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Lambert M, Wonink A, Benko R, Plejdrup Hansen M, van Dijk L, Taxis K. Pharmacists combating antimicrobial resistance: A Delphi study on antibiotic dispensing. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:723-732. [PMID: 38702286 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The daily work of community pharmacists includes dispensing antibiotics, but little is known about how this should be done to ensure quality use of antibiotics. OBJECTIVE To define specific tasks of the community pharmacist when dispensing antibiotics and to assess to what extent these tasks can be implemented in practice in Europe. METHODS A Delphi study with community pharmacist experts in the European Economic Area. Statements on potential tasks for pharmacists during the antibiotic dispensing process were based on a systematic literature review. Participants rated the statements for importance and feasibility of implementation in practice in 3 rounds on a scale from 1 to 9. Consensus of importance was defined as ≥ 80 % of experts rating a statement between 7 and 9. An online expert meeting was conducted between rounds 1 and 2. Scores for all statements were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Overall, 38 experts from 21 countries participated in the study. Experts reached consensus on 108 statements within 5 themes: 1) collaboration with prescribers, 2) checking prescriptions and dispensing, 3) counselling, 4) education, and 5) pharmacy services. Potential tasks included advising and collaborating with prescribers, performing safety checks, and having access to specific prescription information. Additionally, pharmacists should counsel patients related to the dispensed antibiotic and on antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases. With few exceptions, pharmacists should not dispense antibiotics without prescriptions or prescribe antibiotics. Consensus on feasibility of implementation was only reached for statements in the categories "counselling patients" and "education". Barriers to changing practice included structure of the healthcare system, resistance to change from prescribers or pharmacy staff, lack of time and finances, legal barriers, and patient expectations. CONCLUSION Community pharmacists have an important role when dispensing antibiotics. This study provides important steps towards better community pharmacy antibiotic dispensing practices throughout the EEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Lambert
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Anneloes Wonink
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ria Benko
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Center, Central Pharmacy and Emergency Care Department, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Liset van Dijk
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands; Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, 3513, CR, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Taxis
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Alzahrani AM, Alzhrani AA, Felix HC, Alharbi KK, Shahzad MW, Arbaein TJ, Monshi SS. Patient Satisfaction with Private Community Pharmacies versus Pharmacies in Primary Health Care Centers in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102091. [PMID: 38757070 PMCID: PMC11097056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Saudi Arabia has begun reforming its government-run health care system to increase efficiency and reduce costs. One effort is the adoption of an electronic prescribing system (Wasfaty) and outsourcing pharmaceutical services from government-run clinics to community pharmacies (CP). This study aims to compare satisfaction with pharmaceutical services offered in the two systems. Materials and methods This cross-sectional observational study used existing survey data collected from patients (≥15 years of age) visiting government primary health care centers from January 2022 to June 2022. Satisfaction with three pharmaceutical services (availability of medications, pharmacist's explanation of the prescription, and waiting time to get medications) were the main outcomes. Results The study comprised 91,317 participants, 74.06 % of them were CP/Wasfaty users. CP/Wasfaty patients had lower odds of satisfaction with the three pharmaceutical services: availability of medications (OR = 0.49, 95 % CI = 0.47-0.51), pharmacists' explanation of prescription (OR = 0.55, 95 % CI = 0.53-0.58), and waiting time to get medications (OR = 0.81, 95 % CI = 0.75-0.88). Additional findings showed variations in satisfaction levels based on demographic factors and clinic types. Conclusions The significant differences observed in satisfaction levels based on demographic characteristics and type of clinics visited emphasize the importance of tailoring pharmaceutical services to meet the specific needs and expectations of different patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Alzahrani
- Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman A. Alzhrani
- Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Holly C. Felix
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Khulud K. Alharbi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Turky J. Arbaein
- Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah S. Monshi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Harrison C, Family H, Kesten J, Denford S, Scott A, Dawson S, Scott J, Sabin C, Copping J, Harryman L, Cochrane S, Horwood J. Facilitators and barriers to community pharmacy PrEP delivery: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26232. [PMID: 38494652 PMCID: PMC10945033 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective medication to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP is available free of charge in the UK from sexual health clinics. Expanding PrEP delivery to community pharmacies holds promise and aligns with UK government goals to eliminate new cases of HIV by 2030. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the existing evidence about the barriers to and facilitators of community pharmacy oral PrEP delivery, for pharmacists and pharmacy clients, as aligned with the Capacity Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model. METHODS Five bibliographic and five review databases were searched from inception to August 2023. Literature of any study design was included if it discussed barriers and facilitators of community pharmacy PrEP delivery. Trial registrations, protocols and news articles were excluded. RESULTS A total of 649 records were identified, 73 full texts were reviewed and 56 met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income/westernized settings. Most of the included literature was original research (55%), from the United States (77%) conducted during or after the year 2020 (63%). Barriers to PrEP delivery for pharmacists included lack of knowledge, training and skills (capability), not having the necessary facilities (opportunity), concern about the costs of PrEP and believing that PrEP use could lead to risk behaviours and sexually transmitted infections (motivation). Facilitators included staff training (capability), time, the right facilities (opportunity), believing PrEP could be a source of profit and could reduce new HIV acquisitions (motivation). For clients, barriers included a lack of PrEP awareness (capability), pharmacy facilities (opportunity) and not considering pharmacists as healthcare providers (motivation). Facilitators included awareness of PrEP and pharmacist's training to deliver it (capability), the accessibility of pharmacies (opportunity) and having an interest in PrEP (motivation). DISCUSSION To effectively enhance oral PrEP delivery in UK community pharmacies, the identified barriers and facilitators should be explored for UK relevance, addressed and leveraged at the pharmacy team, client and care pathway level. CONCLUSIONS By comprehensively considering all aspects of the COM-B framework, community pharmacies could become crucial providers in expanding PrEP accessibility, contributing significantly to HIV prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- China Harrison
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West)BristolUK
- National Institute for Health and Care ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Hannah Family
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West)BristolUK
- National Institute for Health and Care ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Joanna Kesten
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West)BristolUK
- National Institute for Health and Care ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Sarah Denford
- National Institute for Health and Care ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Anne Scott
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West)BristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Sarah Dawson
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Jenny Scott
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC)Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Caroline Sabin
- Institute for Global HealthUCLRoyal Free CampusLondonUK
- NIHR HPRU in Blood‐Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCLLondonUK
| | - Joanna Copping
- Communities and Public HealthBristol City CouncilCollege Green BristolBristolUK
| | - Lindsey Harryman
- Unity Sexual HealthUniversity Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation TrustBristolUK
| | - Sarah Cochrane
- The Riverside ClinicRoyal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation TrustBristolUK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West)BristolUK
- National Institute for Health and Care ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC)Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Hindi AMK, Campbell SM, Jacobs S, Schafheutle EI. Developing a quality framework for community pharmacy: a systematic review of international literature. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079820. [PMID: 38365299 PMCID: PMC10875530 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the defining features of the quality of community pharmacy (CP) services and synthesise these into an evidence-based quality framework. DESIGN Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DATA SOURCES International research evidence (2005 onwards) identified from six electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO) was reviewed systematically from October 2022 to January 2023. Search terms related to 'community pharmacy' and 'quality'. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Titles and abstracts were screened against inclusion or exclusion criteria, followed by full-text screening by at least two authors. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies relevant to quality in CP were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Following narrative synthesis, a patient and public involvement event was held to further refine the quality framework. RESULTS Following the title and abstract screening of 11 493 papers, a total of 81 studies (qualitative and quantitative) were included. Of the 81 included studies, 43 investigated quality dimensions and/or factors influencing CP service quality; 21 studies assessed patient satisfaction with and/or preferences for CP, and 17 studies reported the development and assessment of quality indicators, standards and guidelines for CPs, which can help define quality.The quality framework emerging from the global literature consisted of six dimensions: person-centred care, access, environment, safety, competence and integration within local healthcare systems. Quality was defined as having timely and physical access to personalised care in a suitable environment that is safe and effective, with staff competent in the dispensing process and pharmacy professionals possessing clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills to assess and advise patients relative to pharmacists' increasingly clinical roles. CONCLUSION The emerging framework could be used to measure and improve the quality of CP services. Further research and feasibility testing are needed to validate the framework according to the local healthcare context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M K Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen M Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen Ingrid Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Green TC, Silcox J, Bolivar D, Gray M, Floyd AS, Irwin AN, Hansen RN, Hartung DM, Bratberg J. Pharmacy staff-reported adaptations to naloxone provision and over-the-counter (OTC) syringe sales during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences across multiple states and 2 pharmacy chains. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2024; 64:71-78. [PMID: 37863398 PMCID: PMC11014459 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to harm reduction materials was greatly disrupted during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Community pharmacies often continued provision of harm reduction materials as part of their usual operations during the pandemic, but little is known about what, if any, adaptations were made and the perceived impact of these actions from the perspective of pharmacy staff. OBJECTIVES We explored how pharmacy staff across 4 states in 2 major pharmacy chains adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic for ongoing naloxone and over-the-counter (OTC) syringe access and how staff perceived the pandemic affected drug use in the community they served and their pharmacy's volume of syringe sales and naloxone provision. METHODS We analyzed 134 pharmacy staff responses to a 12-month follow-up assessment for an educational intervention conducted in 2 pharmacy chains in Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Respondents answered closed- and open-ended questions collected online from July 2020 to February 2022. Questions measured prevalence of adaptations and perceived uptake of naloxone and OTC syringe services. Descriptive statistics summarized adaptations and perceived impact and chi-square tests explored differences by state and pharmacy chain. Open-ended responses were reviewed and analyzed to identify summary points and themes. RESULTS With few differences by state or pharmacy chain detected, pharmacy staff reported more naloxone mailing, requests by phone, streamlined counseling, and drive-thru provision adaptations to OTC syringe sales and naloxone provision during the pandemic. Most staff perceived adaptations as increasing or maintaining naloxone provision and OTC syringe sales. Respondents described specific aspects of the pharmacy that contributed to successful adaptations, including tailoring to specific product demand, inventory levels, drive-thru access, and a perception of extraordinary public health need at a time of and in places affected by the opioid crisis. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy OTC syringe and naloxone access continued during the COVID-19 pandemic through streamlining workflows and innovating no-contact harm reduction services, reinforcing pharmacy's public health role.
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Mwita S, Mgaya E, Haule A. Awareness of the rational use of medicines and the medication counseling practice in community pharmacies in Nyamagana district, Mwanza: A cross-sectional study. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2024; 8:27550834241261852. [PMID: 38887665 PMCID: PMC11181881 DOI: 10.1177/27550834241261852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Community pharmacies play a vital role in promoting the rational use of medicines by providing medication counseling to their clients to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medicines. Thus, this study aimed to assess awareness of the rational use of medicines and the medication counseling practice in community pharmacies. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021. The study was carried out in community pharmacies in Nyamagana district, Mwanza, Tanzania. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The data for descriptive statistics were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA version 15. Results A total of 68 pharmaceutical personnel participated in this study. Thirty-eight participants, that is, 55.9%, were aware of the rational use of medicines. The awareness was significantly influenced by the participant's age and profession. The majority of the dispensers practiced rational use of medicines by telling their clients the dose of the medicine (n = 63, 92.6%), frequency of administration (n = 61, 89.7%), and route of administration (n = 60, 88.2%). However, only 21 (30.9%) told clients about the need to comply with their medications. The information that was not regularly provided by dispensers to clients was the side effects of medicines (n = 6, 8.8%). Less than a quarter of participants frequently told their clients information regarding why the medicine is prescribed, drug interactions, storage conditions, and contraindications. Conclusion This study has shown that almost half of the participants were aware of the rational use of medicines. There was a low frequency at which information was given regarding medication compliance, side effects, storage conditions, drug interactions, and contraindications. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance pharmaceutical personnel's understanding of rational use of medicine principles and improve their practice of patient medication counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Mwita
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Ezra Mgaya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Ambrose Haule
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Baek Y, Park SK, Lee YH, Son KH, Na HJ, Choi HG, Kwon YG, Lee EK. Comparison of Perceived Importance and Performance of Community Pharmacists' Role in South Korea During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e569. [PMID: 38044034 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the roles of community pharmacists (CPs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the differences in their role performance compared with their perceived importance, and limiting factors. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey of CPs was conducted. The CPs self-measured the importance and performance of each role during the pandemic using a 5-point Likert scale. A paired t-test was used to compare each role's importance and performance scores. A logistic regression analysis of the roles with low performance scores, despite their level of importance, was conducted to determine the factors affecting performance. The limiting factors were also surveyed. RESULTS The 436 responses to the questionnaire were analyzed. The performance scores were significantly lower than the perceived importance scores for 15 of the 17 roles. The source and update frequency of COVID-19 information and participation in outreach pharmaceutical services were associated with low performance scores. Insufficient economic compensation, the lack of communication channels, and legal limitations were the limiting factors in performing the CPs' roles. CONCLUSIONS The participation in outreach pharmaceutical services, economic compensation, and communication channel should be improved to motivate the CPs in performing their roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsuk Baek
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sun-Kyeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yong Hwa Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Son
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hye-Jung Na
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Gyu Choi
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young-Gyu Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Eui-Kyung Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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Aarnes RV, Nilsen MK. Norwegian Community Pharmacists' Experiences with COVID-19 Vaccination-A Qualitative Interview Study. PHARMACY 2023; 11:181. [PMID: 37987391 PMCID: PMC10661255 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11060181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunising the population became important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community pharmacies in Norway collaborated with municipalities to offer a vaccination services to increase the vaccination rate. Only some pharmacies were allowed to offer this service in the pandemic's early phase. This study learns about pharmacists' experiences during this first period of COVID-19 vaccination services in community pharmacies, which is relevant for informing policy and organisational decision makers about the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy vaccination. METHODS Individual interviews were conducted with 13 pharmacists in community pharmacies offering a COVID-19 vaccination service. Informants were recruited from the eleven pharmacies that first offered COVID-19 vaccinations. The key themes in the interview were COVID-19 vaccination, what the pharmacists think about the vaccination service, and how it is performed. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS Three main themes and eight subthemes were identified. The main themes were creative solutions, organising and making resources available, and professionally satisfying and an important mission. The interviewed pharmacists experienced the COVID-19 vaccination service as hectic but something important that they would prioritise. They experienced their efforts to be substantial in the pandemic's early phase. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists in community pharmacies were a resource for increasing the vaccination rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pharmacies' easy accessibility and the pharmacists' ability to adjust their daily workflow for a new service should be considered when an expanded healthcare service is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Vold Aarnes
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Boots Pharmacy Surnadal, 6650 Surnadal, Norway
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McCormick N, Jackson BN, Durham SH, Hohmann NS, Westrick SC. Qualitative analysis of community pharmacy-based COVID-19 immunization service operations. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:1574-1582.e6. [PMID: 37394061 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated worldwide impacts while positioning community pharmacies as easily accessible immunizers to rollout the COVID-19 vaccine. OBJECTIVES This study describes community pharmacists' experiences, success stories, and lessons learned from providing COVID-19 immunization services. METHODS This study was conducted in February to March 2022 using semistructured interviews with licensed pharmacists practicing full-time in Alabama community pharmacies. Transcribed interviews' content analysis was conducted by 2 independent coders in ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS Nineteen interviews were completed. Pharmacists' experiences in the implementation of COVID-19 immunization services are described across 4 themes: (1) on-site and off-site immunization locations, (2) roles and responsibilities of pharmacy personnel, (3) vaccine storage and administration, and (4) vaccine waste reduction and immunization uptake strategies. This study found that pharmacists' ability to adapt is vital to maintaining their ability to offer immunization services and other services. Pharmacists' capacity for adapting is exemplified through their ability to acclimate to becoming a primary hub of outpatient health care services, accommodating to COVID-19 social distancing and vaccine guidelines, and disseminating a novel vaccine with varying supply and demand. In addition, pharmacies gathered and maintained waitlists of patients and adopted an appointment-based model as to predict, plan, and provide for patients. Pharmacists also used reactive techniques and workflow aspects to dissuade COVID-19 vaccine waste such as in contacting interested patients on waitlists or switching to a walk-in acceptance model. The COVID-19 pandemic elicited unprecedented alterations to the legal, health care responsibilities granted to pharmacy staff with participants describing pharmacy technicians as making a considerable impact to pharmacies' workflow. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists stepped up as frontline providers during a time of public health emergency with their diverse experiences granting policy makers and researchers much to learn from as, in their communities, pharmacists have continued to increase access to care during a national health crisis.
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Liddelow C, Mullan BA, Breare H, Sim TF, Haywood D. A call for action: Educating pharmacists and pharmacy students in behaviour change techniques. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 11:100287. [PMID: 37397030 PMCID: PMC10314283 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing impact of chronic disease, including cancer and heart disease on mortality signifies a need for the upskilling of health professionals in health behaviour change. Solely providing education and information to patients is generally not sufficient to change behaviour, and for any change to be sustained. The nature of pharmaceutical practice allows pharmacists to have frequent contact with patients in the community. Historically, pharmacists have often effectively engaged with patients to assist with behaviour change initiatives related to smoking cessation, weight loss or medication adherence. Unfortunately, such initiatives do not work for everyone, and more tailored and varied interventions are urgently needed to reduce the effects of chronic disease. In addition, with greater inaccessibility to hospitals and GP's (e.g., appointment wait times), it is imperative that pharmacists are upskilled in providing opportunistic health behaviour change techniques and interventions. Pharmacists need to practice to their full scope consistently and confidently, including the use of behavioural interventions. The following commentary therefore describes and provides recommendations for the upskilling of pharmacists and pharmacy students in opportunistic behaviour change. We outline nine key evidence-based behaviour change techniques, the active-ingredients of a behaviour change intervention, that are relevant to common encounters in professional practice by pharmacists, such as improving adherence to medications/treatments and health promotion initiatives. These include social support (practical and emotional), problem solving, anticipated regret, habit formation, behaviour substitution, restructuring the environment, information about others' approval, pros and cons, and monitoring and providing feedback on behaviour. Recommendations are then provided for how this upskilling can be taught to pharmacists and pharmacy students, as well as how they can use these techniques in their everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Liddelow
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2500, Australia
| | - Barbara A. Mullan
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
- Western Australian Cancer Prevention Research Unit, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Hayley Breare
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Tin Fei Sim
- School of Pharmacy, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Darren Haywood
- St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Mental Health, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Santos YS, de Souza Ferreira D, de Oliveira Silva ABM, da Silva Nunes CF, de Souza Oliveira SA, da Silva DT. Global overview of pharmacist and community pharmacy actions to address COVID-19: A scoping review. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 10:100261. [PMID: 37096140 PMCID: PMC10091784 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists and community pharmacies play an important role in managing, identifying and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Objectives To characterize the global panorama of action by pharmacists and community pharmacies in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The scoping review was based on the search for scientific articles in the databases: PubMed; Scopus; ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The search was carried out on August 31, 2021. The selection process was divided into 3 phases: i) title analysis; ii) analysis of study abstracts; iii) analysis of the full texts of the studies selected in the previous step. Studies were independently selected by two investigators and discrepancies resolved by consensus during focus group discussions led by a third reviewer. Results The final search yielded 36 articles for the review. The main strategies for coping with COVID-19 were grouped into 4 categories defined by consensus between the authors: (1) services for providing care to the patient; (2) product management; (3) infection prevention and control practices in community pharmacy; (4) preparation, sources of information used and training offered/received. Through these, the aim was to involve technical managerial, technical assistance and pedagogical technical actions adopted, as well as structure and process indicators that allowed the continuity of the offer of services. Conclusion During the pandemic, pharmacists and community pharmacies have been providing essential health services to communities. The results of this review may help to identify the changes adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic and may contribute to improving the quality of practices in these establishments during the pandemic and after it, in similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yane Silva Santos
- Member of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Denise de Souza Ferreira
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Any Beatriz Matos de Oliveira Silva
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Clara Freire da Silva Nunes
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Sueza Abadia de Souza Oliveira
- Master in Collective Health by Federal University of Goias. President of Brazilian Society of Pharmacists and Community Pharmacies, Brasília (DF), Brazil
| | - Daniel Tenório da Silva
- Coordinator of the Study Group on Geriatrics and Gerontology (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
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12
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Gray M, Shin SS, Silcox J, Flores D, Bolivar D, Irwin AN, Floyd AS, Bratberg J, Boggis JS, Hartung DM, Green TC. "Like it was just everyday business": A qualitative study of pharmacy-based naloxone and syringe customer experience. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:838-846. [PMID: 36872182 PMCID: PMC10198806 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As rates of overdoses involving opioids continue to rise in the United States, community pharmacies are uniquely positioned as a central access point of care for individuals to access harm reduction supplies, such as naloxone and nonprescription syringes (NPS). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers of obtaining naloxone and NPS at community pharmacies that participated in Respond to Prevent (R2P), a multicomponent intervention to increase dispensing rates of naloxone, buprenorphine, and NPS. METHODS Pharmacy customers were recruited to participate in semistructured qualitative interviews conducted immediately after they obtained, or attempted to obtain, naloxone and NPS (when applicable) from R2P-participating pharmacies. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed interviews, and content coding was applied to ethnographic notes and text messages from participants. RESULTS Of the 32 participants, most (n = 28, 88%) successfully obtained naloxone and most of those seeking NPS successfully (n = 14, 82%) purchased them as well. Participants reported positive overall experiences at the community pharmacies. Participants described using the intervention advertising materials, as designed, to facilitate the request for naloxone. Many participants shared that they felt respected by pharmacists and that they valued naloxone counseling sessions that were tailored to meet their needs and allowed space for them to ask questions. Barriers included experiences where the intervention did not address structural challenges that prohibited the purchase of naloxone and where certain types of staff lacked knowledge, treated participants poorly, or did not adequately provide expected naloxone counseling. CONCLUSION Pharmacy customer experiences obtaining naloxone and NPS in R2P-participating pharmacies identify facilitators and barriers to access that may be used to reform implementation and future interventions. Barriers identified can help enhance strategies or inform policies to improve pharmacy-based harm reduction supply distribution not addressed through existing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph Silcox
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
| | | | - Derek Bolivar
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
| | | | - Anthony S. Floyd
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Addictions, Drug, & Alcohol Institute, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Jesse S. Boggis
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH
| | | | - Traci C. Green
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
- COBRE on Opioids and Overdose and the Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
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13
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Vernon V, Patel J, Cieri-Hutcherson NE, Arellano R, Elmore H, Griffin BL, Mitzel K, Moyeno WM, O'Connell MB, Pelaccio K, Lodise NM. The impact of COVID-19 on select considerations in patients of reproductive age: Brief talking points for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:720-724. [PMID: 36775738 PMCID: PMC9831663 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has elicited many health concerns, including the impact of the infection and vaccine on reproductive health. Although robust evidence demonstrates the safety of all available COVID-19 vaccines, misinformation and disinformation related to the vaccine continue to circulate. As accessible and essential health care workers, it is crucial that pharmacists are informed of the evidence related to effects of the COVID-19 infection and vaccinations on reproductive health care. Menstrual cycle changes have been noted owing to COVID-19 infection, pandemic stress, and COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 infection and vaccination have not been shown to influence female fertility, pregnancy rates, and lactation. The use of exogenous estrogen may further contribute to an increased risk of thromboembolism with COVID-19 infection, and differences in the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis appear to exist between the types of vaccines. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh any risks. Shared decision-making is necessary when discussing vaccination with patients. Pharmacists play a vital role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation related to the impact of COVID-19 illness and vaccination on reproductive health care.
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14
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Rabbani SA, Sridhar SB, Safdar M, Rao PGM, Jaber AAS, AlAhmad MM, Shaar K, Emad I, Azim MA. Assessment of Prescribing Practices and Factors Related to Antibiotic Prescribing in Community Pharmacies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050843. [PMID: 37241075 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overprescribing of antibiotics is one of the important contributors of antimicrobial resistance globally. A high proportion of antibiotics prescribed in community settings are unnecessary or inappropriate. This study assesses the prescribing practices and factors related to antibiotic prescribing in community pharmacies in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative approach was carried out in the community pharmacies of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE. Six hundred and thirty prescription encounters from 21 randomly selected community pharmacies were investigated using World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators. Factors related to antibiotic prescribing were identified using logistic regression analyses. Results: In 630 prescription encounters, a total of 1814 drugs were prescribed. Out of these, the most commonly prescribed drug class was antibiotics (43.8% prescriptions) and the antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid (22.4%). The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.88, which was higher than the WHO recommended value of 1.6-1.8. In addition, more than half of the prescriptions (58.6%) had drugs by generic names and the majority of the drugs prescribed (83.8%) were from the essential drug list, which were lower than the optimal values of 100%. The majority of the antibiotics prescribed in the study were from the WHO's Access group antibiotics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified patient age (children-OR: 7.40, 95% CI: 2.32-23.62, p = 0.001 and adolescent-OR: 5.86, 95% CI: 1.57-21.86, p = 0.008), prescriber qualification as general practitioner (OR: 1.84, 95% CI:1.30-2.60, p = 0.001), and number of drugs per prescription (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.98-6.21, p < 0.001) as independent factors associated with antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: This study reveals considerable variations from the WHO recommendations for the different prescribing indicators in the community pharmacies of RAK, UAE. In addition, the study reports overprescribing of antibiotics in the community setting, indicating the need for interventions to promote rational use of antibiotics in a community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Arman Rabbani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sathvik B Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maryam Safdar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Padma G M Rao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad M AlAhmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled Shaar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Israa Emad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Abdul Azim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Alrasheedy AA, Aldawsari AH, Alqasir MI, Alsawyan OA, Alalwan OA, Alwaker SA, Almutairi MS, Godman B. Knowledge of Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia Regarding Human Monkeypox, Its Management, Prevention, and Vaccination: Findings and Implications. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040878. [PMID: 37112790 PMCID: PMC10143221 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cases of monkeypox have recently been reported in countries where this disease is not endemic, raising a global health concern. Consequently, healthcare professionals (HCPs), including pharmacists, need to be aware of the disease, its prevention, including the role of vaccines, and its management to reduce transmission. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among conveniently sampled community pharmacists in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 189 community pharmacists participated in the study, giving a response rate of 72.97%. From these, 86.77% were male, 51.32% were ≤30 years old, 36.51% were aged between 31-40 years, and 43.39% had 1-5 years of experience as community pharmacists. Their overall knowledge was 17.72 ± 5.56 out of a maximum of 28. The overall rate of correct answers for the knowledge statements was 63.29%, with 52.4% answering ≥50-<75% of the knowledge questions correctly and 31.2% answering ≥75% of the questions correctly. The knowledge subdomain related to diagnosis and clinical characteristics recorded the highest score, with the subdomain relating to causative pathogens and epidemiology recording a lower score. Overall, community pharmacists had moderate knowledge of monkeypox and its clinical management, prevention, and the role of vaccines, which is a concern for the future. Consequently, tailored, flexible, and timely educational interventions are needed to ensure that HCPs, including community pharmacists, are fully equipped with the latest evidence-based knowledge regarding this viral disease to reduce transmission and improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alian A Alrasheedy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman H Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munyib I Alqasir
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Alsawyan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A Alalwan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alwaker
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Masaad S Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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16
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DiPietro Mager N, Bright D. Advancing Public Health through Community Pharmacy Practice. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020056. [PMID: 36961034 PMCID: PMC10037598 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The overarching goal of public health is to advance the health of individuals, communities, and populations [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie DiPietro Mager
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David Bright
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
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17
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Kunow C, Langer B. Using the Simulated Patient Methodology in the Form of Mystery Calls in Community Pharmacy Practice Research: A Scoping Review Protocol. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020047. [PMID: 36961025 PMCID: PMC10037651 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacies (CPs) play a major role in health care delivery. The simulated patient methodology (SPM), which is considered the "gold standard", is recommended for studying CP practice. SPM can be applied in different forms, which include visits and also calls ("mystery calls"). So far, only the role of visits in the investigation of CP practice is known. As the first study worldwide, a systematic map of such reports will be provided, which applies calls in the context of the SPM for the study of CP practice. Reports with the pharmacy staff as the population under study should be included. Reports should be included that conduct an investigation using the SPM in the form of calls to simulate patients and other customers. Reports should be included that examine CP practice as defined by the International Pharmaceutical Federation and the World Health Organization (FIP/WHO). The scoping review methodology will be applied using the associated guidelines from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). The search will be for both published and unpublished original research in English with transparent information on SPM until the end of 2022. The plan is to search Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Web of Science. Directly afterward, the respective literature collection of the reviewers and the reference lists of suitable international reviews will be searched. This will be followed by a forward and backward snowballing in Google Scholar. For the inclusion of reports, a selection process and for the data extraction a data charting process with the help of variables derived from related reviews and from two SPM-form spanning international guidelines will be performed. The data extracted from the included reports should be synthesized and presented in MS Excel tabular form using the previously determined variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kunow
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Straße 2, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Langer
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Straße 2, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany
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18
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Gregory PA, Gill M, Datta D, Austin Z. A typology of vaccine hesitancies: Results from a study of community pharmacists administering COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:332-342. [PMID: 36266175 PMCID: PMC9547396 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacists were integral to the vaccine administration process during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, they encountered a variety of different forms of vaccine resistance. This qualitative study explored 33 community pharmacists (from varying geographical and practice types) responses to vaccine resistance and tactics utilized to support vaccination amongst diverse community members. A typology of 8 different variants of vaccine hesitancy emerged, each with its own root cause and potential opportunities for intervention. Pharmacists in this study described techniques to support adherence to public health guidance based on their assessment of root causes for resistance demonstrated by patients. Importantly, all pharmacists in this study described feelings of anger towards truly anti-vax patients and unwillingness to actually engage or even try to address this group in their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manmohit Gill
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Dhruv Datta
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Zubin Austin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation – Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada,Corresponding author
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19
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Kambayashi D, Manabe T, Hirohara M. Adaptations in the role of pharmacists under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:72. [PMID: 36691043 PMCID: PMC9870779 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09071-w] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists actively engage in managing the health of local residents, but the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated rapid adaptations in practice activities. OBJECTIVES We sought to identify the specific adaptations in practice and the expanded roles of community pharmacists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of published studies reporting the tasks of pharmacists in community pharmacies or who were involved in pharmacy practices addressing the pandemic. Two investigators independently searched PubMed (December 2019-January 2022) for eligible articles. We conducted a meta-analysis to measure the frequencies of practical activities by pharmacists in response to COVID-19. RESULTS We identified 30 eligible studies. Meta-analysis of these studies found that the most commonly reported adaptation in pharmacist practice activities was modifying hygiene behaviors, including regular cleaning and disinfection (81.89%), followed by maintaining social distance from staff and clients (76.37%). Educating clients on COVID-19 was reported by 22 studies (72.54%). Telemedicine and home delivery services were provided to clients by 49.03 and 41.98% of pharmacists, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The roles of community pharmacists in public health activities have adapted and expanded in response to COVID-19, notably by incorporating public health education activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Kambayashi
- grid.412579.c0000 0001 2180 2836Laboratory of Pharmacy Practice, Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Machida, Tokyo 194-8543 Japan ,grid.260433.00000 0001 0728 1069Department of Medical Innovation, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601 Japan
| | - Toshie Manabe
- grid.260433.00000 0001 0728 1069Department of Medical Innovation, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601 Japan ,grid.260433.00000 0001 0728 1069Center for Clinical Research, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi 462-8508 Japan
| | - Masayoshi Hirohara
- grid.412579.c0000 0001 2180 2836Laboratory of Pharmacy Practice, Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Machida, Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
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20
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Hatem G, Ghamloush S, Chami AA, Chaheen M, Khachman D, Awada S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy practice and on the provision of pharmaceutical care: A cross-sectional study among community pharmacists. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2023; 7:27550834231161145. [PMID: 37025695 PMCID: PMC10067468 DOI: 10.1177/27550834231161145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacists played an essential role in the control and management of the COVID-19 pandemic; both pharmaceutical care and community pharmacists were affected, given that, patients’ needs and demands increased due to the fear of lockdowns and shortage of medication throughout the pandemic. Objectives: This study was based in Lebanon and aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) pharmacists, including infection rates, pay, and working hours, and (2) pharmacy practice, including medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages. Design: A cross-sectional study involving 120 community pharmacists was carried out between August and November 2021. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey filled out by pharmacists working in Lebanon. Results: Most participants (71.7%) reported an increase in their income during the pandemic, and 60% reduced their working hours. A significant association was noted between being previously infected and marital status, level of education, work position, and salary of the participants. Most participants (95.8%) encountered a shortage of medications during the pandemic leading to high home storage of medication, searching for other sources of medicines, and decreased patient/pharmacist interactions. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenges on pharmacists and the provision of pharmaceutical care. It affected pharmacists’ daily routines, putting them at risk of infection with limited availability of medicines and PPE. This study suggests that establishing effective crisis management plans to increase community pharmacists’ resilience during similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Hatem
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Georges Hatem, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Ghamloush
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Al Chami
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Chaheen
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dalia Khachman
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Awada
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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21
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Bolivar D, Hartung D, Silcox J, Bratberg J, Boggis J, Rabin M, Green TC. Examining the effects of COVID-19 on pharmacy dispensing of naloxone and syringes sales across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:330-335.e1. [PMID: 36369076 PMCID: PMC9574786 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns disrupted access to harm reduction supplies and services known to be effective in overdose prevention and contributed to a worsening of the opioid crisis. However, because pharmacies can provide naloxone and sell over-the-counter (OTC) sterile syringes, their continued operation throughout the pandemic potentially reinforced a public health role as a distribution hub for safer use supplies. OBJECTIVES The objective of this analysis was to examine patterns of naloxone and OTC syringe sale volume at 463 community pharmacies in 2 states with high overdose rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analyzed weekly pharmacy-level dispensing data from January 5, 2020, to December 31, 2020, from one corporate community pharmacy chain in Massachusetts (n = 415 pharmacies) and New Hampshire (n = 48 pharmacies). Descriptive statistics and visualizations over the analytical period were generated as initial explorations of the outcome. Zero-inflated Poisson and negative binomial models were used to analyze distribution data along with county-level COVID-19 case rates and store-level COVID-19 testing location status during the same time. Interactions tested the effect of COVID-19 case rates on naloxone and OTC syringe sales. RESULTS Pharmacies that reported selling nonprescription syringes and dispensing naloxone during the study period averaged 210.13 OTC syringes sold and 0.53 naloxone prescriptions per week. Pharmacies in communities that experienced greater COVID-19 case burden also exhibited higher naloxone dispensing and OTC syringe sales during this period. The odds of selling OTC syringes increased over time but naloxone dispensing remained constant over the pandemic year. Pharmacies hosting COVID-19 testing tended to have lower OTC syringe sales and naloxone provision than nontesting sites. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies provided harm reduction services and dispensed lifesaving medications by quickly adapting to fulfill community needs without disrupting co-located services for COVID-19 response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Traci C. Green
- Correspondence: Traci C. Green, PhD, MSc, Professor, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Heller-Brown Bldg., 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02453
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22
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Schommer JC, Gaither CA, Alvarez NA, Lee S, Shaughnessy AM, Arya V, Planas LG, Fadare O, Witry MJ. Pharmacy Workplace Wellbeing and Resilience: Themes Identified from a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis with Future Recommendations. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10060158. [PMID: 36548314 PMCID: PMC9781627 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10060158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study applied a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to better understand pharmacy workplace wellbeing and resilience using respondents' written comments along with a blend of the researchers' understanding of the phenomenon and the published literature. Our goal was to apply this understanding to recommendations for the pharmacy workforce and corresponding future research. Data were obtained from the 2021 APhA/NASPA National State-Based Pharmacy Workplace Survey, launched in the United States in April 2021. Promotion of the online survey to pharmacy personnel was accomplished through social media, email, and online periodicals. Responses continued to be received through the end of 2021. A data file containing 6973 responses was downloaded on 7 January 2022 for analysis. Usable responses were from those who wrote an in-depth comment detailing stories and experiences related to pharmacy workplace and resilience. There were 614 respondents who wrote such comments. The findings revealed that business models driven by mechanized assembly line processes, business metrics that supersede patient outcomes, and reduction of pharmacy personnel's professional judgement have contributed to the decline in the experience of providing patient care in today's health systems. The portrait of respondents' lived experiences regarding pharmacy workplace wellbeing and resilience was beyond the individual level and revealed the need for systems change. We propose several areas for expanded inquiry in this domain: (1) shared trauma, (2) professional responsibility and autonomy, (3) learned subjection, (4) moral injury and moral distress, (5) sociocultural effects, and (6) health systems change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon C. Schommer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS), College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-612-626-9915
| | - Caroline A. Gaither
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS), College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Nancy A. Alvarez
- R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy–Phoenix, University of Arizona, 650 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - SuHak Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS), College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - April M. Shaughnessy
- American Pharmacists Association, 2215 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Vibhuti Arya
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Lourdes G. Planas
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, 1110 N Stonewall, Room 243, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Olajide Fadare
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 180 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Matthew J. Witry
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 180 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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23
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Kusuma IY, Pratiwi H, Pitaloka DAE. Role of Pharmacists in Antimicrobial Stewardship During COVID-19 Outbreak: A Scoping Review. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:2605-2614. [PMID: 36388623 PMCID: PMC9656343 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s385170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, pharmacists have been on the front lines of health care, offering vital services. Consequently, the need for pharmacists to support an effective antibiotic stewardship (AMS) program during the COVID-19 outbreak has become increasingly evident. This scoping review was performed to examine related articles in 2020-2022 published in the Scopus, SAGE, and Cochrane databases with the keywords "Pharmacist" and "Antibiotic Stewardship" and "COVID-19". The inclusion criteria were full-text articles written in English. A total of 15 articles were included in this review to describe the role of pharmacists in AMS during the COVID-19 outbreak. In general, pharmacists are responsible for identifying and treating patients during pandemics, ensuring the continued supply and accessibility of medications, promoting health policies, and monitoring antibiotic use for COVID-19 cases and co-infections. At the hospital, as the most significant element for pharmacists on the AMS team, the apparent change is demonstrated in educating patients on telehealth services, clarifying misconceptions about treatments and antibiotic consumption, as well as taking a leadership position to establish local guidelines for the COVID-19 treatment protocol. Pharmacists have an important role in the AMS program, and the COVID-19 pandemic was perceived as a highlight their importance. Therefore, their work with the AMS program needs to be improved as they learn to extend their role in telehealth services, educate and clarify the misconceptions about COVID-19 treatments and other antibiotic consumption in the community, inventory control the COVID-19 drug, antibiotics, and vaccine, as well as take the lead in establishing local guidelines on antibiotic consumption during the pandemic outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikhwan Yuda Kusuma
- Institution of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6725, Hungary
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Health, Universitas Harapan Bangsa, Purwokerto, 53182, Indonesia
| | - Hening Pratiwi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53122, Indonesia
| | - Dian Ayu Eka Pitaloka
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
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