scholarly journals Community Pharmacy Response in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Time-Sensitive Opportunity for Research and Evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 215013271881349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Melin ◽  
Carlos E. Rodríguez-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Collaborative Practice Agreement

One year ago, Hurricane Maria passed over the archipelago of Puerto Rico, leaving widespread disruption of nearly all human services, including the health care sector. In the aftermath of the hurricane, limited access to medical care and prescription medications presented a serious challenge to maintaining control of preexisting chronic diseases. Many patients did not have access to refrigeration for heat-sensitive medications. Significant dietary changes due to the limited availability of shelf-stable foods further exacerbated chronic conditions such as heart failure and diabetes. The role of community pharmacists following a natural disaster has previously been documented, and may include the triage of evacuees, assessment of immunization needs, and provision of prescription medications under a collaborative practice agreement. However, our experience in Puerto Rico demonstrated a variety of barriers limited pharmacists’ ability to adequately respond to the magnitude of this disaster. These included medication shortages, extended loss of power, and limited telecommunications for contacting prescribers, disaster relief agencies, and third-party payers. Ultimately, the lack of preexisting emergency protocols made overcoming such barriers difficult. As the first and sometimes only accessible health care provider to many patients following a natural disaster, we must build a solid evidence base and better understanding of the individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors that contribute to the community pharmacist response. To date, however, a paucity of data exists on both the pharmacist and patient factors, which may contribute to an effective immediate response to patient needs at the community pharmacy following a natural disaster. Future research must focus on these multi-level factors to better inform public policy and effective disaster planning. Ultimately, such research and planning will lead to increased resiliency in our primary health care systems in the face of future disasters.

scholarly journals Description of Patients Medications Needs and the Community Pharmacist’s Role in Puerto Rico Following a Natural Disaster

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 215013271984270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz C. Jiménez-Mangual ◽  
Darilys M. Cuevas-Acevedo ◽  
Nicole Quiles-Alves ◽  
Ileana Rodríguez-Nazario ◽  
Kyle R. Melin
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Specialty Pharmacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
High Level

Background: In September 2017, Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Maria, a natural disaster that caused devastation. Initial reports of disruption to the health care system were later followed by increases in the death toll in Puerto Rico. Objective: This project assessed patient medications needs, level of satisfaction with community pharmacy services, and perceptions about the role of the pharmacist during the emergency following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Methodology: The investigation utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Data were collected at 3 community pharmacies located in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Walgreens (Specialty Pharmacy and Store 891) and Farmacia Caridad #9. Patients receiving care at these locations were invited to complete a 10-item questionnaire. These were provided with an information sheet describing details of the study prior to participation. Results: Sixty-five patients participated in the study, with an average age of 59 years. The majority (77%) of the respondents reported problems related to their medications and nearly half (47.7%) reported having trouble either contacting or getting to their pharmacy following the hurricane. Regarding the role of pharmacists following a natural disaster, 94% of respondents reported the pharmacist was available to help them and 95% reported the information provided by the pharmacist was “trustworthy/very trustworthy.” Conclusion: Although the challenges reported in Puerto Rico with regard to medications following Hurricane Maria were significant, patients reported a high level of confidence in the ability of community pharmacists to help them.

scholarly journals Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dineen-Griffin ◽  
Shalom I. Benrimoj ◽  
Victoria Garcia-Cardenas
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Primary Health

There is evidence that the Australian Government is embracing a more integrated approach to health, with implementation of initiatives like primary health networks (PHNs) and the Government’s Health Care Homes program. However, integration of community pharmacy into primary health care faces challenges, including the lack of realistic integration in PHNs, and in service and remuneration models from government. Ideally, coordinated multidisciplinary teams working collaboratively in the community setting are needed, where expanding skills are embraced rather than resisted. It appears that community pharmacy is not sufficiently represented at a local level. Current service remuneration models encourage a volume approach. While more complex services and clinical roles, with associated remuneration structures (such as, accredited pharmacists, pharmacists embedded in general practice and residential aged care facilities) promote follow up, collaboration and integration into primary health care, they potentially marginalize community pharmacies. Community pharmacists’ roles have evolved and are being recognized as the medication management experts of the health care team at a less complex level with the delivery of MedChecks, clinical interventions and medication adherence services. More recently, vaccination services have greatly expanded through community pharmacy. Policy documents from professional bodies highlight the need to extend pharmacy services and enhance integration within primary care. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Pharmacists in 2023 report envisages pharmacists practising to full scope, driving greater efficiencies in the health system. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s future vision identifies community pharmacy as health hubs facilitating the provision of cost-effective and integrated health care services to patients. In 2019, the Australian Government announced the development of a Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan which will guide resource allocation for primary health care in Australia. At the same time, the Government has committed to conclude negotiations on the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) with a focus on allowing pharmacists to practice to full scope and pledges to strengthen the role of primary care by better supporting pharmacists as primary health care providers. The 7CPA and the Government’s 10-year plan will largely shape the practice and viability of community pharmacy. It is essential that both provide a philosophical direction and prioritize integration, remuneration and resources which recognize the professional contribution and competencies of community pharmacy and community pharmacists, the financial implications of service roles and the retention of medicines-supply roles.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Drug Abuse and Misuse among Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1334
Author(s):  
Abdulmajeed M. Mobrad ◽  
Sultan Alghadeer ◽  
Wajid Syed ◽  
Mohamed N. Al-Arifi ◽  
Arafah Azher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
College Education ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Controlled Drugs

Background and Objective: Several over-the-counter drugs have been documented as an essential issue in the community pharmacy setting owing to their liability to abuse. Pharmacists act as a critical monitor for these concerns and evaluate the seriousness of the patients’ condition. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding drug abuse and misuse among pharmacists at a community pharmacy in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated self-administered questionnaire was carried out among community pharmacists over three months April to June 2019. The survey had 25 items on the experience, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, strategies, and opinions of participants toward drug abuse and misuse. Results: A total of 239 community pharmacists responded to the survey. About 84% of them had received training on drug misuse or abuse. The majority of community pharmacists (85.8%) would like to be provided educational programs on drug abuse in the future. Nearly all the pharmacists (94.9%) reported providing suitable advice to suspected drug misusers either in written or oral form at their pharmacies. Approximately 31% agreed or strongly agreed to dispense controlled drugs through a pharmacy. Regarding the ethical matter of selling misusers controlled drugs, 93.7% of the respondents believed that it is deceptive to offer misusers controlled medications. A comparison of knowledge and beliefs (univariate analysis) showed that the results were significant only for respondents who had graduated from Yemen (p = 0.007) and respondents who had an experience of four to six years or more (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings revealed that the majority of community pharmacists had been trained in recognizing drug abuse or dependence during their pharmacy college education. In addition, majority of them reported that they warned or counseled patients about the occurrence of adverse drug reactions to specific medications. However, majority of them agreed that selling controlled drugs is unethical in a community pharmacy. Thus, effective implementation of pharmaceutical rules and laws is a fundamental need in the Saudi Arabian health care system and we suggest stringent execution of the regulations by the Saudi health care authorities.

scholarly journals Exploring Accessibility of Community Pharmacy Services

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Kelling
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
The Public ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Accessibility Of Health Services ◽  
System Access

Objective: To use selected literature to describe strengths and opportunities for improvement related to accessibility of health services in the community pharmacy setting. Summary: Pharmacists have been described as one of the most accessible health care professionals, particularly as nearly 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. However, geography alone does not provide access to health services. Individuals must be able to gain entry into the health care system, access a health care location where needed services are provided, and find a health care provider with whom the patient can communicate and trust. Current and potential opportunities for community pharmacists to increase access via each step are described. Conclusion: Community pharmacists are highly accessible health care professionals who are trusted by patients. Opportunities exist to further increase access to dispensing and non-dispensing services in order to better meet the needs of the public.   Type: Commentary

scholarly journals Compassion in mental health: a literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-228
Author(s):  
Joy M. Rooney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biomedical Model ◽  
Academic Researcher ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the current literature on compassion in mental health from a historical, service user and carer (SUAC)/academic researcher perspective with respect to the current paradigm/biomedical model. Design/methodology/approach Searches were conducted in CIANHL Complete, Academic Search Complete, British Education Index, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, Scorpus, Proquest Central using a simplified PRISM approach. Findings In the UK, the SUAC-movement facilitated the adoption of more compassionate mental health in statutory services. Across the world, compassion-based approaches may be viewed as beneficial, especially to those experiencing a biomedical model “treatment”. Health-care workers, suffering burnout and fatigue during neoliberal economics, benefit from compassion training, both in their practice and personally. Randomised control trials (RCTs) demonstrate compassion-type interventions are effective, given sufficient intervention timing, duration and design methodology. Psychology creates outcome measures of adequacies and deficiencies in compassion, demonstrating their importance statistically, with reservations. The effective protection of mental health by self-compassion in both SUACs and health care professionals is evident. It is clear from qualitative research that SUACs prefer compassionate mental health. It also makes a large difference to mental health in general populations. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are given, including a necessity to fund RCTs comparing compassionate mental health interventions with the biomedical model. Unless statutory mental health services adopt this emerging evidence base, medics and their SUACs will continue to rely on pharmaceuticals. Originality/value This is the first integrated literature review of compassion in mental health from a historical, SUAC/academic researcher viewpoint using all research methodologies.

scholarly journals What methods are being used to create an evidence base on the use of laboratory tests to monitor long-term conditions in primary care? A scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 845-853
Author(s):  
Martha M C Elwenspoek ◽  
Lauren J Scott ◽  
Katharine Alsop ◽  
Rita Patel ◽  
Jessica C Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Patient Harm ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Test Ordering

Abstract Background Studies have shown unwarranted variation in test ordering among GP practices and regions, which may lead to patient harm and increased health care costs. There is currently no robust evidence base to inform guidelines on monitoring long-term conditions. Objectives To map the extent and nature of research that provides evidence on the use of laboratory tests to monitor long-term conditions in primary care, and to identify gaps in existing research. Methods We performed a scoping review—a relatively new approach for mapping research evidence across broad topics—using data abstraction forms and charting data according to a scoping framework. We searched CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE to April 2019. We included studies that aimed to optimize the use of laboratory tests and determine costs, patient harm or variation related to testing in a primary care population with long-term conditions. Results Ninety-four studies were included. Forty percent aimed to describe variation in test ordering and 36% to investigate test performance. Renal function tests (35%), HbA1c (23%) and lipids (17%) were the most studied laboratory tests. Most studies applied a cohort design using routinely collected health care data (49%). We found gaps in research on strategies to optimize test use to improve patient outcomes, optimal testing intervals and patient harms caused by over-testing. Conclusions Future research needs to address these gaps in evidence. High-level evidence is missing, i.e. randomized controlled trials comparing one monitoring strategy to another or quasi-experimental designs such as interrupted time series analysis if trials are not feasible.

scholarly journals Qualitative assessment of patients’ perspectives and needs from community pharmacists in substance use disorder management

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Fatani ◽  
Daniel Bakke ◽  
Marcel D’Eon ◽  
Anas El-Aneed
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Non-medical use of psychoactive substances is a common harmful behavior that leads to the development of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). SUD is a significant health concern that causes adverse health consequences and elevates the economic burden on the health care system. SUD treatment plans that utilize a patient-centered approach have demonstrated improved treatment outcomes. It is essential for health care providers, including community pharmacists, to understand patients’ needs and prioritize them. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the perspective of patients living with SUDs or who used substances non-medically regarding community pharmacist services and the delivery of services in a community pharmacy setting. The study took place in Saskatoon, a small urban center of Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods Qualitative methodology was used for this research inquiry. Four focus groups were conducted, with a total of 20 individuals who had experienced substance use and accessed community pharmacy services. The discussion of the four focus groups was transcribed verbatim and analyzed independently by two researchers. Agreement on the emergent themes was reached through discussion between the two researchers. Results Data analysis resulted in four themes that described participants’ perspectives about community pharmacists. The four emergent themes are: 1) conflicted experiences with community pharmacists, 2) lack of knowledge concerning community pharmacists’ extended services, 3) negative experiences in Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) program, and 4) needs from community pharmacists. Conclusion There is significant potential for the patient-pharmacist relationship to address the varying needs of patients who use substances and improve their overall health care experience. Patients who use substances are receptive to pharmacists’ services beyond dispensary; however, respectful communication, provision of drug-related information, and counseling are among the primary demands. Future research should focus on studying the impact of meeting the needs of patients on their treatment outcomes.

scholarly journals Development and Implementation of Charitable Pharmacy Services within a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cortney M. Mospan ◽  
Katelyn M. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Pharmacy Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Access To Health

Underserved patient populations often have limited access to health care services, especially medications, leading to lower quality care due to their transitional status and lack of access. To ensure access to medications for underserved patients in the Johnson City, Tennessee area, the Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy at ETSU developed a charitable pharmacy to serve those of greatest need in hopes of improving quality of care. By establishing a community pharmacy within a FQHC, clinical community pharmacists were able to establish enhanced community pharmacy services as a part of the health-care team. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and benefits of the community pharmacy integration within a FQHC   Type: Clinical Experience

scholarly journals Music therapy for preterm infants and their parents: A path forward for research in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-150
Author(s):  
Łucja Bieleninik ◽  
Claire M. Ghetti
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Experimental Research ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neonatal Health ◽  
Music Therapists

Music therapy has been internationally recognized as a health-promoting profession since the end of World War II, and music therapists have been conducting research in neonatal intensive care since the 1990s. Music therapy professional training was established in Poland in 1973 at the Music Academy in Wrocław, and Polish music therapists have recently begun to seek specialization to work within neonatal intensive care. The commencement of the multi-site international randomized controlled trial LongSTEP, Longitudinal Study of music Therapy’s Effectiveness for Premature infants and their caregivers, has provided the impetus for Polish music therapists to begin offering music therapy services in neonatal intensive care. Thus, engagement in research marks the critical first step in the development of music therapy in neonatal care in Poland. This perspective article examines the current state of experimental research on music therapy in neonatal care and explores its implications for future research in Poland by (1) presenting the clinical aspects of prematurity; (2) summarizing experimental research on music therapy in neonatal intensive care; (3) identifying gaps in the related evidence base; (4) discussing recent developments in international music therapy research; (5) contextualizing music therapy in the Polish neonatal health care system; (6) presenting advanced training in neonatal music therapy, and (7) discussing how culturally relevant aspects of neonatal settings in Poland might impact future research. There is preliminary evidence that music therapy plays a beneficial role for preterm infants and their primary caregivers during the neonatal period; however, research examining long-term impacts and longer-term intervention is needed. Researchers in Poland are poised to make a significant contribution to the international evidence base related to music therapy in neonatal care, and further exploration of particular facets of the Polish neonatal health care system that will impact the delivery of music therapy is warranted.

Still Burning: An Exploration of the Impacts of the 2018/2019 Tasmanian Summer Bushfires on Community Pharmacy Operations in Affected Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 612-618
Author(s):  
Judith A. Singleton ◽  
Sherley Khng ◽  
Elizabeth M. McCourt ◽  
Kaitlyn E. Watson ◽  
Esther T.L. Lau
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Local Council ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
The Government

AbstractIntroduction:Human-induced climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of wildfires across the globe. This has negative consequences for the health of affected communities through the loss of health systems’ infrastructure and disrupted health services. Community pharmacies are a central hub between patients and the health care system and can provide continuity of care during wildfires. However, there is little in peer-reviewed literature about the impacts of wildfires on community pharmacy operations.Study Objective:The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impacts of the 2018/2019 summer bushfires in Tasmania, Australia on community pharmacy operations in affected areas.Methods:Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with four community pharmacists who were working in the affected region during the bushfires. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analyzed using two methods– manual coding utilizing NVivo software and Leximancer analysis. Inter-rater reliability was ensured by two researchers analyzing the data independently. Differences in coding were discussed and agreement reached through negotiation amongst the research team.Results:From the manual coding analysis, five key themes emerged – communication and collaboration; support; patient health challenges; pharmacist experiences in delivering health care; and future planning. These aligned with the five themes that emerged from the Leximancer analysis – community; local; town; patients; and work. Participants described working during the wildfires as difficult, with multiple challenges reported including communication difficulties, operational barriers such as power cuts, legislative barriers, logistical issues with obtaining and storing medication supplies, and lack of preparation, support, and funding. They highlighted a lack of operational and financial support from the government and received most assistance from local council bodies and local branches of professional pharmacy organizations.Conclusion:During disasters, community pharmacies help reduce the burden on public hospitals by maintaining medication supplies and treating patients with minor ailments. However, increased support and inclusion in disaster management planning is needed to continue this role.

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