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Cassidy CE, Boulos L, McConnell E, Barber B, Delahunty-Pike A, Bishop A, Fatima N, Higgins A, Churchill M, Lively A, MacPhee SP, Misener RM, Sarty R, Wells R, Curran JA. E-prescribing and medication safety in community settings: A rapid scoping review. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 12:100365. [PMID: 38023632 PMCID: PMC10679534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medication prescribing is essential for the treatment, curing, maintenance, and/or prevention of an illness and disease, however, medication errors remain common. Common errors including prescribing and administration, pose significant risk to patients. Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is one intervention used to enhance the safety and quality of prescribing by decreasing medication errors and reducing harm. E-prescribing in community-based settings has not been extensively examined. Objective To map and characterize the current evidence on e-prescribing and medication safety in community pharmacy settings. Methods We conducted a rapid scoping review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies reporting on e-prescribing and medication safety. MEDLINE All (OVID), Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL Full Text (EBSCOHost), and Scopus (Elsevier) databases were searched December 2022 using keywords and MeSH terms related to e-prescribing, medication safety, efficiency, and uptake. Articles were imported to Covidence and screened by two reviewers. Data were extracted by a single reviewer and verified by a second reviewer using a standardized data extraction form. Findings are reported in accordance with JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis following thematic analysis to narratively describe results. Results Thirty-five studies were included in this review. Most studies were quantitative (n = 22), non-experimental study designs (n = 16) and were conducted in the United States (n = 18). Half of included studies reported physicians as the prescriber (n = 18), while the remaining reported a mix of nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants (n = 6). Studies reported on types of errors, including prescription errors (n = 20), medication safety errors (n = 9), dispensing errors (n = 2), and administration errors (n = 1). Few studies examined patient health outcomes, such as adverse drug events (n = 5). Conclusions Findings indicate that most research is descriptive in nature and focused primarily on rates of prescription errors. Further research, such as experimental, implementation, and evaluation mixed-methods research, is needed to investigate the effects of e-prescribing on reducing error rates and improving patient and health system outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E. Cassidy
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leah Boulos
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Bishop
- Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Nawal Fatima
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rowan Sarty
- Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Janet A. Curran
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Alemu W, Cimiotti JP. Meta-Analysis of Medication Administration Errors in African Hospitals. J Healthc Qual 2023; 45:233-241. [PMID: 37276257 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The incidence of medication administration errors (MAEs) and associated patient harm continue to plague hospitals worldwide. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence to address this problem, especially in Africa. This research synthesis was intended to provide current evidence to decrease the incidence of MAEs in Africa. Standardized search criteria were used to identify primary studies that reported the incidence and/or predictors of MAEs in Africa. Included studies met specifications and were validated with a quality-appraisal tool. The pooled incidence of MAEs in African hospitals was estimated to be 0.56 (CI: 0.4324-0.6770) with a 0.13-0.93 prediction interval. The primary estimates were highly heterogeneous. Most MAEs are explained by system failure and patient factors. The contribution of system factors can be minimized through adequate and ongoing training of nurses on the aspects of safe medication administration. In addition, ensuring the availability of drug use guidelines in hospitals, and minimizing disruptions during the medication process can decrease the incidence of MAEs in Africa.
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Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour with Regard to Medication Errors in Intravenous Therapy: A Cross-Cultural Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030436. [PMID: 36767011 PMCID: PMC9914852 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature on the prevention of medication errors is growing, highlighting that knowledge, attitude and behavior with regard to medication errors are strategic to planning of educational activities and evaluating their impact on professional practice. In this context, the present pilot study aims to translate and validate nursing professionals' knowledge, attitudes and behavior (KAB theory) concerning medication administration errors in ICU from English into Persian. Furthermore, two main objectives of the project were: performing a pilot study among Iranian nurses using the translated questionnaire and carrying out a cultural measurement of the KAB theory concerning medication administration errors in an ICU questionnaire across two groups of Italian and Iranian populations. METHODS A cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument, according to the Checklist for reporting of survey studies (CROSS), was performed. The convenience sample was made up of 529 Iranian and Italian registered nurses working in ICU. An exploratory factor analysis was performed and reliability was assessed. A multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the measurement invariance. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS There was an excellent internal consistency for the 19-item scale. Results regarding factorial invariance showed that the nursing population from Italy and Iran used the same cognitive framework to conceptualize the prevention of medication errors. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this preliminary translation and cross-cultural validation confirm that the questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument within Persian healthcare settings. Moreover, these findings suggest that Italian and Persian nurses used an identical cognitive framework or mental model when thinking about medication errors prevention. The paper not only provides, for the first time, a validated instrument to evaluate the KAB theory in Iran, but it should promote other researchers in extending this kind of research, supporting those countries where attention to medical error is still increasing.
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Garrett MD. Critical Age Theory: Institutional Abuse of Older People in Health Care. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 4:24-37. [DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2022.4.6.1540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Theories of elder abuse focus on the characteristics of the victim, the perpetrator, and the context of abuse. Although all three factors play a role, we are biased to notice individual misbehavior as the primary and sole cause of abuse. We see individuals as responsible for abuse. By examining abuses across a spectrum of healthcare services, abuse is more likely to be due to the institutional culture that includes the use of medications, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Facilities/nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, and Medicare Advantage programs. This study highlights multiple and consistent institutional abuses that result in harm and death of older adults on a consistent basis. The results show that when profit is increased, standards of care are diminished, and abuse ensues. Assigning responsibility to the management of healthcare becomes a priority in reducing this level of abuse. However, there are biases that stop us from assigning blame to institutions. Individual healthcare workers adhere to work protocol and rationalize the negative outcomes as inevitable or due to the vulnerability and frailness of older people. This culture is socialized for new employees that develop a culture of diminishing the needs of the individual patient in favor of the priorities dictated by the management protocol. In addition, the public is focused on assigning blame to individuals. Once an individual is assigned blame then they do not look beyond that to understand the context of abuse. A context that is generated by healthcare facilities maximizing profit and denigrating patient care. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. DHHS, CDC, State Public Health Agencies, State/City Elder Abuse units, and Ombudsmen Programs all collude, for multiple reasons, in diminishing institutional responsibility.
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Naseralallah L, Stewart D, Azfar Ali R, Paudyal V. An umbrella review of systematic reviews on contributory factors to medication errors in healthcare settings. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:1379-1399. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2147921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Naseralallah
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Sir Robert Aitken Institute for Medical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Derek Stewart
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ruba Azfar Ali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Sir Robert Aitken Institute for Medical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Sir Robert Aitken Institute for Medical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Linden-Lahti C, Takala A, Holmström AR, Airaksinen M. What Severe Medication Errors Reported to Health Care Supervisory Authority Tell About Medication Safety? J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e1179-e1185. [PMID: 34569999 PMCID: PMC8612921 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated severe medication errors (MEs) reported to the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) in Finland and evaluated how the incident documentation applies to learning from errors. METHODS This study was a retrospective document analysis consisting of medication-related complaints and authoritative statements investigated by Valvira in 2013 to 2017 (n = 58). RESULTS Medication errors caused death or severe harm in 52% (n = 30) of the cases (n = 58). The majority (83%; n = 48) of the incidents concerned patients older than 60 years. Most likely, the errors occurred in prescribing (n = 38; 47%), followed by administration (n = 15; 19%) and monitoring (n = 14; 17%). The error process often included many failures (n = 24; 41%) or more than one health professional (n = 16; 28%). Antithrombotic agents (n = 17; 13%), opioids (n = 10; 8%), and antipsychotics (n = 10; 8%) were the therapeutic groups most commonly involved in the errors. Almost all error cases (91%; n = 53) were assessed as likely or potentially preventable. In 60% (n = 35) of the cases, the organization reported actions taken to improve medication safety after the occurrence of the investigated incident. CONCLUSIONS Medication errors reported to the national health care supervisory authority provide a valuable source of risk information and should be used for learning from severe errors at the level of health care systems. High age remains a key risk factor to severe MEs, which may be associated with a wide range of medications including those not typically perceived as high-alert medications or high-risk administration routes. Despite being complex processes, the severe MEs have a great potential to lead to developing systems, processes, resources, and competencies of health care organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carita Linden-Lahti
- From the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), HUS Pharmacy
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Takala
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna-Riia Holmström
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja Airaksinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Beks H, Namara KM, Manias E, Dalton A, Tong E, Dooley M. Hospital pharmacists' experiences of participating in a partnered pharmacist medication charting credentialing program: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:251. [PMID: 33740978 PMCID: PMC7980669 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication-related errors are one of the most frequently reported incidents in hospitals. With the aim of reducing the medication error rate, a Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) model was trialled in seven Australian hospitals from 2016 to 2017. Participating pharmacists completed a credentialing program to equip them with skills to participate in the trial as a medication-charting pharmacist. Skills included obtaining a comprehensive medication history to chart pre-admission medications in collaboration with an admitting medical officer. The program involved both theoretical and practical components to assess the competency of pharmacists. METHODS A qualitative evaluation of the multi-site PPMC implementation trial was undertaken. Pharmacists and key informants involved in the trial participated in an interview or focus group session to share their experiences and attitudes regarding the PPMC credentialing program. An interview schedule was used to guide sessions. Transcripts were analysed using a pragmatic inductive-deductive thematic approach. RESULTS A total of 125 participants were involved in interviews or focus groups during early and late implementation data collection periods. Three themes pertaining to the PPMC credentialing program were identified: (1) credentialing as an upskilling opportunity, (2) identifying the essential components of credentialing, and (3) implementing and sustaining the PPMC credentialing program. CONCLUSIONS The PPMC credentialing program provided pharmacists with an opportunity to expand their scope of practice and consolidate clinical knowledge. Local adaptations to the PPMC credentialing program enabled pharmacists to meet the varying needs and capacities of hospitals, including the policies and procedures of different clinical settings. These findings highlight key issues to consider when implementation a credentialing program for pharmacists in the hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Beks
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kevin Mc Namara
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Andrew Dalton
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Erica Tong
- Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
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Staykov E, Qureshi D, Scott M, Talarico R, Hsu AT, Howard M, Costa AP, Fung C, Ip M, Liddy C, Tanuseputro P. Do Patients Retain their Family Physicians after Long-Term Care Entry? A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1951-1957. [PMID: 32586719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults value and benefit from the long-standing relationship they have with their family physicians. This dynamic has not been researched in a long-term care (LTC, ie, nursing home) setting. We sought to determine the proportion of LTC residents who retain their community family physician within the first 180 days of LTC, and the resident, physician, and LTC home factors that may influence retention. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Individuals from Ontario, Canada, aged 60 years or older who were newly admitted to a LTC home between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2017. METHODS Residents were indexed upon LTC admission, and their data was linked across ICES databases. Residents were matched to their rostered family physician, and physician retention was defined as having at least 1 visit by their matched physician within 0 to 90 days and 90 to 180 days of LTC admission. RESULTS Out of 50,089 LTC residents, 12.1% retained their family physicians post-LTC admission. Resident factors associated with reduced odds of retention included physical impairment [odds ratio OR (95% confidence interval, CI) = 0.59 (0.42‒0.83)], cognitive impairment [0.39 (0.33‒0.47)], and a dementia diagnosis [0.80 (0.74‒0.86)]. Physician factors associated with lower retention included a greater distance from the LTC home to the family physician's clinic [30+ kilometers 0.41 (0.35‒0.48)], having a physician who is female [0.90 (0.83‒0.98)], an international medical graduate [0.89 (0.81‒0.97)] or someone who practices in a capitation-based Family Health Organization [0.86 (0.78‒0.95)]. Factors associated with greater odds of retention were residing in a rural LTC home [2.23 (1.78‒2.79)], having a rural family physician [1.70 (1.52‒1.90)], or a family physician who has billed LTC fee codes in the past year [2.64 (2.45‒2.85)]. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Few LTC residents retained their family physician post-LTC admission, underscoring this healthcare transition as a breakdown point in relational continuity. Factors that influenced retention included resident health, LTC home geography, and family physician demographics and practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliyan Staykov
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danial Qureshi
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Scott
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Talarico
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- ICES McMaster, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celeste Fung
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Ip
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Prasanna SMS, Cader TSB, Sabalingam S, Shanika LGT, Samaranayake NR. Are medications safely used by residents in elderly care homes? - A multi-centre observational study from Sri Lanka. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233486. [PMID: 32497110 PMCID: PMC7272092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most residents in elderly care homes in Sri Lanka do not receive formal, on-site, patient care services. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing, dispensing, administration, and storage practices of medication used by residents in selected elderly care homes in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multi-center study of 100 residents with chronic, non-communicable diseases, who resided in nine selected elderly care homes in Sri Lanka. Medication histories were obtained from each resident/caregiver and the appropriateness of medications in their current prescription was reviewed using standard treatment guidelines. Prescriptions were cross-checked against respective dispensing labels to identify dispensing errors. Medication administration was directly observed on two separate occasions per resident for accuracy of administration, and matched against the relevant prescription instructions. Medication storage was also observed in terms of exposure to temperature and sunlight, the suitability of container, and adequacy of separation if using multiple medications. RESULTS The mean age of residents was 70±10.5 years and the majority were women (72%). A total of 168 errors out of 446 prescriptions were identified. The mean number of prescribing errors per resident was 1.68±1.23 [median, 2.00 (1.00-3.00)]. Inappropriate dosing frequencies were the highest (37.5%;63/168), followed by missing or inappropriate medications (31.5%;53/168). The mean number of dispensing errors per resident was 15.9±13.1 [median, 14.0 (6.00-22.75)] with 3.6 dispensing errors per every medication dispensed. Mean administration errors per resident was 0.95±1.5 [median, 0.00 (0.00-1.00)], with medication omissions being the predominant error (50.5%;48/95). Another lapse was incorrect storage of medications (143 storage errors), and included 83 medications not properly separated from each other (58.0%). CONCLUSION Multiple errors related to prescribing, dispensing, administration, and storage were identified amongst those using medication in elderly care homes. Services of a dedicated consultant pharmacist could improve the quality of medication use in elderly care homes in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. S. Prasanna
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - T. S. B. Cader
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - S. Sabalingam
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - L. G. T. Shanika
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - N. R. Samaranayake
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Jebara T, Cunningham S, MacLure K, Pallivalapila A, Awaisu A, Al Hail M, Stewart D. A modified-Delphi study of a framework to support the potential implementation of pharmacist prescribing. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:812-818. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tsao NW, Salmasi S, Li K, Nakagawa B, Lynd LD, Marra CA. Pharmacists' perceptions of their working conditions and the factors influencing this: Results from 5 Canadian provinces. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020; 153:161-169. [PMID: 32528600 DOI: 10.1177/1715163520915230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Our previous study in British Columbia (BC) indicated that pharmacists have a poor perception of their working conditions. The objective of this study is to assess pharmacists' perceptions of their working conditions in 4 other Canadian provinces. Methods This was a cross-sectional study across Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, using a survey adapted from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Data collected previously from BC were also included in the analyses. The survey was emailed to all pharmacist registrants. Respondents were provided with 6 statements and asked to rate their agreement with them, using a 5-point Likert scale. Statements were framed such that agreement with them indicated good perception of working conditions. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between workplace factors on perception of working conditions. Results Pharmacists perceived their working conditions to be poor. Pharmacists indicated that they do not have time for break/lunch (48.3% of respondents), work in environments that are not conducive to safe and effective primary care (26.5%), are not satisfied with the amount of time they have to do their job (44.0%) and face shortage of staff (shortage of pharmacists: 33.7%, technicians: 36.4%, clerk staff: 30.3%). Significant factors associated with poor perception were workplace-imposed quotas, high prescription volume, working in chain pharmacies and long prescription wait times. Conclusion A high percentage of Canadian pharmacists perceived their working conditions to be poor. Considering the patient-related consequences of pharmacists' poor working conditions and the system-related reasons identified behind it, we call for collaborative efforts to tackle this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole W Tsao
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shahrzad Salmasi
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kathy Li
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Bob Nakagawa
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Carlo A Marra
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) (Tsao, Salmasi, Li, Lynd), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.,College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Nakagawa), Vancouver.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute (Lynd), Vancouver, British Columbia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (Marra), Dunedin, New Zealand
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