scholarly journals A Qualitative Study Exploring the Management of Medicine Shortages in the Community Pharmacy of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10665
Author(s):  
Sumaira Omer ◽  
Salamat Ali ◽  
Sundus Shukar ◽  
Ali Hassan Gillani ◽  
Yu Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Early Communication ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
Alternative Drugs

Managing medicine shortages consumes ample time of pharmacists worldwide. This study aimed to explore the strategies and resources being utilized by community pharmacists to tackle a typical shortage problem. Qualitative face-to-face interviews were conducted. A total of 31 community pharmacists from three cities (Lahore, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan) in Pakistan were sampled, using a purposive approach. All interviews were audio taped, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis. The analysis yielded five broad themes and eighteen subthemes. The themes highlighted (1) the current scenarios of medicine shortages in a community setting, (2) barriers encountered during the shortage management, (3) impacts, (4) corrective actions performed for handling shortages and (4) future interventions. Participants reported that medicine shortages were frequent. Unethical activities such as black marketing, stockpiling, bias distribution and bulk purchasing were the main barriers. With respect to managing shortages, maintaining inventories was the most common proactive approach, while the recommendation of alternative drugs to patients was the most common counteractive approach. Based on the findings, management strategies for current shortages in community pharmacies are insufficient. Shortages would continue unless potential barriers are addressed through proper monitoring of the sale and consumption of drugs, fair distribution, early communication, and collaboration.

Barriers to General Practitioner Participation in a Clinical Trial Initiated by Pharmacists

2005 ◽  
Vol 138 (8) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Bita Bateni ◽  
Stephen Shalansky ◽  
Scot Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Legal Liability ◽  
Patient Recruitment ◽  
Anticoagulation Management ◽  
Potential Barriers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine general practitioners' (GPs) reasons for not entering patients into a randomized trial that compared outpatient anticoagulation management by community pharmacists with that of physicians. Methods: An anonymous survey was mailed to all GPs who were invited to participate in the anticoagulation study ( n = 118). Results: Completed surveys were received from 78/110 (71%) of GPs who had declined to participate in the anticoagulation study. Of those who had consented to participate, 8/8 completed surveys were received. The top-ranked reasons for not entering patients were “pharmacist should accept legal liability” (40%), “concern about other health care professionals taking over physician responsibilities” (33%), and “concern about responsibility for my patients” (29%). Other frequently cited barriers included concern about pharmacists' ability to manage warfarin patients, general issues related to control over patient care decisions, and lack of time. The top-ranked reason for agreeing to participate was the belief that “research advances the profession” (87%). Shortly after this survey, a statement published by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC reinforced physicians' concern about legal liability and recommended that physicians avoid referring patients to community pharmacy—based anticoagulation programs. Conclusion: Pharmacists who plan to conduct research in the community setting should thoroughly investigate potential barriers to GP involvement in patient recruitment, because of the difficulty in anticipating the most crucial issues. Local physicians may not support pharmacy-based anticoagulation programs, whether or not they are implemented as part of a clinical trial.

scholarly journals Adapting the Auckland Sleep Screening Tool for pharmacy: pharmacists’ experience and feedback

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Gauld ◽  
Crystal Braganza ◽  
Bruce Arroll
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Sleep Screening ◽  
Time Limitations ◽  
And Training ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONInsomnia has negative health effects and may indicate underlying serious conditions, but is underdiagnosed and often not discussed with a doctor. AIMThis study aimed to explore the utility and workability in New Zealand community pharmacies of a 23-question sleep-screening tool adapted from the Short Auckland Sleep Questionnaire. METHODSA multidisciplinary advisory group (sleep specialist, general practitioner and pharmacists) discussed the tool, pharmacists’ capability in managing insomnia and training needs for pharmacists, and recommended management strategies, including referral points. Twelve community pharmacists piloted the tool with people with insomnia who presented in pharmacies, recording the time it took to administer the tool. The pharmacists were then surveyed about their experiences with the tool and possible improvements. RESULTSTen pharmacists took an average of 12.4 min (range 4–35 min) for each use of the screening tool with 62 people with insomnia. Most pharmacists found the screening tool easy to administer, organised and easy to follow and nine of 10 said it provided better information than their usual consultation. Seven of 10 pharmacists would use it again. Time limitations and low recruitment were potential barriers to usage especially for pharmacy owners. DISCUSSIONThe screening tool could provide a useful addition to pharmacists’ toolkits, aiding information gathering and better than usual practice. The tool was acceptable to most pharmacists, but its use takes time and remuneration needs consideration.

scholarly journals Changes and Adaptations: How University Students Self-Regulate Their Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicitas Biwer ◽  
Wisnu Wiradhany ◽  
Mirjam oude Egbrink ◽  
Harm Hospers ◽  
Stella Wasenitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Resource Management ◽  
University Students ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Support Students ◽  
Remote Learning

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, universities had to shift from face-to-face to emergency remote education. Students were forced to study online, with limited access to facilities and less contact with peers and teachers, while at the same time being exposed to more autonomy. This study examined how students adapted to emergency remote learning, specifically focusing on students’ resource-management strategies using an individual differences approach. One thousand eight hundred university students completed a questionnaire on their resource-management strategies and indicators of (un)successful adaptation to emergency remote learning. On average, students reported being less able to regulate their attention, effort, and time and less motivated compared to the situation before the crisis started; they also reported investing more time and effort in their self-study. Using a k-means cluster analysis, we identified four adaptation profiles and labeled them according to the reported changes in their resource-management strategies: the overwhelmed, the surrenderers, the maintainers, and the adapters. Both the overwhelmed and surrenderers appeared to be less able to regulate their effort, attention, and time and reported to be less motivated to study than before the crisis. In contrast, the adapters appreciated the increased level of autonomy and were better able to self-regulate their learning. The resource-management strategies of the maintainers remained relatively stable. Students’ responses to open-answer questions on their educational experience, coded using a thematic analysis, were consistent with the quantitative profiles. Implications about how to support students in adapting to online learning are discussed.

scholarly journals How do community pharmacies in Ontario manage drug shortage problems? Results of an exploratory qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 153 (6) ◽  
pp. 371-377
Author(s):  
Gea Panic ◽  
Xuan Yao ◽  
Paul Gregory ◽  
Zubin Austin
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Drug Shortage ◽  
Drug Shortages ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
Additional Support

Background: Pharmacists report spending a considerable amount of time dealing with drug shortages. There is no research in Canada identifying and describing the strategies and resources that pharmacists use to minimize disruption and continuity of care for patients. Methods: An exploratory qualitative methodology was used. Community pharmacists and technicians in Ontario were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Verbatim transcripts were generated and coded by at least 2 independent reviewers using content analysis methods to identify management strategies. Results and Discussion: A total of 14 pharmacists and 7 regulated pharmacy technicians participated in this study. The following 5 main strategies for managing drug shortages were identified: (1) using the supplier, (2) generic options, (3) brand options, (4) contacting other pharmacies and (5) switching to a different medication. Conclusion: The strategies identified through this research can provide pharmacists with some guidance in approaching the real-world problem of drug shortages. It also highlights opportunities for organizations, government and manufacturers to provide additional support for pharmacists to minimize disruptions for patients and to ensure current ad hoc practices do not further compound shortage issues. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020;153:xx-xx.

Survey Regarding Provisions of a 3-Day Supply of an Antihypertensive

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-368
Author(s):  
David W. Seal ◽  
Je'Laune Walton ◽  
Sherifa Williams ◽  
Robert Wilson ◽  
Joshua Smith-Benson
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Antihypertensive Medication ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Patient Counseling ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
Emergency Supply

Objective: To evaluate the provisions made by pharmacists when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication to patients in a community setting. Participants: Pharmacists and nonpharmacists (pharmacy technicians or interns) who were employed with community pharmacies and have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Those who agreed to participate in this study via informed consent. Intervention: A short questionnaire was used to assess the provisions made by community pharmacists from the perspectives of both the pharmacists and the nonpharmacists. Main outcome measures: Availability of blood pressure machines, evaluation of blood pressure readings, and patient counseling sessions or assessments prior to dispensing the emergency supply of an antihypertensive were the major outcome measures. Results Among the participants, 92% of the pharmacists and 79% of the nonpharmacists reported they have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Of those, 82% of the pharmacists and 78% of the nonpharmacists recognized there were blood pressure machines available. However, 78% of the pharmacists and 72% of the nonpharmacists acknowledged the patient’s blood pressure was not checked. Conclusion/Implication: This observational study demonstrates that provisions when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication are inconsistent. Further evaluation is warranted.

Arkansas Community Pharmacists’ Opinions on Providing Immunizations

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Pace ◽  
Schwanda K. Flowers ◽  
Jan K. Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Legal Liability ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Senior Student ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge ◽  
Additional Education ◽  
Mailed Survey

Objectives: To determine community pharmacists' attitudes and knowledge on providing immunizations including perceived barriers to immunizing. The study also examined the percentage of Arkansas pharmacists providing immunizations and the utilization of student pharmacists. Design: Survey. Setting: Arkansas community pharmacies from February to March 2009. Participants: Community pharmacists. Intervention: Mailed survey. Main Outcome Measures: Perceived barriers to providing immunizations, pharmacists' attitudes regarding immunizations, number of immunization-certified pharmacists, immunization administration rates within the last year, and senior student pharmacists utilization. Results: A total of 350 surveys were mailed, and 129 were returned. In all, 79% of the respondents believed administering immunizations has advanced or significantly advanced the profession. Being certified and attitude toward providing immunizations were correlated; 37% of the respondents held certification to immunize, of which 77% reported immunizing within the last year. Commonly reported barriers included time (76%) followed by reimbursement and legal liability. Only half the respondents realized fourth year student pharmacists could immunize and only 33% of certified pharmacists utilized student pharmacists to immunize. Conclusion: Pharmacists perceive many barriers to providing immunizations. Training student pharmacists to give immunizations may not result in them providing immunizations upon graduation. Additional education on overcoming potential barriers and using senior student pharmacists to administer immunizations is needed.

Patient feedback on a new method of consulting with the GP; an analysis of responses by users of online triage software

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696773
Author(s):  
Abi Eccles ◽  
Mike Hopper ◽  
Helen Atherton
Keyword(s):  
Free Text ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Online Consultation ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Levels Of Use ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
Feedback Data

BackgroundOnline triage software is a new way to triage patients online that allows patients to describe their problem via an online form. A GP then contacts the patient to arrange either a face-to-face or telephone consultation.AimThis study aimed to explore use of online consultation software and gain insight into patients’ experiences of using online consultations, identifying potential barriers and facilitators to use.MethodThis is a mixed methods retrospective study analysing data about patient users and their associated feedback. Data from a sample of 5591 patients were quantitatively analysed to describe characteristics of users. 576 out of the 5591 users left free-text feedback comments on their experience of use. These were thematically analysed.ResultsThe highest levels of use were observed in 25–35-year olds and lowest from those aged >65. Key themes identified included convenience, consultation quality, appropriateness, resource-use and functionality. Within each, a range of subthemes were present representing both positive and negative perceptions, suggesting that experiences of using online triage varied and were often context-dependentConclusionThere are various advantages to online triage software, but these are context-dependent. Therefore, such applications should be offered as an additional way to contact the GP surgery, rather than a replacement for more established methods, to ensure appropriate and equal access for patients.

COUNSELLING ACTIVITIES OF DRUG USE IN 58 COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AT HUE CITY

2017 ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
Quoc Duong Doan ◽  
Thi Ha Vo
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Cough Headache ◽  
Rational Drug ◽  
Question Survey

Background: Community pharmacists play an important role in counseling of rational drug use for population. The study aimed to characterize counselling activities of drug use and demand of counselling tools at some community pharmacies at Hue City. Materials and method: A 17-question survey were asked to fill pharmacy staffs of a convenient sample of 100 community pharmacies at Hue City from 2/2017 to 7/2017. Results: There were 58 pharmacies (58.0%) answered this survey. Cough, headache, fever, high blood pressure and diabetes were the most popular symptoms/diseases presented in pharmacies. Patients often need counselling about dose (82.8%) and when to take medicine (79.3%). The main bariers for counselling were a lack of time (53.4%), and of skills/medthods for counseling (31.7%). About 96.6% pharmacies demanded counselling tools and favorite formats were book (32.9%) or pocket handbook (29.3%). Conclusion: Most pharmacies demanded counselling tools. Other studies should be conducted to develop supporting tools for counseling and to assess the quality of counseling in pharmacies. Key words: community pharmacy, counseling of drug use, pharmacist, Hue

scholarly journals Patients’ expectations on medicines information

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Sevikyan ◽  
I Kazaryan
Keyword(s):  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Medicine Price ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Medicines Information ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Effective Use

Abstract Background Medicines information is important for patients as it assists them in achieving more safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. Many patients seek information from community pharmacies' staff. The objectives of this study were to identify specific topics of medicines information which patients expect to receive at community pharmacies. Methods Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1059 visitors of community pharmacies in Armenia. Previously developed questionnaire was used for interviewing patients. Data were analysed with the SPSS statistical software. Results Most of participants acknowledged importance of receiving from community pharmacies' staff information on therapeutic indications of medicines (91.1%), dosage and method of administration (90.8%), the duration of treatment (86.3%), expiry date (85.7%), adverse reactions (85.0%), contraindications (84.6%), storage conditions (77.5%) and type of activity (76.0%). Importance of receiving information on some specific topics depends on patients' age. Participants' acknowledgement of information on interaction with other medicines, certain categories of users, and potential effects on the ability to drive is decreasing with patients' age increasing (p < 0.001). The opposite trend was observed with attitude to receiving information on medicine price that was mostly valued by elderly patients (p = 0.046). The number of patients who trust the information provided was higher among those who more often received comprehensive responses from pharmacists and pharmacy assistants (p < 0.001). Conclusions Receiving medicines information from the staff of community pharmacies is important for patients, and the majority of them trust to information received. Patients are mainly provided with comprehensive responses to their questions about medicines, and there was dependence between a frequency of receiving comprehensive responses and a level of patients' trust the information provided by pharmacy staff. Key messages Increasing patients’ awareness on their right to get medicines information can be beneficial. Comprehensive responses increase patients trust medicines information provided by pharmacists.

scholarly journals Exploring the independent prescribing role of the community pharmacists in Wales

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i35-i35
Author(s):  
S S Alghamdi ◽  
R Deslandes ◽  
S White ◽  
K Hodson ◽  
A Mackridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Committee Report ◽  
Independent Prescribing ◽  
General Practices ◽  
The Government ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Since 2019, the role of independent pharmacist prescribers (IPPs) in primary care has extended to community pharmacies in Wales [1]. This was in response to a Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee report in 2019 that outlined a plan to include an IPP in each community pharmacy in Wales by 2030. This aimed to relieve pressure on general practices, enhance patient care and reduce referral and admission rates to secondary care [2]. As funding was provided by the Government, the number of community pharmacists completing the independent prescribing course increased and many have implemented their prescribing role. Aim To explore the views of community IPPs regarding their prescribing role within community pharmacies in Wales. Methods Semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with community IPPs from all seven health boards (HBs) in Wales. Ethical approval was obtained from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University and the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering at Keele University. Purposive sampling was used to identify potential participants. Gatekeepers (HB community pharmacy leads and directors of IPP courses in Wales) sent invitation emails, participant information sheet and consent form to potential participants. Written consent was obtained. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed ad verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Thirteen community IPPs across Wales participated. Six themes were identified, including the utilisation of their role as community IPPs, their experiences with their independent prescribing training, motivation to obtain their prescribing qualification and utilise it, the impact, barriers and facilitators to implement and utilise their role. Participants practised as IPPs in the management of minor ailments and some other conditions, such as respiratory and sexual health. The course and training for community IPPs was helpful, but there was a need to focus more on therapeutic and clinical examination skills. The main impact of the role was that it helped to improve communication between community pharmacies and general practices and relieved some pressure on general practices. The main barriers were the lack of appropriate funding by the Government to develop the role, lack of access to patients’ medical records, lack of support and high workload. “One of the areas identified as high risk is for pharmacy prescribers is the lack of access to clinical records. How can you [as community IPPs] make any sensible decisions with half the information?” IPP6 Facilitators included that some services were already in place and the drive from the 2030 vision. Conclusion This is the first study that explored the views of community IPPs regarding their prescribing role in community pharmacies in Wales. It provided an insight into this new role that can be considered by the Welsh Government to achieve the 2030 vision for this role. A limitation to this study was that the role is still new in community pharmacies, which may affect the views of the community IPPs. Many of them have obtained their prescribing qualification but have not started to utilise it yet. Further work is needed to explore a wider population of community IPPs’ experiences as the role develops. References 1. Wickware, C. 2019. All community pharmacies in Wales to have an independent prescriber as part of long-term plan for Welsh pharmacy. Available at: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/all-community-pharmacies. 2. Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee. 2019. Pharmacy: Delivering a Healthier Wales. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%2.

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