surveillance.InterpretationDrug retail outlets continue to operate at the frontline of disease outbreaks and pandemics around the world. These providers have an important role to play by helping to reduce the burden on facilities and providing advice and treatment. To fulfil this role, drug retail outlets require regular access to accurate guidelines and steady supplies of PPE. Calls for drug retail outlet staff to plat in response efforts including the provision of information to clients and surveillance could ease escalating pressures on the health system during future outbreaks.FundingThis study was funded by a grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, under the Stronger Health Systems for Health Security Scheme.

Extemporaneous Compounding Practice among Community Pharmacists in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Background: Extemporaneous compounding is a vital part of pharmaceutical care and could help community pharmacists personalize patients' treatment and improve treatment outcomes. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice about extemporaneous compounding among community pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists across the various zones of the Lagos State chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria was conducted from July to September 2021. Data were collected using a validated online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. Results: A total of 255 community pharmacists (CPs) participated in the survey. Almost all (98.4 %) had good knowledge of extemporaneous compounding in multiple domains, and most (84.3%) had positive attitudes towards compounding. However, only 20 (7.8%) CPs carried out one form of compounding or the other in their premises. The most significant driver of extemporaneous compounding was the need to avoid an allergy to an ingredient in a commercially available medication (94.9%), while the most significant barrier was the lack of prescriptions requiring compounding (95.3%). Conclusion: Community Pharmacists in Lagos State had good knowledge and a positive attitude toward extemporaneous compounding, but the practice was low. Collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders in pharmacy practice are required to address the identified barriers to extemporaneous compounding.