Survey Of Hospital Pharmacists Research Articles

The use of melatonin in older patients hospitalized in geriatric units in France: survey of hospital pharmacists

In recent years, melatonin has been increasingly used in hospital settings for the treatment of sleep disorders in older patients, despite many barriers: restriction by ANSM, non-approval to healthcare facility use, and non-reimbursement. In order to describe the use of melatonin in older hospitalized patients, a survey was conducted between February and May 2022, with hospital pharmacists working in geriatric care units in France. Overall, 35 interviews were conducted with hospital pharmacists: 30 dispensed melatonin, with marketed prolonged-release melatonin medications (n=30), and/or with immediate-release magistral or hospital preparations (n=11). The conducted survey highlighted the criteria for using the different forms of melatonin, but also the disparities in terms of supply and management within the different establishments. Given the increasing use of melatonin in hospital settings and in order to guarantee the same accessibility to hospital teams and to patients on discharge from the hospital, a reassessment by the authorities of the melatonin-based medication status seems necessary in the light of the new available data.

Eczane Personellerinin Akılcı İlaç Kullanımı ile İlgili Bilgi, Tutum ve Davranışlarının Değerlendirilmesi

Introduction: Irrational drug use is a severe problem affecting public health, increasing morbidity, mortality rates, and treatment costs. Healthcare personnel has important responsibilities in this regard. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pharmacists, assistant pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians.Materials and Methods: Pharmacists, assistant pharmacists, and technicians working in pharmacies registered in an urban area were reached. Volunteers with the support extended to literature Turkey Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Department of Rational Drug Use ‘Survey of Hospital Pharmacists were required to be filled out online.Results: 156 pharmacy personnel voluntarily participated in the study. Of the volunteers, 48.1% were pharmacists, 4.5% pharmacy assistants, and 47.4% pharmacy technicians. 59% of the participants declared that they did not receive training on rational drug use. Among pharmacy technicians, this rate is 73%. All pharmacies monitor the drug monitoring with electronic devices or instant measurements by the responsible persons; 99.4% of the participants stated that they informed the patient about the storage conditions of the drug, and 84% informed the health personnel about the drug with a special preparation condition. 18.6% of the participants reported one or more adverse events in the last two years. It has been determined that there is no complete standardization in the disposal of residual/waste drugs for drugs from patients.Conclusion: In order to organize rational drug use training for pharmacy technicians, implement a standard method for waste residual medicine management, and increase feedback on pharmacovigilance practices, it is necessary to encourage the staff.

Attitudes, barriers, motivators and utilization of clinical research: a cross-sectional survey of hospital pharmacists

Abstract Objectives Research is crucial for improving patients’ healthcare. Although pharmacists’ important role in implementing research has been emphasized by different health organizations, pharmacist’s participation in research is still suboptimal. This study aims to evaluate hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists’ attitudes, barriers and motivators towards clinical research practice and research utilization in practice settings. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online-validated questionnaire which evaluated socio-demographics, attitudes, barriers and motivators which Jordanian hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists have to implement clinical research and extent of its utilization in practice settings. Analysis of Covariance was modelled to evaluate the differences in the factors’ scores between different groups. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to assess the effect of the attitudes and motivators scores on the research utility practice score. Key findings A total of 316 responses were collected. The means for attitudes, motivators, and research utilization scores were 3.84, 3.84 and 3.80, respectively. The most agreed motivator was the role of research in the enhancement of the service to patients (mean = 4.19). The most reported research barriers were lack of time and support (57.6% and 44.3%, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that attitudes (regression coefficient (b) = 0.34, P < 0.01) and motivators (b = 0.18, P < 0.01) were significant predictors of the extent of research utilization. Conclusion Jordanian hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists had a positive attitude towards research and they are willing to participate in research but they are confronting several obstacles.

Survey of Hospital Pharmacists' Experience and Awareness Regarding Clinical Research

Evaluating the awareness and experience with regard to clinical research and understanding the current challenges are important in promoting the engagement of hospital pharmacists in clinical research. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey on 337 pharmacists working at 28 National Hospital Organization Kyushu Group facilities and 5 National Hansen's Sanatoriums, regarding their experience and awareness of clinical research. The survey was conducted via mail from June 2019 to July 2019. Overall, 335 (99.4％) questionnaires were collected, 280 (83.1％) of which were valid responses and could be analyzed. The survey showed that 48.2％ of the responding pharmacists had delivered conference presentations and only 15.4％ had published articles. The necessity for hospital pharmacists to plan and conduct clinical research was considered “necessary” or “slightly necessary” by 86.0％ of the respondents; the most frequent reason was "for medical development." However, concerns about planning and conducting a clinical study were expressed by 94.6％ of the pharmacists; “statistical analysis” was the most frequent issue. The results of this survey indicate that the majority of pharmacists are interested in clinical research; however, writing a dissertation was a difficult task for hospital pharmacists. Hence, we believe that it is important to include the topics of research planning and statistical analysis in the basic education of pharmacists.

Need for Formal Specialization in Pharmacy in Canada: A Survey of Hospital Pharmacists.

The Blueprint for Pharmacy was a collaborative initiative involving all of the major pharmacy associations in Canada. It aimed to coordinate, facilitate, and be a catalyst for changes required to align pharmacy practice with the health care needs of Canadians. In partial fulfilment of this mandate, a needs assessment for specialist certification for pharmacists was conducted. To conduct a secondary analysis of data from the needs assessment to determine the perceptions of hospital pharmacists regarding a formal certification process for pharmacist specialties in Canada. A survey was developed in consultation with the Blueprint for Pharmacy Specialization Project Advisory Group and other key stakeholders. It was distributed electronically, in English and French, to Canadian pharmacists identified through national and provincial pharmacy organizations (survey period January 15 to February 12, 2015). Data for hospital pharmacists were extracted for this secondary analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to characterize those respondents who supported the certification process and those intending to become certified if a Canadian process were introduced. A total of 640 responses were received from hospital pharmacists. Nearly 85% of the respondents (543/640 [84.8%]) supported a formal certification process for pharmacist specialization, and more than 70% (249/349 [71.3%]) indicated their intention to obtain specialty certification if a Canadian process were introduced. Respondents believed that the main barriers to developing such a system were lack of reimbursement models, the time required, and lack of public awareness of pharmacist specialties. They felt that the most important factors for an optimal certification process were a consistent definition of pharmacist specialty practice and consistent recognition of pharmacist specialty practice across Canada. Multiple regression analysis showed that female respondents were more likely to support a formal certification process (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-5.7). Also, those who already specialized in pharmacotherapy were more likely to support mandatory certification (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.1). Hospital pharmacists who responded to this survey overwhelmingly supported certification for pharmacist specialization in Canada. Questions remain about the feasibility of establishing a pharmacist specialization system in Canada.

Survey of hospital pharmacists’ knowledge regarding acetaminophen dosing, toxicity, product recognition and counselling practices

Objective This research aims to assess the knowledge of pharmacists regarding acetaminophen dosing, risks, products containing acetaminophen and counselling practices. Methods Descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two private tertiary care facilities (Northwest General Hospital & Research Centre and Rehman Medical Institute Pvt limited) during the month of April 2015 in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These healthcare facilities were chosen based on the view that pharmacists in these institutions were conducting their professional duties of dispensing and patient counselling. Pharmacists (n = 82) working in these two hospitals were asked to participate in a survey. A questionnaire derived from published literature, containing 16 items regarding the acetaminophen was designed to evaluate their knowledge on acetaminophen. Questions were formatted as multiple choices, yes/no, true/false, unsure and short answer. Key findings Of 82 pharmacists, 68 completed and returned the questionnaire with a response rate of 82.9%. Only 70.6% of the respondents identified the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen. Almost 85.2% of the pharmacists correctly identified hepatotoxicity as the primary toxicity associated with acetaminophen. 89.6% of the pharmacists correctly identified the potential risk factors for acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. About 95.5% respondents correctly identified Tramapar (Efroze Chemical Industries Pakistan Limited, Karachi- 74900, Pakistan) as containing acetaminophen. Only 47% of pharmacists reported that they provide specific instructions and precautions when dispensing acetaminophen. Conclusion Our study revealed deficiencies in pharmacist knowledge regarding acetaminophen recognition, dosing recommendations and potential for toxicity. The findings emphasize the need for an increasing pharmacist awareness of unintentional acetaminophen toxicity and acetaminophen-related problems by acquiring sufficient knowledge regarding drug-induced diseases and patient counselling regarding drug use.

Insights into European drug shortages: a survey of hospital pharmacists.

Drug shortages are a complex and global phenomenon. When a drug cannot be delivered at the moment of patient demand, every stakeholder in the health care system is affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics, clinical impact, financial impact and management of drug shortages in European hospital pharmacies and identify opportunities for prevention and mitigation of drug shortages in Europe. An online survey was designed based on a review of the literature and interviews and was sent to subscribers of Hospital Pharmacy Europe between June and September 2013. Forty-five percent of respondents (n = 161) indicated that life sustaining or life preserving drugs such as oncology drugs were affected by drug shortages. More than 30% of respondents indicated that drug shortages in Europe were always or often associated with increased costs for hospitals, increased personnel costs and more expensive alternative drugs (n = 161). On the question when information about a drug shortage was obtained, 42% of respondents answered that information from the pharmaceutical company was obtained at the time of no delivery, 50% indicated that information from the wholesaler was obtained at the time of no delivery, while 40% of respondents indicated that information was never or rarely received from the government (n = 161). Fifty seven percent of respondents strongly agreed that an obligation to the producer to notify further shortages could help to solve the problem (n = 161). These results showed that pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers are already involved in the management of drug shortages, while a role is still reserved for the government. Mandatory notification in advance and centralized information can help to reduce workload for hospital pharmacists, will allow early anticipation of drug shortages and will facilitate mitigation of the clinical impact on patients.

PHP26 - Insights In European Drug Shortages: A Survey Of Hospital Pharmacists

PHP26 - Insights In European Drug Shortages: A Survey Of Hospital Pharmacists

Shared care in the UK: failings of the past and lessons for the future

Abstract Aims To explore and evaluate the implementation of shared care in the UK, to identify failings and to make recommendations for successful implementation of shared care in the future. Methods The study utilised a triangulation approach, employing three different methods to explore the production and format of shared care protocols (SCPs) and the perceived use and future trends of shared care. A postal survey of hospital pharmacists and pharmaceutical and medical advisers in health authorities and interviews with health care professionals provided insight into perceptions of shared care and recommendations for the future. A content analysis of a sample of SCPs in current use assessed the utility of SCPs in practice. Results A total of 321 SCPs were identified that described 99 different drugs and treatments. The protocols varied considerably with no apparent standard either within or between regions, but there was a correlation between the patient-related information available, information across the health care interface (r=0.355, P=0.05) and pharmaceutical information (r=0.401, P=0.05). There were expressions of uncertainty about the benefit of such protocols to patients. Health authority staff in particular expressed predominantly negative attitudes in the questionnaire whereas the pharmacists were more positive. The transfer of prescribing and associated costs from hospital to community (described as “cost shifting”) was repeatedly identified as a barrier, together with competing professional interests and reluctance to change with the times. General practitioners (GPs) were most commonly excluded from the production of SCPs, which may enforce negative feelings around implementation of SCPs across the health care interface. Improved information technology and better use of evidence-based guidelines and protocols were seen as ways forward in developing shared care. Conclusions Since 1991, a large number of SCPs have been produced in the UK but the benefits to patients are not clear. There is a general perception of cynicism about their use; “cost-shifting” is perceived as their main purpose. There appears to have been no formal evaluation of their use or mechanisms for their implementation, and distribution has been erratic. This study highlights that, with greater involvement of health care professionals, better communication systems and the removal of identified barriers, shared care is a concept essential in the evolving NHS.

Survey of hospital pharmacists who have participated in continuing education workshops on vital signs and future problems

Survey of hospital pharmacists who have participated in continuing education workshops on vital signs and future problems

Job Satisfaction among Hospital Pharmacy Personnel

Job satisfaction of hospital pharmacists and of support personnel in two Arizona cities were compared. A survey composed of job-satisfaction measures that have been used in previous research was sent to all hospital pharmacy personnel (270 pharmacists and 208 support personnel) in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. Sixteen facet-free questions measured overall job satisfaction. Thirteen facet-specific indicators were measured. Differences were significant if p less than 0.05. Data from a national survey of hospital pharmacists and the general population were included for comparative purposes. Usable questionnaires were returned by 74.8% (202) and 62.5% (131) of the pharmacists and support personnel, respectively. Support personnel reported lower mean scores than pharmacists on all 13 facet-specific measures; 10 of these were significantly different. Pharmacists had a mean score of 3.0 (representing satisfied) on only two of the 13 facets, however. Age, sex, academic degree, position held, and tenure on present job had no effect on satisfaction for support personnel. For the pharmacists, consistent and significant differences were found in facet-specific measures relative to age, tenure, and position held. Clinical and research pharmacists reported the highest mean scores. Pharmacists in the 23-28 age group reported the lowest mean scores on all 13 facets. The most and least satisfied pharmacists were at their present job six years and 13-24 months, respectively. Pharmacists appeared to be more satisfied than support personnel on all facet-free measures, and about as satisfied as the general population in 1977. The authors concluded that since the successful role expansion of pharmacists will require a concurrent expansion for support personnel, efforts should be implemented to improve job satisfaction among support personnel.