scholarly journals Prevalence of drug-related problems in self-medication in Danish community pharmacies

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Frøkjær ◽  
Tina Bolvig ◽  
Nina Griese ◽  
Hanne Herborg ◽  
Charlotte Rossing
Keyword(s):  
Original Research ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Unintended Effects ◽  
Drug Related Problems ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Otc Medicines

Background: Drug-related problems are known to be a major problem associated with pharmacotherapy. A broad range of studies, mainly in the area of prescription-only medicines, supports this fact. Only a few studies have evaluated drug-related problems with over-the-counter medicine and the role of community pharmacies in this. Purpose: To quantify drug-related problems in self-medication (use of over-the-counter medicine) identified by community pharmacies in Denmark and to document the interventions by pharmacy staff in relation to the identified drug-related problems. Method: A descriptive study mapping drug-related problems in self-medication registered at the counter at a selected number of Danish community pharmacies. Results: Data for 3,868 consecutive customers with requests for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines were registered at 39 community pharmacies. The pharmacies registered a total number of 4,324 OTC medicines requests, illustrating that a customer requested 1.1 OTC medicines on average. Drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified for 813 customers, equivalent to DRPs for 21.0 % of all customers, presenting symptoms or requesting OTC medicines, and for 20 % of all over-the-counter medicines requests. 1,239 DRPs were registered, corresponding to an average of 1.5 DRPs per customer requesting OTC medicines. Community pharmacies estimated that they solved or partly solved 76.2 % of the detected DRPs; 73 % were solved without involving a general practitioner. Conclusions: DRPs were identified for 21.0 % of the pharmacy customers presenting a symptom or asking for an OTC medicine. The community pharmacy counselled the customers with DRPs more thoroughly than other customers by giving 2.4 pieces of professional advice, compared to an average of 2.1 to customers in general. It is not possible to determine the magnitude of the safety risk involved. Based on the most frequent categories of DRPs, there were risks of insufficient effect, unintended effects and, to a lesser extent, inappropriate self-medication.   Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Future Pharmacists’ Opinions on the Facilitation of Self-Care with Over-the-Counter Products and Whether This Should Remain a Core Role

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Lezley-Anne Hanna ◽  
Alana Murphy ◽  
Maurice Hall ◽  
Rebecca Craig
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Otc Medicines ◽  
Practice Methods ◽  
Identifiable Data

Background: The aim was to investigate pharmacy students’ views on the role of the pharmacist in facilitating self-care with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, particularly in light of new roles, and establish personal practice. Methods: Final year pharmacy students at Queen’s University Belfast were invited to participate. Data were collected via a pre-piloted questionnaire, distributed at a compulsory class (only non-identifiable data were requested). Descriptive statistics were performed, and non-parametric tests were employed for inferential statistical analysis (responses by gender). Results: The response rate was 87.6% (78/89); 34.6% (27/78) males and 65.4% (51/78) females. Over a third [34.6% (27/78)] reported using OTC medicines about once a month. All appreciated the importance of an evidence-based approach to optimize patient care. Most [(96.2% (75/78)] deemed OTC consultations should remain a fundamental responsibility of pharmacists and 69.2% (54/78) thought OTC consultations have the potential to be as complex as independent pharmacist prescribing. Females felt more confident recommending OTC emergency contraception than males (p = 0.002 for levonorgestrel and p = 0.011 for ulipristal acetate). Many [61.5% (48/78)] considered more medicines should not be deregulated from prescription-only status. Conclusions: Data from this single institution suggests that enabling self-medication is an important part of practice but there were confidence issues around deregulations.

scholarly journals Public perception of community pharmacists in South Africa: a preliminary study

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Bornman ◽  
Ilse Truter ◽  
Daniel JL Venter
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Preliminary Study

This survey forms part of a study undertaken to identify and quantify the community pharmacist’s involvement in the use of non-prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) medicine/self-medication in community pharmacies throughout South Africa. Opsomming Hierdie opname vorm deel van ‘n studie wat onderneem word om die gemeenskapsapteker se betrokkenheid in die gebruik van nie-voorskrif/oor-die-toonbank medikasie/ selfmedikasie in gemeenskapsapteke in Suid Afrika te identifiseer en te kwantifiseer. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Professional Advice and the Utilization of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs at Community Pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
M. Y. Hasan ◽  
M. Das ◽  
A. Bener
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Duration Of Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
The Common ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The present study examined the pattern of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in relation to the source of advice. Ten community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates were randomly selected and patients visiting these sites were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. The interview covered “source of advice,” “name of medicine,” “type of disease,” “duration of disease,” and “knowledge of adverse effects and drug interactions.” After a month the patients were contacted. On average 22.7% of prescriptions contained NSAIDs and 17.5% of visits were for these drugs. Advice from physicians was given to 33.3%, from pharmacists 32.5%, from friends 18.8%, and 15.4% depended on themselves. Other medicines were taken by 14.5% and 12% suffered from gastrointestinal upsets. Paracetamol followed by ibuprofen and diclofenac were the most frequently utilized agents. Headache, fever, and musculoskeletal pain were the common complaints. A month later, 50.7% of the patients continued taking their medications. This study revealed an association between the source of advice and knowledge of side effects. It is argued that, although self-care is important, professional advice in its support is essential since unsupervised self-medication exposes the patient to harmful consequences.

scholarly journals Improving Patient-Pharmacist Encounters with Over-The-Counter Medications: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Aaron Gilson ◽  
Ka Xiong ◽  
Jamie Stone ◽  
Nora Jacobson ◽  
Cynthia Phelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Medication Selection ◽  
Medication Decisions ◽  
The Impact

Background and Objectives: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication use has increased safety risks for adults older than 65.  Most older adults purchase OTC medications from community pharmacies, where the considerable distance or visual obstructions between the prescription area and OTC aisles undermine pharmacists’ ability to assist patients with OTC medication decisions.  An innovative redesign of an abbreviated medication section specifically for older adults (called the Senior SectionTM) can facilitate pharmacy staff/patient interaction, potentially improving safe medication selection and use.  This study evaluated the impact of the Senior Section on the frequency and content of OTC encounters between pharmacy staff and patients. Research Design and Methods: An intervention mixed-methods design generated data from patient OTC encounters, and interviews with two pharmacists and two technicians, throughout the study.  NVivo was used to code interview transcripts, and frequencies and chi-square analyses demonstrated pre/post-intervention comparisons for the OTC encounter variables. Results: After Senior Section implementation, pharmacy staff were more likely to initiate (and be involved in) patient encounters, address more topics or problem/symptoms, provide details about OTC products, discuss appropriateness of OTC use, and discuss medication classes highlighted in the Senior Section.  Pharmacy staff were less likely to need to leave the prescription department for extended periods; they also had fewer prolonged encounters or encounters about product location.  Importantly, the Senior Section did not impede pharmacy workflow. Discussion and Implications: The Senior Section prompted more frequent, effective, and efficient engagements between pharmacy staff and patients, which may substantially reduce OTC-related harms among older adults.   Article Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Community Pharmacies, Drug Stores, and Antibiotic Dispensing in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astri Ferdiana ◽  
Marco Liverani ◽  
Mishal Khan ◽  
Luh Putu Lila Wulandari ◽  
Yusuf Ari Mashuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Unintended Effects ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Dispensing Practices

Abstract Background Inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics at community pharmacies is an important driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, a better understanding of dispensing practices is crucial to inform national, regional, and global responses to AMR. This requires careful examination of the interactions between vendors and clients, sensitive to the context in which these interactions take place. Methods In 2019, we conducted a qualitative study to examine antibiotic dispensing practices and associated drivers in Indonesia, where self-medication with antibiotics purchased at community pharmacies and drug stores is widespread. Data collection involved 60 in-depth interviews with staff at pharmacies and drug stores (n = 31) and their clients (n = 29), conducted in an urban (Bekasi) and a semi-rural location (Tabalong) to capture different markets and different contexts of access to medicines. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results A common dispensing pattern was the direct request of antibiotics by clients, who walked into pharmacies or drug stores and asked for antibiotics without prescription, either by their generic/brand name or by showing an empty package or sample. A less common pattern was recommendation to use antibiotics by the vendor after the patient presented with symptoms. Drivers of inappropriate antibiotic dispensing included poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR driving patient demand, financial incentives to maximise medicine sales in an increasingly competitive market, the unintended effects of health policy reforms, and weak regulatory enforcement. Conclusions Inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies is the outcome of complex interactions between vendors and clients, shaped by wider and changing socio-economic processes. Concerted action should be taken to address this complexity and involve such providers in the development and implementation of AMR national action plans.

scholarly journals Over-The-Counter Codeine: Can Community Pharmacy Staff Nudge Customers into Its Safe and Appropriate Use?

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
Sapana Mody ◽  
Charlotte L. Kirkdale ◽  
Tracey Thornley ◽  
Aimi Dickinson ◽  
Anthony J. Avery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Web Based

The misuse of opioids, including codeine which is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in United Kingdom (UK) community pharmacies, is a growing public health concern. An educational Patient Safety Card was developed and piloted to see if it nudged customers into the safe and appropriate use of OTC codeine. Exploratory analysis was conducted by (i) recording quantitative interactions for people requesting OTC codeine in community pharmacies; and (ii) a web-based pharmacy staff survey. Twenty-four pharmacies submitted data on 3993 interactions using the Patient Safety Card. Staff found the majority of interactions (91.3%) to be very or quite easy. Following an interaction using the card, customers known to pharmacy staff as frequent purchasers of OTC codeine were more likely not to purchase a pain relief medicine compared to customers not known to staff (5.5% of known customers did not purchase any pain relief product versus 1.1% for unknown customers (χ2 = 41.73, df = 1, p < 0.001)). These results support both the use of a visual educational intervention to encourage appropriate use of OTC codeine in community pharmacy and the principles behind better self-care.

scholarly journals Practices on Over the Counter Medication among Mothers of Under Five Aged Children Attending Child OPD at Friends of Shanta Bhawan, Boudha, Kathmandu

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 19-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Maharjan ◽  
K Adhikari
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Otc Medicines

Background: Over the counter medicines are drugs that are brought without a medical prescription. The use of many OTC medicines in children is usually initiated by parents. Self medication in developing countries from a biological point of view point the risks that are involved in developing countries are reportedly higher than in industrialized countries. This can be related to the fact that in many developing countries drugs are available over the counter. In a study conducted in Pokhara, western Nepal found that 59% had taken self medication including OTC medicines.Objective: To assess the practices on OTC drug among mothers of under five aged childrenMethodology: The descriptive cross sectional study design was used. All the mothers of under five aged children visiting the Friends of Shanta Bhawan at the child OPD and had taken OTC medicines during last 6 months for child and wished to participate in the study were included using non probability purposive sampling technique during four weeks of data collection. The data was collected from 100 samples by face to face interview technique using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis such as mean, median, frequency, percentage, standard deviation was calculated according to the objectives.Results: Most of the respondents (92%) took OTC for fever, 75% took for cough and cold. 65% of respondents used OTC medicines because the pharmacy is near from their homes and 48% used it due too easy to get the medicine as compared to visit to doctors or hospital.Conclusion: This study concluded that mothers used OTC for the common problems of their children because OTC medications are near to reach and easy to get than to visit to doctors or hospitals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v10i0.5640Health Prospect Vol.10 2011, pp.19-21

scholarly journals A Theory Based Intervention to Enhance Information Exchange during Over-The-Counter Consultations in Community Pharmacy: A Feasibility Study

Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Liza Seubert ◽  
Whitelaw Kerry ◽  
Hattingh Laetitia ◽  
Margaret Watson ◽  
Rhonda Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Situational Cues ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
Collection Methods

Background: Management of minor ailments through self-care and self-medication brings both benefits and risks that can be mitigated if consumers and pharmacy personnel engage in information exchange during over-the-counter (OTC) consultations. Objective: Explore the feasibility of interventions using situational cues to promote information exchange between pharmacy personnel and consumers, during OTC consultations. Methods: Intervention tools were developed prior to conducting the study, in two community pharmacies in Perth, Western Australia. The situational cues included two posters and individual position badges. Data were collected from audio-recording OTC consultations, consumer questionnaires and interviews, and pharmacy personnel interviews. Results: Space required for posters and for researchers conducting interviews was challenging in the retail environment. Pharmacy personnel perceived that the badges positively impacted -consumers’ ability to identify the position of personnel they engaged with. Data collection methods were deemed practical and acceptable. Conclusions: The proposed interventions and evaluation methods were feasible. The use of posters and badges as situational cues to address the barriers to information exchange during OTC consultations was found to be practical, in a community pharmacy setting. There is potential to use situational cues to address other barriers identified to information exchange, to add to the effectiveness of the intervention. With growing emphasis on self-care and self-medication, effective interventions are necessary to promote information exchange to enhance appropriate management in community pharmacies.

scholarly journals Injudicious Provision of Subtherapeutic Doses of Antibiotics in Community Pharmacies

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed E Amin ◽  
Amira Amine ◽  
Mohammad Shoukry Newegy
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Expert Testimony ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Beta Lactam Antibiotics ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Group A

Background: Egyptian pharmacists routinely provide antibiotics without a prescription. A few pills of common cold products are offered under the name “cold group”. A cold group may contain one or more pills of antibiotics. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of pharmacies that provide subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics in community pharmacies as part of a CG or upon direct request from a simulated client. Methods: A probability sample of community pharmacies in Alexandria, Egypt was selected. A simulated client approached pharmacy staff using a standardized scenario. He initially requested a cold group and followed by requesting two antibiotic pills.Results: The simulated client visited 104 pharmacies and was sold an antibiotic at 68 pharmacies in total. A cold group with one or more antibiotic pills was provided in 31 pharmacies. Upon request for two antibiotic pills, 2-8 antibiotic pills were provided in 30 pharmacies whereas an antibiotic carton was provided in three pharmacies. In four pharmacies, the simulated client was sold a cold group containing an antibiotic as well as another antibiotic upon request. Beta-lactam antibiotics comprised 76% of antibiotics provided. In five encounters, the simulated client was told that the cold group contained an antibiotic when, in fact, it did not. Conclusions: Subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics are provided at dangerous rates in Alexandria’s community pharmacies. Interventions are urgently needed to tackle different factors contributing to this dangerous practice. 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

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