Training Of Pharmacists Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists providing over-the-counter emergency hormonal contraception: a scoping review.

Reducing the rate and impact of unintended pregnancy through effective contraception is a public health goal. Since deregulation, globally, ease of access to community pharmacists has enabled them to play a key role in the provision of emergency hormonal contraceptive pills (ECP). The aim of this scoping review is to explore pharmacists' overall knowledge of and attitudes and practices towards the provision of emergency contraception. A systematic literature search for the period from 1999 to 2023 was conducted using Scopus, Medline (Ovid), CINAHL, Emcare, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as emergency contraception, emergency contraceptive, morning after pill, plan B, pharmacist, community pharmacist, and pharmacy were applied. Articles published only in English that described the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists providing emergency contraception were included in this review. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Despite positive attitudes towards the provision of ECP, there is a clear deficit in both the knowledge and counselling practices of pharmacists, with some pharmacists lacking an open attitude towards the supply of ECP to adolescents and third parties. Usage of a private counselling area ranged from 0% to 90% highlighting privacy for patients seeking ECPs is lacking during consultations. In countries where practice guidelines are available, these are often not being optimally utilized. This review has highlighted gaps in pharmacists' knowledge and counselling practices, demonstrating shortcomings in pharmacists' education, training, and application of professional practice guidelines. Future research on ECP guidelines is recommended to improve implementation and usability in practice.

Feasibility and Impact of Community Pharmacy and Novel Pick-up Points for Antiretroviral Therapy Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Initiation and Continuation in Low and Middle-income Countries.

This review assesses recent developments in community access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). It examines literature on differentiated service delivery (DSD) and alternative delivery modes for PrEP, focusing on the role of community pharmacies and novel pick-up points. Key considerations include barriers to access, potential benefits, and strategies for implementation. Challenges to optimal HIV healthcare delivery persist globally, with LMICs facing greater barriers due to resource constraints and structural obstacles. Community pharmacies and novel pick-up points offer promising avenues to expand access to HIV medication, especially in hard-to-reach populations. However, operational complexities and regulatory frameworks present significant challenges. Recent initiatives, such as collaborative practice agreements and programmes by global health agencies, highlight efforts to integrate community pharmacies into HIV prevention and care delivery. Mobile health clinics and home delivery services have also shown promise in improving treatment coverage. Community pharmacies and novel pick-up points play a crucial role in enhancing access to HIV PrEP in LMICs. Despite challenges related to infrastructure, funding, and regulatory oversight, innovative strategies like DSD and mobile outreach offer opportunities to reach marginalized populations. Real-life examples from LMICs demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of leveraging community pharmacies for HIV treatment. However, addressing policy gaps, strengthening pharmacist training, and promoting patient-centred approaches are essential for scaling up access to PrEP. Collaboration between governments, health agencies, and local communities is key to realizing the full potential of community pharmacies in HIV prevention and care.

Teaching innovation: enhancing undergraduate student pharmacist consultation skills by introducing ‘Fishbowl’ prescribing workshops

Abstract Introduction The new ‘Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists’1 outline the skills, knowledge, and attributes required to enable pharmacists to independently prescribe at the point of registration. Third-year MPharm students at the University of Nottingham have previously practised consultation skills in professional practice workshops, conducting shorter form, over the counter-type consultations. These lacked the depth required for pharmacy students to develop skills they will now need. Therefore, we identified a requirement for advanced consultation practice, including prescribing, alongside clinical history taking, to better prepare students to be prescribers. Creation of a new module occurred, ‘Pharmaceutical Care and Prescribing’, including ‘Fishbowl’ workshops. ‘Fishbowl’ is a small group teaching method where an individual student engages in a discussion, while observers form a circle around them2. Students were able to ‘tap out’ of consultations at any point, to discuss consultation direction with their peers. Five case studies were written to incorporate a variety of clinical conditions, patient demographics and clinical settings, with a key emphasis of holistic, patient-centred care. All third-year students were timetabled for five workshops, in groups of around 25. Facilitators regularly discussed consultation progress, outstanding care issues and gave feedback on areas done well or needing improvement. Aim Do students perceive ‘Fishbowl’ workshops to enhance their clinical history taking skills and prescribing knowledge? Methods Following the five workshops, all third-year students (n=256) were invited via email to complete a Microsoft Forms questionnaire, to evaluate the workshop aims . The questionnaire included ten 5-point Likert-scale questions and free-text answers. Primarily quantitative methods were used with free-text responses used to contextualise results. This study obtained ethical approval from the University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy Postgraduate Research Projects Ethical Approval group. Results 82 students (32%) completed the questionnaire. 91% of students felt they helped practice taking a clinical history. 80% of students felt they better understood how to include share care decision making into their consultations. One student commented, they were ‘very thought-provoking sessions and easy to interact and learn from each other’. 67% said the sessions helped them to better understand the pharmacist’s role in prescribing. With regards to prescribing awareness, a student commented ‘It would have been nice to have scenarios where we prescribed a POM in the end for more of the sessions to help us get used to thinking like prescribers.’ 85% of students would recommend the teaching technique to other MPharm students, 76% felt these sessions should be introduced in earlier years of the MPharm course. A few students commented that the facilitation style varied considerably depending on academics involved. Discussion/Conclusion ‘Fishbowl’ method of teaching provides a suitable environment for practising clinical history taking and prescribing and were generally well received by students. Further work is needed to integrate this teaching technique earlier in the MPharm programme. Facilitator skills play a significant part in student engagement, we need to ensure there is appropriate staff training to run this session type. Limitations of the study include lack of comparison against other student teaching tools.

Preparing the future pharmacy workforce: competency-based undergraduate curricula for teaching, learning and assessment with a focus on antimicrobial stewardship

Abstract Introduction Competency-based teaching, learning and assessment underpins the requirements for initial training and education of pharmacists (IETPs) in the UK and is set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This competency-based pedagogic approach is conducive when teaching antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) since it ensures that rather than only reciting and absorbing content, student pharmacists gain the necessary skills and behaviours to apply knowledge effectively in clinical practice. This is particularly relevant since newly graduate pharmacists will need to show competency in independent prescribing at the point of graduation from 2026 and education needs to evolve to incorporate prescribing skills including decision making. Aim The aim of this project was to develop a UK-wide national AMS competency framework specifically tailored for student pharmacists and foundation year trainees. Method A working group of academics and pharmacy practitioners from all four nations and with expertise in AMS was set up in September 2022. Student pharmacists from a national organisation (BPSA) and a professional pharmacy body (RPS) are also members. Development of the consensus indicative curriculum for student pharmacists was adapted from published frameworks including those for UK undergraduate medical students1, and a UK wide set of generic AMS competencies for undergraduate healthcare professional education2. The results of a survey3 conducted across Schools of Pharmacy (SoP) aiming to determine the nature and extent of implementation of the latter generic competencies, also informed this project. To ensure consistency, the group has worked with the British Society for Chemotherapy (BSAC) to align to the Keep Antibiotics Working (KAW) website, that provides resources for pharmacy students and educators, aligned to the curriculum domains. No ethics approval was required for this study since it did not involve any participants. Results The final curriculum consists of six domains: Infection prevention and control, antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship, vaccine uptake, person-centred care and interprofessional collaborative practice. Each domain includes a competency statement together with accompanying descriptors (74) clearly outlining the knowledge and application required by the newly qualified pharmacist. To support implementation of the framework, the individual competencies were mapped to the revised GPhC standards for the IETPs together with Royal Pharmaceutical Society Prescribing Competency Framework that link to AMR and AMS. The group has also developed a set of suggested practice-based activities aligned with the framework domains to support pharmacists supervising or assessing students on placement. Discussion/Conclusion This project is timely to support development of future pharmacists as leaders in AMS and ensure a portable workforce, since pharmacists will be independent prescribers at the point of registration from 2026. A limitation of the development is the fact that not all SoP have been involved in the process; however, efforts are being made to communicate curriculum content as widely as possible. Though it is not mandatory to implement this curriculum, it provides a benchmark for embedding the competencies into undergraduate pharmacy curricula and allows identification of topics that may not be adequately covered. It also promotes consistency of approach across schools. (500 words)

АНАЛИЗ ПРАКТИЧЕСКИХ АСПЕКТОВ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТИ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧЕСКИХ РАБОТНИКОВ В ОБЛАСТИ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ С МАЛОМОБИЛЬНЫМИ ПОСЕТИТЕЛЯМИ АПТЕЧНЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ С ОГРАНИЧЕННЫМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ ЗДОРОВЬЯ

Currently, pharmacies are part of the healthcare system and must comply with the requirements for providing an accessible environment for people with disabilities, including providing them with the opportunity to receive the necessary pharmaceutical services. The aim of the study is to analyze the practical aspects of improving the professional competence of pharmacists in the field of interaction with people with limited mobility and disabilities in pharmacies. The texts of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation and also systemic and logical methods of their interpretation have been used in this study. It has been revealed that the current federal state educational standards of higher education and secondary vocational education in the specialty «Pharmacy» do not directly provide for the need to train future pharmacists in the basics of professional interaction with people with disabilities, but they establish the possibility of introducing additional competencies and/or new academic disciplines into the curricula for more in-depth training of graduates. It has been shown that pharmacists are required to have knowledge of the anatomical and functional characteristics of various groups of people with limited mobility and disabilities, their physiological states and pathological processes that directly affect their ability to receive pharmaceutical services in pharmacies. The possibility of pharmacists of pharmacies to consult people with limited mobility and disabilities on the necessary pharmacy goods online has been analyzed, taking into account possible functional disorders in these people – in various formats: text, audio only or using video communication. It has been proposed to introduce training on relevant aspects of their professional interaction with visitors to pharmacies with disabilities into educational programs for training and professional development of pharmacists.

Unveiling pharmacogenomics: insights from Portuguese pharmacists on quaternary prevention

Abstract Background Public health genomics recognises the potential of genomic knowledge for enhancing population health. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) and lack of efficacy have significant clinical and economic burdens, which can be mitigated by pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing. Pharmacists can play a vital role in facilitating the implementation of PGx into routine clinical care. This will promote quaternary prevention, to protect individuals from medical intervention that can cause more harm than good. Objectives To assess attitudes, opinions, expectations, practices, and concerns of Portuguese pharmacists regarding PGx implementation. Methods An observational cross-sectional web-based survey was developed based on literature review, adapted to the national context, and validated in a focus group. The target population were adults residing in Portugal with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent, with convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results From 303 participants, 98% believe that PGx is an important area of pharmaceutical sciences and 97% indicate that PGx should be included in continuing education. Almost all (99%) anticipate that PGx implementation will prevent the administration of ineffective drugs and inappropriate doses, 98% expect PGx will reduce ADR. Major concerns are related with direct-to-consumer sale of PGx tests via internet (78%) and unauthorized access to test results (91%). Currently, 25% are familiar with reliable sources of information on PGx, but only 11% feel qualified to recommend PGx testing, and 10% have analysed PGx reports. Conclusions There are positive opinions and expectations regarding the potential benefits of PGx tests. However, there are regulatory concerns and lack of readiness for immediate application. Pharmacists express interest in learning more about PGx, highlighting the need for continuous education and training to integrate it effectively into routine pharmaceutical practice. Key messages • Pharmacists recognize the benefits of PGx implementation for quaternary prevention. • Regulatory concerns and readiness gaps in PGx emphasise a need for training and life-long education of pharmacists.

Missed opportunities of method information index plus (MII+) counseling among current modern contraceptive users. multi-level analysis from the Ethiopian PMA 2021 data set

IntroductionIn Ethiopia, there is a decrease in percentage of women who receive method information index counseling service from 39% (95%CI: 33%, 44%) in 2015 to 12% in 2019 (95% CI: 10%, 14%) nationally, and less than 40% of these services provided are high quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify modern contraceptive users-related factors at individual level and community level associated with missed opportunities of method information index plus counseling.MethodsThis study used the datasets from the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia Survey, which comprised a total of 8,365 households (98.9%) and 7,988 women (98.8%). The data analysis was done with Stata version 14. Using multilevel mixed effect logistics regression, both individual and community-level factors were found to be associated with missed opportunities of method information index plus counseling. a P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The association was presented using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe study shows that the prevalence of missed opportunity MII + family planning counseling among current modern contraceptive users was 81% (79.15, 82.66) and factors significantly associated with missed opportunities of method information index plus counselling are educational status, low level of media exposure, religion, receiving the service in health centers and health posts, never heard of any other methods, number of children at first contraceptive use and region.ConclusionsIn Ethiopia 81% of women had a missed opportunities of MII + counseling service. In order to address this, we recommend policy makers to focus on training of health care workers and pharmacists about MII + counseling, and establishing ways to improve access to media exposure.

FORMATION OF CONCEPTUAL AND TERMINOLOGICAL APPARATUS AS A COMPONENT OF PROFESSIONALLY ORIENTED FUTURE PHARMACIST TRAINING

The article analyzes the process of forming the conceptual and terminological apparatus as a component of professionally oriented training of future pharmacists; based on generalization of theoretical foundations, the features, strategies, and methods, the formation of the conceptual and terminological apparatus that contribute to the efficient training of future pharmacists in the process of studying the discipline «Analytical Chemistry» are revealed. The following criteria for the selection of chemical terms and concepts are proposed: thematic affiliation (exclusion of terms from related fields), focus on the vocabulary, systematicity, completeness of terminology coverage, as well as synchronicity (time factor), usage (frequency), semantic value of the term, term-forming capacity, normativity, and connectivity. The article considers the holistic organization of work on the qualitative mastering of the terminological vocabulary of analytical chemistry, and the development of professionally oriented communicative competence of future specialists majoring in the specialty 226 «Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy». It involves the use of proven methods and techniques for the rational selection, semantization and presentation of terminological language units. The exercises are divided into types, and their sequence in working with terms is established: introduction of terminological vocabulary (preparatory exercises) – language exercises – communicative and linguistic exercises, which involve the simultaneous selection and functioning of pre-text, while-text, and post-text exercises in such work. Post-textual tasks and forms of application of exercises have been developed. They are the following: work in pairs, organizing a cluster based on reference material, sentence construction, terminological dictation, and crossword puzzles. microtext construction, formulating definitions of terms, working with mental maps, using multimedia, trainings, video presentations, and the game «Guess the term!». It has been concluded that the usage of various communicative and speech exercises aimed at mastering terminological vocabulary in the process of teaching analytical chemistry contributes to professional communication skills improvement in the discipline and, by forming terminological experience, increases the level of professional language competence of future pharmacy specialists.

Emergency contraception access in Fijian community pharmacies: A descriptive study

ObjectiveTo assess pharmacists’ knowledge regarding emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), their attitudes towards women obtaining ECPs, and ECP counselling and dispensing practices. MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey using Qualtrics was distributed via pharmacy emails and networks to recruit registered pharmacists working in community-based pharmacies. ResultsThere were 22 valid respondents, predominantly female pharmacists (68%), with an average of 7.5 years of registration. All pharmacists knew the correct time frame after unprotected sex for ECPs to be effective, and 73% knew how ECPs worked, but only 50% knew that there were no contraindications. Most pharmacists (86%) knew that ECPs should be available to all women and girls, but only 59% thought that a married woman should not have to get permission from her husband to buy ECPs. Information or education for clients on the correct use of ECPs was mainly provided by pharmacists (59%), mostly through verbal communication (96%). Only 5% of pharmacists had used the emergency contraception methods wheels. ConclusionsThere were gaps in pharmacists’ knowledge regarding ECPs. Biases, judgemental attitudes, and suboptimal practices existed. Implications for public healthTargeted education and training for pharmacists is needed to improve access to ECPs in Fiji.

Exploring Barriers Faced by Community Pharmacists in Serving Patients with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: Recommendations for Enhancing Healthcare Provisions.

A mixed-methods cross-sectional phenomenological study was conducted among community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia between March and April 2022. Both closed- and open-ended questions were utilized to identify themes related to community pharmacists' barriers and experiences when providing care to individuals with disabilities. A total of 40 community pharmacists participated in this study. Among them, 57.5% reported encountering difficulties when caring for patients with disabilities, with 65% indicating a lack of specialized services at their respective community pharmacies. Three major themes emerged from the findings: the need for pharmacist training and awareness, technology-guided methods for overcoming communication barriers, and improving overall pharmacy accessibility. This study reveals a significant gap in the provision of services for patients with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Addressing physical accessibility, providing targeted training, and leveraging technology can enhance care delivery and promote inclusivity. Further research is warranted to assess the effectiveness of technological solutions and the integration of artificial intelligence in improving communication and patient-centered care for individuals with disabilities.

Observation of the Reconstitution Process and Factors that Influence the Final Condition of Chemotherapy Patients in Private Hospitals

 Handling of cytostatic preparations is the aseptic handling of cancer drugs in ready-to-use packaging according to patient needs by trained pharmacists with control of environmental safety, officers, and drug preparations from toxic effects and contamination, using personal protective equipment. Resistant to handling cytostatics preparations, including preparation, mixing, handling of spills, and cytostatics waste management. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of the handling of cytostatic preparations and the description of the use of chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. This research was conducted by descriptive analytic observation, data on the handling of cytostatics preparations was obtained by observing directly in the chemotherapy drug mixing room and data on the use of chemotherapy drugs were obtained retrospectively by looking at medical records and service sheets of mixing cytostatics preparations. The results obtained in the process of handling cytostatic preparations in the preparation, mixing and labeling stages are 100% to the guidelines, while the labeling stage is 86% appropriate. Evaluation of the type of use of chemotherapy drugs is known that the taxane drug class is the most widely used by 91,7%. The appropriate evaluation of chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer patients is 92%, lung cancer is 100% and uterine cancer is 0%. Evaluation of the correct dose of chemotherapy drugs obtained results of 0%. The results of the Chi Square statistical test found that there was a relationship between the last cycle of chemotherapy and the patient's final condition p = <0.001

Medication management issues perceived by pharmacists and disability caregivers while supporting people with disability

BackgroundAustralia has a notable gap in guidance for pharmacists, caregivers and disability service providers in: (i) supporting people with disabilities (PWD) within the medication management cycle, (ii) understanding their obligations for providing high quality care, and (iii) preventing medication-related harm. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify medication management issues for PWD from the perspective of disability caregivers and pharmacists when supporting PWD with their medication. MethodsA qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews of pharmacists and disability caregivers was undertaken across six different states or territories in Australia. ResultsInterviews were conducted with registered pharmacist participants (n=10), and disability workers (n=10). Seven themes emerged for both pharmacists and caregivers, with most sub-themes and codes concordant between the two cohorts. Clinical issues, particularly related to polypharmacy and psychotropic use; confidence in providing medicines and medication information accurately to PWD; practical and behavioural issues caregivers experienced when administering medication; challenges in providing individualised and person-centred care to PWD; inadequate communication and transfer of information between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and PWD; insufficient disability awareness training for pharmacists and medication training for caregivers; and challenges working with provider organisations within the current practice environment were described. ConclusionsThis study highlighted seven areas where issues were perceived to arise in medication management for PWD. By understanding the issues perceived by those directly providing care, it may be possible to improve medication management. Further research is needed to understand the perceived role of pharmacists in supporting medication management for PWD and their caregivers, and how enabling pharmacists scope might reduce medication-related risks and support QUM in this sector.

How new pharmacists handled COVID-19 misinformation: A qualitative study

BackgroundNew pharmacists, PharmD graduates of 2020 and 2021, faced the unique challenge of entering the workforce during the volatile and divisive COVID-19 pandemic. They had to navigate patient-driven misinformation while adapting to evolving roles, including the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Understanding the experiences of new pharmacists during this period is crucial for professional development and patient care. ObjectiveThe study aimed to describe new pharmacists’ experiences of handling COVID-19 vaccine misinformation presented by patients. MethodsSemi-structured Zoom interviews were conducted with PharmD 2020 and 2021 graduates recruited from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy until saturation was achieved. Interview questions were based on constructs of the Hearing, Understanding, Interpreting, Evaluating, Remembering, and Responding model and World Health Organization (WHO) algorithm on how to respond to vocal vaccine deniers. Data analysis was performed through deductive thematic content analysis, and findings were reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. ResultsA total of 13 interviews were conducted, with 61.5% of participants from St. John’s University and 38.5% from UM. They worked in various pharmacy settings, including independent (30.8%), chain (23.0%), long-term care (15.4%), and ambulatory care/hospital pharmacies (30.8%). The types of COVID-19 misinformation new pharmacists heard during the pandemic align with the techniques and topics of anti-vaccine arguments outlined by the WHO’s algorithm. New pharmacists utilized evaluation skills to identify credible sources and information, interpreted patients' language and sources, and assessed patients' willingness to be corrected. All new pharmacists responded to misinformation regardless of the technique or topic; however, the mechanism of response may have differed depending on whether a technique or topic was presented. ConclusionsThis baseline understanding of new pharmacists’ practices in managing health misinformation can inform the development of recommendations for health misinformation management and assist pharmacy schools in identifying areas for further training for student pharmacists.

Cross-sectional description of hospital pharmacy services in Puerto Rico in 2022 using the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 Self-Assessment Tool.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) developed the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 (PAI 2030) to support the continuous improvement of hospital pharmacy services in the United States. Puerto Rico (PR) hospitals' level of compliance with PAI 2030 recommendations is not currently known. The primary objective of this study was to describe the hospital pharmacy scenario in PR in the 5 areas addressed in PAI 2030 recommendations. Through a collaboration between the state affiliate, a school of pharmacy, and ASHP, completion of the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool was promoted among hospital pharmacy directors between August 2022 and March 2023. A total of 18 out of 66 hospitals completed the survey. The results were compared with national data provided by ASHP from 163 US hospitals. Areas where PR hospitals rated high were in PAI 2030 domain A (Pharmacy Technician Role, Education, and Training) and domain E (Pharmacist Leadership in Medication Use and Safety). PR hospitals rate their performance lower in domain A (Patient-Centered Care) and domain B (Pharmacist Role, Education, and Training). Specific focus areas for improvement by PR hospitals include pharmacist participation in medication reconciliation, 24/7 access to advanced clinical pharmacy services, expansion of the pharmacist's scope of practice, and training through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and residency programs. This study illustrates how the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool can be used to benchmark pharmacy services at the state level. We suggest that changes are needed to close the gap between hospital pharmacies working towards optimizing the role of pharmacists in healthcare systems and those still struggling with dedicating staff to well-recognized pharmacist roles and responsibilities.

Pharmacists’ current and potential prescribing roles in primary care in the Netherlands: a case study

ABSTRACT In some countries, pharmacists have obtained prescribing rights to improve quality and accessibility of care and reduce physician workload. This case study explored pharmacists’ current roles in and potential for prescribing in primary care in the Netherlands, where prescribing rights for pharmacists do not exist. Participatory observations of pharmacists working in either general practice or community pharmacy were conducted, as were semi-structured interviews about current and potential practice. The latter were extended to patients and other healthcare professionals, mainly general practitioners, resulting in 34 interviews in total. Thematic analyses revealed that pharmacists, in all cases, wrote prescriptions that were then authorized by a physician before dispensing. General practice-based pharmacists often prescribed medications during patient consultations. Community pharmacists mainly influenced prescribing through (a) medication reviews where the physician and/or practice nurse often were consulted to make treatment decisions, and (b) collaborative agreements with physicians to start or substitute medications in specific situations. These findings imply that the pharmacists’ current roles in prescribing in the Netherlands resemble collaborative prescribing practices in other countries. We also identified several issues that should be addressed before formally introducing pharmacist prescribing, such as definitions of tasks and responsibilities and prescribing-specific training for pharmacists.

Pharmacists' role in combating medical misinformation

AbstractMedical misinformation can pose serious threats to public health. This commentary explores the pharmacist's unique role in addressing and mitigating the impact of medical misinformation. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage with other healthcare providers, patients, and communities to dispel myths, provide accurate information, and promote evidence‐based healthcare decision‐making. This commentary showcases examples of the multifaceted roles of pharmacists in combating medical misinformation. It explores various strategies and interventions that can be used by pharmacists, including patient education, effective communication, information dissemination, and community engagement. Pharmacists' interventions are often at the intersection of medication management and health information needs, making them integral in ensuring patients and providers make informed healthcare choices. Moreover, this commentary highlights the impact pharmacists can have as advocates for scientific rigor and evidence‐based practices within healthcare systems to educate against medical misinformation and discusses the need for continued education, training, and support for pharmacists to excel in their roles as healthcare educators and medication experts. Pharmacists have a role in countering medical misinformation when serving patients by providing information that empowers a more informed society.

[Translated article] Conquering the future in hospital pharmacy: Training as a pillar of success

The training of hospital pharmacists in the coming years must adapt and respond to constant current and future social and technological challenges, without neglecting the basic areas of the profession. It is necessary to acquire knowledge in what is known as digital comprehensive health: artificial intelligence, technology and automation, digital skills, and new forms of communication with patients, such as telemedicine and telepharmacy that are already a reality in many hospitals.We must provide knowledge in automated systems for the distribution and dispensing of medicines, robots for preparing sterile preparations, traceability systems, the use of drones in clinical care, etc. as well as training in the application of technology in pharmaceutical care, through devices and applications that help identify patients who require specific care early and effectively. In this digital scenario, new risks and challenges must be faced, such as cybersecurity and cyber resilience, which makes the training and education of healthcare professionals in general, and hospital pharmacists in particular, inexcusable.On the other hand, the appearance of increasingly complex and innovative therapies has a great impact not only on health population but also on economic and environmental issues, which makes new competencies and skills essential to develop and implement disruptive and competent financing, equity, and sustainability strategies.In this demanding and hyper-connected environment, it is understandable that the well-known “burned out worker syndrome” appears, which prevents the correct personal and professional development of the team and highlights the importance of quality training for its prevention and management.In short, in the next decade, the training of hospital pharmacists must be aimed at providing knowledge in innovation and in basic skills needed to adapt and succeed to current demands and changes.

Conquistando el futuro en farmacia hospitalaria: la formación como pilar del éxito

The training of hospital pharmacists in the coming years must adapt and respond to constant current and future social and technological challenges, without neglecting the basic areas of the profession. It is necessary to acquire knowledge in what is known as digital comprehensive health: Artificial intelligence, technology and automation, digital skills, and new forms of communication with patients, such as telemedicine and telepharmacy that are already a reality in many hospitals.We must provide knowledge in automated systems for the distribution and dispensing of medicines, robots for preparing sterile preparations, traceability systems, the use of drones in clinical care, etc., as well as including training in the application of technology in pharmaceutical care, through devices and applications that help identify patients who require specific care early and effectively. In this digital scenario, new risks and challenges must be faced, such as cybersecurity and cyber-resilience, which makes the training and education of healthcare professionals in general, and hospital pharmacists in particular, essential.On the other hand, the appearance of increasingly complex and innovative therapies has a great impact not only on health population but also on economic and environmental issues, which makes new competencies and skills essential to develop and implement disruptive and competent financing, equity, and sustainability strategies.In this demanding and hyper-connected environment, it is understandable that the well-known “burned out worker syndrome” appears, which prevents the correct personal and professional development of the team and highlights the importance of quality training for its prevention and management.In short, in the next decade, the training of hospital pharmacists must be aimed at providing knowledge in innovation and in basic skills needed to adapt and succeed to current demands and changes.

[Translated article] New challenges in advanced therapies

The huge development that advanced therapy medicinal products (AMTPs) have experienced in recent years, both commercial and research, represent a challenge for hospital pharmacy at all levels. The aim of this article is to describe the implementation of an advanced therapies unit (AUT) and the process of preparation of the AMTPs according to the “good manufacturing practices” (GMP), as well as the results obtained in a tertiary hospital, as an example of the challenges posed by MTA's academic production.The AUT meets the requirements established in the GMP by guaranteeing that the medicines produced therein are of the quality required for the use for which they are intended, and also provides support to various research groups involved in the development of AMTPs. The AUT is composed of a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, qualified and trained in GMP, and is authorized for the preparation of 5 types of AMTPs consisting of allogeneic virus-specific T cells (VST) with various viral specificities. A circuit has been established in collaboration between the UTA and the pharmacy service with the hematology service for the assessment of the clinical indication, the request, and preparation of VST, which allows the treatment of patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants who present viral reactivations resistant or refractory to standard treatment, or who cannot tolerate it due to toxicity. Preliminary results from these AMTPs suggest that VSTs are an effective and safe alternative.Academic AMTPs have special interest in orphan indications or in the absence of alternative treatments, and their production through the “hospital exemption” can favor early access in the initial phases of development and at a lower cost. It is essential to promote the training of hospital pharmacists in GMP and their participation in collaboration with other clinicians and researchers to develop AMTPs that meet all logistical and regulatory requirements.

Nuevos retos de las terapias avanzadas

The huge development that Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (AMTPs) have experienced in recent years, both commercial and research, represent a challenge for Hospital Pharmacy at all levels. The aim of this article is to describe the implementation of an Advanced Therapies Unit (AUT) and the process of preparation of the AMTPs according to the “good manufacturing practices” (GMP), as well as the results obtained in a tertiary hospital, as an example of the challenges posed by MTA's academic production.The AUT meets the requirements established in the GMP by guaranteeing that the medicines produced therein are of the quality required for the use for which they are intended, and also provides support to various research groups involved in the development of AMTPs. The AUT is composed of a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, qualified and trained in GMP, and is authorized for the preparation of five types of AMTPs consisting of allogeneic virus-specific T cells (VST) with various viral specificities. A circuit has been established in collaboration between the UTA and the Pharmacy Service with the Hematology Service for the assessment of the clinical indication, the request and preparation of VST, which allows the treatment of patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants who present viral reactivations resistant or refractory to standard treatment, or who cannot tolerate it due to toxicity. Preliminary results from these AMTPs suggest that VSTs are an effective and safe alternative.Academic AMTPs have special interest in orphan indications or in the absence of alternative treatments, and their production through the “hospital exemption” can favor early access in the initial phases of development and at a lower cost. It is essential to promote the training of hospital pharmacists in GMP and their participation in collaboration with other clinicians and researchers to develop AMTPs that meet all logistical and regulatory requirements.