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Hutton-Nyameaye AA, Saah FI, Bedzina I, Somuah SO, Mensah KB, Duedu KO, Buabeng KO. Management of sexually transmitted infections: a qualitative assessment of community pharmacy practices in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:140. [PMID: 37950337 PMCID: PMC10636839 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00650-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial in the control and spread of these infections in health systems. Community pharmacies are usually the first port of call in Ghana for most people who contract STIs for therapy. Delayed and inappropriate treatment contributes significantly to treatment failures, drug resistance and complications. However, the community pharmacies may not have diagnostic tools and trained personnel for prompt case detection and appropriate therapeutic action. Thus, posing a higher risk for inappropriate therapy with consequences of worsening symptoms and poor treatment outcomes. This study explored the STI management practices in community pharmacies in the Ho Municipality. METHODS Purposively selected study participants were community pharmacy staff including Pharmacists (n = 6), Pharmacy Technicians (n = 2) and Dispensing Assistants (n = 10) in outlets in Ho Municipality of the Volta region, Ghana. Data collection was carried out from December 2020 to January 2021. In-depth interviews of the participants using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted and recorded. Data obtained was transcribed and analyzed using NVivo version 12 using the thematic framework. RESULTS Some of the pharmacy staff were unaware of National Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and its recommendations for STI management. More than half of the participants believed the STG recommendations were important for therapy but few thought the STG recommendations were ineffective sometimes. Appropriate STI management practices observed included infection treatment based on laboratory data, and STG protocols that recommend syndromic approach. Negative STI management practices included disregarding the presence of possible mixed infections and treating all symptoms observed empirically as a single infection without laboratory confirmation. CONCLUSION The STI management practices in the community pharmacies had many gaps that risk infective therapy, treatment failures, STI complications, and antibiotic resistance. Efforts should be invested into the training of practitioners in community pharmacies for safe and effective practices for STI management, and encouraged to have diagnostic kits or work with laboratory facilities for testing to inform definitive therapy for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araba Ata Hutton-Nyameaye
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
| | - Farrukh Ishaque Saah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, FN Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
- Department of Population and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Israel Bedzina
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Samuel Owusu Somuah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Kofi Boamah Mensah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Obeng Duedu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, City South Campus, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kwame Ohene Buabeng
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Makhlouf AM, Ibrahim MI, Awaisu A, Yusuff KB. Predictors of enablers and barriers to community pharmacists' management of minor ailments in a developing setting: A theory-driven assessment. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:58-65. [PMID: 36109333 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical and financial burdens associated with minor ailments are well documented, but published evidence suggests that minor ailment services led by community pharmacists have a remarkable positive impact, mainly in developed settings. There is a paucity of evidence on community pharmacists' self-perceived enablers and barriers to the effective management of minor ailments. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to identify community pharmacists' self-perceived enablers and barriers to the effective management of minor ailments as well as their significant predictors. METHODS A Kurt Lewin's theory-driven cross-sectional survey of 305 community pharmacists was conducted in Qatar using a pretested 25-item structured questionnaire developed with an adapted conceptual framework focused on 4 key areas: education, regulation, practice, and research. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of community pharmacists' self-perceived enablers and barriers. RESULTS The response rate was 92.5% (282/305). Most of the respondents (68.1%) were males, who were 31-40 years of age (55.3%) and worked for pharmacy chains (77.3%). Community pharmacists identified a higher proportion of enablers (positive force) (82.4%) relative to only 3 barriers (negative force) (17.6%). The barriers identified included insufficient private or semiprivate space for patient counseling, the paucity of invitations to participate in practice-based research, and lack of feedback regarding the results and recommendations of previous research in which they were participants. The significant predictors of self-perceived enablers and barriers were female gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.25-3.91; P = 0.007) and age group of ≤40 years (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 3.50-7.16; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION Community pharmacists' perceptions of the factors that enhance their effective management of minor ailments were overwhelmingly positive, as 14 enablers were identified relative to only 3 barriers. Female and young community pharmacists were significantly more likely to perceive enablers than barriers. The insights provided are potentially useful in developing pharmacy-based schemes to improve the effective management of minor ailments.
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Trujillo-Moreno MJ, Pérez-Acosta AM, Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Calderon-Ospina CA, Soler F. Definition of self-medication: a scoping review. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2022; 13:20420986221127501. [PMID: 36211626 PMCID: PMC9537481 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221127501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-medication (SM) is a global and growing phenomenon. It represents a public
health problem due to antibiotic resistance, risk of adverse drug reactions,
drug–drug interactions, disease masking, and increased morbidity. There is not a
consensus on the definition of SM. The definitions found in different studies
make it difficult to address this problem from a theoretical perspective and
therefore find an adequate solution to this public health problem. The aim of
this article is to search the medical literature to characterize the current
understanding of SM in the medical community. We conducted a scoping review of
definitions of SM by searching on PubMed – Medline, Embase, and LILACS using the
following combination of keywords: ‘self-prescription’ or ‘self prescription’,
‘self-medication’ or ‘self medication’, or ‘automedication’ and ‘definition’ or
‘explanation’. The search was limited to articles containing the definition of
SM, with no limit on language or year. Duplicate studies and those that did not
mention the definition of SM were excluded from the final review. A total of 65
studies were included in the final selection. We found a vast heterogeneity in
the definition of SM. Most articles based their definition of SM on the process
of obtaining the drug, the nonparticipation of a specific health professional,
the source of the medication, and the reason for SM. Other interesting concepts
such as self-care, nonadherence to a prescription, reuse of stored drugs, and
sharing and lending medicines were also considered forms of SM by other authors,
however. This study highlights the need to reach a consensus regarding the
definition of SM to adequately propose strategies to address this global health
problem. This study shows the diverse concepts that need to be included in a
future definition of SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical
Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario,
Bogota, Colombia
| | - Maria José Trujillo-Moreno
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical
Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario,
Bogota, Colombia
| | - Andrés M. Pérez-Acosta
- Observatory of Self-Medication Behavior, School
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá,
Colombia
| | | | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical
Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario,
Bogota, Colombia,Observatory of Self-Medication Behavior, School
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá,
Colombia,Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics -
CIGGUR, GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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OUP accepted manuscript. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022; 30:315-325. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Makhlouf AM, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Awaisu A, Vyas SK, Yusuff KB. Determinants of community pharmacists' information gathering and counseling practices during the management of minor ailments. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:992-998. [PMID: 34588845 PMCID: PMC8463464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the determinants of community pharmacists' information gathering and counseling practices during the management of minor ailments in Qatar. Method A cross-sectional study of 305 community pharmacists was conducted with a pre-tested 27-item questionnaire. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of information gathering and counseling practices. Results The response rate was 92.5% (282/305). A majority of the respondents (68.1%) were males, within the age range of 31-40 years (55.3%), work for chains pharmacies (77.3%), and were predominantly of foreign nationalities (94.7%). Patients' identity (91.1%), age (92.2%), symptoms (92.6%) and duration of symptoms (89.3%) were most frequent information gathered, while dose (99%), frequency (97.8%), route of administration (95.7%), and duration of use (92.9%) were the most frequent counseling information. Median information gathering score was significantly higher in females and among community pharmacists in chain pharmacies (p < 0.05), while median counseling practice scores were significantly higher among in chain pharmacies (p < 0.05). Consultation time of 6-10 min (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.02-3.0, p = 0.04) and female gender (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.16-3.79, p = 0.01) were significant determinants of information gathering, while age group (31-40 years) (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.05-3.22, p = 0.03) and consultation time (6-10 min) (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.31-3.86, p = 0.003) were significant determinants of counseling practices. Conclusion The significant determinants of community pharmacists' Information gathering and counseling practices during the management of minor ailments were female gender and consultation time (6-10 min), and age group (31-40 years) and consultation time (6-10 min) respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Makhlouf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Kazeem Babatunde Yusuff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Yusuff KB, Makhlouf AM, Ibrahim MI. Community pharmacists' management of minor ailments in developing countries: A systematic review of types, recommendations, information gathering and counselling practices. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14424. [PMID: 34081814 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To conduct a systematic review of the management of minor ailments by community pharmacists in developing countries, and to identify the specific minor ailments encountered, the medications recommended or requested and the information gathering and counselling practices. METHOD Observational studies from developing countries published in English language from inception to 2019 and report the management of minor ailments by community pharmacists were systematically searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library. RESULTS Thirty full-text studies, out of 7876 retrieved and screened, were included in the systematic review. Minor ailment-induced encounters by patients with community pharmacists are generally pervasive and involve mainly verbal request for specific medicines by name (60%). The most frequent minor ailments reported were respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions, and the most common medicines recommended or requested for were cough/cold preparations, antimotility and oral rehydration preparation, and analgesic/antipyretic. Inappropriate recommendation of antibiotics were reported for acute diarrhoea and cough/colds (40%) (10/25). Community pharmacists encountered 11-30 customers with minor ailments per day, with an average of about 4.8 (1.3-20.5) minutes per encounter. None of the studies reported the availability and/or use of a specific protocol to guide the management of minor ailments. There was wide variation in the type and depth of information gathered and used for the management of minor ailments; and the counselling information provided by community pharmacists, and there was no evidence of the documentation activities related to the management of minor ailments. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists' encounter with and management of minor ailments appear extensive in developing countries and probably present an opportunity to contribute significantly to reduce disease burden and enhance public health. However, the management process is currently unstructured, unguided by a specific protocol and vary in the quality of recommendations, information gathering and counselling practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazeem B Yusuff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed M Makhlouf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed I Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Makhlouf AM, Ibrahim MIM, Awaisu A, Vyas SK, Yusuff KB. Management of common minor ailments in Qatar: Community pharmacists' self-perceived competency and its predictors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256156. [PMID: 34398894 PMCID: PMC8367001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies focused on comprehensive assessment of self-perceived competency of community pharmacists to manage minor ailments are scanty despite that self-perceived competency is a valid determinant of task performance. The objectives of the study were to assess community pharmacists’ self-perceived competency to manage fourteen common minor ailments in Qatar, and identify its significant predictors. A cross-sectional assessment of 307 community pharmacists was conducted with a pre-tested 20-item questionnaire. Self-perceived competency was assessed with nine elements on a scale of 1–10 (Maximum obtainable score: Each minor ailment = 90; each element = 140). Mann-Whitney U and bivariate logistic regression were used for data analyses. The response rate was 91.9% (282/307). The majority of the respondents were males (68.1%; 192/282), within the age range of 31–40 years (55.3%; 156/282). The minor ailments with the highest median competency score were constipation (76), and cold/catarrh (75) while travel sickness (69), and ringworm (69) had the lowest. The two condition-specific competency elements with the highest median score were recommendation of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (115), and provision of instructions to guide its use (115). Ability to differentiate minor ailments from other medical conditions had the lowest median competency score (109). The significant predictors self-perceived competency were female gender (OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.34–4.25, p = 0.003), and working for chain pharmacies (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.30–4.96, p = 0.006). Overall, Community pharmacists’ self-perceived competency was adequate for majority of the common minor ailments, and it was highest for constipation and cold/catarrh, and specifically for the recommendation of OTC medicines and provision of instructions to guide its use. However, diagnostic ability to differentiate minor ailments from other medical conditions with similar features had the lowest median competency score. Female gender and working in chain pharmacies were the significant predictors of self-perceived competency to manage minor ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Makhlouf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Kazeem Babatunde Yusuff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail:
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Collins JC, Chong WW, de Almeida Neto AC, Moles RJ, Schneider CR. The simulated patient method: Design and application in health services research. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:2108-2115. [PMID: 33972178 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The simulated patient method is becoming increasingly popular in health services research to observe the behaviour of healthcare practitioners in a naturalistic setting. This method involves sending a trained individual (simulated patient among other names), who is indistinguishable from a regular consumer, into a healthcare setting with a standardised scripted request. This paper provides an overview of the method, a brief history of its use in health services research, comparisons with other methods, ethical considerations, and considerations for the development of studies using the simulated patient method in health services research, with examples from pharmacy and other fields. Methods of analysis, mixed-methods, and the use of simulated patients with feedback are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack C Collins
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Wei Wen Chong
- Centre of Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Rebekah J Moles
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carl R Schneider
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Seiberth JM, Moritz K, Herrmann NS, Bertsche T, Schiek S. What influences the information exchange during self-medication consultations in community pharmacies? A non-participant observation study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:2444-2456. [PMID: 33840622 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pharmaceutical staff consider guideline-compliant information exchange during self-medication consultations as crucial, they have not fully integrated it into practice. It is unclear what prevents pharmaceutical staff from implementing their positive intentions into their actual everyday practice. To improve the information exchange during the current consultation practice, a deeper understanding of its implementation is needed. OBJECTIVES The aim was to evaluate the factors influencing information exchange during self-medication consultations in German community pharmacies. METHODS We performed a non-participant observation of real-life consultations with post-consultation interviews of pharmaceutical staff in 10 pharmacies. The information exchanged during self-medication consultations was evaluated via 7 guideline-recommended information parameters in 2 stages of information exchange: (a) 'information gathering' and (b) 'provision of information'. Directly after each observed consultation, pharmaceutical staff's opinion about the consultation, the customer's interest and their own performance was questioned. Factors associated with the observed extent of information exchange were analysed by Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS In the 379 self-medication consultations with 46 pharmaceutical staff members, 454 different customer enquiries were addressed, and 483 medications were dispensed. In median, 2 predefined information parameters (First-/Third quartile: 1/4) were fulfilled during an enquiry and 2 parameters (First-/Third quartile: 1/3) were fulfilled for a dispensed medication. Pharmaceutical staff were satisfied with 85% of their consultations and perceived 76% of them as easy to handle. In both information stages, information exchange increased when 'customers were perceived to be interested in counselling' (p < 0.001) and decreased when customers had a 'specific medication request' (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Information exchange in pharmacies needs to be better integrated into daily practice. Strategies to encourage information exchange should also include pharmaceutical staffs' perception of their own counselling technique. Ongoing patient-centred trainings should facilitate strategies to engage uninterested customers or costumers with specific medication requests in consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Mina Seiberth
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Moritz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nia Sophie Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Sen Tunc E, Aksoy E, Arslan HN, Kaya Z. Evaluation of parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for their children's dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:98. [PMID: 33673839 PMCID: PMC7934979 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication refers to taking medicine without consultation with a doctor or dentist, and it is an important health issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no data about parents' SM practices for their children's dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to evaluate parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for their children's dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Turkey. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the pediatric dental clinic at Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown ended. A total of 389 parents who agreed to participate in the study completed the questionnaire from July 1 to October 1. A questionnaire with 18 items was designed to collect information on the parents' knowledge and attitudes regarding when, why, and how to use drugs and on their practices on medicating their children. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square test). RESULTS The majority of parents (n = 273; 70.2%) practiced self-medication for their children's dental problems. Self-medication with a previously prescribed medications was usually preferred by parents (n = 179; 62.2%). Analgesics (98%) were the most commonly used medicines by parents in their self-medication for their children's dental problems. CONCLUSION Prevalence of self-medication practices for children's dental problems is high in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, new healthcare services, such as teledentistry, may be useful to overcome problems related to the self-medication of children during times when the ability to reach healthcare providers is limited, such as during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Sen Tunc
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55270, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Emre Aksoy
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55270, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Hatice Nilden Arslan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Kaya
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55270, Samsun, Turkey
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Wibowo Y, Setiadi AP, Halim SV, Saputra RD, Oktavia R, Irianti R, Lestari PI, Puspitasari CR, Sunderland B. A pilot study of cadre training to promote responsible self-medication in Indonesia: Which is better specific or general modules? HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:554-563. [PMID: 32783277 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13118] [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: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the Indonesian Government initiated 'Smart Use of Medications Movement' ('GeMa CerMat') which included cadre training to promote responsible self-medication. Evaluation of a pilot training conducted across Indonesia suggested the need to improve those training modules. This study aimed to assess cadre' knowledge gained following training with newly developed general or specific training modules. Five types of modules were developed and used to train cadres at five Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Surabaya, Indonesia: 1) Sidosermo CHC (general-drugs module), 2) Tenggilis CHC (common cold drugs module), 3) Gunung Anyar CHC (analgesic drugs module), 4) Kalirungkut CHC (anti-diarrhoeal drugs module), and 5) Jagir CHC (indigestion drugs module). Cadres' knowledge improvements were evaluated using pre-/post-test scores and the difference scores depending on the module being tested. Multifactorial ANOVA explored the effects of the type of module on difference scores. A total of 279 cadres across five CHCs were involved in the training, giving response rates from 65% to 93%. There was an increase in the post-test scores after the training with all modules. However, significant differences were reported only for the specific-drugs module groups (all p < .001). Furthermore, the general module group had the lowest difference score (1.12; 95% CI [-0.45, 2.92]) while the common cold module group had the highest gain (5.02; 95% CI [1.95, 5.17]). Multifactorial ANOVA revealed that there was a significant main effect of the type of modules on difference scores [F (4, 263) = 8.37, p <.001]. In conclusion, this preliminary study indicated that the development of modules for specific minor illnesses could be beneficial in facilitating effective community-based training to promote responsible self-medication in Indonesia. The priority for therapeutic areas chosen for the module should be based on the local needs. Further research is required to confirm the findings in broader community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosi Wibowo
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Adji P Setiadi
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Steven V Halim
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Rama D Saputra
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Rizka Oktavia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Rizky Irianti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Putri I Lestari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Bruce Sunderland
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Suryaputra G, Setiadi AP, Wibowo YI, Setiawan E, Sunderland B. Counselling practices in an East Javan district, Indonesia: what information is commonly gathered by pharmacy staff? JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Counselling by pharmacy staff plays a key role in ensuring the quality use of medications in community settings. Information gathering is the first step and an essential part of counselling. Yet, data on information gathering during counselling in Indonesia is lacking.
Objective
To identify pharmacy staff’s practice of counselling and information gathered during counselling in an East Javan district, Indonesia.
Methods
A survey questionnaire was conducted in community-based health facilities in the district (i.e. 3 hospital outpatient clinics, 69 community pharmacies and 24 Community Health Centres [CHCs]); one health facility was represented by one pharmacy staff. Quantitative content analysis was used to summarise data regarding information gathering.
Key findings
Sixty-six pharmacy staff responded, giving a 69% response rate. Almost all staff reported providing counselling; those at CHCs and outpatient clinics mostly provided prescription medicine counselling (95.5% and 100.0%, respectively), while those at community pharmacies mostly provided non-prescription medicine counselling (symptom-based versus product-based requests: 94.9% versus 71.8%, respectively). For non-prescription counselling, the most frequent information gathered was details of symptoms (symptoms-based versus product-based requests: 97.3% versus 75.0%, respectively). While for prescription medication counseling, pharmacy staff mostly asked the patient’s identity (76.2%). Less than 20% of the pharmacy staff for non-prescription/prescription medication counselling gathered information on concurrent medications or history of allergies or adverse drug reactions.
Conclusions
Pharmacy staff in these Indonesian settings provided prescription/non-prescription counselling to some extent. Improved information gathering skills are required for effective counselling, especially for prescription medications, thus ensuring rational drug use among Indonesians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Suryaputra
- Master of Pharmacy Programme, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Adji Prayitno Setiadi
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Yosi Irawati Wibowo
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Eko Setiawan
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Bruce Sunderland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Seiberth JM, Moritz K, Vogel CF, Bertsche T, Schiek S. Public's perspectives on guideline-recommended self-medication consultations in German community pharmacies. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:194-205. [PMID: 32681607 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the public's opinions and expectations of self-medication consultations in German community pharmacies with special emphasis on the acceptance of guideline-recommended consultation. In a cross-sectional study in the city centre of Leipzig, Germany, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey administered via an interview with passers-by from June to September 2018. The structured questionnaire contained questions assessing (I) previous experience with self-medication consultations, (II) possible reasons for declining self-medication consultations, (III) the attitude towards information gathering and (IV) expectations of self-medication consultations. (I) 92% of the 963 respondents stated they were generally satisfied with self-medication consultations in community pharmacies. Around one-fifth of all respondents claimed that they would like to be asked more health-related questions (22%) and receive more information on non-prescription drugs (20%). (II) Privacy issues (39%) and reluctance to talk about some medical conditions (43%) were the most frequent reasons for declining self-medication consultation. (III) Respondents understood the need for answering guideline-recommended questions (85-96%) and did not mind being asked these questions (70-96%). (IV) Most of the respondents expected to be counselled even if they did not ask for it directly (69%). Pharmacies were further expected to recommend the best drug, even if it was not what the customer initially intended to buy (87%). However, more than half of the respondents would consider counselling as unimportant if they knew exactly which medication they wanted to buy (56%) or if they had used the non-prescription drug before (70%). The majority also expected to receive guideline-recommended drug information (each item at least 52%). Thus, our study shows that respondents were mostly in line with the required standards of self-medication counselling guidelines. Customers expect high-quality counselling on self-medication. These findings support pharmaceutical staff's understanding of customers' barriers and expectations during self-medication consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Mina Seiberth
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Moritz
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carl Friedrich Vogel
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiek
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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The role of pharmacists in community education to promote responsible self-medication in Indonesia: an application of the spiral educational model. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 42:1088-1096. [PMID: 32440737 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Community empowerment is one key strategy to improve the health of Indonesians. In 2015, the Government initiated the 'Smart Use of Medications Campaign' to empower Indonesians to practice responsible self-medication. Analysis of a pilot training program established in 2016 identified that improvements were needed in the content and organisation of the module. Objective To evaluate a revised module (applying a spiral model approach) to guide community training as part of the 'Smart Use of Medications Campaign'. Setting The Ngawi District, Indonesia in May 2018. Method Eight pharmacists (trainers) and 39 community representatives (participants) were involved in the training based on the revised module. The module adopted the spiral approach and consisted of three progressive steps: (1) understanding basic concepts of information on the label/package of one medication product; (2) re-enforcing that concept to understand medication classification (applied using three products); and (3) expanding the concept to understand medication classification (applied using a pack of 40 products). Pre-/post-test scores were used, and Focus Group Discussions were conducted to explore the participants' knowledge gain. Main outcome measure: participants' and trainers' views on the spiral process. Result Participants' mean overall knowledge gain increased from 12.53/15 to 13.44/15 (p = 0.001). Six focus groups of participants and two focus groups of trainers perceived that both trainers and participants found the spiral model better facilitated understanding, as it involved step-by-step learning. They also indicated the importance of the role of pharmacists as suitably qualified trainers as well as the development of appropriate training aids/media and arrangements. Conclusion Training based on the spiral model has the potential to be implemented in community training to improve self-medication literacy among the Indonesian public. Support from pharmacists as well as the relevant national and professional bodies is essential for successful implementation of the training.
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Kondo Y, Ishitsuka Y, Kawabata N, Iwamoto N, Takahashi R, Narita Y, Kadowaki D, Hirata S, Uchino S, Irie T. Knowledge and awareness of nonpharmacist salespersons regarding over-the-counter drug use in patients with chronic kidney disease in Japan. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213763. [PMID: 30893364 PMCID: PMC6426248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) depend on advice from healthcare professionals to avoid using unsuitable over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Recently, qualified, registered nonpharmacist salespersons became licensed to sell OTC drugs in Japan. However, registered salespersons’ knowledge and awareness of precautions regarding unsuitable OTC drugs for use in patients with CKD are unclear. Objectives This study aimed to clarify the awareness, knowledge, and implementation of precautions by registered salespersons regarding OTC drugs used by patients with CKD. Additionally, we evaluated the change of registered salespersons’ knowledge and awareness of this topic generated by a pharmacist intervention. Methods A questionnaire survey and pharmacist intervention were applied to 175 registered salespersons. The intervention comprised a 50-minute lecture imparted by a pharmacist who was trained in nephrology. The knowledge, awareness, and implementation of precautions by participants with respect to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antacids were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results Approximately half of the registered salespersons reported previous experience with selling OTC drugs that were inappropriate for patients with CKD (NSAIDs, 48.0%; antacids, 39.7%). Few participants recognized the need to check renal function when selling those drugs to such patients (NSAIDs, 25.7%; antacids, 47.5%). The registered salespersons’ awareness and knowledge were significantly higher after the intervention than before it. Conclusion The results indicate that before the intervention, the registered salespersons had low levels of awareness and knowledge regarding OTC drug use in patients with CKD despite having prior experience selling unsuitable OTC drugs. However, the pharmacist intervention improved the registered salespersons’ awareness and knowledge. The educational program for registered salespersons might be necessary to prevent inappropriate OTC drug use by patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kondo
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yoichi Ishitsuka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Kawabata
- Kagoshima Pharmaceutical Association, 2-8-15 Yojiro, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Iwamoto
- Kagoshima Pharmaceutical Association, 2-8-15 Yojiro, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Risa Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Narita
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kadowaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sumio Hirata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Uchino
- Kagoshima Pharmaceutical Association, 2-8-15 Yojiro, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tetsumi Irie
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5–1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
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Virú-Loza MA. [Self-medication in people with recent illness who do not seek care and its association with places where they ask for help]. SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO 2017; 59:509-510. [PMID: 29267645 DOI: 10.21149/8521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Señor editor: Envío algunos resultados del análisis a la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares (Enaho) 2015 de Perú, sobre la automedicación en personas con una enfermedad reciente que no buscan atención en establecimientos de salud.
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Practice of community pharmacists related to multivitamin supplements: a simulated patient study in Iran. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 40:190-195. [PMID: 29270735 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0579-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Multivitamin supplements are a subset of dietary supplements sold in pharmacies as over-the-counter medicines. Community pharmacists are regarded as responsible professionals and relied on for their safe practice and efficacy. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the counselling practices of community pharmacists relating to typical use, interactions, contraindications, and side effects of multivitamin supplements using simulated patients. Setting Ninety-seven community pharmacies in Kerman, Iran. Method Two male students acted as simulated patients who role-played a scenario in the community pharmacies in two steps. In step 1, they spontaneously mentioned they were a student and did not eat properly through lack of time and requested a multivitamin supplement. In Step 2, if the pharmacists did not request a drug history, they would explain that they had severe acne and had been taking oral isotretinoin for a month. The counselling practice of the pharmacists was audio recorded. Main outcome measure The number of pharmacists who provided information about multivitamin use and identified isotretinoin-vitamin A interaction. Results Thirteen pharmacists in charge were absent at the time of the purchases. None of the pharmacists provided information about contraindications and side effects of multivitamin products. Twenty pharmacists provided instruction for multivitamin use, and two pharmacists took a drug history. In Step 1, only two pharmacists identified isotretinoin-vitamin A interaction, but in Step 2, this number increased to 15. Conclusion The counselling practice of pharmacists should be improved to promote effective and safe use of multivitamin supplements.
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Flood D, Mathieu I, Chary A, García P, Rohloff P. Perceptions and utilization of generic medicines in Guatemala: a mixed-methods study with physicians and pharmacy staff. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:27. [PMID: 28086866 PMCID: PMC5234139 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-1991-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to low-cost essential generic medicines is a critical health policy goal in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Guatemala is an LMIC where there is both limited availability and affordability of these medications. However, attitudes of physicians and pharmacy staff regarding low-cost generics, especially generics for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), have not been fully explored in Guatemala. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 30 pharmacy staff and 12 physicians in several highland towns in Guatemala were conducted. Interview questions related to perceptions of low-cost generic medicines, prescription and dispensing practices of generics in the treatment of two NCDs, diabetes and hypertension, and opinions about the roles of pharmacy staff and physicians in selecting medicines for patients. Pharmacy staff were recruited from a random sample of pharmacies and physicians were recruited from a convenience sample. Interview data were analyzed using a thematic approach for qualitative data as well as basic quantitative statistics. RESULTS Pharmacy staff and physicians expressed doubt as to the safety and efficacy of low-cost generic medicines in Guatemala. The low cost of generic medicines was often perceived as proof of their inferior quality. In the case of diabetes and hypertension, the decision to utilize a generic medicine was based on multiple factors including the patient's financial situation, consumer preference, and, to a large extent, physician recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to improve generic medication utilization in Guatemala must address the negative perceptions of physicians and pharmacy staff toward low-cost generics. Strengthening state capacity and transparency in the regulation and monitoring of the drug supply is a key goal of access-to-medicines advocacy in Guatemala.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Flood
- Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, 2 Calle 5-43 Zona 1, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.
| | - Irène Mathieu
- Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, 2 Calle 5-43 Zona 1, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
| | - Anita Chary
- Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, 2 Calle 5-43 Zona 1, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
| | - Pablo García
- Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, 2 Calle 5-43 Zona 1, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
| | - Peter Rohloff
- Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, 2 Calle 5-43 Zona 1, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
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Foroutan N, Dabaghzadeh F. Evaluating the practice of Iranian community pharmacists regarding oral contraceptive pills using simulated patients. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2016; 14:745. [PMID: 28042350 PMCID: PMC5184372 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2016.04.745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As oral contraceptive pills are available over the counter in pharmacies, pharmacists are professionally responsible for checking and informing patients about every aspect of taking these drugs. Simulated patient method is a new and robust way to evaluate professional performance of pharmacists. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacy practice of Iranian pharmacists regarding over-the-counter use of oral contraceptive pills using simulated patient method. METHODS Simulated patients visited pharmacy with a prescription containing ciprofloxacin and asked for oral contraceptive pills. The pharmacist was expected to ask important questions for using these drugs and to inform the patient about them properly. Moreover, the Pharmacists should advise patients in regard to the possible interaction. RESULTS Ninety four pharmacists participated in this study. In 24 (25.3%) visits, the liable pharmacist was not present at the time of purchase. Furthermore, In 13 (18.57 %) visits by the simulated patients, the liable pharmacists did not pay any attention to the simulated patients even when they asked for consultation. Twenty nine (41.43%) pharmacists did not ask any question during dispensing. Nausea was the most frequent described side effect by pharmacists (27 (38.57%)). Yet important adverse effects of oral contraceptive pills were not mentioned by the pharmacists except for few ones. Only twelve (17.14%) pharmacists mentioned the possible interaction. There was a significant relation between the pharmacists' gender and detection of possible interaction (p value= 0.048). CONCLUSION The quality of the pharmacists' consultations regarding the over the counter use of oral contraceptive pills was not satisfactory and required improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Foroutan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences . Kerman ( Iran ).
| | - Fatemeh Dabaghzadeh
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences . Kerman ( Iran ).
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Ibrahim MI, Palaian S, Al-Sulaiti F, El-Shami S. Evaluating community pharmacy practice in Qatar using simulated patient method:acute gastroenteritis management. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2016; 14:800. [PMID: 28042351 PMCID: PMC5184373 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2016.04.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate Qatari pharmacists' prescribing, labeling, dispensing and counseling practices in response to acute community-acquired gastroenteritis. METHODS The simulated patient method was used in this study. Thirty pharmacies in Doha were randomly selected and further randomized into two groups: Face-to-Face (n=15) vs. Telephone-call (n=15) per simulated patient; 2 simulated patients were involved. Prescribing, labeling, dispensing and counseling practices were assessed. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney and chi square tests at alpha=0.05. RESULTS Most pharmacists prescribed and dispensed medicines (96%), including antimicrobials (43.9%), antidiarrheals (36%), antiemetics (5.1%) and antipyretics (3%). Counseling practices were poor (62.1% in the face-to-face group vs 70% in the telephone-call group did not counsel simulated patients about the dispensed medicines; p-value=0.50). In more than one-third of the encounters, at least one labeling parameter was missing. The duration of each interaction in minutes was not significantly different between the groups [median (IQR); 3(4.25) in the face-to-face group versus 2(0.25) in the telephone-call group; p-value=0.77]. No significant differences in prescribing or dispensing behaviors were present between groups (p-value>0.05). CONCLUSION Qatar community pharmacists' labeling, dispensing, and counseling practices were below expectation, thus urging the need for continuous professional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Ibrahim
- Professor of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University . Doha ( Qatar ).
| | - Subish Palaian
- Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Gulf Medical University . Ajman ( United Arab Emirates ).
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