scholarly journals Comparison of Reading Levels of Pharmacy Students and Reading Level of Primary Literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy H Ficzere ◽  
Angela Hagan ◽  
Genevieve Lynn Ness ◽  
Elisa M. Greene ◽  
Kayla Hill
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Reading Levels ◽  
Primary Literature ◽  
Financial Interests

Objectives: The project purpose was to evaluate pharmacy students’ reading levels using the Nelson-Denney Reading Test (NDRT) and compare these results with the reading level of primary literature to investigate incongruities between student’s comprehension ability and the readability level of assigned reading in the curriculum. Methods: The NDRT was administered to first- through third-year student pharmacists to determine grade equivalents (GE) for vocabulary and reading comprehension. Twenty articles previously identified as Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters (POEMs) were analyzed to determine the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Gunning-Fog Score. Student demographics, information regarding language spoken, and reading habits, were also assessed. Pearson product moment correlations, t-tests, ANOVA, and descriptive statistics were used to assess relationships between demographic data and NDRT scores. Results: One hundred students participated. The mean NDRT total grade equivalent (±SD) was 16.95 ± 2.1 (median = 17.3). NDRT grade equivalents were statistically different for students with different racial or ethnic backgrounds (t(98)=3.74, p=0.026), English as a second language (ESL) students (t(98)=5.19, p=0.021), and students that read works of fiction for pleasure (t(98)=4.31, p=0.002). The average Gunning-Fog Score for all primary literature articles was 11.48, with the introduction section being the most complex. The average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 17.04, with the results section scoring the lowest average grade level. Implications: While the overall reading grade level of our pharmacy students suggests that they are capable of comprehending reading assigned in the pharmacy curriculum, minority students and students for whom English is a second language may struggle with comprehending complex text. 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

scholarly journals Medical Spanish in U.S. Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey A Mospan ◽  
Carrie L Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Expert Testimony ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Pharmacy Curriculum ◽  
Spanish Education

Objective: To determine characteristics of Medical Spanish education provided to pharmacy students in schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States. Methods: A survey of U.S. pharmacy schools and colleges was performed to determine availability of Medical Spanish in pharmacy curriculum, course(s) containing Medical Spanish education, and characteristics of Medical Spanish courses. Additional follow-up questions were asked if a school did not offer Medical Spanish. Results: 61 out of 138 institutions completed the survey (response rate = 44%). 36% (22/61) of respondents reported Medical Spanish education was offered in their curriculum. The most common barrier to offering a Medical Spanish course included a lack of personnel to teach the course (n=21, 54%) or no room in the curriculum (n=15, 38%). Conclusion: While there is a limited number of institutions that provide Medical Spanish education to their pharmacy students, results of this survey provide a basic description of Medical Spanish education in schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States. Data obtained from this survey can be used to refine or initiate Medical Spanish courses, including the teaching and assessment methods used. 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

scholarly journals A Qualitative Analysis of Student Pharmacists’ Response after an Auditory Hallucination Simulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Genevieve L Ness ◽  
J. Michael McGuire ◽  
Prisca Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Expert Testimony ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Auditory Hallucination ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Question Prompt

Objectives: The goal of this research was to evaluate pharmacy students’ experiences and reactions when exposed to an auditory hallucination simulator. Methods: A convenient sample of 16 pharmacy students enrolled in the Advanced Psychiatry Elective at a private, faith-based university in the southeastern United States was selected. Students participated in an activity in which they listened to an auditory hallucination simulator from their personal laptop computers and completed a variety of tasks. Following the conclusion of the simulator, students composed a reflection guided by a five-question prompt. Qualitative analysis of the reflections was then completed to identify and categorize overarching themes. Results: The overarching themes identified included: 1) students mentioned strategies they used to overcome the distraction; 2) students discussed how the voices affected their ability to complete the activities; 3) students discussed the mental/physical toll they experienced; 4) students identified methods to assist patients with schizophrenia; 5) students mentioned an increase in their empathy for patients; 6) students reported their reactions to the voices; 7) students recognized how schizophrenia could affect the lives of these patients; and 8) students expressed how their initial expectations and reactions to the voices changed throughout the course of the simulation. Overall, the use of this simulator as a teaching aid was well received by students. Summary: In conclusion, pharmacy students were impacted by the hallucination simulator and expressed an increased awareness of the challenges faced by these patients on a daily basis. 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

scholarly journals Community Pharmacist Attitudes on Medication Synchronization Programs

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Witry ◽  
Thao Hoang
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Significant Change

Background: Medication synchronization is a service offered by an increasing number of community pharmacies that aligns refilling of a patient’s multiple medications. Purported benefits include increased adherence and improved dispensing efficiency. Objective: To assess community pharmacist agreement with a set of declarative statements about medication synchronization programs and to identify variation related to pharmacist characteristics. Methods: In 2015, a cross-sectional survey was mailed to 1,000 pharmacists from 5 Midwestern U.S. states using 4-contacts and an online option. Respondents used a 7-point Likert scale to agree or disagree with 5 statements about medication synchronization. Demographic and workplace characteristics were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Multiple linear regression tested the relationship between pharmacist characteristics and a 4-item attitude composite. Results: There were 258 usable responses for a response rate of 28.8%. About half (45.0%) reported their pharmacy offered medication synchronization. Most pharmacists (82.6%) agreed this service has a positive impact on patient adherence but 57% agreed that a “significant change to workflow” was or would be required. Pharmacist agreement that the program provides financial benefits to the pharmacy was higher than agreement that the service provides more opportunities for patient interactions (p<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, having a PharmD and working at a pharmacy offering Medication Therapy Management were associated with more positive scores on the medication synchronization benefits composite whereas working in a staff role (rather than a manager/owner) was lower. No demographic predictors were significantly associated with agreeing that a significant change to workflow would be required for implementation. Conclusions: Pharmacists generally were positive about medication synchronization programs, although some negative views were present, especially regarding the need for workflow change. Research is needed to understand barriers and facilitators to how medication synchronization programs are implemented and maintained and their effects on outcomes. 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

scholarly journals Preceptors' Need For Support In Tutoring Pharmacy Students in Finnish Community Pharmacies

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Löfhjelm ◽  
Katja Pitkä ◽  
Sanna Passi ◽  
Marja Airaksinen
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Reflective Dialogue ◽  
Assessment Of Learning ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Care Guidelines ◽  
Need For Support ◽  
Giving Feedback

A pharmacy degree in Finland includes a six-month obligatory internship. The internship is integrated with theoretical studies and adds up to 30 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits of the BSc (Pharm) degree. Learning is supported by reflective assignments from the university. The preceptors have an important role in organizing the internship and tutoring students successfully in community pharmacy settings. Objective: to assess whether the preceptors of University of Helsinki’s teaching pharmacies need pedagogic support in tutoring and if so, in which core pharmaceutical tasks or tutoring skills. Methods: The survey was sent to all preceptors of University of Helsinki´s teaching pharmacies (n=326) in 2011 (response rate 58%, n=190). The data was analyzed statistically using Excel (version 12.3.6). The open-ended questions were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The majority of preceptors found their skills in tutoring the students mainly good. However, assessment of learning (27% of the respondents), giving feedback (23%) and organizing the learning situations supportive for learning (23%) were the areas in which the preceptors mostly indicated a need for support. Teaching current care guidelines and pharmaceutical care (36%) and multi-professional collaboration (28%) were the areas in which the preceptors expressed that they needed to update their skills. Conclusions: The faculty should focus the support on the pedagogic skills of preceptors, particularly in improving their skills in assessment of learning and in reflective dialogue. In addition, their skills in teaching clinical and patient care aspects of pharmacy practice should be enhanced. 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  

scholarly journals Third-Year Pharmacy Students’ Work Experiences and Attitudes

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark V Siracuse ◽  
Bartholomew E Clark
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Hospital Inpatient ◽  
Work Schedule ◽  
Electronic Survey

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

scholarly journals Patient Feedback on Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor Ailments in a Canadian Province

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff G Taylor ◽  
Kerry Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Minor Ailment ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
One Year ◽  
A Minor

Background: Pharmacists have been given authority in many Canadian provinces to go beyond simply recommending over-the-counter medicines to patients with minor ailments. In Saskatchewan, they can prescribe medicines normally under the sole control of physicians for 17 conditions. An evaluation program is underway to assess the value of the program. Methods: Adults were recruited over a one-year period and were eligible for inclusion if prescribed an agent for an applicable condition. Pharmacists from 40 pharmacies participated in identifying people who received the service. Of patients agreeing to participate, a link to an online survey was provided. The survey included items on clinical improvement, care options, and patient confidence in knowing when to seek a physician for a minor ailment. Results: Forty-eight people were involved in prescribing encounters, with the majority seeking help for themselves. All but one saw their symptoms improve subsequent to pharmacist assistance, most often to a significant extent. Satisfaction with the service was high. Convenience and trust in pharmacists were primary reasons for choosing the service over medical care (rather than an issue potentially more worrisome such as not having a family physician). Had this service not been in place, 30.6% of those asking for help would have gone to a medical clinic or emergency room. Seventy-five percent were (at least) very confident in knowing when to seek a physician (rather than a pharmacist) for such conditions. Conclusion: Information on the clinical outcomes of pharmacist-led minor ailment care is starting to accrue in Saskatchewan. While the numbers are extremely low to date, what has become available suggests the service is of value to the citizens of the province, it is chosen for appropriate reasons, and is of an acceptable standard of care. 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. However, the authors are pharmacists licensed within the province and bring this perspective to this evaluation of a pharmacy-based program.   Type: Original Research

Syntactic awareness skills in English among children who speak Slavic or Chinese languages as a first language and English as a second language

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-128
Author(s):  
Orly Lipka
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Word Reading ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Syntactic Awareness ◽  
Reading Levels ◽  
Chinese Speakers ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
L1 English ◽  
Chinese Group

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: The purpose of this study was to examine syntactic awareness skills in English, among two groups of children: native Chinese speakers and native Slavic (L1) speakers. Both groups were second language English (L2) speakers. Their syntactic awareness skills were compared to a matched sample of L1 English speakers. Design/methodology/approach: Eighty-six third grade students participated in the study, matched between language groups on the basis of age and gender, as well as academic achievements and word reading levels. Data and analysis: L1 English and L1 Slavic groups performed significantly better on the syntactic awareness task than did the L1 Chinese group. A close examination of specific syntactic constructions revealed that the L1 Chinese group did not perform as well as the other groups on past tense constructions, which do not exist in Chinese but do exist in Slavic languages. However, there were no between-group differences on superlative and comparative constructions, which exist in all three languages. Findings/conclusions: The results contribute to our knowledge about cross-linguistic influences between English, Slavic, and Chinese, showing that L1 Slavic facilitates the learnability of L2 English, while L1 Chinese impedes the learnability of L2 English. Originality: The originality of the study lies in the comparison of children from three different L1 groups, matched with respect to reading level. The examination of languages that are typologically different in their syntax is unique. Significance/implications: The results highlight the importance of taking the specific language backgrounds of L2 learners into consideration. Limitations: The current study did not include an assessment of L1 language proficiency among participants.

scholarly journals Medication Reconciliation Limitations: Observation of the Medication Reconciliation Process in the Emergency Department by Two Immersion Pharmacy Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Chong ◽  
Amanda Haile
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Expert Testimony ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Patient Profiles ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
Reconciliation Process

Multiple medical records may exist for a particular individual based on the various health services he or she receives. Maintaining updated, accurate records remains the responsibility of both practitioners and patients. Medication reconciliation, defined as the process to accurately depict the patient’s current orders and medications, 2 seeks to avoid errors in duplicity, interactions and dosing errors. Medication histories at Moses Cone Hospital are currently recorded by pharmacy technicians who follow specific standards, for instance they cannot remove “house meds”, which are prescribed medications with an active prescription attached. Technicians instead mark these medications for removal, leaving reconciliation to the physician. The physicians in the emergency department are not required to complete a full reconciliation for patient's profiles as this is a task left for the admitting physician. This leads to the question whether the reconciliation process in the emergency department (ED) needs to be re-evaluated. Patients’ “After Visit Summary” reports were used to analyze patient profiles in determining medication reconciliation statuses (whether fully reconciled, partially reconciled, or unreconciled). 280 patients’ profiles were used. 243 records (86.79%) were found unreconciled, 18 (6.43%) were partially reconciled, and 19 (6.79%) were fully reconciled. 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: Student Project

scholarly journals Pharmacy Students as Health Coaches

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominick P Trombetta ◽  
Heidi Yanoski
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
School Year ◽  
Smart Goals ◽  
Health Coaches ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Academic School ◽  
Care Costs

Chronic diseases are the main contributor to both health care costs and mortality in the United States, with medication non-adherence and lifestyle modifications being leading causes. To motivate patients with several co-morbidities, the longitudinal care class was used to educate on maintaining adherence to prescribed regimens. Twenty pharmacy students were trained in health coaching and motivational interviewing methods. Specifically, students were to provide patients with education sheets, apply the teach-back method, and motivate the patient to develop and reach SMART goals made with the pharmacy student over a course of one academic school year. 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: Note

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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