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Iheanacho CO, Tugbobo AO, Eze UIH. Pharmaceutical Care in Mental Health: Pharmacists' Barriers, Collaborations, Attitudes, and Perceptions. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:444-452. [PMID: 38919761 PMCID: PMC11195836 DOI: 10.1177/00185787241229177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Pharmaceutical care is an essential component of mental healthcare. Objectives The study assessed pharmacists' collaborations, barriers, perceptions on therapeutic relationships and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care to persons with mental illness. Methods A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 175 pharmacists in a Nigerian state via purposive sampling. Average mean score of >3 (±SD) was considered positive attitude toward pharmaceutical care, and positive for respondents' perception of pharmacists-patient relationship during consultations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for descriptive statistics. Results A total of 140 (80.0%) respondents participated in the study. Access to patients' medical records 90 (64.3%) was the major barrier to the provision of pharmaceutical care to persons with mental illness. Almost half of the study participants 69 (49.3%) desired collaboration with only general practitioners and psychiatrists. Only 44 (31.4%) had full co-operation from their desired collaborators. Average score for respondents' attitude toward provision of pharmaceutical care to the patients, and perception of pharmacist-patient relationship were 4.5 (±0.7) and 3.8 (±0.9) respectively. Conclusions Study participants' attitude toward pharmaceutical care, and perception on therapeutic relationship in persons with mental disorder were positive. Lack of access to patients' records mostly hindered provision of pharmaceutical care, and full collaboration with other mental health experts was mostly lacking. Appropriate policies are required to improve these vital components of mental healthcare for desired outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinonyerem O. Iheanacho
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Adepeju Oluwaseyi Tugbobo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna I. H. Eze
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Garza KB, Grabowsky A, Moseley LE, Wright BM, Davis BR, Ford CR. Activities to promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners: A scoping review. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2023; 15:911-922. [PMID: 37633755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provider empathy has been shown to be directly linked to improved patient outcomes. The objective of this scoping review of the literature was to identify and describe learning activities that promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners. METHODS This scoping review was conducted using the following inclusion criteria: publication in English, activities conducted in any academic pharmacy training program (professional degree program, experiential, residency, or fellowship), description of the learning activity(ies) provided, and focus on the experience of empathy/caring/compassion for patients, either human or animal. Articles were excluded if they focused only on skills such as empathic responding or if they did not describe the learning experience. All study designs other than reviews were included. RESULTS The scoping review revealed 89 full-text articles that met the inclusion criteria. Included studies demonstrated a wide variety of approaches to the design of learning experiences as well as methods of measurement of empathy. Various types of learning modalities have been used to develop empathy in pharmacy learners, with reflection being the most common. A large proportion of studies that assessed empathy development used quasi-experimental or qualitative designs and did not report tests of statistical significance, which would make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of the different learning activities. IMPLICATIONS A variety of approaches have been used among pharmacy learners to develop empathy for patients. Due to the high level of variability in approaches, more rigorous studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of these learning activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly B Garza
- Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, 4306b Walker Building, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Adelia Grabowsky
- Ralph Brown Draughon Library, 231 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Lindsey E Moseley
- Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, 2229 Walker Building, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Bradley M Wright
- Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, 2229 Walker Building, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Brandy R Davis
- Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, 1330 Walker Building, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Channing R Ford
- Jacksonville State University, Graduate School, 700 Pelham Rd., North Jacksonville, AL 36365, United States.
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Vickery PB, Wick K, McKee J. Evaluating the perceptions of a required didactic Mental Health First Aid training course among first-year pharmacy students. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2023; 15:824-828. [PMID: 37543523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was designed to help participants identify mental health challenges and provide support to those in need. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of a required first-year didactic MHFA course and to determine if MHFA reduces stigma and increases confidence in first-year pharmacy students' abilities to offer help to those experiencing a mental health challenge or a crisis. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING Participants were first-year doctor of pharmacy students at a single site in the United States. Methods include the utilization of a survey-based study among a single pharmacy program. Students enrolled in this required MHFA training were asked to voluntarily complete pre- and post-training surveys. FINDINGS A total of 69 first-year pharmacy students participated in the MHFA training. Results demonstrated that students agreed with being able to identify stigmatizing words associated with mental health disorders and that they will work to reduce or avoid using words that can be perceived as stigmatizing related to mental health (P < .001). Students reported increased confidence in their ability to start a conversation with someone who may need mental health help compared to their confidence level before the training (P < .001). SUMMARY Completing MHFA training during the early phases of didactic education can help reduce stigma and increase confidence in abilities to help those experiencing a mental health challenge. Programs should consider implementing MHFA or similar training early in the didactic curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brittany Vickery
- Pharmacy, Wingate University School of Pharmacy - Hendersonville Health Sciences Center, 805 6(th) Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States.
| | - Kendall Wick
- Loma Linda University Health, 11157 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Jerry McKee
- Psychopharm Solutions LLC, 135 Pearson Drive, Morganton, NC 28655, United States
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McKeirnan KC, MacCamy KL, Robinson JD, Ebinger M, Willson MN. Implementing Mental Health First Aid Training in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2023; 87:100006. [PMID: 37597905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to describe the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training as a required curricular component in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program; and analyze the impact of MHFA training on student pharmacist's perceptions of stigma, comfort, confidence, and willingness to intervene when someone is experiencing a mental health issue. METHODS Student pharmacists completed an all-day MHFA training as a required element of the PharmD curriculum during the spring of 2022. Pre- and post-survey was completed by students during the in-person training. Questions included items from the Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers; question, persuade, refer gatekeeper training for suicide prevention; and questions developed by the authors to assess the impact of the training on participant-reported stigma, confidence, and willingness to provide care to those potentially experiencing a mental issue. RESULTS A total of 235 student pharmacists completed the MHFA training. A statistically significant reduction of stigma was seen for 9 of the 15 statements from Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers. Additionally, all responses related to comfort and willingness to provide care and confidence improved significantly after completing MHFA. CONCLUSION MHFA training was implemented as a mandatory requirement for all student pharmacists in the didactic portion of a PharmD program. This training led to reduced stigma around mental illness and improved confidence, comfort, and willingness to intervene among student pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C McKeirnan
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Kathryn L MacCamy
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer D Robinson
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Michael Ebinger
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Megan N Willson
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
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Nguyen W, Moles R, O'Reilly C, Robinson J, Brand-Eubanks D, Kim A, Collins JC, El-Den S. Observed behaviours and suicide assessment language post-Mental Health First Aid training in Australia and the United States: a mixed methods study using discourse analysis. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:838. [PMID: 36471288 PMCID: PMC9720991 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches participants how to respond to mental health crises, including suicide. Little is known about the impact of training on participants' observed MHFA behaviours. This exploratory study aimed to compare MHFA-trained Australian and US student pharmacists' performance and suicide assessment language during simulated patient role-play (SPRP) assessments. METHODS Student pharmacists (n = 265) completed MHFA training and participated (n = 81) in SPRPs with simulated patients (SP) who were people with lived experience of mental illness. Each SPRP was marked by three raters (student, tutor and SP). One-way ANOVA, chi-squared tests and independent samples t-tests were used to compare scores and pass/fail rates, where appropriate. Transcribed audio-recordings of suicide assessments underwent discourse analysis. A chi-squared test was conducted to investigate the differences in how suicide assessment language was coded across six discursive frames ('confident'/'timid', 'empathetic'/'apathetic', and 'direct'/'indirect'). RESULTS Three raters assessed 81 SPRPs, resulting in quantitative analysis of 243 rubrics. There were no significant differences between student pharmacists' mean scores and pass/fail rates across countries. Overall, both cohorts across Australia and the US performed better during the mania scenario, with a low failure rate of 13.9 and 19.0%, respectively. Most students in both countries passed their SPRP assessment; however, 27.8% did not assess for suicide or used indirect language during suicide assessment, despite completing MHFA training. Australian student pharmacists demonstrated, more direct language (76.9% versus 67.9%) and empathy (42.3% versus 32.1%) but less confidence (57.7% versus 60.7%) compared to US student pharmacists, during their suicide assessment; however, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate most MHFA-trained student pharmacists from Australia and the US can provide MHFA during SPRPs, as well as assess for suicide directly, empathetically and confidently. This exploratory study demonstrates the importance of practicing skills post-training and the need for further research exploring participants' hesitance to assess for suicide, despite training completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Nguyen
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah Moles
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire O'Reilly
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Robinson
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Damianne Brand-Eubanks
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Anne Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Jack C Collins
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarira El-Den
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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Crespo-Gonzalez C, Dineen-Griffin S, Rae J, Hill RA. Mental health training programs for community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3895-3910. [PMID: 35778317 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is often the first point of contact for people living with mental disorders. Community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students are increasingly being trained to deliver mental health care. However, there is still a gap in the literature exploring the characteristics of all available mental health training programs and their components and their influence on pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students' outcomes. OBJECTIVES To summarize the evidence evaluating mental health training programs completed by community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students. More specifically, to explore the components of mental health training programs and identify those that facilitate significant improvements in outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane handbook and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A search for published literature was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in July 2021. Eligible studies were included if they described and evaluated the impact of mental health training programs delivered to community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and pharmacy students regardless of design or comparator. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using both the NIH quality assessment, to evaluate studies with an uncontrolled pre-post design, and the Cochrane EPOC risk of bias assessment, to evaluate studies with a controlled (randomized and non-randomized) study design. RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included. Most of the identified mental health training programs contained knowledge-based components and active learning activities. Changes in participants' attitudes, stigma, knowledge, confidence and skills were frequently assessed. An extensive range of self-assessment and observational instruments used to evaluate the impact of the training programs were identified. Positive improvements in participants' attitudes, knowledge and stigma were frequently identified following participation in training programs. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights the importance of mental health training programs in increasing pharmacists', pharmacy staff and pharmacy students' skills and confidence to deliver mental health care in community pharmacy. Future research should build upon this basis and further focus on finding the most efficient measures to evaluate these training programs and assess their long-term effectiveness, allowing comparison between programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Crespo-Gonzalez
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Dineen-Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Rae
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney A Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
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Carpini JA, Sharma A, Kubicki Evans M, Jumani S, Boyne E, Clifford R, Ashoorian D. Pharmacists and Mental Health First Aid training: A comparative analysis of confidence, mental health assistance behaviours and perceived barriers. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022. [PMID: 36203236 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists are aptly positioned to provide first aid-level assistance to patients experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, yet often lack confidence or perceive barriers to intervention. One potential solution is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training-an evidence-based psycho-educational programme. This study evaluates MHFA training within pharmacy by (1) assessing pharmacists' perceptions of the prevalence of patients experiencing a mental health-related problem or crisis, (2) investigating whether MHFA is associated with increased confidence, intervention and assistance quality and (3) examining perceived intervention barriers. METHODS Pharmacists working in Australia were surveyed. The survey included validated measures and research objectives were assessed using descriptives and ANOVAs. RESULTS One hundred sixty-one pharmacists were included; 90 MHFA trained and 71 untrained. Overall, 86% of reported encountering at least one patient perceived to be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis in the last year. MHFA trained pharmacists reported being more confident, with notable differences in their confidence to recognize signs, approach and ask someone about suicide. Pharmacists did not intervene ~25% of the time in which a problem/ crisis was identified. When they did intervene, results suggest the assistance was similar in content. Intervention barriers were reported to impede MHFA trained pharmacists significantly less than untrained pharmacists. CONCLUSION Results suggest pharmacists frequently encounter patients experiencing a mental health problem or crisis and that MHFA training may support pharmacists in helping these patients. Future research can utilize experimental methods to provide causal evidence as to the utility of MHFA training for pharmacists and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Carpini
- Management & Organisations Department, Business School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Aakanksha Sharma
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mikaela Kubicki Evans
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shaifuldeen Jumani
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma Boyne
- Health Promotion Unit, Student Life, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deena Ashoorian
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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A qualitative exploration of mental health services provided in community pharmacies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268259. [PMID: 35551556 PMCID: PMC9098086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of mental health problems continues to grow worldwide. Community pharmacists’, as part of the primary care team, optimise care for people living with mental illness. This study aims to examine the factors that support or hinder the delivery of mental health services delivered in Australian community pharmacies and proposes ideas for improvement. A qualitative study was conducted comprising focus groups with community pharmacists and pharmacy staff across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas of New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected in eight focus groups between December 2020 and June 2021. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty-three community pharmacists and pharmacy staff participated in an initial round of focus groups. Eleven community pharmacists and pharmacy staff participated in a second round of focus groups. Twenty-four factors that enable or hinder the delivery of mental health services in community pharmacy were identified. Participant’s perception of a lack of recognition and integration of community pharmacy within primary care were identified as major barriers, in addition to consumers’ stigma and lack of awareness regarding service offering. Suggestions for improvement to mental health care delivery in community pharmacy included standardised practice through the use of protocols, remuneration and public awareness. A framework detailing the factors moderating pharmacists, pharmacy staff and consumers’ empowerment in mental health care delivery in community pharmacy is proposed. This study has highlighted that policy and funding support for mental health services is needed that complement and expand integrated models, promote access to services led by or are conducted in collaboration with pharmacists and recognise the professional contribution and competencies of community pharmacists in mental health care. The framework proposed may be a step to strengthening mental health support delivered in community pharmacies.
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9
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Wollen J, Zhao A, Hinman B, Surati D, Wallace D. Improving pharmacy students' empathy and attitudes regarding opioid overdose and substance use disorder in a skills-based learning environment. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2022; 14:604-611. [PMID: 35715101 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Using a skills-based learning environment as a launch pad for developing empathy for patients with substance use disorder or at high risk for opioid overdose allows for learning continuity and early intervention. Empathy for this patient population may reduce bias and stigma associated with negative health outcomes. Previous studies have assessed empathy in pharmacy students, but not in the context of substance use disorder and opioid overdose harm reduction among first professional year pharmacy students in skills-based education. This cohort study aimed to measure the change in empathy and opioid overdose-related attitudes before and after a two-part skills-based learning activity that focused on drug diversion and opioid overdose treatment. METHODS First professional year pharmacy students were given a pre- and post-survey consisting of empathy and attitudes sections. The Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) and the Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS) were used. The intervention was a skills-based learning activity with two segments, one that focused on naloxone counseling and the other focused on drug diversion. RESULTS The aggregate mean change in KCES and OOAS scores of the cohort increased by 1.837 (P = .014) and 2.349 (P = .008), respectively. Of note, students with lower baseline empathy and attitudes scores showed more improvement in both KCES and OOAS scores. CONCLUSIONS Students showed improvement in empathy and attitudes regarding opioid overdose and substance use disorder. A larger magnitude of improvement was noted with lower baseline scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wollen
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
| | - Alexa Zhao
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
| | - Breanna Hinman
- PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin St, MB 1-053, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Dhara Surati
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
| | - David Wallace
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
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10
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El-Den S, Collins JC, Chen TF, O'reilly CL. Pharmacists' roles in mental healthcare: Past, present and future. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2021; 19:2545. [PMID: 34621456 PMCID: PMC8456342 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2021.3.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental illnesses cause significant disease burden globally, with medicines being a major modality of treatment for most mental illnesses. Pharmacists are accessible and trusted healthcare professionals who have an important role in supporting people living with mental illness. This commentary discusses the role of pharmacists in mental healthcare, as part of multidisciplinary teams, the current evidence to support these roles, and the training, remuneration and policy changes needed to recognize these roles and embed pharmacists as core members of the mental healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarira El-Den
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Sydney, NSW (Australia).
| | - Jack C Collins
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Sydney, NSW (Australia).
| | - Timothy F Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Sydney, NSW (Australia).
| | - Claire L O'reilly
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Sydney, NSW (Australia).
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11
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Gorton HC, Macfarlane H, Edwards R, Farid S, Garner E, Mahroof M, Rasul S, Keating D, Zaman H, Scott J, Maidment I, Strawbridge J. UK and Ireland survey of MPharm student and staff experiences of mental health curricula, with a focus on Mental Health First Aid. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:73. [PMID: 34465394 PMCID: PMC8406829 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One in four people experience a mental health problem every year and improving mental health care is an international priority. In the course of their work, pharmacists frequently encounter people with mental health problems. The experience of mental health teaching, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, in undergraduate pharmacy (MPharm) students in the UK and Ireland is not well documented. Students’ viewpoints, contextualised with curricular overviews provided by staff, were analysed to understand their experience. Methods An anonymous, online questionnaire was distributed to MPharm students and staff in the UK and Ireland. Students were asked closed questions regarding their course and exposure to MHFA, which were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open questions were included to enable explanations and these data were used to contextualise the quantitative findings. One member of staff from each university was invited to answer a modified staff version of the questionnaire, to provide a curriculum overview and staff perspective. Results 232 students and 13 staff, from 22 universities, responded. Three-quarters of students did not agree with the statement that ‘mental health was embedded throughout the MPharm’. Most students (80.6%) stated that they were taught neuropharmacology whilst 44.8% stated that their course included communicating with people about their mental health. One-third (33.2%) of students stated that their degree ‘adequately prepared them to help people with their mental health’. Twenty-six students (11.6%) had completed MHFA training of which 89% would endorse inclusion of this within the MPharm. Of those who had not completed the training, 81% expressed a desire to do so. Those who completed MHFA training self-reported greater preparedness than those who did not, but student numbers were small. Conclusions Mental health teaching for pharmacy undergraduates is more focussed on theoretical aspects rather than applied skills. MHFA was viewed by students as one way to enhance skill application. The association of the increased self-reported preparedness of those who completed MHFA could be confounded by a positive environmental cultural. MPharm programmes need sufficient focus on real-world skills such as communication and crisis response, to complement the fundamental science. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40545-021-00364-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Gorton
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
| | - H Macfarlane
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,Pharmacy Department, Secure and Complex Care, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Edwards
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Farid
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - E Garner
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - M Mahroof
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - S Rasul
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - D Keating
- Pharmacy Department, Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Zaman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - J Scott
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - I Maidment
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - J Strawbridge
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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