scholarly journals Pharmaceutical Discharge Management: Implementation in Swiss Hospitals Compared to International Guidelines

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Helene Studer ◽  
Fabienne Boeni ◽  
Kurt E. Hersberger ◽  
Markus L. Lampert

Readmissions to the hospital are frequent after hospital discharge. Pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to reduce readmissions. The objective of this study was to describe pharmacist-led interventions to support patients’ medication management at hospital discharge in Switzerland and to compare them to international guidelines. We conducted a national online survey among chief hospital pharmacists focusing on medication management at hospital discharge. To put our findings in perspective, Cochrane reviews and guidelines were searched for summarised evidence and recommendations on interventions. Based on answers in the survey, hospitals with implemented models to support patients at discharge were selected for in-depth interviews. In semi-structured interviews, they were asked to describe pharmacists’ involvement in the patients’ pathway throughout the hospital stay. In Swiss hospitals (n = 44 survey participants), interventions to support patients at discharge were frequently implemented, mostly “patient education” (n = 40) and “communication to primary care provider” (n = 34). These interventions were commonly recommended in guidelines. Overall, pharmacists were rarely involved in the interventions on a regular basis. When pharmacists were involved, the services were provided by hospital pharmacies or collaborating community pharmacies. In conclusion, interventions recommended in guidelines were frequently implemented in Swiss hospitals, however pharmacists were rarely involved.

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Socratous

Purpose Using primary data from an online survey in addition to 29 semi-structured interviews among chartered accountants and academics in Cyprus, originally collected for the purposes of a PhD research, this paper aims to investigate the importance of networking with regards to women’s progression in the workplace, as well as the barriers women are faced with in their attempt to “play” the networking game in according to the male rules. Design/methodology/approach The use of an inductive approach was considered appropriate since there is little existing research on gender issues in Cypriot organisations. For the purposes of the study, a two-step qualitative approach was taken. Step 1 was an online survey with both closed and open-ended questions delivered to employed Cypriot men and women. Step 2 of the study comprised semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted with specific, preselected employees, both men and women, comprising chartered accountants from the BIG Four companies in Cyprus and academics working at the University of Cyprus. Findings The research reported in this paper suggests that while there is the perception that men and women share the same opportunities within the workplace and women do not progress by choice, there appear to be various structural and cultural influences at play. It is clear that women are restricted from networking opportunities either intentionally or due to cultural and societal norms and this results in minimising their chances of breaking the glass ceiling and progressing to the top of the organisational ladder. Originality/value The research focuses on the impediments women in Cyprus are faced with in their attempt to network. There is no previous research on this subject in Cyprus.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 206-206
Author(s):  
Mouna Sawan ◽  
Yun-Hee Jeon ◽  
Christine Bond ◽  
Timothy Chen ◽  
Sarah Hilmer ◽  
...  

Abstract People with dementia admitted to hospitals are more likely to be exposed to inappropriate polypharmacy and experience worse outcomes than people without dementia. Family and informal caregivers play an important role in managing medications across transitions of care; however, studies describing the experiences of medication guidance provided to caregivers at hospital discharge are limited. We have explored caregivers’ perceptions on the quality of and factors that influence caregiver participation in medication guidance at discharge. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 29 caregivers of people with dementia across Australia by telephone. Purposive sampling was used to ensure maximum variation of diverse perspectives. Content analysis was used to derive themes. Three themes were derived from analysis: inconsistent approaches to provision of medication information at discharge, caregiver awareness to advocate for the care recipient and managing competing priorities. Some caregivers reported inadequate information was provided because the information was communicated to the patient without the caregiver being present. Other caregivers stated a medication list, discharge summary and discussion with a healthcare profession provided useful information. Caregiver involvement in discussions on medication guidance at discharge was influenced by caregiver awareness to advocate for the care recipient to ensure medication safety and managing competing priorities at the time of discharge to manage stress. Caregivers flagged the need to establish structured caregiver education at discharge and community-based services to manage medications safely. Future studies are needed to explore development of resources to caregiver encourage participation during medication guidance at discharge.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Albanese ◽  
Rachel Hurcombe ◽  
Helen Mathie

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a small-scale evaluation of the Department of Health “Homeless Hospital Discharge Fund” (HHDF) in England. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a mixed-method approach comprising 52 telephone interviews with project staff, 48 responses from an online survey with staff, outcomes data collected by projects, 30 semi-structured interviews with patients and nine in-depth telephone interviews with staff and commissioners. Findings – Overall the 52 pilots funded under the “HHDF” provided positive health and accommodation outcomes for homeless people admitted and discharged from hospital. In contrast to previous studies patients described not feeling judged during their stay, however the admission process was a more mixed experience due to communication breakdown by hospital staff. Integrating housing and clinical staff in the hospital discharge projects produced better outcomes for patients and the availability of accommodation as part of the model allowed improved and more stable housing outcomes. We recommend integrated commissioning takes place for future funding of any hospital discharge projects. Research limitations/implications – The study was small in scale and carried out before some of the projects had become fully established. The data were self-reported and the quality and completeness varied between projects. Originality/value – This is one of the few examples of hospital discharge outcomes for homeless people across a number of different localities and project models which examine the role of both health and housing professionals in the process.


Author(s):  
Ivonne R. G. Kaya ◽  
Fildo De Lima

Tourism has become one of the major players in ‎international commerce and represents one of the main income ‎sources for many developing countries at the same time. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-‎economic progress.‎ This article described the potential of tourism attraction and factor affecting the development of marine tourism area in the utilization zone of Manusela National Park. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted with respondent (n=110) in Bellarizky, Air Belanda, Ora Beach and Lizar Bahari resort. The potential of tourist attractions in the utilization zone of Manusela National Park is as a snorkeling, diving and point of view. Factors affecting the development are service, transportation, supporting facilities and tourism attractions.


Author(s):  
Wina Lova Riza

 This study aims to determine the psychological dynamics of former drug addicts, starting from drug abuse until they become addicted, deciding to stop using them. This study uses a qualitative approach, the subject or informant is determined using a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling type based on predetermined criteria, which involves one informant, namely a male (F) aged 42 years. Data collection methods used in this study are in-depth interviews (in depth interviews), where researchers will interview informants with semi-structured interviews. In addition, researchers also used observation and psychological tests, which are graphic tests in the form of DAM (Draw a Man) and BAUM (tree drawing) tests, and intelligence tests using WAIS. The data analysis technique used is case study analysis of case / incident patterns. Based on the results of research F became a drug addict because of the learning process, where the enjoyment and lack of parental supervision is a reinforcement to continue using drugs. Generalization of people, places, pleasure makes it difficult for F to stop using drugs.   Keywords: Psychological Dynamics, Drug Addicts. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dinamika psikologis mantan pecandu napza, dimulai dari awal menyalahgunan napza hingga menjadi kecanduan, memutuskan untuk berhenti memakai. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, Subjek atau informan ditentukan dengan menggunakan tehnik sampling non-probability sampling dengan tipe purposive sampling berdasarkan kriteria yang telah ditentukan, yaitu melibatkan satu informan, yaitu laki-laki (F) yang berusia 42 tahun. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan wawancara secara mendalam (in depth interview), dimana peneliti akan menwawancarai informan dengan wawancara semi terstruktur. Selain itu peneliti juga menggunakan observasi serta menggunakan tes-tes psikologi, yaitu tes grafis berupa tes DAM (Draw a Man) dan BAUM (tes menggambar pohon), serta tes inteligensi dengan menggunakan WAIS. Tehnik analisis data yang digunakan adalah menggunakan analisis studi kasus pola kasus/kejadian. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian F menjadi pecandu narkoba karena adanya proses belajar, dimana kenikmatan dan kurangnya pengawasan orang tua merupakan reinforcement untuk terus menggunakan napza. Adanya generalisasi terhadap people, place, pleasure menyebabkan F sulit untuk berhenti menggunakan napza. Kata Kunci: Dinamika Psikologis, Mantan Pengguna Napza


2021 ◽  
pp. 205343452110101
Author(s):  
Charlotte Chapman ◽  
Sara Bayes ◽  
Moira Sim

Introduction International guidelines recommend that health care clinicians communicate with people with MND and their family members about non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and percutaneous gastrostomy tube (PEG) prior to or at the onset of respiratory symptoms. This study sought to discover the degree to which these recommendations are followed in practice. Methods Interpretive Description methodology was employed. Nineteen clinicians experienced in caring for people with MND, six relatives of recently deceased people with MND and one person with MND participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Clinicians’ accounts of NIV and PEG related communications were compared to family member participants’ recollections of their own discussions with clinicians. Data were analysed thematically. Results Six major themes emerged that together capture the factors that impact practitioner-patient-family communications about NIV and PEG. Some clinicians were unaware of MND guidelines particularly communicating the burdens or possible withdrawal of NIV or found them challenging to implement. Consequently, family participants reported that they and their relatives with MND found clinicians’ communication on these topics inadequate. This led to them ‘topping up’ their knowledge from less authoritative sources, predominantly the internet. Discussion Clinicians’ lack of awareness of the international guidelines and discomfort about discussing the benefits and burdens of NIV and PEGs means some people with MND and their families may be unprepared for the consequences of using and ceasing NIV.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204512532198913
Author(s):  
Miriam Larsen-Barr ◽  
Fred Seymour

Background: It is well-known that attempting antipsychotic withdrawal can be a fraught process, with a high risk of relapse that often leads people to resume the medication. Nonetheless, there is a group of people who appear to be able to discontinue successfully. Relatively little is known about how people do this. Methods: A convenience sample of adults who had stopped taking antipsychotic medication for more than a year were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews through an anonymous online survey that investigated antipsychotic medication experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis explored participant descriptions of their efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after the withdrawal process. Results: Of the seven women who volunteered to participate, six reported bipolar disorder diagnoses and one reported diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. The women reported successfully discontinuing antipsychotics for 1.25–25 years; six followed a gradual withdrawal method and had support to prepare for and manage this. Participants defined wellbeing in terms of their ability to manage the impact of any difficulties faced rather than their ability to prevent them entirely, and saw this as something that evolved over time. They described managing the process and maintaining their wellbeing afterwards by ‘understanding myself and my needs’, ‘finding what works for me’ and ‘connecting with support’. Sub-themes expand on the way in which they did this. For example, ‘finding what works for me’ included using a tool-box of strategies to flexibly meet their needs, practicing acceptance, drawing on persistence and curiosity and creating positive life experiences. Conclusion: This is a small, qualitative study and results should be interpreted with caution. This sample shows it is possible for people who experience mania and psychosis to successfully discontinue antipsychotics and safely manage the impact of any symptoms that emerge as a result of the withdrawal process or other life stressors that arise afterwards. Findings suggest internal resources and systemic factors play a role in the outcomes observed among people who attempt to stop taking antipsychotics and a preoccupation with avoiding relapse may be counterproductive to these efforts. Professionals can play a valuable role in facilitating change.


Author(s):  
Kenneth A. Blocker ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an asymptomatic cardiovascular condition common with increasing age that must be controlled with proper management behaviors, such as adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications. Unfortunately, older adults may struggle with consistent and effective management of this medication specifically and the disease generally, which can lead to poorer health outcomes. The goal of the study was to investigate older adults’ antihypertensive medication management using the Illness Representation Model as a lens to identify potential misconceptions that may contribute to medication management. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 older adults regarding management routines, hypertension knowledge, perceived nonadherence contributors, and perspectives related to their illness. We identified numerous misconceptions regarding hypertension knowledge, disease severity, as well as perceived adherence performance that may contribute to challenges older adults face with maintaining antihypertensive medication adherence. Moreover, these findings inform the need for and design of effective educational tools for improving antihypertensive medication adherence.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisha Ali ◽  
Andrew J. Frew

Purpose – The aim of this research is to foreground information and communication technology (ICT) as an innovative approach for sustainable tourism (ST) development of destinations. ICT is the technology required for information processing which facilitates data processing, information sharing, communication, searching and selection. This paper concentrates on the Abernathy and Clark model and its usefulness in applying ICT as innovative in managing ST. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to destination managers and to eTourism experts. Destination managers were selected as they were identified as the person responsible for the overall management of a Destination Management Organisation. eTourism experts were identified as someone who possesses special expertise, knowledge and skills on ICT applications to tourism and offered expertise on which ranged from such areas as electronic distribution, recommender systems, user-generated content, online communities, mobile technology, technology acceptance, tourism networks and Web 2.0. This was followed by semi-structured interviews. Findings – These ICT tools were found to be innovative for information management and distribution for critical decision-making. Innovation was fostered through the use of ICT for ST by leading to a better understanding of the tourism product, monitoring, measuring and evaluating, forecasting trends, developing partnerships and engaging and supporting stakeholder relationships. ICT would provide novel ways of approaching marketing, energy monitoring, waste management, and communication for destinations. Originality/value – This research is important in demonstrating the value that technology can have to ST and further develops the work on tourism innovation theory.


Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Sara S. McMillan ◽  
Hidy Chan ◽  
Laetitia H. Hattingh

Community pharmacies are well positioned to participate in harm-minimisation services to reduce harms caused by both licit and illicit substances. Considering developments in pharmacist practices and the introduction of new professional pharmacy services, we identified a need to explore the contemporary role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the opinions of stakeholders, pharmacy staff, and clients about the role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation, including provision of current services, experiences, and expectations. Participants (n = 28) included 5 stakeholders, 9 consumers, and 14 staff members from seven community pharmacies. Three over-arching themes were identified across the three participants groups: (i) scope and provision, (ii) complexity, and (iii) importance of person-centred advice and support in relation to community pharmacy harm minimisation services. Community pharmacies are valuable healthcare destinations for delivery of harm minimisation services, with scope for service expansion. Further education, support, and remuneration are needed, as well as linkage to other sector providers, in order to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy staff are well equipped to provide a range of harm minimisation services.


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