Multi-center survey on the training status of staff working in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) in mainland China: Perspectives of PIVAS staff

The technical level and comprehensive quality of pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) staff are central to ensure the safety and effectiveness of intravenous infusions. However, these aspects are lacking in traditional pharmacy education. This study aimed to investigate the training status of staff working in PIVAS and explore factors that affected training status, which might contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive, standardized training system.A multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted via a WeChat Group targeting PIVAS staff in hospitals to investigate the differences of current training status between different regions, hospital levels, genders, job titles, educational degrees, employment types, and working years.In total, 501 participants completed the questionnaires. The main contents of training for PIVAS staff included: professional theoretical knowledge (99.40%, 498/501), practical operation abilities (97.01%, 486/501), pre-job training (92.61%, 464/501), and standard operating procedures (90.22%, 452/501). The most common frequency of staff training was 1-2 times a month (51.9%, 260/501). Overall, 56.5% (283/501) of participants thought staff training was sufficient and 60.1% (301/501) of participants thought PIVAS attached importance to staff training. However, only 45.7% (229/501) of the participants were satisfied with the training modes.The contents of training for PIVAS staff in mainland China were relatively rich, but the aspects of management tools, comprehensive ability development, and career development planning tend to be relatively weak. It is necessary to develop training standards for PIVAS staff to improve employee capabilities and job satisfaction.

The role of community pharmacists in depression management: a survey of attitudes, practices and perceived barriers

Background Community pharmacists play a significant role in depression care. Depression is a health priority in national health strategies around the world, including in Qatar. Objective To describe current practices, attitudes and perceived barriers of community pharmacists towards depression care, and to investigate factors associated with these practices. Setting Community pharmacies in Qatar. Method A cross-sectional online survey using an adapted survey instrument. Scores were measured on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive univariate and bivariate analyses of study outcomes, followed by multivariate regression examining the association between pharmacists' practices and their attitudes, socio-demographic and professional characteristics. Main outcome measure Pharmacists' scores on self-reported attitudes towards depression and depression care practices and the number of perceived barriers for depression care. Result: 358 pharmacists (response rate 39%) completed the questionnaire. Pharmacists' attitudes to depression were moderately positive (mean score = 3.41, SD = 0.26) but involvement in depression care was very low (mean score = 2.64, SD = 0.94). Three major barriers were lack of access to patients' medical records (83.21%), lack of patients' insight on depression and the importance of treatment (81.85%), and lack of knowledge and training on mental health (79.63%). Female pharmacists and those graduated more than 10 years prior were significantly less involved in depression care compared to their counterparts (practice scores (95% CI) -4.36 (-7.46 to -1.26) and -7.51 (-15.10 to -1.35), respectively), while those who had access to private counselling area were more involved (practice score 3.39 (0.20 to 6.59). Pharmacists' depression practice score was positively associated with attitudes (p = 0.001). Conclusion Pharmacists' moderately positive attitudes were not reflected in their suboptimal depression-care practices. Action from policymakers is needed to improve pharmacists' practices and attitudes to depression.

Perceptions of Generic Drugs in the Pharmacists of Public Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Survey in Hubei Province of China

OBJECTIVE

Generic drugs provide an opportunity for savings in drug expenditure since they are available at a lower cost and do not affect patients' health. A better understanding of pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and perception can promote the quality use of generic drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of pharmacists from tertiary hospitals in China regarding generic drugs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey using a postal questionnaire was conducted, which was sent to 200 hospital pharmacists randomly selected from tertiary hospitals in Hubei Province. A total of 125 questionnaires out of 200 were received. Of the respondents, 80 were female and 45 were male.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents (87.2%) could clearly distinguish between original and generic drugs. Pharmacists agreed that generic drugs were less effective (52.8%) and produced more side effects (52%). Fortynine respondents thought that generic drug products were not adequately tested. Approximately 78% and 60% of the pharmacists indicated that generic substitution was not feasible for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows and drugs for critical diseases, respectively. Most of them supported the recommendation of generic drugs based on professional judgment.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a considerable portion of Chinese hospital pharmacists hold negative perceptions of generic drugs. Interventions to improve pharmacists' knowledge of generic drugs are needed.

How pharmacy and medicine students experience the power differential between professions: "Even if the pharmacist knows better, the doctor's decision goes"

Interprofessional Education (IPE) is one approach to improving communication and collaborative practice between professions, which are essential for the optimal delivery of healthcare. Common barriers include negative attitudes, professional stereotypes, professional cultures and power differentials between professional groups. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how professional hierarchies and power differentials shape interprofessional interactions between preregistration pharmacy and medicine students. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and subject to thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: Reproducing traditional hierarchies; Social norms around respect; Hierarchies in care values and goals; and Challenging the narrative is possible. Students' interactions with and views of the other profession largely reflected traditional stereotypes and power differentials. Hierarchy was evident in how respect was accorded and in how care values and goals were managed. Despite this, students overwhelmingly perceived and reported a sense of agency in changing the status quo. Emerging professional identity and conceptualisation of future roles is heavily influenced by the hierarchical relationship between the professions and can pose a significant barrier to collaborative practice. Greater support for collaborative interprofessional practice is needed at the level of policy and accreditation in health education and healthcare to ensure greater commitment to change.

Pharmacists' perceptions of the use of internet-based medication information by patients: A cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

The credibility and the reliability of Internet webpages to seek medication-related information is questionable. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate perception and experience of pharmacists with the use of Internet-based medication information by their patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted to evaluate perception and experience of pharmacists with the use of Internet-based medication information by their patients. During the study period, 200 pharmacists were approached to participate in the study using a paper-based survey to assess their perceptions and current experience with the use of Internet-based medication information by their patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean/standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequency/percentages for qualitative variables). Also, simple linear regression was utilized to screen factors affecting pharmacists' perception scores of the use of Internet-based medication information.

RESULTS

Among 161 recruited pharmacists, the majority (n = 129, 80.1%) reported receiving inquiries from patients about Internet-based medication information within the last year. Among them, only 22.6% (n = 29) of pharmacists believed that Internet-based medication information is somewhat or very accurate. Unfortunately, only 24.2% (n = 31) of them stated that they always had enough time for their patient to discuss their Internet-based medication information. Regarding pharmacists' perception of the use of Internet-based medication information by their patients, more than half of the pharmacists (>50%) believe that Internet-based medication information could increase the patient's role in taking responsibility. On the other hand, 54.7% (n = 88) of the pharmacists believed that Internet-based medication information would contribute to rising the healthcare cost by obtaining unnecessary medications by patients. Finally, pharmacists' educational level was found to significantly affect their perception scores toward patient use of Internet-based medication information where those with higher educational level showed lower perception score (r = -0.200, P-value = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Although pharmacists felt that usage of Internet-based data by patients is beneficial, they also have believed that it has a negative impact in terms of rising the healthcare cost, and it promotes unnecessary fear or concern about medications. We suggest that pharmacists be trained on principles of critical appraisal to become professional in retrieval information on the Internet that might improve their delivery of healthcare information and their recommendations to patients.

Postgraduate pharmacist development- an evaluation of Jordanian pharmacist experiences to inform and shape an evidence-based professional development policy

Building capacity for developing skills as leadership, teamwork, and continuous academic support has become essential for fulfilling a successful pharmacy career. This study aims to assess Jordanian pharmacists' views on professional development, namely: the continuous education infrastructure, strategies and programs for personal development, leadership skills, incentive schemes, drug information resources and digital services. As well as exploring options for better academic support delivered to pharmacists. To capture participant's views, an online validated and reliable survey was developed. Non-probability sampling design was used. Participants were qualified pharmacists working at Royal Medical Services (RMS) and Community Pharmacists (CP). Comparison and descriptive statistics were used to report the results. A total of 271 pharmacists participated, 144 from RMS (8% more than the needed sample) and 127 CP (7% more than the needed sample). There was a strong desire amongst both RMS and PC groups for continuous educational training particularly in the following areas, first: Advanced counselling and communication skills (means = 8.99±0.145, CI 95% = 3.70-4.28 and 9.37±0.096, CI 95% = 4.18-4.56). Second: Personal development skills (mean = 8.92±0.142, CI 95% = 3.64-4.20 and 9.02±0.145, CI 95% = 3.73-4.30). Third, Pharmaceutical health promotion (mean = 8.05±0.180, CI 95% = 2.70-3.41 and 8.57±0.159, CI 95% = 3.26-3.89). Only 19.4% and 18.1% of the RMS and CPs respectively reported the presence of a written policy for personal development and leadership in their workplace. There were few incentives for pharmacists to participate in research. Few pharmacists used the available drug information and toxicology centers. The professional and continuous personal development of pharmacists support an evolving healthcare system. This study emphasizes the need for a tailored and documented postgraduate educational strategy, personal development, and leadership skills training in Jordan. Implementing a well-defined scheme of incentives should be encouraged to engage pharmacists in continuous professional development programs and pharmaceutical research. Such strategy and training should enhance both professional and personal performance.

Cost-Effectiveness of Hypertension Treatment by Pharmacists in Black Barbershops

BACKGROUND

In LABBPS (Los Angeles Barbershop Blood Pressure Study), pharmacist-led hypertension care in Los Angeles County Black-owned barbershops significantly improved blood pressure control in non-Hispanic Black men with uncontrolled hypertension at baseline. In this analysis, 10-year health outcomes and health care costs of 1 year of the LABBPS intervention versus control are projected.

METHODS

A discrete event simulation of hypertension care processes projected blood pressure, medication-related adverse events, fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease events, and noncardiovascular disease death in LABBPS participants. Program costs, total direct health care costs (2019 US dollars), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated for the LABBPS intervention and control arms from a health care sector perspective over a 10-year horizon. Future costs and QALYs were discounted 3% annually. High and intermediate cost-effectiveness thresholds were defined as <$50 000 and <$150 000 per QALY gained, respectively.

RESULTS

At 10 years, the intervention was projected to cost an average of $2356 (95% uncertainty interval, -$264 to $4611) more per participant than the control arm and gain 0.06 (95% uncertainty interval, 0.01-0.10) QALYs. The LABBPS intervention was highly cost-effective, with a mean cost of $42 717 per QALY gained (58% probability of being highly and 96% of being at least intermediately cost-effective). Exclusive use of generic drugs improved the cost-effectiveness to $17 162 per QALY gained. The LABBPS intervention would be only intermediately cost-effective if pharmacists were less likely to intensify antihypertensive medications when systolic blood pressure was ≥150 mm Hg or if pharmacist weekly time driving to barbershops increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension care delivered by clinical pharmacists in Black barbershops is a highly cost-effective way to improve blood pressure control in Black men.

Burnout and the challenges facing pharmacists during COVID-19: results of a national survey

Background COVID-19 has impacted the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers and has forced pharmacists to adapt their services. Objective To measure burnout and describe the work and psychosocial factors affecting pharmacists during COVID-19, and to compare males and females. Setting An online survey was distributed to a convenience sample of pharmacists practicing in any setting in Australia during April and June 2020. Method The survey collected demographic data, burnout scores using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), psychosocial and work-related variables using questions adapted from previous surveys. It was tested for readability by a group of pharmacists and academic clinicians before distribution via social media and professional organisations. Main outcome measure Burnout was calculated using mean MBI scores, descriptive statistics were used to report work and psychosocial variables and Pearson's chi-square compared males and females. Results Overall, 647 responses were analysed. Most participants were female n = 487 (75.7%) with hospital n = 269 (42.2%) and community n = 253 (39.9%) pharmacists well represented. Mean (SD) for emotional exhaustion (possible range 0-54) and depersonalisation (possible range 0-30) were 28.5 (13.39) and 7.98 (5.64), which were higher (increased burnout) than reported pre-COVID-19. Personal accomplishment (range 0-48, lower scores associated with burnout) mean (SD) 36.58 (7.56), was similar to previously reported. Males reported higher depersonalisation indicating more withdrawal and cynicism. Working overtime, medication supply and patient incivility were reported to affect work. Conclusion Pharmacists are experiencing burnout, with work and psychosocial factors affecting them during COVID-19. Knowledge of this and that males experience more depersonalisation is valuable to inform advocacy and interventions to support pharmacists.

Perspectives of nurses' role in interprofessional pharmaceutical care across 14 European countries: A qualitative study in pharmacists, physicians and nurses

OBJECTIVES

To understand healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of nurses' potential or ideal roles in pharmaceutical care (PC).

DESIGN

Qualitative study conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews.

SETTING

Between December 2018 and October 2019, interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals of 14 European countries in four healthcare settings: hospitals, community care, mental health and long-term residential care.

PARTICIPANTS

In each country, pharmacists, physicians and nurses in each of the four settings were interviewed. Participants were selected on the basis that they were key informants with broad knowledge and experience of PC.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

All interviews were conducted face to face. Each country conducted an initial thematic analysis. Consensus was reached through a face-to-face discussion of all 14 national leads.

RESULTS

340 interviews were completed. Several tasks were described within four potential nursing responsibilities, that came up as the analysis themes, being: 1) monitoring therapeutic/adverse effects of medicines, 2) monitoring medicines adherence, 3) decision making on medicines, including prescribing 4) providing patient education/information. Nurses' autonomy varied across Europe, from none to limited to a few tasks and emergencies to a broad range of tasks and responsibilities. Intended level of autonomy depended on medicine types and level of education. Some changes are needed before nursing roles can be optimised and implemented in practice. Lack of time, shortage of nurses, absence of legal frameworks and limited education and knowledge are main threats to European nurses actualising their ideal role in PC.

CONCLUSIONS

European nurses have an active role in PC. Respondents reported positive impacts on care quality and patient outcomes when nurses assumed PC responsibilities. Healthcare professionals expect nurses to report observations and assessments. This key patient information should be shared and addressed by the interprofessional team. The study evidences the need of a unique and consensus-based PC framework across Europe.

Role of community pharmacists in medication management during COVID-19 lockdown

Preventive and control measures implemented by many countries to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 may negatively impact medication and chronic disease management, which can interfere with achieving patients' therapeutic goals. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on these aspects, while exploring the role of community pharmacists. A cross-sectional study was conducted via a web-based questionnaire that targeted individuals who suffer from chronic diseases in Jordan. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling and were asked to self-report their ability to access medication, and the perceived role of community pharmacists. Among the 431 participants, the mean age ± SD (years) was 53.8 ± 13.7 and 60.1% (n= 259) were females. Participants mainly reported difficulties in accessing medication (n=198, 45.9%), reduced supplies or unavailability of medications (n=213, 49.4%), nonadherence to medications due to lack of access (n=98, 22.7%) and high costs (n=85, 19.7%). Participants avoided follow-ups due to a fear of infection (n=367, 82.5%) or prolonged waiting time in clinics (n=322, 74.7%). An increased reliance on the community pharmacy for medical advice was reported by 39.9% (n=172) of the participants, with half of them (n=217, 50.3%) depending on the pharmacists for advice regarding over-the-counter medications and COVID-19-related information (n=119, 27.6%). There is an urgent need to involve community pharmacists in medication and chronic disease management with a focus on patient adherence to ensure the optimal management of such vulnerable patient groups. Future studies to assess the effect of pharmacists' contributions towards enhancing medication/disease management are warranted.

Pharmacists' perception of educational material to improve patient safety: A cross-sectional study on practices and awareness in Germany

ABSTRACT

Educational material (EM) addresses particular safety information of medicinal products to healthcare professionals and patients. Since 2016, German national competent authorities label approved EM with a Blue Hand symbol. However, data is scarce regarding its usability as a safety communication tool in pharmacies to improve patient safety. The purpose of this study is to investigate for the first time pharmacists' awareness and perception of EM in the setting of community and hospital pharmacies in Germany.The Drug Commission of German Pharmacists surveyed its nationwide network of 677 community and 51 hospital reference pharmacies, to investigate their awareness and perception of EM. The survey was conducted between January 16 and February 10, 2020 using SurveyMonkey. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.A total of 373 community and 32 hospital pharmacists participated; response rates were 55.1% and 62.8%, respectively. Overall, 320 (85.8%) community and all hospital pharmacists confirmed awareness of EM. Community and hospital pharmacists fully (n = 172, 46.9% and n = 9, 28.1%) or rather (n = 109, 29.7% and n = 10, 31.3%) agreed that EM for healthcare professionals is suitable to reduce risks of medicinal products. Moreover, 237 (64.7%) community and 17 (53.1%) hospital pharmacists confirmed to inform patients or care facilities about EM. Asking pharmacists on their personal perception of EM, the refinement of readability and accessibility was indicated.Pharmacists confirm awareness of EM and its suitability as a safety communication tool. However, from a pharmacists' perspective, the applicability and readability of EM still needs further adjustment to improve patient safety.

Job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists and clinical pharmacy activities implemented at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam pioneered the practice of clinical pharmacy; however, hospitals in HCMC have faced numerous challenges that might influence the job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists (CPs). Additionally, there have been no official statistics about clinical pharmacy activities that have been reported so far. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the current status of the clinical pharmacy profession and to analyze the key factors affecting job satisfaction of CPs in HCMC. This was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all the CPs in all the 128 hospitals in HCMC via an online survey tool from May to June 2020. Only about 30% of the respondents were full-time CPs. The percentage of CPs participating in clinical wards was relatively low (52.79%). “Provide drug information for patients and medical employees” was the most common clinical pharmacy activity, with the percentage of CPs participating in it being nearly 90%. Overall, 74.1% of the 197 CPs surveyed were satisfied with their current job. The factors that they were satisfied with the most and the least were “Inter & Intra professional relationships” (95.9%) and “Income” (59.9%), respectively. The only demographic and work-related characteristic that had a statistically significant association with overall job satisfaction was “Ward round participation”. Most clinical pharmacy tasks noted a high rate of participation from the CPs. Nevertheless, hospitals in HCMC was found to be experiencing a shortage of CPs and low levels of participation of CPs in ward rounds, and most CPs were unable to completely focus on clinical pharmacy tasks. Regarding CPs’ job satisfaction-related aspects, income and ward round participation appear to be the two factors that should be increased, in order to enhance CPs’ job satisfaction.

Road towards promoting patient safety practices among hospital pharmacists: Hospital-based baseline patient safety culture assessment cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT

Patient safety is a fundamental aspect of a healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess the perception and determinants of the patient safety culture of pharmacists in hospitals, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.A survey was conducted with pharmacists in the pharmacies of governmental, /military and private hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pharmacy survey on patient safety culture questionnaire developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Qualtity, a hard copy was distriuted to the pharmacists. The positive response rate (RR) was calculated and compared across hospitals using a chi-square test. The predictors of patient safety grades were identified using the generalized estimating equation. The data was analyzed using SAS.A total of 538 questionnaires were distributed, of which 411 responded (RR 76.4%). Of the participants, 229 (56%) were females. The majority 255 (62%) were in the 18 to 34 years age range, and 361 (88%) had a bachelor's degree. The majority of the sample 376 (92%) was a pharmacist. The Positive RR (PRR) ranged between (25.6%-74%). The highest PRR was observed in teamwork (74.4%), followed by 'staff, training and skills' (68%), and 'organizational learning continuous improvement' (66%). The lowest PRR was observed in 'staffing, work pressure, and pace' (25.5%). Comparing the PPR of the various healthcare sectors, the governmental hospitals scored the highest in all patient safety domains. Generalized Estimating Equation analysis showed that with increase in scores of all patient safety culture domains increased the likelihood of reporting a better patient safety grade, whereas respondents' demographic characteristics had no effect except the working experience years 6 years and above had odds of poor reporting of the patient safety grade (odds ratio = 2.54, 95% confience interval (1.543, 4.194), (P = .0003).The grades achieved in the various domains of patient safety culture by pharmacists in Riyadh are below the expected standard. The highest scores were achieved in teamwork, with the lowest scores in staffing, work pressure and pace. Overall, pharmacists in government hospital settings have a better perception of patient safety than their peers in other settings. These results provide the baseline evidence for developing future interventional studies aiming at improving patient safety culture in hospital pharmacy settings.

Burnout and distress among allied health care professionals in a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Burnout and distress negatively affect the well-being of health care professionals and the treatment they provide. Our aim was to measure the prevalence of burnout and distress among allied health care staff at a cardiovascular centre of a quaternary hospital network in Canada, and compare outcomes to those for nonphysician employees in the United States.

METHODS

We conducted a survey of allied health care staff, including physical, respiratory and occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and speech-language pathologists, in a cardiovascular centre at 2 quaternary referral hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, between Nov. 27, 2018, and Jan. 31, 2019. The survey tool included the Well-Being Index (WBI), which measures fatigue, depression, burnout, anxiety or stress, quality of life, work-life integration, meaning in work and overall distress; a score of 2 or higher indicated high distress. We carried out standard univariate statistical comparisons using the χ², Fisher exact or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate to perform univariate comparisons in the sample of respondents. We assessed the relation between a WBI score of 2 or higher and demographic characteristics. We compared univariate associations among WBI data for nonphysician employees in the US who completed the WBI to responses from our participants.

RESULTS

The response rate to the survey was 86% (45/52). Thirty-three respondents (73%) reported experiencing burnout in the previous month, and 31 (69%) reported emotional problems. Compared to respondents who perceived fair treatment in the workplace, those who perceived unfair treatment (20 [44%]) were more likely to report emotional problems (17 [85%] v. 13 [54%], p = 0.05), to worry that work was hardening them emotionally (15 [75%] v. 8 [33%], p = 0.008), and to feel down, depressed or hopeless (12 [60%] v. 4 [17%], p = 0.005). Twenty-five respondents (56%) and 13 respondents (29%) reported WBI scores consistent with high (≥ 2) or severe (≥ 5) distress, respectively. Respondents were more likely to have a high WBI score if they perceived unfair treatment or inadequate staffing levels. Our respondents had a higher prevalence of burnout (73.3% v. 53.6%, p = 0.008) and a higher average WBI score (2.6 [SD 2.8] v. 1.7 [SD 2.6], p = 0.05) than 9096 nonphysician employees in the US.

INTERPRETATION

The prevalence of burnout, emotional problems and distress was high among allied health care staff. Fair treatment in the workplace and adequate staffing may lower distress levels and improve the work experience of these health care professionals.

Emerging from the other end: Key measures for a successful COVID-19 lockdown exit strategy and the potential contribution of pharmacists

As the world edges towards relaxing the lockdown measures taken to control the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), governments have started putting in place a variety of measures to avoid a second peak in the number of infections. The implementation of and adherence to such measures will be key components of any successful lockdown exit strategy. Ranging from expanded testing and widespread use of technology to building the public's trust in the post COVID-19 world, there is a role for pharmacists to play. In this commentary, these measures and the potential contribution of pharmacists to their successful implementation are outlined and discussed.

A cross sectional study on beliefs and roles of community pharmacy professionals in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome in an Ethiopian setting

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of cardiovascular risk factors, and its prevalence is becoming alarmingly high in Ethiopia. Studies uncovered as community pharmacy professionals (CPPs) have not yet well integrated into public health programs and priorities. In low income setting like Ethiopia, evidence regarding the roles CPPs in preventing and management of MetS is dearth.

OBJECTIVE

The study was aimed to assess community pharmacy professionals'(CPPs) opinions about metabolic syndrome, describe their perception level towards the effectiveness of the main interventions and explore their extent of involvement in counseling patients with the metabolic syndrome in Gondar town, Northwestern Ethiopia.

METHOD

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists and druggists working in community medication retail outlets (CMROs) in Gondar town, northwestern Ethiopia from April 1 to May 31, 2019. Data were collected using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize different variables, and presented in tables and figure. An independent t-test and one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were used to compare mean scores. A 5% level of significance was used.

RESULT

Out of the 75 CPPs approached, 65(40 pharmacists and 25 druggists) completed the survey giving a response rate of 86.7%. Smoking cessation practice was identified to be low. There were a statistically significant difference (t = 2.144, P = 0.036) in the involvement towards counseling patients between CPPs who claimed to work in pharmacy (mean = 3.96 out of 5 points Likert scale) and drug stores (mean = 3.80 out of 5 points Likert scale).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the overall involvement of professionals in counseling patients, opinion about metabolic syndrome, and perception towards the effectiveness of the intervention was found to be more or less positive. However, the provision of services, such as monitoring therapy, selling equipment for home blood pressure and glucose monitoring and documenting patient care services needs to be encouraged. Given proper education and training, the current study hope that community pharmacists could be an important front-line contributors to contain this emerging epidemic in Gondar town as well as in the entire nation.

Flu Vaccinations in Pharmacies-A Review of Pharmacists Fighting Pandemics and Infectious Diseases

The phenomenon of population ageing observed over recent years involves growing healthcare needs and the limited staffing and financing of healthcare systems, and as such demands some functional changes in the healthcare model in many countries. This situation is particularly significant in the face of a pandemic, e.g., flu, and currently COVID-19.As well as social education, preventive vaccinations are the most effective method of fighting the infectious diseases posing a special threat to seniors. Despite this, the vaccination coverage level in most European countries is relatively low. This is largely due to patients having limited access to vaccinations. In some countries, implementing vaccinations in pharmacies and by authorized pharmacists has significantly improved vaccination coverage rates and herd immunity, while lowering the cost of treating infections and the resulting complications, as well as minimizing the phenomenon of inappropriate antibiotic therapies. This article presents the role of pharmacists in the prevention of infectious diseases, pointing out the measurable effects of engaging pharmacists in conducting preventive vaccinations, as well as analyzing the models of implementing and conducting vaccinations in pharmacies in selected countries, and depicting recommendations regarding vaccinations developed by international organizations. The presented data is used to suggest requirements for the implementation of preventive vaccinations in community pharmacies.

[Pharmacists’ and key populations’ points of view on HIV self-test dispensation in pharmacies in France]

OBJECTIVE

The HIV self-test has been on sale in France since September 2015. What is the point of view of pharmacists and key populations with regard to accessing self-tests in community pharmacies&#160;?

METHOD

One year after the HIV self-test came onto the market, the points of view of pharmacists and key populations with regard to HIV were collected during six focus groups: the pharmacists themselves; people who had already used HIV self-tests; potential users from two key populations with regard to HIV: migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and men who have sex with men; potential users from populations with active sex lives but not particularly vulnerable with regard to HIV: young adults (&lt;25 years of age), multi-partner heterosexual adults.

RESULTS

The HIV self-test in community pharmacies is perceived by all participants as a significant step forward for accessing screening for HIV. However, issues around discretion and anonymity were seen to create significant tensions with regard to accessing the test itself, but also the information necessary to use it correctly both at a technical level and above all concerning how to interpret test results.

CONCLUSION

Although the present study underlines the role of the pharmacist as a significant public health actor in the dispensation of the self-test, the sales price and questions of anonymity are seen as major obstacles. Priority actions include renewing communication campaigns concerning the existence and the use of the product for the upcoming generations of young people but also specific campaigns targeting more vulnerable populations.

Mental health among healthcare providers during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first confirmed case in Saudi Arabia was announced on March 2, 2020. Several psychiatric manifestations may appear during pandemics, especially among frontline healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to explore depression and anxiety levels among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 502 healthcare providers in the Ministry of Health. Depression and anxiety were assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, respectively.

RESULTS

The respondents represented various healthcare occupations: administrators (28.49%), nurses (26.29%), physicians (22.11%), non-physician specialists (13.94%), technicians (6.77%), and pharmacists (2.30%). The majority of them were male (68.1%). More than half of them had depressive disorder (55.2%), which ranged from mild (24.9%), moderate (14.5%), and moderately severe (10%) to severe (5.8%). Half of the sample had generalized anxiety disorder (51.4%), which ranged from mild (25.1%) and moderate (11%) to severe (15.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that males were significantly less predicted to have anxiety (Beta=-0.22, P-value <0.04), 30-39 years age group were significantly more predicted to have depression and anxiety group (Beta=0.204, P-value <0.001 and beta=0.521, P-value <0.003 respectively), and nurses had significantly higher mean score of anxiety (Beta=0.445, P-value <0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that depression and anxiety are prevailing conditions among healthcare providers. Although efforts were accelerated to support their psychological well-being, more attention should be paid to the mental health of female, 30-39 age group and nursing staff. Promoting healthcare service as a humanitarian and national duty may contribute to making it a more meaningful experience in addition to advocating for solidarity, altruism, and social inclusion. Longitudinal research studies need to be conducted to follow up on healthcare providers' mental health symptoms and develop evidence-based interventions.

A Historical Discourse Analysis of Pharmacist Identity in Pharmacy Education

Objective. To determine the discourses on professional identity in pharmacy education over the last century in North America and which one(s) currently dominate. Methods. A Foucauldian critical discourse analysis using archival resources from the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE) and commissioned education reports was used to expose the identity discourses in pharmacy education. Results. This study identified five prominent identity discourses in the pharmacy education literature: apothecary, dispenser, merchandiser, expert advisor, and health care provider. Each discourse constructs the pharmacist's professional identity in different ways and makes possible certain language, subjects, and objects. The health care provider discourse currently dominates the literature. However, an unexpected finding of this study was that the discourses identified did not shift clearly over time, but rather piled up, resulting in students being exposed to incompatible identities. Conclusion. This study illustrates that pharmacist identity constructs are not simple, self-evident, or progressive. In exposing students to incompatible identity discourses, pharmacy education may be unintentionally impacting the formation of a strong, unified healthcare provider identity, which may impact widespread practice change.

The challenges of COVID-19 for community pharmacists and opportunities for the future

Pharmacists, like psychiatrists, have modified their practices amidst COVID-19 in order to guarantee care and support to their patients. Designated an essential frontline service, community pharmacists are facing a spectrum of challenges to surmount to ensure patient care continues. These include assisting in the prevention of infection, managing supply chains, preventing stockpiling and provision of evidence-based medical information. However, disasters like COVID-19 disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, and patients with mental health conditions may be among the hardest hit. Pharmacist-level, system-level and regulatory responses have sought to minimise this impact, although there is likely to be a lasting impression on the profession, both good and bad. This article reviews the pandemic-related challenges and responses by pharmacists, as well as forming recommendation for areas of professional support and role expansion, particularly in the case of mental health.

Factors associated with burnout and job satisfaction in Chinese hospital pharmacists

Pharmacists with long experience and low personal satisfaction from work are at higher risk of burnout, but the role of specific personality traits is less well understood. In addition, the medical system in China is different from that of other countries, and the characteristics of pharmacist burnout might be different from that of other countries. This study evaluated the roles played by personality, working environment, and work characteristics on burnout and job satisfaction among Chinese hospital pharmacists.This was a cross-sectional study undertaken between April 28 and 30, 2017. The questionnaires were completed at the "National Academic Conference of the Chinese Society of Clinical Pharmacy". Questionnaires were handed out to 1786 pharmacists, and 1394 valid questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques.The final structural model showed that, as expected, personality and working environment factors directly or indirectly predicted burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal accomplishment) and job satisfaction variables. The analyses were consistent with the features of pharmacists' work characteristics, including job demands, job control, and workload playing mediating roles between antecedent variables (personality and working environment) and emotional outcomes (burnout and job satisfaction). On the other hand, job control and workload did not predict emotional exhaustion.This study indicates that personality is a negative predictor of 2 dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), while the working environment, especially job demand, is a predictor of burnout and greater emotional exhaustion. Work characteristics are positively related to job satisfaction and play a protective role against burnout.

Professional Identity Formation in Pharmacy Students During an Early Preregistration Training Placement

Objective. To explore the lived experiences of pharmacy students undertaking an early preregistration training placement in the United Kingdom, particularly with respect to the development of different aspects of their professionalism. Methods. Fourteen students returning from an early preregistration placement (during the third year of their pharmacy degree) were interviewed, using a semi-structured approach. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the transcripts and a theory was developed. Results. Developing a professional identity was the core process that occurred during the placement. This included four stages: reflection, selection of attributes, professional socialization, and perception of role. As a consequence of developing a professional identity, participants had a strong vision of the kind of pharmacist they wanted to be when qualified. They articulated an increased responsibility as students, and began to see themselves as a "trainee professional." Conclusion. The findings of this study strongly support having an early preregistration period for pharmacy students to develop a sense of professional identity and strengthen their motivation to learn.

Community pharmacists' knowledge, perceptions, and practices about topical corticosteroid counseling: A real-world cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions in Korea

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used to treat dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It can be a safe and effective treatment when used appropriately. However, misguided information and corticosteroid phobia appear to contribute to inadequate adherence to therapy, leading to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Therefore, community pharmacists (CPs) are in a prime position to inform patients about the appropriate use of medicine. The aim of this study was to examine how the knowledge and perceptions of CPs, as well as other factors, associate CPs’ patient counseling practice around the use of TCs. A structured, validated questionnaire was distributed to CPs in the Republic of Korea, and additional focus group discussions were implemented to obtain a deeper understanding of the survey findings. We analyzed the survey results by applying a modified knowledge-perception-practice model. In addition, we used path analysis to validate the model and assessed how knowledge level and perceptions of barriers affect CPs’ counseling behavior. We ran a multiple regression to identify factors that associate CPs’ practice levels. A total of 1018 surveys were analyzed. In general, respondents had sufficient knowledge to provide appropriate patient counseling on TC use. An increase in knowledge level positively associated the quality of practice, and more knowledge increased the perception of barriers that negatively associated patient counseling. Location in rural areas and pharmacists’ perception of counseling barriers negatively associated the quality of practice. A higher level of knowledge, training in ADEs, higher proportion of OTC TC sales, and increased time for counseling positively associated the quality of practice. Therefore, minimizing barriers such as negative perceptions is very important in facilitating CPs’ counseling practice around TC use.