Awareness of statin–food interactions using grapefruit as an example: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess patients’ knowledge regarding statin–grapefruit interactions, to identify any pertinent demographic characteristics that may influence knowledge of this drug–food interaction, and to identify preferred patient sources of health information. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from statins users about the awareness regarding drug interaction with foods. Self-administered questionnaires have been distributed to collect data from statins users regardless of the type and the reason they administer these medications. Respondents were statins users visiting the King Fahd Hospital’s outpatient clinic (KFHU) and community pharmacies in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Key findings Our study revealed that 62% of statin users never heard about the statin–grapefruit interaction. Only 11% have correctly recognized the interaction effect. Only 11, 21 and 6% of users have reported that they often/always received information on drug–food interaction from pharmacists, physicians and nurses, respectively. Users aged above 60 years had lower awareness than those aged <40 (6.0% vs. 14.1%). Similarly, the proportion was lower among users who had primary or lower educational attainment, unemployed or had income lower than 5000 SAR compared with that among the contrary groups. However, only income showed a statistically significant association (P = 0.007). Conclusions The majority of statin users have never heard about their interaction with food. Geriatrics, low-income and less educated patients had a lower level of awareness compared with their counterparts. Many patients may end up discontinuing their medications because of that interaction and the consequent side effects. Pharmacists are requested to play their expected role in providing adequate patient counselling to help improve patients’ awareness regarding safety concerns of statins medication.

Mental well-being promotion by Australian community pharmacists: what’s happening and what needs to be done?

Objectives This study aimed to explore the range of activities provided by community pharmacists for promoting mental well-being in Australia. Methods An online survey was developed and piloted by 2 community pharmacists, 1 representative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and 11 pharmacy students for content and face validity. Community pharmacists were recruited via direct emails to pharmacy groups and social media between November 2019 and January 2020. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared analyses were conducted. Key findings Data were analysed from 85 pharmacists (of 115 total pharmacy staff respondents). Although 40% reported working in a pharmacy that promoted mental well-being, most (88.2%) were not involved in such activities. However, most respondents (88.0%) identified community pharmacy as a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. Barriers to mental well-being promotion included busy pharmacy environment with competing priorities, a lack of staff training and confidence in discussing mental well-being and stigma associated with mental illness. Conclusions Community pharmacy presents a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. However, pharmacists may not be utilizing their full range of skills and knowledge in promoting a national health priority. This study identified opportunities for increased pharmacist-led promotion of mental well-being, particularly given the emerging mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the growing urgency for mental health-friendly health workers across the sector including the community pharmacy workforce to engage consumers about their mental well-being.

Giving patients a voice in Health Technology Assessment decision-making in Greece: a patient advocacy group consensus analysis

Objective This analysis aimed to assess patient advocacy groups’ (PAGs) perspectives on patients’ and PAGs’ potential role in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) decision-making in Greece. Methods In total, 22 representatives of PAGs participated in a consensus panel meeting. Participants’ views were elicited via a consensus panel meeting, through a televoting procedure, based on a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions. Voting was anonymous, to avoid the influence of the dominant personality. After voting, the results were presented to the participants and televoting was repeated to achieve consensus. Key findings The majority of participants (94.8%) believe that valid information on the developments regarding HTA in Greece is not conveyed to them by the official national regulatory sources. Key sources of valid information on developments regarding HTA were: conferences (95.2%), international PAGs (85.7%) and HTA experts/scientists (76.2%). About 76.2% of participants evaluated PAGs’ competence to participate in policy-making concerning HTA scheme formation as moderate or higher. Regarding patients’ effective participation in HTA decision-making, greater importance (points 4 and 5 on a 5-point scale) was given to their education on treatment effects in terms of quality of life (100.0%), basic principles of health economics and pharmaceutical policy (95.5%) and ethical aspects of HTA (95.0%). About 55.0% strongly agree that patients should formally express their opinion on HTA issues, while 72.7% believe that patients’ opinions on HTA issues should be expressed through participation in the process and right to vote. Conclusions The participation of patients in HTA decision-making is an issue not only of justice but also of essence. For a productive participation, PAGs training is essential.

The role of the pharmacist in contraception and pre-pregnancy management for women with diabetes: a study of patient and pharmacist perspectives

Objectives Women with diabetes are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to women with gestational diabetes (GDM) or no diabetes. Pregnancy outcomes are improved by specialist pre-pregnancy care. We aimed to explore pharmacists’ and women with diabetes’ perceptions of the roles and barriers to pharmacist participation in a diabetes contraception and pre-pregnancy program in South-Western Sydney (SWS). Methods The Diabetes Contraception and Pre-pregnancy Program (DCAPP) aims to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with diabetes. This includes awareness raising among, and through, pharmacists. Surveys to explore pharmacists’ roles in contraception and pre-pregnancy management (CPPM) were completed by SWS pharmacists and women with diabetes from diabetes clinics aged 18–50 years. Survey themes were then discussed in interviews and focus groups with pharmacists across Australia. Thematic analysis of transcripts was undertaken. Key findings Pharmacists were seen to have a role in diabetes health promotion, information distribution and referral to pre-pregnancy clinics. Pharmacists and women recognised the need for increased knowledge and educational materials about CPPM and effective awareness and coordination of CPPM services. Some pharmacists recognised deficits in their knowledge regarding diabetes in pregnancy, including CPPM and differences to GDM. Barriers to pharmacists’ involvement in CPPM included difficulty identifying applicable women and reluctance to initiate pregnancy planning and contraception conversations, often due to language and cultural barriers. Conclusions Pharmacists and women with diabetes see an important role for pharmacists in CPPM. Co-designed diabetes training for pharmacists and increased communication about DCAPP were seen important for ongoing implementation.