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Al-Taani GM, Ayoub NM. Assessment of satisfaction of attendees of healthcare centers in Jordan with community pharmacy services of pharmacies they usually use. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305991. [PMID: 39038057 PMCID: PMC11262638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Before extending the range of services provided, maximizing the usefulness of current procedures within community pharmacy settings is needed, as the scope of pharmacy services is evolving in different dimensions. The present study aims to assess the degree of factors affecting the satisfaction of traditional community pharmacy services using population data collected from patients attending academic and public healthcare centers in Jordan. A validated, pretested, and adapted survey instrument has been utilized to assess the satisfaction of contemporary services delivered by community pharmacists in different dimensions. Linear regression analysis evaluated the predictors associated with higher total satisfaction scores with community pharmacy services. The present study included 642 patients attending healthcare centers. Different dimension scores, such as explanation and consideration, scored similarly, with values ranging from 64.5% - 69.7% of the maximum possible score. The mean total scale score was 67.2% of the total possible scores. Using the linear regression analysis, respondents who were satisfied with their treatment plans were likely to have higher satisfaction with community pharmacy services. The increased number of prescription medications and increased age were associated with lower satisfaction with community pharmacy services. Results indicated that healthcare policymakers might be confident in the services within the community pharmacy setting; however, there is always room for more robust quality control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaith M. Al-Taani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Lim A, Walker S, Emery B, Ong E, Abeyaratne C, Galbraith K. Comparing the experiences of community and hospital pharmacy learners completing a pre-registrant research training program. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2024; 16:102100. [PMID: 38688823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Research training programs in the community pharmacy sector have not been well established. This study showcases a year-long guided research training program undertaken in hospital and community workplaces by pre-registrant pharmacists, and compares the perceived impact on learners in both sectors. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING A two-year cohort study (2021-2022) of pre-registrant pharmacists enrolled in a research training program requiring them to undertake an individual project at their workplace over one year at either a community or hospital workplace. Outcome measures were pre-registrant perceptions of training impact and type of projects completed. FINDINGS The results of this study demonstrate that the year-long guided research training program delivered to 403 pre-registrant pharmacists was perceived to be impactful to both community and hospital pre-registrant pharmacists and gave them the confidence to pursue further research and see research skills as an important attribute for the profession. Barriers to research included lack of time for both sectors but workplace support and lack of project ideas were especially noted in the community sector. Research project designs were mainly cross-sectional surveys or retrospective audits. SUMMARY Programs seeking to adopt a similar model may wish to pay particular attention to supporting community pharmacy learners in providing a pre-selection of project ideas, offering training to workplace supervisors, ensuring enough academic support is given and having more check-in points/deliverables to ensure more feedback opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Lim
- Lecturer, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Steven Walker
- Associate Professor, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ben Emery
- Senior Lecturer, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Eugene Ong
- Senior Lecturer, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Carmen Abeyaratne
- Lecturer, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kirsten Galbraith
- Professor, Pharmacy Education, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
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te Paske R, van Dijk L, Yilmaz S, Linn AJ, van Boven JFM, Vervloet M. Factors Associated with Patient Trust in the Pharmacy Team: Findings from a Mixed Method Study Involving Patients with Asthma & COPD. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:3391-3401. [PMID: 38111692 PMCID: PMC10726757 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s429969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pharmacy team has been shifting its role from primarily dispensing medications to providing patient-centred pharmaceutical care. Establishing a trust relation between the pharmacy team and their patients is fundamental for this new role. This study aimed to (i) identify the level of trust in the pharmacy team among patients with asthma and/or COPD, (ii) assess whether the level of trust patients have in pharmacists differs from their trust in pharmacy technicians, and (iii) identify factors that contribute to building trust in the pharmacy team. Patients and Methods First, a focus group with six patients with asthma and/or COPD was conducted to explore which aspects they considered significant for establishing trust in the pharmacy team. Subsequently, these insights were used to develop an online questionnaire. A link to the online questionnaire was distributed among patients with asthma and/or COPD. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analyses to identify underlying constructs for trust. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate whether these constructs affected trust (scale 1-10) in the pharmacy team. Results A total of 290 patients completed the questionnaire. On average, they rated their trust in the pharmacy team with a score of 7.4 out of 10 (SD: 1.5), almost identical to their trust in the pharmacist and pharmacy technician. Patient trust in pharmacy teams is influenced by their perception of engagement, expertise in medication-related matters, and effective communication. Conclusion Trust in the pharmacy team was observed as moderately high, indicating that there is room for improvement. Due to the changing role of the pharmacy team, its members should strive to enhance their patient-centred skills ensuring ongoing efforts to build and maintain trust with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland te Paske
- Department of Healthcare from the Perspective of Patients, Clients and Citizens, Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacotherapy, - Epidemiology & -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Liset van Dijk
- Department of Healthcare from the Perspective of Patients, Clients and Citizens, Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacotherapy, - Epidemiology & -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Selina Yilmaz
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacotherapy, - Epidemiology & -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek J Linn
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Job F M van Boven
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcia Vervloet
- Department of Healthcare from the Perspective of Patients, Clients and Citizens, Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Jakobsen AH, Småbrekke L, Chen TF, Halvorsen KH. Exploring stakeholders' perspectives on the quality of services provided through community pharmacies. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1307-1313. [PMID: 37296059 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.05.015] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is important to understand the factors impacting the quality of services provided through community pharmacies. Exploring how key stakeholders perceive good quality in these services is a logical first step. This could also inform the development of quality measures, such as quality indicators (QIs). AIM To identify key stakeholders' perspectives on the quality of services provided through community pharmacies in Norway, specifically by exploring their experiences and perceptions about what constitutes good service quality. METHODS A convenient sampling approach was used to recruit participants for five semi-structured focus groups from Facebook, pharmacy chains, and patient organizations. The interviews with twenty-six participants were conducted via Microsoft Teams. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and an inductive thematic analysis with a reflexive approach was used. RESULTS Four main themes emerged from the analysis; 1) sufficient and substantively suitable information to cover individual needs, 2) communication skills and relationships with the pharmacy professionals, 3) customer satisfaction with knowledgeable employees and conveniently located pharmacies, and 4) factors that affect the pharmacy working environment. CONCLUSION This study has identified areas that pharmacy professionals and customers regard as essential to define good quality of community pharmacy services. Effective communication skills, appropriate provision of information, customer satisfaction, and working environment are all essential factors when developing quality metrics for community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Helen Jakobsen
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Lars Småbrekke
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Timothy F Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kjell H Halvorsen
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
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Rabbani SA, Sridhar SB, Safdar M, Rao PGM, Jaber AAS, AlAhmad MM, Shaar K, Emad I, Azim MA. Assessment of Prescribing Practices and Factors Related to Antibiotic Prescribing in Community Pharmacies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050843. [PMID: 37241075 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overprescribing of antibiotics is one of the important contributors of antimicrobial resistance globally. A high proportion of antibiotics prescribed in community settings are unnecessary or inappropriate. This study assesses the prescribing practices and factors related to antibiotic prescribing in community pharmacies in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative approach was carried out in the community pharmacies of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE. Six hundred and thirty prescription encounters from 21 randomly selected community pharmacies were investigated using World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators. Factors related to antibiotic prescribing were identified using logistic regression analyses. Results: In 630 prescription encounters, a total of 1814 drugs were prescribed. Out of these, the most commonly prescribed drug class was antibiotics (43.8% prescriptions) and the antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid (22.4%). The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.88, which was higher than the WHO recommended value of 1.6-1.8. In addition, more than half of the prescriptions (58.6%) had drugs by generic names and the majority of the drugs prescribed (83.8%) were from the essential drug list, which were lower than the optimal values of 100%. The majority of the antibiotics prescribed in the study were from the WHO's Access group antibiotics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified patient age (children-OR: 7.40, 95% CI: 2.32-23.62, p = 0.001 and adolescent-OR: 5.86, 95% CI: 1.57-21.86, p = 0.008), prescriber qualification as general practitioner (OR: 1.84, 95% CI:1.30-2.60, p = 0.001), and number of drugs per prescription (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.98-6.21, p < 0.001) as independent factors associated with antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: This study reveals considerable variations from the WHO recommendations for the different prescribing indicators in the community pharmacies of RAK, UAE. In addition, the study reports overprescribing of antibiotics in the community setting, indicating the need for interventions to promote rational use of antibiotics in a community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Arman Rabbani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sathvik B Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maryam Safdar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Padma G M Rao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad M AlAhmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled Shaar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Israa Emad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Abdul Azim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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Gemmeke M, Koster ES, van der Velde N, Taxis K, Bouvy ML. Patients' experience with a community pharmacy fall prevention service. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100223. [PMID: 36785796 PMCID: PMC9918784 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100223] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists can contribute to fall prevention, by offering services such as fall risk screenings, counselling, and medication reviews. Patient acceptance of the role of pharmacists in fall prevention is crucial. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore patients' experience with a community pharmacy fall prevention service. Methods Interviews were conducted with patients one month after they participated in a pharmacy fall prevention service, in the Netherlands. Patient inclusion criteria for the service were: age ≥ 70 years, use of ≥5 drugs including ≥1 fall risk-increasing drug. The service included a fall risk screening followed by counselling and a medication review. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the consolidated framework for implementation research and included the following topics: outcomes, patient's motivation, and contact with the pharmacy technician. Results Of the 91 participants of the fall prevention service, 87 patients were interviewed with a median age of 78.0 years (first quartile [Q1] - third quartile [Q3]: 74.0-84.75) and 46.3% were female. Many patients expressed positive feedback about receiving a medication review. Most patients whose medication was deprescribed expressed to be positive about this. Others were reassured about the appropriateness of their medication use. Patients reported that the service enhanced their awareness about fall prevention. Only a few patients were motivated to adapt their lifestyle. Patients appreciated the attention and contact. Conclusions Patients see a potential benefit for a community pharmacy falls prevention service, including a medication review. Patient education appeared to enhance their fall risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marle Gemmeke
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author at: Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ellen S. Koster
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Taxis
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics (PTEE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel L. Bouvy
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Stewart V, McMillan SS, Wheeler AJ. The development of a taxonomy to support goal setting between mental health consumers and community pharmacists. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:4003-4008. [PMID: 35717529 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.003] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Goal setting is widely used in mental healthcare, yet there is limited information about goal development between community pharmacists and people experiencing mental health conditions. OBJECTIVES i) To review goals developed in partnership between Australian community pharmacists and people experiencing depression/anxiety, and ii) categorize goals and develop a taxonomy. METHODS Community pharmacists (n = 142) who had completed a mental health training program provided an individualized medication support service and documented goal planning for 350 people experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Goals were reviewed using a general inductive content analysis to develop themes which were then grouped, categorized, and coded. This involved three researchers in different phases of the coding, repeated review and redrafting of the taxonomy, and inter-rater reliability consistency checks. RESULTS The goals (n = 749) represented a diverse range of health behaviors and outcomes (e.g., medication adherence, relationships, leisure activities). The resulting taxonomy involved five overarching domains: improved health; satisfaction with life; manage physical illnesses; manage mental health; and use of medicines. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists have a role in providing person-centered care and addressing social determinants of health by considering factors that contribute to a person's overall wellbeing. While further testing is necessary, the taxonomy is valuable for pharmacists unfamiliar with supporting goal development with people experiencing anxiety and/or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Stewart
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia.
| | - Sara S McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia; Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Experiences and Expectations of Ethnic Minorities and Majorities towards Community Pharmacy Medicines-Related Services in Estonia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084755. [PMID: 35457620 PMCID: PMC9024469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The unique professional competence of pharmacists can support the safe and effective use of medicines by patients. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge and incorporate the needs of patients with various cultural and social backgrounds. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the experiences and expectations of Russian- and Estonian-speaking pharmacy customers about medicines-related services in Estonian community pharmacies. Cross-sectional study among pharmacy customers was conducted in Estonia 2018−2020. For data analysis, an Independent t-Test was used to compare experiences and expectations of respondents towards medicines-related services. The study involved 552 pharmacy customers: 58.5% (n = 323) Estonians and 41.5% (n = 229) Russians. The majority of the total sample (78.3%) considered the pharmacist competent to help. Medicines-related concerns were more common among Russians (p = 0.037), however, they sought less contact to consult a pharmacist than Estonians (p < 0.001). Furthermore, expectations about different medicines-related services in the future were higher among Estonians than among Russians (p < 0.001). Community pharmacists in Estonia should focus more on person-centered care to better meet the expectations and needs of different ethnic groups about medicines-related services. It is also important to reduce the language barrier and to increase the recognition of cultural traditions by health professionals.
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