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Mena Á. Stratification tools in the follow-up of people living with HIV, are they necessary and applicable? FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2024; 48:143-144. [PMID: 38944586 DOI: 10.1016/j.farma.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Mena
- Dirección Asistencial, Área Sanitaria de A Coruña e Cee, A Coruña, España; Grupo de Virología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC)-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, España.
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Mena Á. [Translated article] Stratification tools in the follow-up of people living with HIV: Are they necessary and applicable? FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2024; 48:T143-T144. [PMID: 38991819 DOI: 10.1016/j.farma.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Mena
- Dirección Asistencial, Área Sanitaria de A Coruña e Cee, A Coruña, Spain; Grupo de Virología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC)-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.
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Lassi N. Delayed and unmet prescription drug access linked to elevated anxiety symptoms during COVID-19: Retrospective findings from the NLSY79 child and young adult cohort. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 13:100411. [PMID: 38317646 PMCID: PMC10840319 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100411] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic produced substantial challenges to pharmacy systems worldwide and provoked concerns about a wider influence on mental health. While various studies have investigated the relationship between disruptions in access to healthcare and mental health, the effects of delayed and unmet access to prescription drugs on anxiety-related outcomes have been underexamined. Objective This study analyzed the impact of delayed and unmet access to prescription drugs on anxiety-related outcomes, including anxiety, inability to stop or control worrying, worrying too much, trouble relaxing, trouble sitting still, being annoyed or irritable, and fear of future events, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 Child and Young Adult dataset, encompassing 2193 individuals. One-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between access to prescription drugs and anxiety-related symptoms. Results The findings show that, before the pandemic, instances of delayed/unable to access prescription drugs were either not linked to anxiety symptoms or, in some cases, were linked to anxiety symptoms but no different than during the pandemic. Delayed access to prescription drugs amid the pandemic was significantly linked with increases in anxiety symptoms not found pre-pandemic, including worrying too much (F = 18.433, p < .001, η2p = 0.017), trouble relaxing (F = 11.423, p < .001, η2p = 0.010), and being easily annoyed or irritable (F = 3.881, p = .021, η2p = 0.004). Similarly, unmet access to prescription drugs amid the pandemic was significantly linked with increases in anxiety-related symptoms not found pre-pandemic, including an inability to stop or control worrying (F = 14.666, p < .001, η2p = 0.013) and worrying too much (F = 18.433, p < .001, η2p = 0.017). Conclusions These results have implications for pharmacy administrators and policymakers seeking to understand and limit adverse mental health outcomes within pharmacy during times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lassi
- Corresponding author at: Western Data Research Center of China, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Chengguan Dist., Lanzhou, China.
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Siddiqua A, Makki S, Siddiqui S, A. Abdelkarim R, Jubran T, Nwar W, Alqahtani A, Alshehri M, Saeed M, Khaled A. Community Pharmacists' Knowledge and Perception towards Telepharmacy Services and Willingness to Practice It in Light of COVID-19. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6656097. [PMID: 38328797 PMCID: PMC10849811 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6656097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was increased adoption of telepharmacy, which has proven benefits. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of the community pharmacists of Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, towards telepharmacy services and evaluate their willingness to adopt telepharmacy in clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered structured anonymous questionnaire on the community pharmacists of Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. It covers demographics, computer access and literacy, knowledge and perception, and willingness to practice telepharmacy. Results were expressed as frequencies, percentages, and mean. The comparison between the classes of the demographic variables and the scores was done via Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Result About half of the pharmacists in our study showed average knowledge about telepharmacy, the practical application of telepharmacy technology, and telepharmacy guidelines with a percentage of 53%, 52%, and 47%, respectively). Majority of the participants showed high perception towards telepharmacy in Saudi Arabia, while 93% of the pharmacists in Saudi Arabia agreed that the implementation of telepharmacy technology is appropriate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Only a significant relation was found between gender and computer access, literacy, and perceptions towards telepharmacy with p values of 0.033 and 0.026, respectively. Conclusion The majority of the community pharmacists exhibited a positive perception and are willing to practice the concept of telepharmacy despite having a below average knowledge of telepharmacy. A future study involving the entire kingdom of Saudi Arabia could help identify the gaps in the knowledge, perception, and willingness to practice telepharmacy on a broader scale and thus promote telepharmacy adoption in the entire kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Siddiqua
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soha Makki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sazada Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Randa A. Abdelkarim
- Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Informatics, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Tahani Jubran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wejdan Nwar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maram Saeed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Khaled
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University Hospital, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Tan MS, Patel BK, Roughead EE, Ward M, Reuter SE, Roberts G, Andrade AQ. Opportunities for clinical decision support targeting medication safety in remote primary care management of chronic kidney disease: A qualitative study in Northern Australia. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231204545. [PMID: 37822219 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231204545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to identify opportunities for clinical decision support targeting medication safety in remote primary care, by investigating the relationship between clinical workflows, health system priorities, cognitive tasks, and reasoning processes in the context of medicines used in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS This qualitative study involved one-on-one, semistructured interviews. The participants were healthcare professionals employed in a clinical or managerial capacity with clinical work experience in a remote health setting for at least 1 year. RESULTS Twenty-five clinicians were interviewed. Of these, four were rural medical practitioners, nine were remote area nurses, eight were Aboriginal health practitioners, and four were pharmacists. Four major themes were identified from the interviews: (1) the need for a clinical decision support system to support a sustainable remote health workforce, as clinicians were "constantly stretched" and problems may "fall through the cracks"; (2) reliance on digital health technologies, as medical staff are often not physically available and clinicians-on-duty usually "flick an email and give a call so that I can actually talk it through to our GP"; (3) knowledge gaps, as "it takes a lot of mental space" to know each patient's renal function and their medication history, and clinicians believe "mistakes can be made"; and (4) multiple risk factors impacting CKD management, including clinical, social and behavioural determinants. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of CKD and reliance on digital health systems in remote primary health settings can make a clinical decision support system valuable for supporting clinicians who may not have extensive experience in managing medicines for people with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Sa Tan
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bhavini K Patel
- Medicines Management Unit, Department of Health, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Roughead
- Quality Use of Medicine and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Ward
- Quality Use of Medicine and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephanie E Reuter
- Quality Use of Medicine and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gregory Roberts
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andre Q Andrade
- Quality Use of Medicine and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Sugita H, Sato MT, Hasegawa T, Noma H, Ota E, Toyoda S. Clinical effectiveness of telepharmacy services in patients with non-communicable diseases in ambulatory care settings. Hippokratia 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Sugita
- Department of Hospital Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy; Showa University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Miki Takenaka Sato
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; School of Pharmacy, Showa University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Takeshi Hasegawa
- Showa University Research Administration Center (SURAC); Showa University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Hisashi Noma
- Department of Data Science; The Institute of Statistical Mathematics; Tokyo Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science; St Luke's International University; Chuo-ku Japan
| | - Shunsuke Toyoda
- Department of Inpatient Pharmacy; PIH Hospital-Whittier; Whittier California USA
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Park T, Kim H, Song S, Griggs SK. Economic Evaluation of Pharmacist-Led Digital Health Interventions: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11996. [PMID: 36231307 PMCID: PMC9565470 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911996] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing interest in integrating digital technologies in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the economic value of pharmacist-led digital interventions. PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases were searched to select studies that had conducted economic evaluations of digital interventions by pharmacists for the period from January 2001 to February 2022. Economic evidence from 14 selected studies was synthesized in our analysis. Pharmacists used telephones, computers, web-based interventions, videotapes, smartphones, and multiple technologies for their digital interventions. Prior studies have reported the results of telephone-based interventions to be cost-effective. Alternatively, these interventions were found to be cost-effective when reevaluated with recently cited willingness-to-pay thresholds. In addition, pharmacist-led interventions based on computers, web-based interventions, smartphones, and multiple technologies have been reported to be cost-effective in previous studies. However, videotape-based intervention was found cost-ineffective because there was no significant difference in outcomes between the intervention and the usual care groups. If this intervention had been intensive enough to improve outcomes in the intervention group, favorable cost-effectiveness results could have been obtained. The economic evidence in the previous studies represented short-term economic values. Economic evaluations of the long-term value of digital interventions are warranted in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehwan Park
- Pharmacy Administration and Public Health, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Hyemin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Seunghyun Song
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Scott K. Griggs
- Pharmacy Administration, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Moulaei K, Shanbehzadeh M, Bahaadinbeigy K, Kazemi-Arpanahi H. Survey of the patients' perspectives and preferences in adopting telepharmacy versus in-person visits to the pharmacy: a feasibility study during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:99. [PMID: 35418072 PMCID: PMC9005615 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the health authorities recommended the implementation of strict social distancing and complete lockdown regulations to reduce disease spread. The pharmacists quickly adopted telemedicine (telepharmacy) as a solution against this crisis, but awareness about this technology is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore the patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telepharmacy instead of traditional in-person visits. Methods An electronic questionnaire was designed and sent to 313 patients who were eligible for the study (from March to April 2021). The questionnaire used five-point Likert scales to inquire about motivations for adopting telepharmacy and in-person visits, their perceived advantages and disadvantages, and the declining factors of telepharmacy. Finally, the results were descriptively analyzed using SPSS 22. Results Of all 313 respondents, a total of 241 (77%) preferred appointments via telepharmacy while 72 (23%) preferred in-person services. There was a significant difference between the selection percentage of telepharmacy and in-person services (chi-square 91.42; p < 0.0001). Preference bout the telepharmacy system versus in-person visits to the pharmacy was associated with factors such as "reducing the incidence of contagious disease" (4.41; ± 0.78), "spending less time receiving pharmaceutical services” (4.24; ± 0.86)), and “traveling a shorter distance for receiving pharmaceutical services" (4.25; ± 0.86). "Reducing costs" (90.87%), "saving time" (89.21%), and "reducing the incidence of contagious disease" (87.13%) were the most important reasons for choosing telepharmacy services. Also, “face-to-face communication with the pharmacist” (25%), “low internet bandwidth” (25%), and “reduction of patients' anxiety and the increase of their peace of mind” (23.61%) were the most important reasons for choosing in-person visits. Conclusion Survey data indicate that most participants are likely to prefer the use of telepharmacy, especially during crises such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Telepharmacy can be applied as an important means and a crucial service to lessen the load on healthcare organizations and expand drug supply shelters in pharmacies. However, there are still substantial hurdles to overcome in order to successfully implement the telemedicine platform as part of mainstream practice.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-01834-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Moulaei
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shanbehzadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi
- Department of Health Information Technology, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran. .,Student Research Committee, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
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Margusino-Framiñán L, Fernández-Llamazares CM, Negro-Vega E, Tortajada-Goitia B, Lizeaga G, Mercadal-Orfila G, Almeida-González C, Morillo-Verdugo R. Outpatients' Opinion And Experience Regarding Telepharmacy During The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Enopex Project. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 14:3621-3632. [PMID: 35002251 PMCID: PMC8725846 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s343528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telepharmacy, as a remote pharmaceutical care procedure, is being used worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of preserving the health of patients and professionals. Its future development should incorporate the assessment of patient perception, but no research study has investigated it. Objective The objective was to poll the opinions and experiences of outpatients with telepharmacy through a purpose-developed questionnaire and to assess it’s quality through an internal validity and reliability analysis. Methods Cross-sectional observational study of adult patients who used telepharmacy services during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Spain. The subjects answered a 24-item questionnaire, after giving their informed consent. Place of delivery, informed pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, opinion about telepharmacy, future development, ethics/satisfaction, and coordination constituted the six questionnaire categories. After assessing the adequate sample size with the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test, the Bartlett sphericity test analyzed the validity of the questionnaire. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s α coefficient calculations verified the reliability and internal consistency. Results A total of 9442 interviews were administered to patients from 81 hospitals, of which 8079 were valid (52.8% female). A 54.1% were aged between 41–65 years; 42.7% had been in treatment for more than 5 years; 42.8% lived between 6–31 miles from the hospital. As many as 96.7% of patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with telepharmacy, 97.5% considering it complementary to their usual follow-up; 55.9% expressed a preference for being followed up face to face when visiting the hospital. 75.6% said they had rather receive their medication at home. The sample size obtained was deemed appropriate [the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test (0.789) and Bartlett’s sphericity test (p<0.005)]. The reliability analysis resulted in a Cronbach α = 0.7. Conclusion Patients have shown high satisfaction with telepharmacy and the ENOPEX questionnaire is a tool with sufficient validity and reliability to be used in the evaluation of the care that patients receive through telepharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Negro-Vega
- Pharmacy Department, Getafe Universitary Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Garbiñe Lizeaga
- Pharmacy Department, Donostia Universitary Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain
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Abu-Farha R, Alzoubi KH, Rizik M, Karout S, Itani R, Mukattash T, Alefishat E. Public Perceptions About Home Delivery of Medication Service and Factors Associated with the Utilization of This Service. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:2259-2269. [PMID: 36034332 PMCID: PMC9416318 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s377558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Home medication delivery service is a major service for the public. It reduces overcrowding and unnecessary visits to health centers. This study aims to investigate the public perception of home delivery of medication service in Jordan and evaluate factors affecting the use of this service. METHODS The study was conducted in March 2022 using an online survey. Participants were asked to fill out a validated questionnaire to evaluate their perception of home delivery of medication service. RESULTS Among the 1032 adult participated in this study, the majority reported that they had heard of home delivery of medication service (n = 832, 80.6%). However, only 30.9% of them have used this service before. Results showed that 71.4% of the participants (n = 737) believe that home delivery of medication service is more convenient and accessible than in-store drug refill. In addition, 65.6% of the participants (n = 677) believed that home delivery of medication service is suitable only for refill-prescription drugs (65.0%). The main pros of the service as perceived by the study participants were to serve sick patients, elderly, and disabled people (n = 822, 79.7%). In contrast, the inability of patients to build a professional relationship with pharmacists using home delivery of medications service was the most perceived con of this service (n = 627, 60.8%). Finally, regression analysis revealed that older participants, those with chronic diseases, and those who visit community pharmacies two times or more per month revealed higher use of the service (P = <0.05). CONCLUSION This study has shown that most participants showed positive perceptions toward the home delivery of medication services. However, participants believed that this service may decrease pharmacist's patient contact time, thus affecting the quality of medication counseling. More comprehensive future studies are necessary to examine the financial aspects of such a service and its associated drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Mai Rizik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Samar Karout
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rania Itani
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tareq Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Eman Alefishat
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Correspondence: Eman Alefishat, Email
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Ahmed A, Dujaili JA, Hashmi FK, Awaisu A, Chaiyakunapruk N, Hasan SS. The economic impact of pharmacist care for people living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 3:100066. [PMID: 35480597 PMCID: PMC9031678 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Methods Results Conclusions The role of pharmacists in HIV care is expanding, and it is recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Therefore, we attempted to find the economic impact of these services. We discovered four such studies, each with minor differences in study intervention, study population, and follow-up duration, making it difficult to generalise their findings. Studies have shown that pharmacist interventions have economic benefits; however, future controlled and real world studies to determine the economic benefits, in the long run, are required to strengthen the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Juman Abdulelah Dujaili
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Furqan Khurshid Hashmi
- University College of Pharmacy, University of Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK
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Guénette L, Chagnon A, Turcotte V. User experience with the Ask Your Pharmacist teleconsultation platform. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021; 154:213-221. [PMID: 34104275 PMCID: PMC8165893 DOI: 10.1177/17151635211006446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of pharmacists use technology and social media to connect with patients. However, such means may pose confidentiality issues and legal problems. To correct this situation, a platform of teleconsultation services provided by pharmacists, titled “Ask Your Pharmacist,” was created in Quebec, Canada. Methods: A web-based satisfaction survey was carried out among patients and pharmacists who have used the Ask Your Pharmacist platform to describe their experience and satisfaction with the platform and explore the perceived usefulness of this service in the province of Quebec. Results: A total of 53 patients and 27 pharmacists completed the survey. Most patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience with Ask Your Pharmacist (96.2%), said that it met their need (88.7%), and agreed they would not have to consult again about the matter discussed with the pharmacist (75.5%). The main motivation of pharmacists for volunteering on Ask Your Pharmacist was to meet the needs of patients (85.1%), promote their profession (55.6%), improve drug utilization in the population (55.6%) and increase accessibility to a pharmacist (51.9%). Most (81.5%) felt that providing written consultation (rather than oral) required more research on their part. Discussion: Most patients judged they would not have to have another consultation about the matter discussed with the pharmacist, suggesting that Ask Your Pharmacist may avoid the need for physician and emergency department visits. Conclusion: Most patients and pharmacists were satisfied with their experience with Ask Your Pharmacist and perceived this service as useful. Further studies should assess the impact of this platform on the utilization of other health care services. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Guénette
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Laval University, Quebec City
| | - Alexandre Chagnon
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Granby, QC
| | - Véronique Turcotte
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Laval University, Quebec City
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Ibrahim OM, Ibrahim RM, Z Al Meslamani A, Al Mazrouei N. Role of telepharmacy in pharmacist counselling to coronavirus disease 2019 patients and medication dispensing errors. J Telemed Telecare 2020; 29:18-27. [PMID: 33059541 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x20964347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Remote pharmacist interventions have achieved much more attention during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, since they reduce the risk of transmission and can potentially increase the access of vulnerable populations, such as patients with COVID-19, to pharmaceutical care. This study aimed to examine differences in rates and types of pharmacist interventions related to COVID-19 and medication dispensing errors (MDEs) across community pharmacies with and without telepharmacy services. METHODS This was a prospective, disguised, observational study conducted over four months (from March 2020 to July 2020) in 52 community pharmacies (26 with and 26 without telepharmacy) across all seven states of the United Arab Emirates using proportionate random sampling. A standardised data-collection form was developed to include information about patient status, pharmacist interventions and MDEs. RESULTS The test (telepharmacy) group pharmacies provided pharmaceutical care to 19,974 patients, of whom 6371 (31.90%) and 1213 (6.07%) were probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19, respectively. The control group pharmacies provided care to 9151 patients, of whom 1074 (11.74%) and 33 (0.36%) were probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19, respectively. Rates of MDEs and their subcategories, prescription-related errors and pharmacist counselling errors across pharmacies with telepharmacy versus those without remote services were 15.81% versus 19.43% (p < 0.05), 5.38% versus 10.08% (p < 0.05) and 10.42% versus 9.35% (p > 0.05), respectively. DISCUSSION This is one of the first studies to provide high-quality evidence of the impact of telepharmacy on COVID-19 patients' access to pharmaceutical care and on medication dispensing safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Rana M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Z Al Meslamani
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadia Al Mazrouei
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Mohamed Ibrahim O, Ibrahim RM, Abdel-Qader DH, Al Meslamani AZ, Al Mazrouei N. Evaluation of Telepharmacy Services in Light of COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2020; 27:649-656. [PMID: 33030986 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telepharmacy services are expected to have an important role in increasing access of patients to pharmaceutical care and reducing potential dispensing errors in community pharmacies. Objective: To assess the predictors for effective telepharmacy services on increasing access of patients to care and reducing dispensing errors in community pharmacies. Method: This is a prospective study carried out for 4 months in 52 community pharmacies across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using disguised direct observation. Multivariable logistic regression was used as a tool to predict factors associated with effective telepharmacy services in improving dispensing safety and increasing access of patients to pharmaceutical care. Data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26. Results: Pharmacist recommendations related to COVID-19 at pharmacies with telepharmacy (n = 63,714) versus those without remote services (n = 15,539) were significantly more likely to be (1) contact the nearest testing center (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.93), (2) maintain home quarantine (AOR = 5.64), and (3) take paracetamol for fever (AOR = 3.53), all were significant results (p < 0.05). Rates of medication dispensing errors (MDEs) and its subcategories, prescription-related errors, and pharmacist counseling errors across pharmacies with telepharmacy versus those without remote services were (15.81% vs. 19.43%, p < 0.05), (5.38% vs. 10.08%, p < 0.05), and (10.42% vs. 9.35%, p > 0.05), respectively. However, pharmacies with telepharmacy were more likely to include wrong patient errors (AOR = 5.38, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Telepharmacy can be used as a tool to reduce the burden on the health care system and improve drug dispensing safety in community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Mohamed Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ahmad Z Al Meslamani
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadia Al Mazrouei
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Cadogan CA, Hughes CM. On the frontline against COVID-19: Community pharmacists' contribution during a public health crisis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:2032-2035. [PMID: 32245691 PMCID: PMC7270164 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of COVID-19 is placing unprecedented demands on healthcare services. In this time of crisis, innovative and adaptive methods of practising will be required across all health professions. In order to maximise the use of current available resources, it is vital that existing services are comprehensively reviewed and full use is made of any unrealised potential among healthcare providers. Community pharmacy is one of a number of health professions that has a key role to play in responding to the current pandemic. As the scope of community pharmacy practice varies considerably across countries, it is important to examine ways in which the profession can assist with the public health response to COVID-19 and maintaining the continuity of healthcare services. This article seeks to highlight roles and activities that community pharmacists can undertake to help in relieving pressure on other areas of the health service, such as general practice. This information could help to inform future decisions about the restructuring of existing health services by governments, public health bodies and policy makers in response to public health crises such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathal A Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Carmel M Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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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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