scholarly journals Establishing the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana (Rx-SafeNet): Perspectives of Community Pharmacy Employees

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey V. Seel ◽  
Kyle E. Hultgren ◽  
Margie E. Snyder

The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to determine community pharmacy employee research project priorities and assess interest levels, barriers, and facilitators to joining a new community pharmacy practice-based research network (PBRN) and use this information in subsequent PBRN development. One hundred forty pharmacists and 40 support staff responded. The majority (72%) of respondents were somewhat interested or needed more information to determine their level of interest in joining a PBRN; 15% were very interested. While all research topics were regarded as important, dispensing errors were rated as the most important. Time constraints were considered the greatest barrier to participation. Greater knowledge of medication safety, enrichment of patient care, and improved patient and provider relationships were considered important reasons for joining a PBRN. Responses indicated favorable interest levels and project support from potential network members, though education and awareness campaigns are needed to enhance community pharmacy employee understanding of and involvement in research and PBRNs, specifically the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana (Rx-SafeNet), a new network administered by the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. While the generalizability of survey results is limited, they were useful in determining policies and procedures of the new network. Surveying all employees involved in the future PBRN during the network development process is a unique approach to developing these types of networks in the U.S. Understanding support staff perspectives is important considering the critical role they play in project implementation and operations. Emerging PBRNs from any discipline may benefit from considering adding this step to their development.   Type: Original Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ann Kozak ◽  
Stephanie A. Gernant ◽  
Heather M. Hemmeger ◽  
Margie E. Snyder

Community pharmacy practice-based research networks (CP PBRNs) are a relatively new arena for pharmacists. While some lessons may be gleaned from primary care PBRNs, the experiences of CP PBRNs have much to offer the profession in terms of organization and practice. In 2012, we reported on our early experiences developing the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana (RxSafeNet) after establishing the Network in 2010. Over the past 3 years, our CP PBRN of approximately 180 members has managed further growth by revisiting policies and procedures, maintaining CP PBRN member relationships, and preparing for financial sustainability. We look forward to furthering our CP PBRN projects in the coming years and collaborating with other CP PBRNs to enhance medication safety in Indiana and beyond.   Type: Original Research


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margie E. Snyder ◽  
Caitlin K. Frail ◽  
Lindsey V. Seel ◽  
Kyle E. Hultgren

In 2010, the Purdue University College of Pharmacy established the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana (Rx-SafeNet), the first practice-based research network (PBRN) in Indiana comprised solely of community pharmacies. In the development of Rx-SafeNet and through our early project experiences, we identified several "lessons learned." We share our story and what we learned in an effort to further advance the work of the greater PBRN community. We have formed the infrastructure for Rx-SafeNet, including an Executive Committee, Advisory Board, member pharmacies/site coordinators, and Project Review Team. To date, 22 community pharmacies have joined and we have recently completed data collection for the network's first project. Lessons learned during the development of Rx-SafeNet may benefit PBRNs nationally. Although community pharmacy PBRNs are not yet commonplace in the U.S., we believe their development and subsequent research efforts serve as an important avenue for investigating medication use issues.   Type: Idea Paper


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 951-956
Author(s):  
Jenny S. Li ◽  
Victoria Blake ◽  
Samantha George ◽  
Joni C. Carroll ◽  
Melissa A. Somma McGivney ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Klepser ◽  
Allison Dering-Anderson ◽  
Jacqueline Morse ◽  
Michael Klepser ◽  
Stephanie Klepser ◽  
...  

Background: It has been shown that use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is able to reduce costs and improve the prescribing practice of antivirals (i.e. oseltamivir) among patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILIs). Using existing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)-waived RDTs and collaborative practice agreements, similar to those used to allow pharmacists to administer vaccines, it is possible for patients to seek point-of-care treatment for influenza or flu-like symptoms at a local pharmacy. Following a review of the patient's symptoms by a trained pharmacist, the qualified patient is offered an RDT to determine if the influenza virus is the cause of the symptoms. Based on the results of the RDT, the patient is provided with the appropriate treatment as defined by an approved practice agreement. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an RDT for influenza into community pharmacy practice. Methods: This time and motion study was conducted at three community pharmacy locations, and a total of eight simulated patient visits were completed utilizing a standardized patient. In addition to determining a total time of the encounter, each simulation was divided into nine timed sub-categories. For data analysis, the time spent in each of the nine sub-categories was assigned to the pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or patient. Time and motion methodologies were used to estimate the total time required to provide the RDT service, to determine the amount of active time required of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician, and to evaluate the ability of the staff to provide the service within its existing workflow. Results: The average total time to complete the entire patient encounter for an influenza assessment utilizing an RDT was 35.5 minutes (± 3.1 minutes). On average, the pharmacist spent 9.4 minutes (± 3 minutes) per encounter or about 26.5% of the entire encounter. When the pharmacy technician collected the vital signs, the pharmacist-required time was reduced to 4.95 minutes (± 2.7 minutes), which was about a 48% reduction. Conclusions: The results indicate that an RDT program for influenza assessment required no more than a modest amount of pharmacist time and could be successfully incorporated into regular workflow with little to no disruption of other activities. As such, this approach to influenza management may be a feasible service for community pharmacies to offer patients. This was especially true if the pharmacy had well-trained technicians on staff that could support the service with collection of patient histories and vital signs.   Type: Original Research


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark V Siracuse ◽  
Bartholomew E Clark

Objectives. To describe pharmacy students’ work experience for pay; examine student attitudes towards work; examine student perceptions of how pharmacist preceptors feel about their jobs; and determine how pharmacy student work environment influences career aspirations and whether or not gender or academic pathway have any influences. Methods. An electronic survey was administered to third-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students at a Midwestern school of pharmacy over five consecutive years. Results. Four hundred eighty nine students (response rate = 61.0%) completed the electronic survey instrument. Over 90% reported working in a pharmacy by the time their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) began. Of these respondents, 67.4% reported working in a community pharmacy while 23.0% reported working in hospital inpatient pharmacy. Students working for independent pharmacies were most likely to feel that this type of practice site would offer an optimal work schedule and work environment for their career. Conclusions. Most students are working in community pharmacy practice. Having a fulfilling career and a desirable work schedule was the variable most strongly associated with optimal career choice. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.     Type: Original Research


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Smith ◽  
Stefanie Ferreri ◽  
Rachel Stafford ◽  
Benjamin Teeter ◽  
Kea Turner ◽  
...  

  Background: A questionnaire specific to community pharmacy characteristics, such as staffing models for clinical activities and business operations, does not exist.  As community pharmacy practice expands, it is important to characterize how pharmacies are changing for outcomes research. The aim of this study was to conduct cognitive interviewing with community pharmacists to gain feedback on the formatting, readability, and content of items measuring community pharmacy characteristics to develop such a questionnaire. Methods: National surveys and previously developed survey work were reviewed to identify the following question categories: business operations, human resource management, division of clinical responsibilities, technology, and enhanced services.  Questions for each domain were drafted and assessed for applicability across different states and level of importance by researchers in 3 different states. Using the “think aloud” method of cognitive interviewing to evaluate clarity in instructions, question items and response entry, an iterative process was established that included 3 rounds of interviews with discussion and modifications made by the research team between each round. Results: A total of thirteen cognitive interviews across 3 rounds were conducted via telephone and lasted between 30 and 60 minutes. Time for participant pharmacists to complete the questionnaire ranged from 12 minutes to 30 minutes. The interviews revealed areas of ambiguity, and missing response options for the variety of business structures. The question categories with the most problematic items were business operations, human resource management, and division of clinical responsibilities. Conclusion: Using cognitive interviewing, a community pharmacy questionnaire focusing on operational characteristics was developed. Future research is warranted to test the organizational characteristics defined in this paper with a larger sample size representing multiple states. Article Type: Original Research


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony W Olson ◽  
Brian Isetts ◽  
Anne Marie Kondic ◽  
Jon Schommer

Objective: Evaluate and compare the research contributions of Community Pharmacy Foundation (CPF) funding on community pharmacy practice innovation between non-academic and academic principal investigators (PIs) with respect to the following measurements: 1) “Pharmacy Practice Activity Classifications” (PPAC); 2) CPF “Coordinated Use of Medications”; and 3) CPF Investigator Impact. Methods: Quantitative data for all 124 CPF-funded grants awarded from 2002-2016 were obtained from the CPF website and personnel, while ethnographic qualitative data was generated from queries of PIs. Grant categorization was conducted by researchers serving as judges trained on the rules and procedures for coding. A threshold level of 90% agreement in scores of independent judging was established a priori. Findings were summarized and groups were compared using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and a thematic analysis of PI ethnographic reflections for qualitative data. Results: There were no differences between non-academic and academic PI groups for Coordinated Use of Medications and PPAC domains, but non-academics contributed more to two dispensing-related PPAC subclasses: ‘Preparing the Product’ (10% vs. 2%) and ‘Delivering the Medication or Device’ (13% vs. 2%). Analysis of investigator reflections revealed similarities between groups regarding impact on practice innovations, expanded collaborations, new practice tools, and patient-care financing models. Conclusions: CPF funding contributed new knowledge and resources for expanding and enhancing practice innovations as shown by quantitative (PPAC & Coordinated Use of Medications) and qualitative (PI impact) measures. Similarities between PI groups suggest that the CPF has established a funding niche with unique diversity of practice innovation opportunities. This investigation’s findings may be useful to the CPF’s continuous quality improvement efforts, as well as future grant applicants to assess research gaps in the medication use process and develop sustainable, transferable, and replicable patient-care innovations in community pharmacy practice. Conflict of Interest This program evaluation analysis was funded by the Community Pharmacy Foundation (CPF). Co-author Anne Marie Kondic is Executive Director and Grants Administrator for the Community Pharmacy Foundation. The ideas articulated in the manuscript are those of the authors to characterize historical CPF grant funding and do not necessarily indicate or impact future funding priorities.   Type: Original Research


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