Healthcare

Research

18 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Outreach of Community Pharmacists in Public Health Services in Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia: Findings and Implications

by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alzarea, Yusra Habib Khan, Abdullah Salah Alanazi, Nasser Hadal Alotaibi, Sami I. Alzarea, Ziyad Saeed Almalki, Saad S. Alqahtani and Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi

Healthcare 2023, 11(16), 2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11162299 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 880

Abstract

Background: Diversifying the conventional role of community pharmacists from dispensing to involvement in public health services could help in optimized patient care and ultimately good health practices. The current study aimed to ascertain the involvement of community pharmacists, barriers to involvement, their preparedness [...] Read more.

Background: Diversifying the conventional role of community pharmacists from dispensing to involvement in public health services could help in optimized patient care and ultimately good health practices. The current study aimed to ascertain the involvement of community pharmacists, barriers to involvement, their preparedness towards the provision of public health services in the future, and effective strategies to improve their existing role, especially in remote areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia (KSA), between January to April 2023. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit community pharmacists (CPs). A self-designed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The relative importance index (RII) was utilized to rank the barriers to participation in public health services. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS. Results: This study recruited 119 participants (mean age: 32.2 ± 7.9; male gender: 67.2%). Of these, 91.6% were involved in the provision of public health services at community pharmacies. Majority of CPs (n = 114/119, 95.8%) provided drug use-related written information to the patients, and the least practiced service was screening of dyslipidemia (n = 81; 68.1%). According to RII, the major barrier was the lack of time given by patients (RII: 0.812). Overall, the majority of the pharmacists (n = 94/119; 79%) were willing to provide public health services. Most of the CPs reported that empowerment through education and awareness (n = 100/119; 84%) is most effective strategy to enhance the involvement of pharmacists in public health services. Conclusions: Findings of the present study underscored the adequate participation of community pharmacists in public health activities. Further studies are required in other remote regions of KSA to get a clear insight into the overall participation of community pharmacists in public health services and generalize the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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14 pages, 2180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Pharmacists’ Experiences and Attitudes towards the Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: An International Survey

by Javiera Navarrete, Christine A. Hughes, Nese Yuksel, Theresa J. Schindel, Shigeo Yamamura, Tomoko Terajima, Tatta Sriboonruang, Chanthawat Patikorn and Puree Anantachoti

Healthcare 2023, 11(11), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111530 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1388

Abstract

Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remains a challenge worldwide. Describing community pharmacists’ SRH services in countries with different scopes of practice will aid in understanding how pharmacists view their roles and how to support them in providing needed services. [...] Read more.

Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remains a challenge worldwide. Describing community pharmacists’ SRH services in countries with different scopes of practice will aid in understanding how pharmacists view their roles and how to support them in providing needed services. A cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Japan, Thailand, and Canada. The survey covered 7 SRH categories: pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, contraception, emergency contraception, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, maternal and perinatal health, and general sexual health. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A total of 922 eligible responses were included in the analysis (Japan = 534, Thailand = 85, and Canada = 303). Most Thai and Canadian participants reported dispensing hormonal contraceptives (Thailand = 99%, Canada = 98%) and emergency contraceptive pills (Thailand = 98%, Canada = 97%). Most Japanese participants provided patient education on barrier contraceptives for men (56%) and information on the safety of medications in pregnancy (74%) and breastfeeding (76%). The majority of participants expressed interest in additional training and expanding their roles in SRH. Sharing international experiences can guide challenges faced by the evolution of pharmacists’ practice in SRH. Providing pharmacists support could help their readiness for this role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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12 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patient Safety Culture in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Survey among Community Pharmacies

by Vigneshwaran Easwaran, Tahani Musleh Almeleebia, Mohammad Jaffar Sadiq Mantargi, Noohu Abdulla Khan, Sultan M. Alshahrani, Khalid Orayj, Osama Abdullh Amer Alshehri, Nawaf Yahya Hassan Alqasimi and Saad A. AlFlan

Healthcare 2023, 11(10), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11101416 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Measuring patient safety culture in the community pharmacy can help with identifying areas for development. The current study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, electronic survey conducted among pharmacists working in community pharmacies located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The community pharmacy version [...] Read more.

Measuring patient safety culture in the community pharmacy can help with identifying areas for development. The current study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, electronic survey conducted among pharmacists working in community pharmacies located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The community pharmacy version of the “Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture” (PSOPSC) was used to collect data. The positive response rate (PRR) was calculated as per the guidance provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Based on the PRR, two least-achieved items (<25%) were taken for further analysis to identify the possible predictors. A sum of 195 pharmacists were included in this study and most of them were working in chain pharmacies. The highest PRRs were observed with teamwork (94.99), and patient counseling (94.13), followed by physical space and environment (93.07). The lowest PRRs were observed with staffing, work pressure, and pace (47.70), followed by communication openness (72.60). Specific characteristics, such as experience and the number of working hours, are significantly related to a poor PRR. The current study results indicate that the scope for improving patient safety exists in various areas of community pharmacies. However, it is necessary to prioritize the need based on a positive response rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

11 pages, 510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Interns in Saudi Arabia Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

by Laila Albalawi, Abeer S. Alhawiti, Dania Alnasser, Jawaher Alhumaidi, Tahani Alrashidi, Awatif M. Alnawmasi, Mostafa A. S. Ali, Saleh Alqifari and Hanan Alshareef

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091283 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1725

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Interns received a soft copy of a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire using an online [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Interns received a soft copy of a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire using an online survey platform. A total of 266 interns responded to the questionnaire. On average, the participants achieved good scores in the knowledge and practice domains, followed by the attitude domain. The average knowledge percentage was 76.1% (SD 17.1) compared to 84.6% (SD 20.5) for practices and 61.5% (SD 23.2) for attitudes. The results suggest that pharmacy interns had insignificantly better overall scores compared to non-pharmacy interns for knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This study shows that the scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns regarding antibiotic use and resistance were high overall. However, interns’ belief in their responsibility in preventing antibiotic resistance is lacking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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10 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram on Psychological Distress among United States Adult Outpatients with a Major Depressive Disorder

by Kwame Adjei, Georges Adunlin and Askal Ayalew Ali

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050740 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6219

Abstract

How impactful is the use of Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram monotherapy on psychological distress among adults with depression in the real world? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) longitudinal data files from 1 [...] Read more.

How impactful is the use of Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram monotherapy on psychological distress among adults with depression in the real world? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) longitudinal data files from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019 (panel 17–23) were used to assess the effects of Sertraline, Fluoxetine and Escitalopram on psychological distress among adult outpatients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Participants aged 20–80 years without comorbidities, who initiated antidepressants only at rounds 2 and 3 of each panel, were included. The impact of the medicines on psychological distress was assessed using changes in Kessler Index (K6) scores, which were measured only in rounds 2 and 4 of each panel. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted using the changes in the K6 scores as a dependent variable. A total of 589 participants were included in the study. Overall, 90.79% of the study participants on monotherapy antidepressants reported improved levels of psychological distress. Fluoxetine had the highest improvement rate of 91.87%, followed by Escitalopram (90.38%) and Sertraline (90.27%). The findings on the comparative effectiveness of the three medications were statistically insignificant. Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram were shown to be effective among adult patients suffering from major depressive disorders without comorbid conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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10 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Costs Associated with the Use of Personalized Automated Dosing Systems versus Manual Preparation in a Residential Center for the Elderly in Extremadura

by Mᵃ del Carmen Lozano-Estevan, Liliana Guadalupe González-Rodríguez, Rafael Lozano-Fernández, Jorge Velázquez-Saornil, José Luis Sánchez-Manzano, Iván Herrera-Peco, José Antonio Guerra-Guirao and Pilar Leal-Carbajo

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040620 - 19 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1332

Abstract

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been a decrease in the supervision of the medication of subjects with chronic diseases. Customized automated dosing systems (SPDA) are devices that allow medication to be dispensed and administered, which have proven to be safe and [...] Read more.

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been a decrease in the supervision of the medication of subjects with chronic diseases. Customized automated dosing systems (SPDA) are devices that allow medication to be dispensed and administered, which have proven to be safe and effective for the patient and cost-effective for the healthcare system. Methods: an intervention study was carried out on patients from January to December 2019 in a residential centre for the elderly with more than 100 beds. The economic costs derived from manual dosing were compared with those of an automated preparation (Robotik Technology^®). Results: Of the 198 patients included, 195 (97.47%) of them were polymedicated. Of the total of 276 active substances of registered medicinal products, it was possible to include them in the process of automating the preparation of the SPDA 105 active pharmaceutical ingredients. A cost reduction of EUR 5062.39 per year was found using SPDA. Taking into account the active ingredients of emblistable and non-emblistable medicines, the use of SPDA resulted in savings of EUR 6120.40 per year. The system contributed to the detection of cases of therapeutic duplication and reduced the time to prepare the medication. Conclusions: the use of SPDA is a useful and economically profitable strategy for its use in residential centres for the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

13 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

by Tadesse Melaku Abegaz and Askal Ayalew Ali

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040541 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the difference in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and diabetes-related healthcare events (HCEs) among adults with diabetes who were on metformin, sulfonylurea, insulin, or thiazolidinedione (TZD) monotherapy. The data were sourced from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the difference in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and diabetes-related healthcare events (HCEs) among adults with diabetes who were on metformin, sulfonylurea, insulin, or thiazolidinedione (TZD) monotherapy. The data were sourced from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Diabetes patients ≥18 years old who had a complete record of physical component score and mental component scores in round 2 and round 4 of the survey were included. The primary outcome was HRQOL of diabetes patients as measured by the Medical Outcome Study short-form (SF-12v2^TM). Multinomial logistic regression and negative binomial regression were conducted to determine associated factors of HRQOL and HCE, respectively. Overall, 5387 patients were included for analysis. Nearly 60% of patients had unchanged HRQOL after the follow-up, whereas almost 15% to 20% of patients showed improvement in HRQOL. The relative risk of declined mental HRQOL was 1.5 times higher relative to unchanged mental HRQOL in patients who were on sulfonylurea 1.55 [1.1–2.17, p = 0.01] than metformin users. The rate of HCE decreased by a factor of 0.79, [95% CI: 0.63–0.99] in patients with no history of hypertension. Patients on sulfonylurea 1.53 [1.20–1.95, <0.01], insulin 2.00 [1.55–2.70, <0.01], and TZD 1.78 [1.23–2.58, <0.01] had increased risk of HCE compared to patients who were on metformin. In general, antidiabetic medications modestly improved HRQOL in patients with diabetes during the follow-up period. Metformin had a lower rate of HCE as compared to other medications. The selection of anti-diabetes medications should focus on HRQOL in addition to controlling glucose level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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11 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Their Role in Provision of Anemia Management in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia, and the Associated Barriers

by Osama A. Madkhali and Fahad Alzahrani

Healthcare 2022, 10(8), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081452 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1396

Abstract

Background: As a result of the lack of research exploring community pharmacists’ perspectives on anemia care, this study examined the perceived practices and barriers to anemia management services in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to community pharmacists to validate pharmacist perceptions [...] Read more.

Background: As a result of the lack of research exploring community pharmacists’ perspectives on anemia care, this study examined the perceived practices and barriers to anemia management services in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to community pharmacists to validate pharmacist perceptions of their role in anemia care. Using an 11-item role test, pharmacists were asked about their perceptions of anemia management. Pharmacy anemia management barriers were explored using 20 items, and their perceptions of inter-professional contact were examined by two items. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Results: This research involved 324 community pharmacists, 62.3% of whom were males. There were significant differences between the location of pharmacy education and the perceived practice of anemia management. The most common barriers to anemia counseling were patients’ lack of knowledge about anemia, health beliefs, patients’ perceptions that their doctor takes care of them, and time constraints. The majority of respondents said they would like to have more contact with other healthcare professionals regarding the care of anemia patients. Conclusions: A positive perception of pharmacists’ role in anemia management is prevalent among Saudi pharmacists in the Jazan region. Anemia management is challenging due to time limitations and patient-related problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

11 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Medication Review Process Implementation—Cross-Sectional Study among Community Pharmacists in Jordan

by Mohammad Abu Assab, Hamza Alhamad, Inas Almazari, Bilyana Azzam and Hanadi Abu Assab

Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040651 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2226

Abstract

The medication review process (MRP) is an extended, vital role of community pharmacists in improving health outcomes of medication use, yet it is neither systematically nor comprehensively provided bycommunity pharmacies in Jordan. This study aimed to identify the potential barriers hinderingMRP implementation bycommunity [...] Read more.

The medication review process (MRP) is an extended, vital role of community pharmacists in improving health outcomes of medication use, yet it is neither systematically nor comprehensively provided bycommunity pharmacies in Jordan. This study aimed to identify the potential barriers hinderingMRP implementation bycommunity pharmacists in Jordan. A total of 550 community pharmacists electronically received a previously constructed and validated Arabic questionnaire explicitly developed to assess the current medication review practices and factors hindering the MRP, of whom 417 answered the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 75.8%. Among the investigated six categories’ seventeen barriers tothe implementation of the MRP, the highest rating was found for remuneration barriers (55.8%), followed by barriers related to regulations and patients, which scored 52.3% and 48.8%, respectively. Resource-related barriers were recognizedby 44.6% of participants, while qualifications and barriers related to physicians scored 42.9% and 41.8%, respectively. Although community pharmacists in Jordan are eager to extend their roles from traditional to more patient-centered ones, they encounter various barriers hinderingsuch development. Regulation adjustments accompanied by cost-effective remuneration and proper training are strong facilitators for community pharmacists to initiate the medication review service; make available the needed resources; and invest efforts, time, and money to operate it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

Review

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11 pages, 670 KiB

Open AccessReview

The State of Pharmacoeconomics Education in the Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum amid the Changing Face of Pharmacy Practice

by Georges Adunlin, Jordan Skiera, Chandler S. Cupp, Askal Ayalew Ali and Serge Amani Yao Afeli

Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222923 - 08 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1368

Abstract

(1) Background: Continuous growth in pharmaceutical expenditure indicates the need for more advanced pharmacoeconomics evaluations to optimize healthcare outcomes and resource allocation. This study assesses the extent to which accredited pharmacy colleges in the United States cover pharmacoeconomics content within the didactic curriculum [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Continuous growth in pharmaceutical expenditure indicates the need for more advanced pharmacoeconomics evaluations to optimize healthcare outcomes and resource allocation. This study assesses the extent to which accredited pharmacy colleges in the United States cover pharmacoeconomics content within the didactic curriculum of their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the websites of accredited professional-degree programs in pharmacy schools located in the United States to identify pertinent content related to pharmacoeconomics. (3) Results: Out of 141 pharmacy programs, a total of 111 programs of varying sizes were found to have publicly accessible information regarding the content of their pharmacoeconomic curricula on their websites. All these programs required the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics content in their curricula. An examination of course syllabi revealed that the goals and descriptions were broad, aiming to provide students with an introductory understanding of the principles of pharmacoeconomics. The number of credit hours allocated to pharmacoeconomics education ranged from one to seven across the programs. The approach to delivering pharmacoeconomics content varied among the programs. (4) Conclusions: Advanced knowledge of the principles of pharmacoeconomics must be an integral component of all PharmD curricula to prepare pharmacists to assess the rational use of pharmacy products and services, improve clinical outcomes, and mitigate healthcare expenditures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

21 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Practices and Perceptions of Community Pharmacists in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

by Abdi Berk Cayci, Adam Pattison Rathbone and Laura Lindsey

Healthcare 2023, 11(15), 2159; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11152159 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1645

Abstract

Understanding the contributions of community pharmacists as first-line health providers is important to the management of atopic dermatitis, though little is known about their contribution. A systematic review was carried out to examine practices and perceptions of the role of community pharmacists. A [...] Read more.

Understanding the contributions of community pharmacists as first-line health providers is important to the management of atopic dermatitis, though little is known about their contribution. A systematic review was carried out to examine practices and perceptions of the role of community pharmacists. A literature search was conducted in five different databases. Full-text primary research studies, which involved practices and perceptions of the role of community pharmacists in the management of atopic dermatitis, previously published in peer reviewed journals were used. Critical appraisal of included studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized to generate descriptive and analytical themes. The confidence of the findings of the included studies was assessed via either GRADE or CERQual. Twenty-three studies were included. Findings showed that community pharmacists lacked knowledge of the uses of topical corticosteroids. The recommendations of other treatments were limited. Pharmacists generally undertook dermatology training after graduation. Analytical themes indicated that the practices of community pharmacists were poor and misled patients. Inappropriate education in initial training was identified as a potential reason for their poor practices. This systematic review reveals a gap between patients’ needs in practice and dermatological education provided to community pharmacists. Novel approaches regarding education and training should be explored to improve pharmacists’ dermatological knowledge and skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Practice and Administration 2.0)

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