scholarly journals The Extent and Barriers in Providing Pharmaceutical Care Services by Community Pharmacists in Malaysia: a Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengyeow Loh ◽  
Siew Siang Chua ◽  
Mahmathi Karuppannan
Keyword(s):  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Pharmaceutical Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Proactive Management

Abstract Background: Since the introduction of pharmaceutical care concept by Hepler and Strand in 1990, community pharmacists worldwide have been realigning their roles from being product-focused to patient-orientated to improve patient's quality of life. The objectives of this study were to determine the type of services, with emphasis on the extent of pharmaceutical care services provided by community pharmacists and the barriers in providing such services in Malaysia.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Community pharmacists in Malaysia were invited to participate in the study via emails. The questionnaire was structured based on the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Benchmarking Guidelines, the five practice principles of pharmaceutical care by the American Pharmacists Association and other studies. The online questionnaire was opened for 6 months, from April to September 2018. A reminder to participate was sent via email to the community pharmacists every fortnight.Results: A total of 420 community pharmacists responded to the online questionnaire. Besides essential services such as treatment for minor illness, medicine dispensing and counselling, most of the respondents were providing health screening and monitoring (99.5%), selection and recommendation of health supplements (90.5%), patient medication review (68.8%), weight management (52.4%) and counselling on smoking cessation (51.0%). More than half (53.3%) of the respondents reported that they were providing pharmaceutical care services to patients with chronic diseases. Based on the practice principles of pharmaceutical care, the respondents were involved in patients' data collection (23.3%), medical information evaluation (18.6%), formulating a drug therapy plan (9.3%), implementing a drug therapy plan (4.5%), and monitoring and modifying the plan (18.3%). Lack of separation between prescribing and dispensing was perceived as the main barrier to the implementation of pharmaceutical care services by a majority of the respondents (84.0%).Conclusions: The present study found that pharmaceutical care services provided by community pharmacists in Malaysia were inadequate in comparison with international practice principles. Areas that need improvement included collaboration with patients' other health care providers; more proactive management of patient's medicine regimen; having proper patient monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, and documentation.

scholarly journals The extent and barriers in providing pharmaceutical care services by community pharmacists in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengyeow Loh ◽  
Siew Siang Chua ◽  
Mahmathi Karuppannan
Keyword(s):  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Pharmaceutical Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Proactive Management

Abstract Background Since the introduction of pharmaceutical care concept by Hepler and Strand in 1990, community pharmacists worldwide have been realigning their roles from being product-focused to patient-orientated to improve patient's quality of life. The objectives of this study were to determine the type of services, with emphasis on the extent of pharmaceutical care services provided by community pharmacists and the barriers in providing such services in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Community pharmacists in Malaysia were invited to participate in the study via emails. The questionnaire was structured based on the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Benchmarking Guidelines, the five practice principles of pharmaceutical care by the American Pharmacists Association and other studies. The online questionnaire was opened for 6 months, from April to September 2018. A reminder to participate was sent via email to the community pharmacists every fortnight. Results A total of 420 community pharmacists responded to the online questionnaire. Besides essential services such as treatment for minor illness, medicine dispensing and counselling, most of the respondents were providing health screening and monitoring (99.5%), selection and recommendation of health supplements (90.5%), patient medication review (68.8%), weight management (52.4%) and counselling on smoking cessation (51.0%). More than half (53.3%) of the respondents reported that they were providing pharmaceutical care services to patients with chronic diseases. Based on the practice principles of pharmaceutical care, the respondents were involved in patients' data collection (23.3%), medical information evaluation (18.6%), formulating a drug therapy plan (9.3%), implementing a drug therapy plan (4.5%), and monitoring and modifying the plan (18.3%). Lack of separation between prescribing and dispensing was perceived as the main barrier to the implementation of pharmaceutical care services by a majority of the respondents (84.0%). Conclusions The present study found that pharmaceutical care services provided by community pharmacists in Malaysia were inadequate compared to international practice principles. Areas that need improvement included collaboration with patients' other health care providers; more proactive management of patient's medicine regimen; having proper patient monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, and documentation.

Extended Breastfeeding in Poland: Knowledge of Health Care Providers and Attitudes on Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Baranowska ◽  
Marta Malinowska ◽  
Ewelina Stanaszek ◽  
Dorota Sys ◽  
Grażyna Bączek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Extended breastfeeding is rare in Poland, and lack of acceptance and understanding is often evident in public opinion. The ability to provide reliable information about breastfeeding beyond infancy depends on health professionals’ levels of knowledge and attitudes. They are considered by most parents in Poland to be authorities in the field of child nutrition. Research aims: To determine (1) the level of knowledge and the attitudes of Polish health professionals towards extended breastfeeding; (2) the relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and attitudes towards extended breastfeeding; and (3) the relationship between knowledge about breastfeeding beyond twelve months and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy. Methods: A one-group prospective, cross-sectional, self-report style survey was used. The convenience sample ( N = 495) comprised gynaecologists, neonatologists and midwives. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and the results were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, a chi-square independence test, Fisher’s exact test, post-hoc testing, and two-part tables using SPSS. Results: Most of the respondents (76.7%; n = 384) had a low level of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding beyond twelve months and even emphasized that this nutritional choice could have negative impacts. There was a positive correlation ( F = 105.847; p = < .01) between levels of knowledge and respondents’ attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy. Attitudes were also influenced by the length of time respondents had breastfed. Conclusion: Healthcare providers have an insufficient level of knowledge about extended breastfeeding and need further education in this area.

scholarly journals The Internet: Friend or Foe of Antibiotic Resistance? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study among Italian University Students

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1091
Author(s):  
Francesca Licata ◽  
Silvia Angelillo ◽  
Alessandra Oliverio ◽  
Aida Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional

The study aims were to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR), and to assess the extent of practices regarding antibiotic consumption and Internet use among university students in Southern Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire from 1 April to 14 April 2021. The eligibility criteria for the study were: (i) age between 18 and 30 years and (ii) registered as an undergraduate student at the university. Among the 1051 sampled students, only 7.4% gave the correct answer to all 7 knowledge statements about antibiotics and ABR. The main determinants of knowledge were being younger and attending to medical or life sciences majors. Almost two-thirds took an antibiotic in the previous 12 months and 24.6% reported having self-medicated with antibiotics. More than half of the sample used the Internet to seek information about antibiotics and/or ABR, and it was the strongest predictor of self-medication with antibiotics. The study findings highlighted gaps in knowledge, considerable antibiotic consumption, sometimes without prescription, together with an extensive Internet use to seek health-related information. To facilitate the health-promoting use of the Internet in conjunction with health care providers, we could make young adults aware of the rational use of antibiotics.

scholarly journals Integration of Community Pharmacists in Transition of Care (TOC) Services: Current Trends and Pharmacist Perceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Zeleznikar ◽  
Miranda E. Kroehl ◽  
Katharine M. Perica ◽  
Angela M. Thompson ◽  
Katy E. Trinkley
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Communication Breakdown ◽  
Discharge Medication

Background: Barriers exist for patients transitioning from one health-care setting to another, or to home, and health-care systems are falling short of meeting patient needs during this time. Community pharmacist incorporation poses a solution to the current communication breakdown and high rates of medication errors during transitions of care (TOC). The purpose of this study was to determine community pharmacists’ involvement in and perceptions of TOC services. Methods: Cross-sectional study using electronic surveys nationwide to pharmacists employed by a community pharmacy chain. Results: Of 7236 pharmacists surveyed, 546 (7.5%) responded. Only 33 (6%) pharmacists reported their pharmacy participates in TOC services. Most pharmacists (81.5%) reported receiving discharge medication lists. The most common reported barrier to TOC participation is lack of electronic integration with surrounding hospitals (51.1%). Most pharmacists agreed that (1) it is valuable to receive discharge medication lists (83.3%), (2) receiving discharge medication lists is beneficial for patients’ health (89.1%), (3) discharge medication list receipt improves medication safety (88.8%). Conclusions: Most pharmacists reported receiving discharge medication lists and reported discharge medication lists are beneficial, but less than half purposefully used medication lists. To close TOC gaps, health-care providers must collaborate to overcome barriers for successful TOC services.

scholarly journals The Effect of Social Media Exposure on the Mental Health of Individuals with Disabilities during the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Rasheed Khuwayshan Algethami ◽  
Turki Mahdi Alqarni ◽  
Fahmi Mustafa Albakour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individuals With Disabilities ◽  
Epidemic Period

The purpose of this study is to examine the mental health problems and social media exposure for individuals with disabilities, as well as explore whether this exposure could impact their mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic period. A hundred and twenty individuals with disabilities participated in this cross-sectional study, conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia. We used an online questionnaire built through the translation of two scales, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 " GAD-7" and CES-D-10 scale assessing depression. The findings of this study underlined important messages for individuals with disabilities. First finding revealed that individuals with disabilities were almost half a day anxious, depressed, and frequently exposed to social media. Also, the information spread on social media had a significant effect on their anxiety level, but no significant effect was found on their depression level. Practical recommendations were highlighted to benefit these individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We should use clear and accessible languages and health messages with individuals with disabilities. Health care providers should be exposed to an awareness program to reduce the racisms towards those individuals.     Received: 8 March 2021 / Accepted: 23 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021

scholarly journals Effect of internal & external motivation and Burnout levels of nurses on work performances

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-68
Author(s):  
Sait Soyler ◽  
Yasar Gokalp ◽  
Salih Kenan Sahin ◽  
Pakize Yigit
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
External Motivation

The crucial role of delivering health care services belongs to the health care providers. Among them, nurses have an important place both in regards to their numbers and the burden they take on. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to understand the relations between their work performances and their burnout level in conjunction with their internal& external motivation. The research is a cross-sectional observational study. Surveys were distributed to 600 nurses across the Asian part of İstanbul among 4 hospitals. The study included the volunteer nurses who were actively working in the institutions, who were given permission to participate in the study, except for the nurses who were on leave/had a report during the data collection period. While collecting data, burnout, motivation and workers’ perceived performance scales were used. 458 nurses completed the surveys out of 600 distributed, of which 439 were deemed to be appropriate to be included in the analysis. All the data were analyzed at SPSS 22.0 version, with the mean, standard deviation, range and such descriptive statistics being used with p<0.05 significance level. Analyzes demonstrated a statistically significant negative correlation between burnout and perceived performance (p<0.01, r=-,422). On the other hand, the analyzes also demonstrated a positive but statistically significant and low-level correlation between motivation (internal and external) and perceived performance (p<0.01, r=,173; 226). Burnout caused by independent variables has a statistically significant and negative correlation between both internal and external motivation (p<0.01). Perceived work performance of nurses, one of the most important factors in delivering health care services, can be elevated by decreasing burnout level and by increasing their internal/external motivation. So, it is important for administrations to take appropriate measures to lower the burnout level and increase the motivation of nurses.

scholarly journals Awareness and Preparedness of Egyptian House Officers toward COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Management Team ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures

Background: The recent spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) led to shortage of health care providers in all countries. House officers and medical students may have a role in solving this problem. Objective: The study aims to measure and discuss the readiness of Egyptian house to be part of the health system facing the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was conducted on sample of house officers from different Egyptian universities through announcement on social media groups over a period of one month during May 2020. Results: Nine-hundred seventy four Egyptian house officers participated in this study. Only 38.8% of respondent agreed to be a member of COVID-19 management team, 70.4% of participants depend on social media as a source for their information. The analysis of the results shows that participants significantly need more information about the protective measures and how to report suspected cases. Conclusions: Egyptian house officers need more training before being involved in the health care system for facing COVID-19.

Community Pharmacist Preferences in Transition of Care Communications

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 524-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mackenzie A. Dolan ◽  
Chelsea P. Renfro ◽  
Stefanie P. Ferreri ◽  
Betsy B. Shilliday ◽  
Timothy J. Ives ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Transition Of Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objective: To determine community pharmacist preferences in transition of care (TOC) communications. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were gathered via electronic survey of community pharmacists regarding their preferences for TOC communications. The survey was distributed via email by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Survey responses were received from 343 community pharmacists (response rate = 6.1%). Responders most commonly worked in an independent, single store (29.2%, n = 100) or national chain (29.2%, n = 100) pharmacy setting. Preferred method for a TOC communication was via electronic health record (63.0%, n = 184). Preferred TOC communication content are mentioned as follows: active (93.2%, n = 274) and discontinued (86.4%, n = 254) medications and reason for hospitalization (85.0%, n = 250). The top 3 self-identified barriers to utilizing a TOC communication: lack of care coordination with community pharmacy (35.0%, n = 14), lack of support from other health-care providers (22.5%, n = 9), and absence of compensation for providing the service (17.5%, n = 7). When asked if TOC communications were available, 97.5% (n = 278) indicated it would be useful. Conclusion: Community pharmacists acknowledged a need for TOC communications and shared their preferences in the content and method of communication. Future research is warranted to implement TOC communications between a health system and community pharmacy.

scholarly journals Using Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Attitudes of Adult Health Care Consumers in Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sima Reicher ◽  
Tal Sela ◽  
Orly Toren
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Future ◽  
Willingness To Use

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care services worldwide due to lockdowns, prevention measures, and social distancing. During this period, patients, including older adults and those with chronic conditions, need ways to obtain medical attention other than going physically to the clinic, such as telemedicine services. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate attitudes toward telemedicine during the COVID-19 lockdown in Israel, assess willingness to use such services in the future, and evaluate the extent to which consumers have changed their minds regarding these services.Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted among adults (age 20–90) using social media networks (N = 693). Data were collected using an online questionnaire explicitly designed to measure attitudes toward telemedicine.Results: Most of the participants had to use telemedicine during the lockdown and were satisfied therewith. The majority also stated that they would continue using telemedicine in the future. However, only a third stated that they had changed their minds regarding telemedicine. The main predictors of willingness to use telemedicine in the future were the necessity of using such services during lockdown, preference for going to a clinic, and satisfaction with telemedicine, alongside gender and having a chronic illness. Importantly, we found that a preference for visiting the clinic was negatively correlated with willingness to use telemedicine in the future. Education and being single were predictors of the change of mind regarding telemedicine. Participants with chronic conditions are more likely to use these services, and specific attention should be directed to their needs. A small portion of the study sample prefers live appointments with a physician.Conclusions: Telemedicine use is rapidly changing. It is vital for health care providers to identify non-telemedicine users and their common characteristics. Monitoring patients' attitudes regarding telemedicine is essential in the future after the pandemic ends. Targeted outreach plans should be formulated. These plans should be directed at identifying barriers to using telemedicine, and they should generate specific, focused plans.

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