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Hu C, Sheng M, Wang K, Yang Z, Che S. The Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research for Hospital Medication Management Based on the Web of Science Database. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1561-1575. [PMID: 38882053 PMCID: PMC11179643 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s464456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Identify the collaborations between authors, countries, and institutions, respectively, and explore the hot issues and prospects for research on hospital medication management. Materials and Methods Publications on hospital medication management were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses were performed using CiteSpace 6.1.R3, HistCite 2.1, and VOSviewer 1.6.16. The network maps were created between authors, countries institutions, and keywords. Results A total of 18,723 articles related to hospital medication management studies were identified. Rapid growth in the number of publications since 2017. The high papers were published in AM J HEALTH-SYST PH, while JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC was the most co-cited journal. Manias E and WHO ranked first in the author and cited author. There were active collaborations among the top authors. Bates DW was the key author in this field. The authors have active collaborations in adverse drug events, acute coronary syndrome, in-hospital major bleeding, and so on. The US was the leading contributor in this field. The UK, Australia, and China are also very active. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed. The main hot topics included matters related to outcome indicators, hospital pharmacy service behaviors, and medication use in pain management. More recent keywords focus on chronic disease medication management and clinical medication management. Conclusion Hospital medication management studies have significantly increased after 2017. There was active cooperation between authors, countries, and institutions. The application of hospital medication management in the emergency department and the relationship between medication management and medication adherence are current research hotspots. In addition, with the continuous progress of society, chronic diseases have become an important factor affecting people's health, and medication management is becoming more and more subdivided, so the direction of chronic disease medication management as well as precise medication may become the development direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Hu
- Solicitation Office, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Sheng
- Solicitation Office, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wang
- Solicitation Office, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi Yang
- Solicitation Office, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Che
- Solicitation Office, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
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Zhu LL, Wang YH, Lan MJ, Zhou Q. Exploring the Roles of Nurses in Medication Reconciliation for Older Adults at Hospital Discharge: A Narrative Approach. Clin Interv Aging 2024; 19:367-373. [PMID: 38476831 PMCID: PMC10929123 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s450319] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Medication reconciliation (MR) is the process of comparing a patient's medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking in order to identify and resolve medication discrepancies. It is an effective means of risk management to avoid medication errors (eg, omissions, duplication, dosage errors, or drug interactions). Some guidelines explicitly state that MR is a pharmacist-led transition of care; however, there is a shortage of qualified pharmacists to meet the increasing clinical needs, and clinical nurses' roles have not been clearly described. This paper aimed to enable nurses to gain confidence in contributing to MR at discharge and to make the industry aware of the potential risks if nurses do not actively intervene in this area. A narrative approach was used to introduce experiences in identifying discrepancies and medication errors through MR at discharge in a geriatric ward of an academic medical center hospital in China. The nurses' main roles in MR involve chasing, checking, and education. Clinical nurses, an untapped hospital resource, can actively engage in MR at discharge if they receive effective training and motivation. Multidisciplinary collaboration at discharge allowed many discrepancies to be reconciled before harming older patients. It is worth conducting further research in MR when discharging older adults, such as the cost-effectiveness of nurses' efforts, the value of electronic tools and the impact of MR-targeted education and training for nursing students and nursing staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Zhu
- VIP Geriatric Ward, Division of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei-Juan Lan
- Division of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Johnson JL, Blefari C, Marotti S. Application of the COM-B model to explore barriers and facilitators to participation in research by hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:43-53. [PMID: 37813706 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.10.002] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining research and clinical practice is crucial for advancing evidence-based healthcare and improving pharmacy service delivery. While hospital pharmacists report significant interest in research, this does not translate to high levels of research engagement. Furthermore, little is known regarding barriers and motivators for pharmacy technician involvement in research. OBJECTIVE To characterise the barriers and enablers to engaging in practice-based research reported by hospital pharmacy staff using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) framework. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey, using the validated Research Capacity in Context tool, was sent to all employees of a statewide hospital pharmacy service. Respondent characteristics and quantitatively reported barriers and motivators were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from open text responses were analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Results were mapped to the components of the COM-B framework at individual, team and organisation levels. RESULTS 278 responses were received (response rate 43.3%) from pharmacists (68.0%) and pharmacy assistants/technicians (28.4%) across 19 hospitals. Research behaviour was influenced by factors linked to five of six COM-B subdomains. Reflective motivation, linked to a desire to improve practice and patient care, self-development, and recognition, indicates pharmacy staff would like to engage in research. However, barriers related to physical opportunity (lack of time for research, other work roles that take priority) and psychological capability (lack of skills and mentorship) hindered involvement. Social opportunity and automatic motivation, tied to managerial support, role perceptions and departmental research culture were also reported facilitators. Subtle differences in the factors that motivate hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were identified. CONCLUSIONS Mapping factors associated with research participation by hospital pharmacy staff to the COM-B model is an important step towards identifying evidence-based intervention types that could form the basis of strategies to optimise hospital pharmacy staff engagement with practice-based research, using the behaviour change wheel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta L Johnson
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, PO Box 287 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Level 6, HB Building, City West Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Concettina Blefari
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Level 6, HB Building, City West Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Sally Marotti
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, PO Box 287 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Level 6, HB Building, City West Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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4
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Crilly P. Opportunities and threats for community pharmacy in the era of enhanced technology and artificial intelligence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023; 31:447-448. [PMID: 37738634 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Crilly
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
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5
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Tu HN, Shan TH, Wu YC, Shen PH, Wu TY, Lin WL, Yang-Kao YH, Cheng CL. Reducing Medication Errors by Adopting Automatic Dispensing Cabinets in Critical Care Units. J Med Syst 2023; 47:52. [PMID: 37103718 PMCID: PMC10136387 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01953-0] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Medication errors can have severe consequences and threaten patient safety. The patient safety-related benefits of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) have been reported by several previous studies, including a reduction in medication errors in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments. However, the benefits of ADCs need to be assessed, given the different healthcare practice models. This study aimed to compare the rates of medication errors, including prescription, dispensing, and administrative, before and after using ADCs in intensive care units. The prescription, dispensing, and administrative error data before and after the adoption of ADCs were retrospectively collected from the medication error report system. The severity of medication errors was classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention guidelines. The study outcome was the rate of medication errors. After the adoption of ADCs in the intensive care units, the rates of prescription and dispensing errors reduced from 3.03 to 1.75 per 100,000 prescriptions and 3.87 to 0 per 100,000 dispensations, respectively. The administrative error rate decreased from 0.046 to 0.026%. The ADCs decreased National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention category B and D errors by 75% and category C errors by 43%. To improve medication safety, multidisciplinary collaboration and strategies, such as the use of automated dispensing cabinets, education, and training programs from a systems perspective, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ning Tu
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hao Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Liang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Huei Yang-Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Lan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Horio F, Ikeda T, Kouzaki Y, Hirahara T, Masa K, Narita S, Tomita Y, Tsuruzoe S, Fujisawa A, Akinaga Y, Ashizuka Y, Inoue Y, Unten A, Okamura K, Takechi Y, Takenouchi Y, Tanaka F, Masuda C, Sugimura Y, Uchida Y. Questionnaire survey on pharmacists' roles among non- and health care professionals in medium-sized cities in Japan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5458. [PMID: 37016147 PMCID: PMC10071258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the scope of pharmacists' work has expanded in Japan, people's perception of this is unclear. To contribute to medical care together with non- and health care professionals, clarifying the perceptions of these groups is important to best utilize pharmacist professionals. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among non-health care professionals (n = 487) and nurses (n = 151), medical doctors (n = 133), and pharmacists (n = 204) regarding the work of pharmacists. The questionnaire comprised 56 items in four categories associated with the roles of pharmacists. For each questionnaire item, we performed logistic regression analysis to compare pharmacists' opinions with those of other professionals and non-health care professionals. Opinions were similar between pharmacists and nurses or medical doctors regarding "collecting patient information" and "providing drug information to patients." However, there were differences in perceptions regarding "medical collaboration" (nurses; 8/23 items, physicians; 11/23 items) and "community medicine" (nurses; 9/15 items, physicians; 11/15 items), and pharmacists themselves perceived greater roles related to health care collaboration and community health care. Perceptions of non-health care professionals were poorer than those of pharmacists in all categories (47/56 items). These results suggest that pharmacists must actively communicate to help others understand their specialty and build trusting relationships to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukuko Horio
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan.
| | - Tokunori Ikeda
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan.
| | - Yanosuke Kouzaki
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Hirahara
- Department of Neurology, Uki General Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kengo Masa
- Department of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sawana Narita
- Department of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tomita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Yuki Akinaga
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Yoko Ashizuka
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Yuki Inoue
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Ayaka Unten
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Okamura
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Yuiko Takechi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takenouchi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Fuka Tanaka
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | - Chiharu Masuda
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Uchida
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1, Ikeda, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
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Hlongwana S, Makhunga S, Dlungwane T. Global overview of pharmacy support personnel training programmes: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069279. [PMID: 36990495 PMCID: PMC10069568 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A global variation in the pharmacy support personnel training programmes has been observed. The objective of this scoping review is to map out global evidence available on the pharmacy support personnel training programme characteristics, and interface between knowledge, practice and regulatory requirements. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping review will be undertaken by two independent reviewers. Peer-reviewed journal articles of any study design and grey literature will be included with no publication time limit. All literature published in English focusing on pharmacy support personnel training programmes, entry-level certification requirements, ongoing professional development and apprenticeship will be included. We will search MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, (EBSCOhost) and Dissertation and Thesis (ProQuest), ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis Global and Google Scholar, and reference list of all included studies. We will also search grey literature from websites of international professional regulatory bodies and associations. All studies that meet the inclusion criteria will be imported into a reference management package (EndNote V.20) that facilitates study selection, screening and de-duplication. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a jointly developed and piloted data charting form. Data items will include skills, knowledge, competencies, admission criteria, content, duration, qualification options, accreditation status, delivery models and approaches. Data extracted from the included studies will be collated, and quantitative results presented using descriptive statistics such as percentages, tables, charts and flow diagrams as appropriate. A narrative account of findings from the literature will be presented following qualitative content analysis of the extracted information using NVivo V.12. Quality appraisal of included studies will not be assessed as the purpose of the scoping review is to give a descriptive global overview of the pharmacy support personnel training programmes, and evidence will also be sourced from grey literature. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical approval is needed for this study as it does not include animals or human participants. The study findings will be disseminated electronically and in print with presentations done at relevant platforms, that is, in peer-reviewed journals, in print and in conferences. REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (ofs.i0/r2cdn; registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/F95MH; internet archive link: https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-f95mh-v1; registration type: OSF-Standard Pre-Data Collection Registration).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simangele Hlongwana
- School of Nursing and Public Health; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Pharmacy Department, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, Congella, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Sizwe Makhunga
- School of Nursing and Public Health; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Dlungwane
- School of Nursing and Public Health; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Desselle SP, Wasem V, Woodyard A, Hosseini S, Hohmeier KC, McKeirnan KC. Cultures of support and resilience are associated with certified pharmacy technicians embracing new roles. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:316-321. [PMID: 36216755 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.019] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various technological, economic, and regulatory factors are creating opportunities for pharmacy technicians to take on additional responsibilities. Technicians in the broader sense have indicated a preference for expanded scope of duties; however, it is not known what drives technicians' greater inclinations to accept these new roles. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the association of various work-related factors, such as co-worker support, pharmacist-leadership style, future uncertainty, their own organizational commitment, and personal characteristics of technicians, including their resilience, on pharmacy technicians' willingness to take on emerging responsibilities in pharmacy. METHODS A self-administered questionnaire survey was disseminated through email to a national, randomized sample of 3000 technicians certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The questionnaire solicited data on willingness to participate in either of 13 emerging responsibilities as well as resilience, perceived transformative leadership behaviors of supervising pharmacists, future uncertainty, coworker support, organizational commitment, and various personal and practice-related variables. Following the use of principal component analyses for item purification and summation of various scale responses, inferential analyses were conducted via independent sample t-tests, one way analyses of variance, and Pearson's product moment correlation, as appropriate. RESULTS From 2906 surveys delivered, 878 were returned, with 745 of them providing completed responses on willingness to participate in emerging responsibilities. Willingness on most items/responsibilities was highly rated, with many means being at least 4 on a 5-point scale, though some were lower and perhaps a reflection of less exposure to these by way of their personal experience orpractice setting. Technicians' resilience, their coworker support, organizational commitment, and perceived transformative behaviors undertaken by their supervising pharmacists were all highly associated with willingness to engage. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists, pharmacy technician peers, and organizations can contribute to a culture that is supportive for pharmacy technicians and may serve to encourage commitment, resilience, and willingness to embrace new, or emerging responsibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane P Desselle
- Social and Behavioral Pharmacy, Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, USA.
| | - Valerie Wasem
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Ashley Woodyard
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Sina Hosseini
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth C Hohmeier
- Director of Community Affairs, Director of PGY-1 Community-based Residency Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Translational Science, Nashville, TN, 37211, USA
| | - Kimberly C McKeirnan
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacotherapy Department, Spokane, WA, USA
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Buhl C, Olsen NL, Nørgaard LS, Thomsen LA, Jacobsen R. Community Pharmacy Staff's Knowledge, Educational Needs, and Barriers Related to Counseling Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2287. [PMID: 36767653 PMCID: PMC9916331 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine Danish community pharmacy staff's knowledge, educational needs, and barriers when communicating with cancer patients/survivors. Furthermore, the study investigated whether pharmacy staff was interested in participating in education about cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among community pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmaconomists) in Denmark. Descriptive and bivariate (t-test and chi-square) statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS In total, 134 staff members responded to the questionnaire. Their self-reported knowledge of cancer-related topics was between 'very little knowledge' and 'some knowledge'. The most well-known topics concerned risk factors for cancer and side effects from cancer treatments. The importance of learning more about the same topics was rated between 'important' and 'very important'. The largest barriers identified in counseling cancer patients/survivors were a lack of knowledge about cancer, a focus on healthcare problems other than cancer, and a traditional view of community pharmacies as a place to pick up medication. Pharmacy staff expressed interest in participating in educational programs about cancer treatment (91.0%), communication with cancer patients (88.1%), and late effects of cancer (93.3%). CONCLUSION Community pharmacy staff show interest in participating in education regarding cancer, but need more knowledge to properly counsel cancer patients and survivors at the community pharmacies. This important barrier should be addressed in future educational programs for community pharmacy staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Buhl
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadia Lund Olsen
- Science to Society, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ramune Jacobsen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Gjone H, Burns G, Teasdale T, Hattingh HL. Exploring pharmacists' perspectives on preparing discharge medicine lists: A qualitative study. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100225. [PMID: 36817331 PMCID: PMC9932125 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100225] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital pharmacists play an important role in the discharge process, including conducting medicine reconciliation, counselling patients or carers, and generating discharge medicine lists. These contribute to medicine handover at transition of care from hospital discharge. However, pharmacists face numerous barriers to providing comprehensive discharge services. Aim To gain a deeper understanding of the hospital pharmacists discharge processes. Method Qualitative study design was used to explore pharmacists' experiences and opinions regarding (1) the use of technology and software to prepare patient discharges, (2) involvement of pharmacy assistants in discharge processes, and (3) challenges and facilitators in preparing patient discharges. An independent researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 pharmacists between 29 October and 22 December 2021 (mean interview 21 min). Interview transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Interviews revealed four overarching themes: patient safety, staff involved in discharge processes, discharge handover procedures and electronic health software. Barriers to completing discharges included staff workloads, poor medical record software integration and lack of advanced discharge notice. Good communication between pharmacists and other clinicians, including the presence of a discharge nurse on the inpatient unit, made discharges more efficient, and most pharmacists favoured utilisation of pharmacy assistants in preparing discharge medicine lists. Conclusion Poor integration between medical software systems negatively impacts pharmacists' ability to complete discharge medicine lists. Pharmacists require advance notice of upcoming discharges to effectively prioritise high workloads, while increased utilisation of trained pharmacy assistants may facilitate discharge workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Gjone
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia,Pharmacy Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Gemma Burns
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast Health, QLD 4215, Australia
| | - Trudy Teasdale
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast Health, QLD 4215, Australia
| | - H. Laetitia Hattingh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia,Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast Health, QLD 4215, Australia,Corresponding author at: Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast Health, QLD, Australia 4215.
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11
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Ntani SN, Tchue NF. Health Care Providers’ Attitude and Satisfaction Toward Patient-Oriented Services Provided by Pharmacy Technicians at Three Faith-Based Hospitals. J Pharm Technol 2022; 38:206-212. [DOI: 10.1177/87551225221097038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians often work together to provide optimal pharmacy services, however, some low-middle-income countries lack strong regulatory mechanisms and have an inadequate number of pharmacists, necessitating some hospitals to rely on pharmacy technicians providing direct patient care services. Objectives: This study sort to investigate health care providers’ attitudes and satisfaction toward patient-oriented pharmacy services offered by pharmacy technicians at 3 faith-based hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2021. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 159 health care providers (HCPs) in 3 institutions of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services. The questionnaire was made up of 3 parts evaluating HCPs’ attitudes and satisfaction. Results: A total of 140 questionnaires were completed (88.1%) response rate. The majority of respondents were female (70%) and <35 years (60.7%). Almost all respondents showed a positive attitude toward pharmacy technicians’ role in patient education (90%) and provision of medication information (93.6%). However, only 46% agreed that pharmacy technicians should take medication histories. The majority of respondents were satisfied with overall pharmacy services (80.7%). Only 25% were satisfied with pharmacy technicians’ participation in ward rounds. Gender was associated with attitude of respondents ( P = 0.02). Factors associated with satisfaction of respondents included profession ( P = 0.047) and work experience ( P = 0.008). Conclusions: Our results revealed a positive attitude and overall satisfaction with technician-led patient-oriented pharmacy services. Additional training, clear job descriptions, and direct pharmacist supervision could ensure the quality and safety of these services.
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12
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SHRESTHA R, SHRESTHA S, SAPKOTA B, KHANAL S, KC B. Challenges Faced by Hospital Pharmacists in Low- Income Countries Before COVID-19 Vaccine Roll- Out: Handling Approaches and Implications for Future Pandemic Roles. Turk J Pharm Sci 2022; 19:232-238. [DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2021.37974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abuelhana A, Ashfield L, Scott MG, Fleming GF, Sabry N, Farid S, Burnett K. Analysis of activities undertaken by ward-based clinical pharmacy technicians during patient hospital journey. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2021; 28:313-319. [PMID: 34697047 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2019-001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies recognise insufficient time as an obstacle to pharmacists expanding their clinical-based activities and services. For such a reason, the role of well-trained ward-based clinical pharmacy technicians (CPTs) is to work as an integral part of the pharmacy team to achieve the best patient outcomes and medicines optimisation, releasing pharmacist time to complete more complex clinical-related activities. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate quantitatively the range and extent of daily activities undertaken by CPTs during a patient's hospital journey. METHOD A prospective-based study has been designed. All daily working services and activities undertaken by ward-based CPTs within a 450-bed Acute District General hospital were quantitatively collected and documented. Data were collected from five medical, two surgical and one cardiology wards of 30 beds in each over a period of 2 weeks for each ward representing a total of 70 working days (14 weeks, excluding weekends). RESULTS Results showed the breakdown of seven different ward-based activities throughout a typical working day with the main working load being reviews of the patients' medication charts in order to supply new medicines and refer medicines-related issues to the ward pharmacist, with an average number reviewed of (23.17±0.85) representing 77.23% of the total patients in a 30-bed ward. The CPTs' highest workload was on Mondays and Fridays, mainly during the morning working hours (09:00-12:00). Also, statistically significant differences (p<0.05; Kruskal-Wallis test) existed between the workload of the three different ward specialties (medical, surgical and cardiology) in five clinical activities out of seven undertaken by CPT per day. CONCLUSION CPTs are completing more than seven different ward pharmacy-related activities which enhance medicines optimisation, medicines management and patient care. They are a valuable resource carrying out many roles which were previously completed by junior pharmacists. Their prioritising of patients for review ensures pharmacists focus their efforts on the most vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abuelhana
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK.,Misr University for Science & Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Linden Ashfield
- Medicine Optimisation Innovation Center, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Antrim, UK
| | - Michael G Scott
- Medicine Optimisation Innovation Center, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Antrim, UK
| | - Glenda F Fleming
- Medicine Optimisation Innovation Center, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Antrim, UK
| | - Nermin Sabry
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samar Farid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kathryn Burnett
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
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McKeirnan K, Fogarty TL, Durinck C, Solidum J, Shelton G, Danagulyan H, El Akel M, Desselle S, Bader L, Bates I, James S. Advancing a global pharmacy support workforce through a global strategic platform. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:3448-3452. [PMID: 34627730 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.10.002] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacy support workforce (PSW) is the mid-level cadre of the global pharmacy profession, referring to pharmacy technicians, assistants and other cadres that assist in the delivery of pharmaceutical services in a variety of practice contexts. The PSW undertake technical tasks delegated under the supervision of a pharmacist or performed collaboratively. The PSW are not intended to replace pharmacists, but rather work side-by-side with the pharmacist to achieve a shared goal. However, extensive variation in the PSW exists globally, ranging from an educated, regulated, and highly effective workforce in some countries to unrecognized or non-existent in others. Vast differences in education requirements, specific roles, regulatory oversight, and need for pharmacist supervision, inhibit the development and advancement of a global PSW. As clinical care providers, pharmacists worldwide need for a competent support workforce. Without the confidence to delegate technical responsibilities to a well-trained and capable PSW, pharmacists will be unable to fully deliver advanced clinical roles. A clear vision for the role of the PSW in the expanding scope of pharmacy practice is needed. One organization working to unite global efforts in this area is the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The FIP Workforce Development Hub Pharmacy Technicians & Support Workforce Strategic Platform was established to address the pharmacy workforce shortage in low and middle-income countries. Further developments were made in 2019, with the creation of a representative global PSW advisory panel, to provide guidance towards the development of the global PSW. Provision of frameworks and strategic input to support quality in education, development of legislative frameworks, guidelines for registration and licensure, and advice on appropriate role advancement are critical to move the PSW forward. In order to produce substantial advancement of roles and recognition of the PSW and advancement of pharmacists as patient care providers, global collaborative work is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly McKeirnan
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Gill Shelton
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | | | - Marwan El Akel
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Workforce Lebanese International University School of Pharmacy, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Lina Bader
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Workforce Transformation and Development, the Netherlands.
| | - Ian Bates
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Global Pharmacy Observatory, the Netherlands.
| | - Susan James
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee, the Netherlands.
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15
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Burnout and resilience among pharmacy technicians: A Singapore study. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:86-94.e4. [PMID: 34688567 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout describes emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and low personal achievement caused by work and is known to bring about negative consequences to practitioners, patients, and health systems. Various organizational and personal factors, such as organizational strategies and resilience, have been associated with this phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of data describing the prevalence of burnout among pharmacy staff within Singapore and Asia, especially in the pharmacy technician (PT) population. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to (1) quantify burnout in PTs in patient-care sectors in Singapore and (2) explore factors that may be associated with burnout. METHODS A cross-sectional survey among PTs in patient-care areas in Singapore, which includes hospitals, primary and secondary care institutions, and retail pharmacies, across both public and private sectors was conducted from February to April 2020. The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey and Brief Resilience Scale were used to assess burnout and resilience among participants. Demographic, employment, and well-being information were also collected and summarized. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations between burnout and potential risk and impact factors. RESULTS Slightly more than half (52.0%) of PTs reported burnout (EE score ≥ 27 or DP ≥ 10 or both). Statistically significant factors associated with burnout include resilience, age, years of experience, ethnicity, marital status, nationality, highest qualifications, pharmacy-related certification, full-time employment status, and work hours. Impact associated with burnout includes intent for job change, job satisfaction, sleep, and presence of mental conditions. Statistically significant reported reasons for burnout and ways to build resilience were also elucidated. CONCLUSION Burnout affects most PTs in Singapore and is primarily driven by workload and nature of their work, low resilience, and poor social support structures. National and organizational efforts are needed to arrest the vicious cycle that propagates burnout in PTs.
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Capstick TG, Azeez NF, Deakin G, Goddard A, Goddard D, Clifton IJ. Ward based inhaler technique service reduces exacerbations of asthma and COPD. Respir Med 2021; 187:106583. [PMID: 34481305 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of asthma and COPD is largely dependent on patients being able to use their inhaled medication correctly, but poor inhaler technique continues to be a recurring theme in studies and clinical practice. This is associated with poor disease control, increased risk of exacerbations and hospital admissions, and so there is a need to redesign services for patients to optimise their medicines use. METHODS A novel ward-based dedicated inhaler technique service was developed, and pharmacy support workers trained to provide this, focusing on optimising inhaler technique using a checklist and recommending protocol-guided inhaler device switches. Inpatients on adult respiratory wards with a diagnosis of exacerbation of asthma or COPD consented to receive this service, and the impact on exacerbations and hospital admissions were compared in the 6-months before and after the intervention. RESULTS 266 adults (74 asthma, 188 COPD, and four asthma-COPD overlap) received the inhaler technique service. Six-month exacerbation and hospital admission data were available for 184 subjects. Optimising inhaler technique achieved a significant reduction in the combined asthma and COPD annualised rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations (Rate Ratio [RR] 0.75, p < 0.05) and annualised rate of hospital admissions (RR 0.57, p < 0.0005). Improvements were also observed in future length of stay (- 1.6 days) and the average cost of admission (-£748). CONCLUSIONS This novel inhaler technique service produced a significant reduction in the rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations of asthma and COPD, and a reduction in the rate hospital admissions, length of stay and average cost of admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Gd Capstick
- Medicines Management and Pharmacy Services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.
| | - Nooria F Azeez
- Medicines Management and Pharmacy Services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Gary Deakin
- Medicines Management and Pharmacy Services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Ashleigh Goddard
- Medicines Management and Pharmacy Services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Dawn Goddard
- Medicines Management and Pharmacy Services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Ian J Clifton
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
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Kilova K, Peikova L, Mateva N. Telepharmacy and opportunities for its application in Bulgaria. PHARMACIA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.68.e63517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of telepharmacy opens new perspectives in the provision of health services and contributes to limiting the problem of reduced availability of pharmacists. The aim of the present study is to examine the attitudes towards offering and using telepharmaceutical services in Bulgaria. The study included 379 people, mostly health professionals. The mean age of respondents was 44.38±12.39. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.23. Over 90% of the respondents use the Internet to search for health information. Many of them read the package leaflet before use. For the most part, respondents are distrustful of food supplements sold on the Internet. More than 56% claim they would not buy prescription medicines online or via a mobile app, even if it was allowed by law. Quite a few would consult a pharmacist for a therapy prescribed at a distance as well as use a mobile application to monitor drug therapy. The spread and acceptance of telepharmacy is a challenge involving cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as scientific institutions and academia, which is essential for achieving appropriate results and effectively improving health services.
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18
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Jetha M, Man KKC, Abdulla D, Austin Z. Exploring multi-stakeholder perceptions of practice-related facilitators to optimising the quality of integration of regulated pharmacy technicians in community pharmacy in Ontario: a qualitative study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021; 29:321-329. [PMID: 33779734 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab010] [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: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate multi-stakeholder perceptions of practice-related facilitators to optimising the quality of Regulated Pharmacy Technician (RPT) integration into the community workforce in Ontario. Facilitators to incorporating technicians into the workflow and supporting their optimal scope of practice were explored. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study comprising a series of one-to-one interviews using a piloted, semi-structured interview guide was conducted with four community pharmacy stakeholder groups; pharmacists, RPTs, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy owners. Interviews were conducted until saturation of themes. Verbatim transcripts were coded inductively using the software, NVivo v12 (QSR International) and general inductive analysis identified key findings. KEY FINDINGS Twenty-seven interviews were conducted consisting of seven pharmacists, seven RPTs, eight assistants and five pharmacy owners working within community pharmacy and/or academia or hospital. All participants from every stakeholder group acknowledged that the promise of regulation of pharmacy technicians was unfulfilled in practice. Three major themes of practical significance were derived: (i) A viable business plan that incorporates RPT remuneration and ensures sustainability is a facilitator to fuller integration of RPTs, (ii) Planning the pharmacy workflow to support RPTs' and pharmacists' evolving scopes is a facilitator to RPT integration and (iii) Schedule planning to incorporate RPTs and appropriate staffing ratios in relation to prescription volume and pharmacy services allows for optimal utilisation of RPT skills and facilitates their integration. CONCLUSIONS Achieving integration of RPTs into the business of a community pharmacy has educational, workplace and regulatory implications, requiring the effective engagement of all stakeholders in pharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jetha
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Dalya Abdulla
- Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zubin Austin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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An awakening in the force—The birth of ERCSP. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 1:100001. [PMID: 35479508 PMCID: PMC9031756 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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20
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Cerbin-Koczorowska M, Waszyk-Nowaczyk M, Przymuszała P. Pharmacists' Preparedness to Patients Education at the Time of Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study with an Example of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186659. [PMID: 32932684 PMCID: PMC7559161 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although pharmacy employees’ involvement in patient education has great potential, the extent to which they actually provide cognitive services seems inadequate. Given the overburdening of the healthcare system and limited access to medical services due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic outbreak, this study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of Polish pharmacy employees for patient education on the new threat. The study was conducted using the mystery shopper method. Two interviewers phoned 90 randomly chosen community pharmacies throughout Poland and presented some inquiries on the SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacists devoted more time to patients than pharmacy technicians (2:22 vs. 1:54), and the information they provided was significantly more comprehensive (p = 0.006). The majority of respondents provided an evidence-based recommendation on prevention, symptoms, and management of SARS-CoV-2; however, the scope of advice significantly varied. Community pharmacy staff often expressed their concern about the lack of time to address patients’ questions adequately. No statistically significant differences were found in recommendations provided by chain and non-chain pharmacy staff. Obtained results seem to confirm the possibility of involving pharmacists in public health activities during a pandemic. Nevertheless, providing proper working conditions and adequate just-in-time learning solutions is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska
- Department of Medical Education, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka St, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Magdalena Waszyk-Nowaczyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy Practice Division, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Grunwaldzka St, 60-780 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Piotr Przymuszała
- Department of Medical Education, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka St, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
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21
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Pastakia SD, Tran DN, Manji I, Schellhase E, Karwa R, Miller ML, Aruasa W, Khan ZM. Framework and case study for establishing impactful global health programs through academia - biopharmaceutical industry partnerships. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:1519-1525. [PMID: 32792324 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of global health has grown with multiple different public and private stakeholders engaging in the effort to improve health outcomes for underserved populations around the world. There is, however, only limited published guidance on how to promote successful partnerships between academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. OBJECTIVE This analysis will provide a framework for developing successful partnerships around five central principles. This framework will then be applied to two representative pharmacy collaboration case studies focused on training and donations. FRAMEWORK DESCRIPTION AND CASE STUDY FINDINGS Within the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), successful collaborations between the biopharmaceutical industry philanthropic entities and academic partners have consistently prioritized 1) contextualization, 2) collaboration, 3) local priorities, 4) institutional commitment, and 5) integration. In the first case study, the application of this framework to clinical pharmacy training activities sponsored by Celgene and implemented by the Purdue Kenya Partnership has helped the program transition from an entirely donor dependent training program to a revenue generating, locally administered program which is now recognized and accredited by the Kenyan government. In the second case study, medication donations from Eli Lilly and Company have been converted from a traditional donation program in one Kenyan health facility to a replicable and sustainable supply chain model which has been expanded to more than 70 public sector facilities across western Kenya. CONCLUSION Adherence to the five core principles of the proposed framework can help guide partnerships between academic institutions and the biopharmaceutical industry to advance healthcare services for underserved populations around the world. As large-scale government-based development agencies continue to primarily focus on specific disease states, biopharmaceutical industry-based collaborations can help initiate activities in underfunded therapeutic areas such as non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonak D Pastakia
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Dan N Tran
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Imran Manji
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ellen Schellhase
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Rakhi Karwa
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Monica L Miller
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Zeba M Khan
- Celgene (Now Part of Bristol Myers Squibb), USA
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Chamberlain R, Huyton J, James D. Pharmacy Technicians' Roles and Responsibilities in the Community Pharmacy Sector: A Welsh Perspective. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8020097. [PMID: 32512840 PMCID: PMC7356290 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Healthcare delivery models in Wales are changing in response to unprecedented pressure on the National Health Service UK (NHS). Community pharmacies will be prioritised to address public health and clinical needs at a local level. To support the delivery of the new model, pharmacy technicians must be enabled and developed to optimize their roles. The aim of the study was to establish existing roles of pharmacy technicians working in the community pharmacy sector in Wales and to explore barriers and enablers to development. Methods: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies was used, with the main focus on quantitative methods. A total of 83 participants completed an online questionnaire and additional qualitative data were obtained from four semi-structured telephone interviews. Results: The dispensing and final accuracy checking of medicines were reported as core functions of the community pharmacy technician role, with an average of 43% and 57% of time being spent on these roles, respectively. There was some evidence of engagement in leadership and management roles (average of 19%) and limited evidence of delivery of services (average of 6%). Conclusions: There is scope to enable community pharmacy technicians to optimize and further develop their roles. Enablers include the effective use of delegation, workplace support, improved staffing levels and the prioritisation of extended pharmacy technician roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Chamberlain
- Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK;
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK;
- Health Education Improvement Wales, Ty Dysgu, Cefn Coed, Nantgarw CF15 7QQ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan Huyton
- Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK;
| | - Delyth James
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK;
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Jetha M, Walji A, Gregory P, Abdulla D, Austin Z. Pharmacist-Pharmacy Technician Intraprofessional Collaboration and Workplace Integration: Implications for Educators. PHARMACY 2020; 8:E95. [PMID: 32492792 PMCID: PMC7355410 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of regulation of pharmacy technicians. After more than a decade of experience with technician regulation in Ontario, Canada, uptake of the full scope of practice for technicians has been sporadic at best. The objective of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators to intraprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for the purpose of identifying possible curricular or educational interventions to enhance workplace integration. A qualitative, interview-based study of 24 pharmacists, technicians, educators, pharmacy managers, and owners was undertaken using a semi-structured interview guide. Key findings of this research include: i) Confirmation of suboptimal utilization of regulated technicians in practice; ii) identification of crucial knowledge and skills gaps for both pharmacists and technicians; and iii) proposals for undergraduate education and training, and continuing professional development learning opportunities to address these gaps. In order to achieve the promise and potential of regulation of pharmacy technicians, system-wide change management-beginning with education-will be required and will benefit from multiple stakeholder engagement and involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jetha
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; (M.J.); (A.W.); (P.G.)
| | - Ali Walji
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; (M.J.); (A.W.); (P.G.)
| | - Paul Gregory
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; (M.J.); (A.W.); (P.G.)
| | - Dalya Abdulla
- Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Brampton, ON L6Y 5H9, Canada;
| | - Zubin Austin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation—Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
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Schommer J, Doucette W, Witry M, Arya V, Bakken B, Gaither C, Kreling D, Mott D. Pharmacist Segments Identified from 2009, 2014, and 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Surveys: Implications for Pharmacy Organizations and Personnel. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8020049. [PMID: 32224863 PMCID: PMC7355503 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Findings from the 2009 and 2014 National Pharmacist Workforce Surveys showed that approximately 40% of U.S. pharmacists devoted their time primarily to medication providing, 40% contributed a significant portion of their time to patient care service provision, and the remaining 20% contributed most of their time to other health-system improvement activities. The objective of this study was to characterize the U.S. pharmacist workforce into segments based on the proportion of time they spend in medication providing and patient care services and compare changes in these segments between 2009, 2014, and 2019. Methods: Data from 2009, 2014, and 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Surveys were analyzed. Responses from 1200 pharmacists in 2009, 1382 in 2014, and 4766 in 2019 were used for analysis. Respondents working in the pharmacy or pharmacy-related fields reported both their percent time devoted to medication providing and to patient care services. Medication providing included preparing, distributing, and administering medication products, including associated professional services. Patient care services were professional services designed for assessing and evaluating medication-related needs, monitoring and adjusting patient's treatments, and other services designed for patient care. For each year of data, pharmacist segments were identified using a two-step cluster analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for describing the characteristics of the segments. Results: For each year, five segments of pharmacists were identified. The proportions of pharmacists in each segment for the three surveys (2009, 2014, 2019) were: (1) medication providers (41%, 40%, 34%), (2) medication providers who also provide patient care (25%, 22%, 25%), (3) other activity pharmacists (16%, 18%, 14%), (4) patient care providers who also provide medication (12%, 13%, 15%), and (5) patient care providers (6%, 7%, 12%). In 2019, other activity pharmacists worked over 45 hours per week, on average, with 12 of these hours worked remotely. Patient care providers worked 41 hours per week, on average, with six of these hours worked remotely. Medication providers worked less than 40 hours per week, on average, with just one of these hours worked remotely. Regarding the number of patients with whom a respondent interacted on a typical day, medication providers reported 18 per day, patient care providers reported 11 per day, and other activity pharmacists reported 6 per day. In 2009, 8% of patient care providers worked in a setting that was not licensed as a pharmacy. In 2019, this grew to 17%. Implications/Conclusions: The 2019 findings showed that 34% of U.S. pharmacists devoted their time primarily to medication providing (compared to 40% in 2009 and 2014), 52% contributed a significant portion of their time to patient care service provision (compared to 40% in 2009 and 2014), and the remaining 14% contributed most of their time to other health-system improvement activities. Distinguishing characteristics of the segments suggested that recent growth in the pharmacist workforce has been in the patient care services, with more being provided through remote means in organizations that are not licensed as pharmacies. The findings have implications for pharmacist training, continuing education, labor monitoring, regulations, work systems, and process designs. These changes will create new roles and tasks for pharmacy organizations and personnel that will be needed to support emerging patient care services provided by pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Schommer
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 612-626-9915; Fax: 612-625-9931
| | - William Doucette
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, S518 PHAR, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (W.D.); (M.W.)
| | - Matthew Witry
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, S518 PHAR, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (W.D.); (M.W.)
| | - Vibhuti Arya
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, St. Augustine Hall, B48, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Brianne Bakken
- School of Pharmacy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Health Research Center, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Caroline Gaither
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - David Kreling
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (D.K.); (D.M.)
| | - David Mott
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (D.K.); (D.M.)
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Rathbone AP, Jamie K, Blackburn J, Gray W, Baqir W, Henderson E, Campbell D. Exploring an extended role for pharmacy assistants on inpatient wards in UK hospitals: using mixed methods to develop the role of medicines assistants. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2020; 27:78-83. [PMID: 32133133 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2018-001518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This project explored the deployment of pharmacy assistants to inpatient wards in a new role as 'medicines assistants' (MA). Methods Ward-based MAs were introduced to six wards across two UK hospitals to support medicines administration. Each 30-bed ward delivered acute inpatient services with MAs supporting typical nursing medication administration rounds to 15 patients. Data were collected using activity diaries, observations, clinical audit and semistructured interviews with pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, clinical pharmacists, nurses, ward managers and pharmacy managers. Thematic analysis, descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Results MAs were able to act as a point of contact between the ward and the pharmacy department and were perceived to save nursing time. A statistically significant reduction in the length of time to complete morning medication administration to 15 patients was observed (mean 74.5 vs 60.8 min per round, p<0.05). On average, 17.4 hours of medicines-related activity per ward per week was carried out by MAs rather than by nursing staff. Participants identified broader training and clarity was needed in relation to the accountability and governance of patient-facing roles. Conclusion Pharmacy assistants deployed as MAs can contribute to saving nursing time and bridge the gap between nursing and pharmacy professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pattison Rathbone
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | | - Jayne Blackburn
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - William Gray
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - Wasim Baqir
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - Elaine Henderson
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - David Campbell
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
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Silverio SA, Cope LC, Bracken L, Bellis J, Peak M, Kaehne A. The implementation of a Technician Enhanced Administration of Medications [TEAM] model: An evaluative study of impact on working practices in a children's hospital. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:1768-1774. [PMID: 32035869 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are frequently prescribed unlicensed and off-label medicines meaning dosing and administration of medicines to children is often based on poor quality guidance. In UK hospitals, nursing staff are often responsible for administering medications. Medication Errors [MEs] are problematic for health services, though are poorly reported and therefore difficult to quantify with confidence. In the UK, children's medicines require administration by at least two members of ward staff, known as a 'second check' system, thought to reduce Medication Administration Errors [MAEs]. OBJECTIVES To assess the impact on working practices of the introduction of a new way of working, using Technician Enhanced Administration of Medications [TEAM] on two specialist wards within a children's' hospital. To evidence any potential impact of a TEAM ward-based pharmacy technician [PhT] on the reporting of MEs. METHODS A TEAM PhT was employed on two wards within the children's hospital and trained in medicines administration. Firstly, an observational pre-and-post cohort design was used to identify the effect of TEAM on MEs. We analysed the hospital's official reporting system for incidents and 'near misses', as well as the personal incident log of the TEAM PhT. Secondly, after implementation, we interviewed staff about their perceptions of TEAM and its impact on working practices. RESULTS We affirm MEs are considerably under-reported in hospital settings, but TEAM PhTs can readily identify them. Further, placing TEAM PhTs on wards may create opportunities for inter-professional knowledge exchange and increase nurses' awareness of potential MAEs, although this requires facilitation. CONCLUSIONS TEAM PhT roles may be beneficial for pharmacy technicians' motivation, job satisfaction, and career development. Hospitals will need to consider the balance between resources invested in TEAM PhTs and the level of impact on reporting MEs. Health economic analyses could provide evidence to fully endorse integration of TEAM PhTs for all hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Silverio
- Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK; Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Louise C Cope
- Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Louise Bracken
- Paediatric Medicines Research Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jennifer Bellis
- Pharmacy Department, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Peak
- Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK; Paediatric Medicines Research Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Axel Kaehne
- Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
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Renfro CP, Wheeler JS, McDonough SLK, Wang J, Hohmeier KC. Exploring employer perceptions of pharmacy technician certification in the community pharmacy setting. Res Social Adm Pharm 2019; 16:1215-1219. [PMID: 31822390 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the evolving roles of pharmacy technicians in the United States, the profession has attempted to define a national standard. Community pharmacy employers to-date have preferred on-the-job training to formal, accredited training programs or credentialing, however, limited evidence exists on the perceived needs of pharmacy technicians in the United States compared to those of community pharmacy employers. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to explore: 1) community pharmacy employer perceptions of associated benefits and perceived value of pharmacy technician certification and 2) needs of employers related to pharmacy technician attitudes and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). METHODS Using a semi-structured interview guide, researchers interviewed 7 community pharmacy employers within top management teams in a variety of community pharmacy settings. The data were analyzed for themes using the human capital vs. signal theory. RESULTS Employers and managers generally saw both attitude and KSAs as vital to success. However, given a choice between experience and attitude, attitude was preferred. There was general agreement that certified technicians offered more value to their organization, however gaps in certified technician KSAs were noted (i.e., lack of day-to-day practical skills, vaccination screening, motivating patients to change behaviors, patient communication and workflow management). CONCLUSIONS New emerging directions for certification now exist due to the rapidly shifting pharmacy landscape, which is revolves around new and expanded clinical patient care services. This shifting landscape has exposed gaps, reinforced strengths, and uncovered potential new opportunities and needs related to technician certification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea P Renfro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James S Wheeler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sharon L K McDonough
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kenneth C Hohmeier
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Snoswell CL, Flor M, Tessier C, Ratanjee S, Hale A, Matthews A, Nissen L, Coombes I. Accuracy checking of dispensed medications by a pharmacy technician: a hospital case study. AUST HEALTH REV 2019; 44:410-414. [PMID: 31771746 DOI: 10.1071/ah18267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Medication order accuracy checking is an integral and time-consuming component of the current Australian pharmacist's role. However, the pharmacy profession internationally has moved towards separating the checking task into two parts: a clinical check performed by the registered pharmacist and a technical accuracy check delegated to an appropriately trained pharmacy technician. This case study demonstrates that in an Australian hospital pharmacy context, appropriately trained pharmacy technicians have the potential to be more proficient and time efficient than pharmacists when undertaking accuracy checking of dispensed medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; and School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia; and Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Melynda Flor
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
| | - Cameron Tessier
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
| | - Sunita Ratanjee
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
| | - Andrew Hale
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; and School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia; and School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia.
| | - Andrew Matthews
- Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, PO Box 1774, Collingwood, Vic. 3066, Australia
| | - Lisa Nissen
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia.
| | - Ian Coombes
- Pharmacy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; and School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia; and School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia.
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Baldoni S, Amenta F, Ricci G. Telepharmacy Services: Present Status and Future Perspectives: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55070327. [PMID: 31266263 PMCID: PMC6681067 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55070327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The term “telepharmacy” indicates a form of pharmaceutical care in which pharmacists and patients are not in the same place and can interact using information and communication technology (ICT) facilities. Telepharmacy has been adopted to provide pharmaceutical services to underserved areas and to address the problem of pharmacist shortage. This paper has reviewed the multi-faceted phenomenon of telepharmacy, summarizing different experiences in the area. Advantages and limitations of telepharmacy are discussed as well. Materials and Methods: A literature analysis was carried out on PubMed, using as entry term “telepharmacy” and including articles on the topic published between 2012 and 2018. Results: The studies reviewed were divided into three categories of pharmacy practice, namely (1) support to clinical services, (2) remote education and handling of “special pharmacies”, and (3) prescription and reconciliation of drug therapies. In general, different telepharmacy services were effective and accompanied by a satisfaction of their targets. Conclusions: Nowadays, the shortage of health personnel, and in particular pharmacists, is a challenging issue that the health systems have to face. The use of a new technology such as telepharmacy can represent a possible option to solve these problems. However, there are unsolved limitations (e.g., legal implications) that make greater diffusion of telepharmacy difficult. Stronger data on the effectiveness of this area of pharmacy care, together with a critical evaluation of its limits, can make actors involved aware about the potentialities of it and could contribute to a larger diffusion of telepharmacy services in the interest of communities and citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Baldoni
- Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesco Amenta
- Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Giovanna Ricci
- Section of Forensic Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
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Rennie T, Nangombe V, Mangombe T, Kibuule D, Hunter CJ. Health workforce planning in Namibia: assessing a pilot workforce survey of pharmacists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2019; 27:565-574. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Southern Africa lacks resources necessary to combat presenting health challenges. This crisis will likely be remedied through the in-country training of healthcare professionals, for example, in Namibia. Monitoring the workforce will be essential to inform planning in health services and training. A national pilot workforce survey in Namibia using a multi-modal sampling approach aimed to test methodology for describing the pharmacy workforce and quantifying preferences towards further training.
Methods
The survey tool included questions relating to socio-demographics, professional and practice aspects. A conjoint analysis approach was utilised to quantify preferences around study programme, modality of study and cost.
Key findings
Respondents (N = 135; ~20% response) represented a diverse range of individuals in various pharmacy sectors in Namibia. The majority of respondents reported female gender, private sector working, studying outside Namibia and societal group membership. Societal membership and pharmacy ownership – indicators of professional engagement – were associated with higher age; ownership was also associated with study outside Namibia and practice in community pharmacy. Regarding further study preferences, respondents placed more importance on study programme and modality over cost with the most preferred scenario being a 2-year full-time Masters programme in pharmaceutical industry/regulation by distance learning at the highest cost bracket.
Conclusions
This national survey sampled the population of pharmacists in Namibia exploring the composition of the profession and preferences towards training. Further work will validate the findings and provide ongoing monitoring of the pharmacy workforce that can be expanded to other professional groups over a larger geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Rennie
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Vulika Nangombe
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Tafadzwa Mangombe
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Dan Kibuule
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Christian J Hunter
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
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Seston EM, Ashcroft DM, Lamerton E, Harper L, Keers RN. Evaluating the implementation and impact of a pharmacy technician-supported medicines administration service designed to reduce omitted doses in hospitals: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:325. [PMID: 31118002 PMCID: PMC6532198 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the various types of medication administration error that occur in hospitals, dose omissions are consistently reported as among the most common. It has been suggested that greater involvement from pharmacy teams could help address this problem. A pilot service, called pharmacy TECHnician supported MEDicines administration (TECHMED), was introduced in an English NHS hospital for a four-week period in order to reduce preventable medication dose omissions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation, delivery and impact of the pilot TECHMED service using qualitative methods. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with pharmacy technicians, nursing staff and senior management involved with the pilot service were undertaken to evaluate TECHMED. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach, guided by Weiss's Theory Based Evaluation model. RESULTS Twenty-two stakeholder interviews were conducted with 10 ward-based pharmacy technicians, nine nurses and three members of senior management. Most technicians performed a range of activities in line with the service specification, including locating drugs from a variety of sources, and identified situations where they had prevented missing doses. Nurses reported positive impacts of TECHMED on workload. However, not all technicians fully adhered to the service specification in regard to directly following nursing staff during each medication round, citing reasons related to productivity or perceived intrusiveness towards nursing staff. Some participants also reported a perceived lack of impact of TECHMED on medicine omissions. Seventeen of the 22 interviewees supported an extension of the service. There were however, concerns about the impact on technician workload and some participants advocated support for targeted service extension to wards/rounds with high schedule dose volumes and omitted dose rates. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of a pharmacy technician-supported medicines administration scheme to reduce omitted doses may be acceptable to staff in an NHS hospital, and that issues with service fidelity, staff resource/capacity and perceived interventions to avoid dose omissions have important implications for the feasibility of extending the service. The study has identified targets for future development in relation to individual and system factors to improve operationalisation of technician-led initiatives to reduce medicines omissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Seston
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Lamerton
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | | | - Richard N Keers
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Toolkit for Population Health Initiatives Around the Globe Related to Collaborative Comprehensive Medication Management for Children and Youth. CHILDREN-BASEL 2019; 6:children6040057. [PMID: 30965681 PMCID: PMC6518279 DOI: 10.3390/children6040057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Almost 30 million babies worldwide are born prematurely or become ill annually and need specialized care to survive. Formalized collaborative practice agreements (CPA) between clinical pharmacists and physicians have been put forward as a means for improving the overall medicating experience in many patient populations, including children. This report briefly describes opportunities for collaboration using examples from countries on each continent where CPA is established in professional governance documents and standards. It also provides resources in the form of a toolkit for countries and pharmacist–physician collaborators to authorize and form CPAs to provide comprehensive medication management (CMM) for children and youth with special health care needs (CSHCN).
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Desselle SP, Hoh R, Rossing C, Holmes ER, Gill A, Zamora L. Work Preferences and General Abilities Among US Pharmacy Technicians and Danish Pharmaconomists. J Pharm Pract 2018; 33:142-152. [PMID: 30092702 DOI: 10.1177/0897190018792369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of pharmacy support personnel is increasingly recognized. Studies have evaluated workplace issues and evolving roles; however, needed information from technicians themselves is scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine preferences for work activities and the general abilities of US pharmacy technicians and Danish pharmaconomists. METHODS Surveys were administered to random samples of US technicians in 8 states and the general population of Danish pharmaconomists. Respondents indicated their preference for involvement in a set of work activities in community or hospital pharmacy on numeric scales. They also self-assessed their level of ability on facets associated with professional practice, in general. Descriptive results were tabulated, and bivariate tests were conducted on total general abilities ratings. RESULTS The 494 technicians and 313 pharmaconomists provided similar ratings on many activities. In community pharmacy, US technician ratings for performance of activities were generally higher than those of pharmaconomists; however, pharmaconomists rated certain "higher order" communication activities quite highly, such as discussing lifestyle changes with the patient. In hospital practice, Danish pharmaconomists provided low preferences for medication handling but high preferences for communication activities. General ability ratings were given high self-evaluations, but lower on some components, such as keeping up with the profession. Employer commitment was a strong correlate for both. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of preferred work activities and general abilities were likely reflected in different scopes of practice between the two and could be insightful for education and work redesign in both countries, particularly the United States, as leaders evaluate shifts in technician professionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane P Desselle
- College of Pharmacy, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Hoh
- Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | | | - Erin R Holmes
- School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
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Desselle SP, Hoh R, Holmes ER, Gill A, Zamora L. Pharmacy technician self-efficacies: Insight to aid future education, staff development, and workforce planning. Res Social Adm Pharm 2018; 14:581-588. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Napier P, Norris P, Braund R. Introducing a checking technician allows pharmacists to spend more time on patient-focused activities. Res Social Adm Pharm 2018; 14:382-386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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