scholarly journals Factors impeding the supply of over-the-counter medications according to evidence-based practice: A mixed-methods study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0240913
Author(s):  
Nouf Aloudah ◽  
Areej Alhumsi ◽  
Nada Alobeid ◽  
Nourah Aboheimed ◽  
Hind Aboheimed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
The Common ◽  
Mystery Shoppers

Objective Despite the positive attitudes pharmacists have toward evidence-based practices (EBPs), its application in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and assess EBPs by community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia when they dispense over-the-counter (OTC) medications for three minor ailments: diarrhea, cough, and the common cold. Research design and methods We used a mixed-methods approach consisting of two study parts. The first was a quantitative investigation that used mystery shoppers. Four researchers, posing as mystery shoppers, visited 214 randomly selected pharmacies in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. They used 14 questions from a standardized checklist to examine EBPs by community pharmacists. The qualitative part of the study entailed three focus-group discussions with 13 pharmacists from different community practice settings and explored factors that affected the application of EBPs when supplying OTC medications from the pharmacists’ point of view. Results The analysis indicated that 40% of pharmacists dispensed OTC medications according to EBPs. Logistic regression analysis showed that one question, "Describe your symptoms", predicted the correct supply of OTC medications (p = 0.021). The qualitative section of the study identified nine factors that affected EBP. Some of these factors facilitated EBP, such as established patient-pharmacist relationships, some acted as barriers such as conflicts between available evidence, while other factors could either facilitate or hinder EBPs, such as the health literacy of the patient. Conclusion Given that dispensing OTC medication is a core function of pharmacists, this study uncovered low adherence to EBPs by community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia when dispensing OTC medication for three minor ailments: diarrhea, cough, and the common cold. Furthermore, this study identified a number of explanatory factors for this low adherence. Targeting these factors could help change the behavior of pharmacists and decrease undesirable outcomes.

scholarly journals Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections

Life ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Harri Hemilä ◽  
Elizabeth Chalker
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
The Third ◽  
Nutritional Recommendations ◽  
Mainstream Medicine ◽  
The Common ◽  
Based Medicine

Evidence has shown unambiguously that, in certain contexts, vitamin C is effective against the common cold. However, in mainstream medicine, the views on vitamin C and infections have been determined by eminence-based medicine rather than evidence-based medicine. The rejection of the demonstrated benefits of vitamin C is largely explained by three papers published in 1975—two published in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine—all of which have been standard citations in textbooks of medicine and nutrition and in nutritional recommendations. Two of the papers were authored by Thomas Chalmers, an influential expert in clinical trials, and the third was authored by Paul Meier, a famous medical statistician. In this paper, we summarize several flaws in the three papers. In addition, we describe problems with two recent randomized trial reports published in JAMA which were presented in a way that misled readers. We also discuss shortcomings in three recent JAMA editorials on vitamin C. While most of our examples are from JAMA, it is not the only journal with apparent bias against vitamin C, but it illustrates the general views in mainstream medicine. We also consider potential explanations for the widespread bias against vitamin C.

Ethanol in Over-the-Counter Drugs

1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 342-343
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
National Health ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
National Health Interview Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Health Interview Survey ◽  
Health Interview ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
The Common

The use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications among children in the United States is extensive. More than 800 OTC medications are available for treatment of the common cold, with almost 2 billion dollars spent annually on cough and cold medications alone. In 1994, Kogan et al determined that more than 50% of 3-year-old children in the United States had been given OTC medications in the 30 days prior to the study survey. Cough and cold preparations and acetaminophen were reported to be the medications used most frequently (66.7%). The use of cough and cold medications has not decreased when compared with findings from a 1981 National Health Interview Survey, despite increasing evidence that these medications are not effective and, in some circumstances, even may be harmful to children.

scholarly journals Launching and evaluating a mobile phone app to provide contemporary, evidence-based advice about self-treatable conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Lezley-Anne Hanna ◽  
Maurice Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Google Play

Rationale, aims and objectives: As government-funded healthcare provisions are stretched to their limits, it is important that healthcare professionals provide evidence-based advice about minor ailments to facilitate people’s abilities to self-treat these conditions effectively and appropriately, given that self-care is one of the many components of person-centered healthcare. Unfortunately, despite the expanding over-the-counter (OTC) medicines market, there have been doubts cast about advice given by UK community pharmacists. Indeed, research conducted with pharmacists revealed that evidence of effectiveness was a secondary consideration when making decisions about OTC recommendations. We aimed to address these concerns and support decision-making by providing high quality, evidence-based, information about self-treatable conditions and over-the-counter consultations through a mobile phone app.Method: There were 4 main stages, namely: (1) app development (content and design); (2) piloting (use-testing); (3) publication on Apple and Android stores and marketing of the app and, finally, (4) an evaluation (using analytical data obtained through the app content management system, feedback obtained via email, the star-rating and reviews posted on Google Play and Apple stores and comments obtained at events. Additionally, following ethical approval and piloting, we invited 100 people, representing different groups within the pharmacy profession in Northern Ireland, to complete an evaluation questionnaire.Results: Since launching the project in February 2017, there have been over 5000 downloads, 68,453 sessions of use and the app has received a 5-star rating on both Apple and Google Play stores. Positive feedback has centred on the material being relevant and up-to-date, that it facilitates quick access to information in the workplace and is easy to navigate and that it is a good training tool. Future suggestions for improvement include expanding the number of conditions and providing self-assessment questions to help students prepare for professional examinations.Conclusions: The app appears to have had a positive impact on OTC consultations, but it is still evolving to ensure its usefulness in practice is maximised.

scholarly journals Management of common minor ailments in Qatar: Community pharmacists’ self-perceived competency and its predictors

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256156
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mohamed Makhlouf ◽  
Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
Saseendran Kattezhathu Vyas ◽  
Kazeem Babatunde Yusuff
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
Otc Medicines ◽  
Specific Competency ◽  
Age Range

Studies focused on comprehensive assessment of self-perceived competency of community pharmacists to manage minor ailments are scanty despite that self-perceived competency is a valid determinant of task performance. The objectives of the study were to assess community pharmacists’ self-perceived competency to manage fourteen common minor ailments in Qatar, and identify its significant predictors. A cross-sectional assessment of 307 community pharmacists was conducted with a pre-tested 20-item questionnaire. Self-perceived competency was assessed with nine elements on a scale of 1–10 (Maximum obtainable score: Each minor ailment = 90; each element = 140). Mann-Whitney U and bivariate logistic regression were used for data analyses. The response rate was 91.9% (282/307). The majority of the respondents were males (68.1%; 192/282), within the age range of 31–40 years (55.3%; 156/282). The minor ailments with the highest median competency score were constipation (76), and cold/catarrh (75) while travel sickness (69), and ringworm (69) had the lowest. The two condition-specific competency elements with the highest median score were recommendation of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (115), and provision of instructions to guide its use (115). Ability to differentiate minor ailments from other medical conditions had the lowest median competency score (109). The significant predictors self-perceived competency were female gender (OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.34–4.25, p = 0.003), and working for chain pharmacies (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.30–4.96, p = 0.006). Overall, Community pharmacists’ self-perceived competency was adequate for majority of the common minor ailments, and it was highest for constipation and cold/catarrh, and specifically for the recommendation of OTC medicines and provision of instructions to guide its use. However, diagnostic ability to differentiate minor ailments from other medical conditions with similar features had the lowest median competency score. Female gender and working in chain pharmacies were the significant predictors of self-perceived competency to manage minor ailments.

scholarly journals Pediatric pharmacists’ perspectives on essential skills and activities for community pharmacists caring for pediatric patients: A mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 153 (5) ◽  
pp. 287-293
Author(s):  
Jordan Kelly ◽  
Tanner Bengry ◽  
Marcel Romanick ◽  
Jennifer Jupp ◽  
Deonne Dersch-Mills
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Medication Safety ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Provision Of Care

Background: Provision of care to pediatric patients represents a set of unique challenges for pharmacists. Pharmacists practising in pediatric-specialty areas (acute care or ambulatory) have unique perspectives on approaches to pediatric care that can be shared to support pharmacists less familiar with this group of patients in providing effective, patient-centred care. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study using data from pharmacist interviews to quantify and qualitatively describe the approaches to care most commonly reported by pediatric-specialty pharmacists when asked to provide advice to pharmacists on providing pharmaceutical care to infants and children. Data were coded in duplicate using an inductive approach, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The number of times a theme (or subtheme) was mentioned and the number of pharmacists who mentioned it were used as markers of the relative importance of the content. Results: The themes (and subthemes) that emerged as most important were clinical activities (dose checks, considering indication, using up-to-date height/weight), caregiver counselling (demonstrating measurement, discussing administration), medication safety (using consistent concentrations of liquids), compounded medications (risks of, use of caution), adherence (formulation considerations, palatability), avoiding use of over-the counter products (except analgesics/antipyretics) and use of external supports (colleagues, caregivers, resources). Conclusions: We present a collated and prioritized list of practical approaches for pharmacists to use when caring for pediatric patients across the spectrum of practice. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020;153:xx-xx.

scholarly journals Colds and flu – an overview of the management

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Halima Ismail ◽  
Natalie Schellack
Keyword(s):  
Common Cold ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Secondary Infection ◽  
Antibiotic Usage ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Infection Treatment ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Over The Counter Medicines

The common cold and flu are two very different viruses that share very similar symptoms. The common cold is a self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection and it is caused by the rhinovirus, coronavirus or the adenovirus. It usually resolves within 7-10 days. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and usually presents with headaches, myalgia, fever and body aches. There is no place for antibiotic usage in colds and flu and there is no clinical evidence which suggests that using antibiotics alters the course of the disease or prevents secondary infection. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and includes many over the counter medicines, antivirals and herbal treatment.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Self-Medications in a Rural Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-s) ◽  
pp. 128-132
Author(s):  
Raju Athira ◽  
G Govind ◽  
Mary Johns Irene ◽  
Cyriac Sachin ◽  
Sara Cheriyan Ritty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Common People ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
The Common ◽  
Repeated Training

Background: The consumption of drugs without consulting healthcare professional regardless of side effects and duration of therapy is known as self-medication. This study was conducted to analyze the practice of self-medication and knowledge about the medicines among the common people of rural areas. Methods:  6 months Study was carried out by collecting the data with the help of questionnaire and thereby collecting their answers. The data was analyzed statistically in terms of actual numbers and percentage. Results:  As an outcome of our survey, majority of the population were unaware about proper usage of medicines. The survey also shows that NSAIDs are the most consumed medicines. 72.11% stop taking medications without the advice or without informing healthcare provider. 77.56% believe medication without prescription will help them. Conclusion: The survey that most of the common population in the rural areas don’t know about the indication for which they are taking medication and the study also emphasizes  the unawareness of common population towards proper usage of medication. Elderly people are on polypharmacy due to multiple and inter current diseases, with their improper use due to lack of knowledge of correct dose, side effects, and interactions would bring serious implications. Community pharmacists should get continuous education and repeated training programs because they are easy accessible to the common population. A proper statutory drug control must be implemented, rationally restricting the availability of drugs to the public. Self-medication is an area where governments and health authorities need to ensure that it is done in a responsible manner, ensuring that safe drugs are made available over the counter and the consumer is given adequate information about the use of drugs and when to consult a doctor. Keywords: Self-medication, irrational use, prevalence, pharmacist, drugs.

scholarly journals Comparison of pattern of self-medication among urban and rural population of Telangana state, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 2723
Author(s):  
Mary Rohini Pentareddy ◽  
Prasanna Vedula ◽  
Roopa B. ◽  
Jagadish Chandra L. ◽  
S. Amarendar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Common ◽  
Telangana State ◽  
Urban People

Background: Self-medication is one of the components of self-care, which may treat the disease or result in worsening of the condition due to irrational use of drug.1 In developing countries like India, self-medication is a common practice as it provides a low-cost alternative for people who cannot afford the high cost of clinical service, and is time efficient.Methods: A total of 110 participants completed the study. A printed questionnaire was given to those who were willing to participate in the study and came to buy medicines without consulting a doctor to various pharmacy outlets.Results: Among the group of drugs used antibiotics were the common drugs used in rural area (74%) and cough suppressants (50%) in urban area. Symptoms for opting self-medication were fever and common cold in both the groups. Individuals in both areas took self-medication based on their previous prescriptions (rural 42% vs urban41.6%) and advertisements. Rural individuals preferred self-medication with the opinion of saving time and urban people felt that it was less expensive.Conclusions: There is a difference in the pattern self-medication among rural and urban individuals. It is also to be noted that use of antibiotics may result in problems related to drug resistance. So, it would be advisable to restrict the sale of antibiotics as over the counter drugs.

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