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Cortie CH, Garne D, Parker-Newlyn L, Ivers RG, Mullan J, Mansfield KJ, Bonney A. The Australian health workforce: Disproportionate shortfalls in small rural towns. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:538-546. [PMID: 38597124 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The distribution of health care workers differs greatly across Australia, which is likely to impact health delivery. OBJECTIVE To examine demographic and workplace setting factors of doctors, nurses and midwives, and allied health professionals across Modified Monash Model (MMM) regions and identify factors associated with shortfalls in the health care workforce. DESIGN Descriptive cross-sectional analysis. The study included all health professionals who were registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in 2021, and who were working in Australia in their registered profession. The study examined number of registrations and full-timed equivalent (FTE) registrations per MMM region classification, adjusted for population. Associated variables included age, gender, origin of qualification, Indigenous status and participation in the private or public (including government, non-government organisation and not-for-profit organisations) sectors. FINDINGS Data were available for 31 221 general practitioners, 77 277 other doctors, 366 696 nurses and midwives, and 195 218 allied health professionals. The lowest FTE per 1000 people was seen in MM5 regions for general practitioners, other doctors, nurses and midwives, and allied health professionals. Demographic factors were mostly consistent across MM regions, although MM5 regions had a higher percentage of nurses and midwives and allied health professionals aged 55 and over. In the private sector, FTE per 1000 people was lowest in MM5-7 regions. In the public sector, FTE per 1000 people was lowest in MM5 regions. DISCUSSION A disproportionate shortfall of health workers was seen in MM5 regions. This shortfall appears to be primarily due to low FTE per capita of private sector workers compared with MM1-4 regions and a low FTE per capita of public sector workers compared with MM6-7 regions. CONCLUSION In Australia, small rural towns have the lowest number of health care workers per capita which is likely to lead to poor health outcomes for those regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H Cortie
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Garne
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndal Parker-Newlyn
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rowena G Ivers
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judy Mullan
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie J Mansfield
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Bonney
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Badru OA, Alabi TA, Okerinde SS, Kabir MA, Abdulrazaq A, Adeagbo OA, Badru FA. Investigating the emigration intention of health care workers: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2170. [PMID: 38773757 PMCID: PMC11109476 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2170] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To (1) explore the intramigration experience of HCWs within Nigeria, (2) explore the migration intention of health care workers (HCWs) in Nigeria and (3) identify the predictors of migration intention among HCWs in Nigeria. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS The online survey was used to collect data from 513 HCWs in Nigeria between May and June 2023. Crude and adjusted logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with emigration intention. Analyses were performed on SPSS version 26 at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The study found that 34.4% had intramigration experience, and the rate of intention to emigrate to work in another country was 80.1%. The United Kingdom was the most preferred destination (109 HCWs), followed by Canada (92 HCWs) and the United States (82 HCWs). At the multivariate level, emigration intention was associated with the experience of burnout and duration of practice as a HCW. Nurses had higher emigration intentions than medical doctors. CONCLUSIONS Many HCWs in Nigeria appear to have emigration intent, and nurses are more likely to be willing to migrate than doctors. The Nigerian government may want to explore strategies to reverse the emigration intent of the HCWs in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Abdulganiyu Badru
- Department of Community and Behavioral HealthUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching HospitalSokotoNigeria
| | - Tunde Adeyemo Alabi
- Department of SociologyUniversity of LagosLagosNigeria
- Department of SociologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | - Oluwafemi Atanda Adeagbo
- Department of Community and Behavioral HealthUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Department of SociologyUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
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Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Lee K, Page AT. Pharmacists working in residential aged care: a survey of pharmacist interest and perceived preparedness. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:506-514. [PMID: 38315305 PMCID: PMC10960889 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists involvement in residential aged care facilities has traditionally been limited to that of an external contractor providing medication reviews, or medication supply. AIM To explore Australian pharmacists' interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site pharmacists in residential aged care. METHOD National cross-sectional anonymous online survey open for two weeks (September 17th to October 1st 2022) consisting of Likert-type, multiple choice and multiple selection questions. Australian pharmacists were recruited using a broad advertising strategy which included social and traditional media platforms, and snowball sampling. Data were collected on pharmacist self-reported interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site aged care pharmacists in residential aged care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Responses were received from 720 participants, 643 were eligible. Most participants were female (n = 466, 73%) and mean (SD) age was 43.5 (SD 12.5) years. Over half the participants were interested or extremely interested in working as an on-site aged care pharmacist (56%, n = 360), and agreed or strongly agreed (n = 475, 76%) that they felt prepared to work as an on-site aged care pharmacist. Most pharmacists felt prepared to engage in a variety of roles within the facilities (> 73% for each role), including resident and system level roles, and the majority agreed they felt prepared to engage with stakeholders, including general practitioners (93%) and medical specialists (86%). CONCLUSION Pharmacists reported they are interested and feel prepared to work as on-site aged care pharmacists. These findings will inform the roll-out of this new model of care to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration in residential aged care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Laboratory of Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Mill D, Johnson JL, Percival M, Lee K, Salter SM, D'Lima D, Seubert L, Clifford R, Page AT. Pharmacists' use of guidelines for the supply of non-prescription medicines: a cross-sectional survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023; 31:478-488. [PMID: 37440321 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guidelines support best practice for healthcare practice. In Australia, some non-prescription medicines are only accessible after consultation with a pharmacist and are known as Pharmacist Only medicines. Guidelines for providing some Pharmacist Only medicines are available, however, it is currently unknown if and how these guidelines are used in practice.The objective was to characterise pharmacists', intern pharmacists and pharmacy students' use of guidelines for Pharmacist Only medicines. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey of Australian registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students was administered in July 2020. Questions explored the participants' use of Pharmacist Only medicine guidelines (available both in print and online; available online only) in the preceding 12 months. Data were analysed descriptively (i.e. frequencies, percentages). KEY FINDINGS In total, 574 eligible respondents completed the survey. Overall, 396 (69%) reported accessing the online and in-print guidelines in the previous 12 months with 185 (33%) accessing online-only guidelines. The guideline on emergency contraception was used the most out of all guidelines in the past 12 months (278, 48%). Overall, respondents reported accessing guidelines to update knowledge, check their practice reflected best practice and content familiarisation. Respondents' reasons for not accessing guidelines were due to respondents stating they did not need the information or that they had previously accessed the guidelines more than 12 months ago. These reasons varied between respondent groups. CONCLUSIONS Access and use of the Pharmacist Only medicines guidelines varied between pharmacists, interns and students. Further understanding of the influences of the use of these guidelines will help inform professional bodies on how best to develop guidelines to increase consistent use in practice and implement interventions to increase use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Mill
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Johnson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mia Percival
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra M Salter
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Danielle D'Lima
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Liza Seubert
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Mill D, Johnson JL, Corre L, Lee K, D'Lima D, Clifford R, Seubert L, Salter SM, Page AT. Use of a reference text by pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students: a national cross-sectional survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023; 31:548-557. [PMID: 37454279 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reference texts assist pharmacists by addressing knowledge gaps and enabling evidence-based decisions when providing patient care. It is unknown whether reference text utilisation patterns differ between pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students. To describe and compare the self-reported use and perceptions of a reference text, namely the national formulary, by pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students. METHODS Registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students living in Australia were surveyed in July 2020. The survey was electronic and self-administered. Questions considered self-reported use of a specific reference text in the preceding 12 months. KEY FINDINGS There were 554 eligible responses out of 774 who commenced the survey: 430 (78%) pharmacists, 45 (8%) intern pharmacists and 79 (14%) pharmacy students. Most participants (529/554, 96%) reported historical use of the text, though pharmacists were significantly less likely than intern pharmacists and students to use it frequently (52/422, 12% versus 16/43, 37% versus 23/76, 30%, P < 0.001). Pharmacists (44%, 177/404) reported using the text as a tool to resolve a situation when providing a service or patient care (177/404, 44%) or as a teaching resource (150/404, 38%). In contrast, intern pharmacists and students most commonly use these to familiarise themselves with the contents (30/43, 70%; 46/76, 61%) or update their knowledge (34/43, 79%; 53/76, 70%). CONCLUSIONS Access and use patterns varied significantly across career stages. A broader understanding of the use of reference texts may help develop interventions to optimise the content and usability. Varying usage patterns across the groups may inform the tailoring of texts for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Mill
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Johnson
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren Corre
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Danielle D'Lima
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Liza Seubert
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra M Salter
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Buckingham PLM, Hussainy S, Soon J, Norman WV, Bateson D, Mazza D. Improving access to quality contraceptive counselling in community pharmacy: examining the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in Australia. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 49:87-96. [PMID: 36410765 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2022-201623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across most of Australia, the role of community pharmacists in contraceptive care has been unchanged since 2004. To understand their current scope of practice and potential for practice advancements, we examined community pharmacists' contraceptive knowledge and their attitudes, practices and perceived barriers to and benefits of contraceptive counselling provision. METHODS A nationwide postal survey was conducted between September and December 2020. We contacted a state/territory-stratified sample of 2149 community pharmacies and limited eligibility to one pharmacist per pharmacy. Summary statistics of respondent characteristics and parametric (χ2, linear regression) and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney, logistic regression) tests were computed for the outcomes: practices, knowledge (reported and tested), confidence, attitudes, barriers and benefits. RESULTS Eligible responses were received from 366 pharmacies (19%). Pharmacists' median age was 34. Most (85% of) pharmacists agreed that contraceptive counselling fits within their current professional activities and emphasised benefits to their patients, including improved access to contraceptive decision support (80%), as being key motivators of counselling. A lack of payment mechanisms (66%), training opportunities (55%) and technical assistance tools (54%) were the most important barriers. Self-rated knowledge and confidence were highest for combined oral contraceptive pills and lowest for the copper intrauterine device (IUD). When tested, pharmacists were very knowledgeable about method, dosage, frequencies and costs, and relatively less knowledgeable about side-effects and IUD suitability for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists provide contraceptive information and counselling but lack the necessary resources and support to be able to consistently provide quality, person-centred care. Remuneration mechanisms, training opportunities and pharmacy-specific professional resources need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Safeera Hussainy
- Monash University Department of General Practice, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judith Soon
- The University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy V Norman
- Dept of Family Practice, The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Deborah Bateson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, The Daffodil Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Family Planning New South Wales, Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Monash University Department of General Practice, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Al-Diery T, Freeman H, Page AT, Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Lee K. What types of information do pharmacists include in comprehensive medication management review reports? A qualitative content analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 2023:10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5. [PMID: 36932315 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive medication management reviews are an established intervention to identify medication-related problems, such as the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications, and under- and over-prescribing. However, the types of information included in written reports of comprehensive medication management reviews, beyond types of medication-related problems, are unknown. AIM This study aimed to explore the types of information Australian pharmacists include in their written reports following comprehensive medication management reviews. METHOD Australian consultant pharmacists were invited to upload their 10 most recent written reports of their domiciliary-based comprehensive medication management reviews. A random selection of the reports, stratified by each pharmacist, were included for qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Seventy-two de-identified reports from eight consultant pharmacists located in five of the eight Australian States and Territories were included for analysis. From the evaluated reports, four major categories of information were identified: (1) patient details such as date of interview (n = 72, 100%) and medicine history (n = 70, 97%); (2) pharmacist assessment including assessment of the patient (n = 70, 97%), medicines management (n = 68, 94%) and medicine-related issues (n = 60, 83%); (3) pharmacist recommendations, specifically pharmacological recommendations (n = 67, 93%); and (4) patient-centred experiences such as perspectives on medicines (n = 56, 78%). Reporting of patient-centred experiences appeared most variably in the included reports, including patient concerns (n = 38, 53%), willingness for change (n = 27, 38%), patient preferences (n = 13, 18%), and patient goals (n = 7, 10%). CONCLUSION Pharmacists within our study included a wide variety of information in their comprehensive medication management review reports. Aside from medication-related problems, pharmacists commonly provided a holistic assessment of the patients they care for. However, variability across reports has the potential to impact consistent service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hollie Freeman
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Lee K, O'Donnell LK, Page AT. Factors influencing pharmacist interest and preparedness to work as on-site aged care pharmacists: Insights from qualitative analysis of free-text survey responses. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 110:104971. [PMID: 36842404 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of suboptimal medication use exist in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Pharmacist interventions can improve medication appropriateness. In 2023 there will be a phased implementation of pharmacists working on-site in Australian RACFs. OBJECTIVE To explore factors influencing Australian pharmacists' interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site pharmacists in RACFs. METHODS A national cross-sectional anonymous online survey of Australian pharmacists was conducted. Pharmacists were recruited using a broad advertising strategy. The 36-question survey included three free-text questions that are the focus of this study. The questions asked participants (1) what influenced their interest in the role, (2) what influenced how prepared they felt for the role, and (3) if they had any other comments about the role. Responses were thematically analysed by two investigators using an inductive approach. RESULTS Most survey respondents (n=546, 84.9%) answered at least one free-text questions. Four factors influenced interest: on-site pharmacist role, aged care setting, individual pharmacist circumstances and employment model. Four factors influenced preparedness: familiarity with aged care setting, resident-level clinical skills; ability to communicate and work with a multidisciplinary team, and experience with system-level quality use of medicines activities. Four factors important for successful roll-out emerged from the 'other comments': pharmacist attributes, pharmacist workforce planning, resources and support, and RACF stakeholder engagement. CONCLUSION Key factors influencing pharmacist interest and preparedness to work on-site in RACFs and factors important for success were identified. These findings will support the national roll-out of the role, particularly as most identified factors are currently modifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia.
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy T Page
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Lee K, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Page AT. Clinical pharmacists' reported approaches and processes for undertaking Home Medicines Review services: A national survey. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 109:104965. [PMID: 36821873 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comprehensive medicines reviews are a strategy to reduce medicines-related harm. In Australia, Home Medicines Review services (HMRs) are provided by consultant pharmacists to community-dwelling consumers, on referral from the consumer's medical practitioner. Limited research exists on the processes undertaken by consultant pharmacists when delivering HMRs, particularly as it relates to the information types received, collected, and reported. OBJECTIVE Describe the types of information consultant pharmacists report receiving in HMR referrals, collect before and during consumer consultations, and include in their written reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a national online survey of Australian consultant pharmacists who deliver HMRs. Participants were recruited using a broad advertising strategy, including social and traditional media platforms, and snowballing. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Of the 248 eligible participants, 179 (72%) completed the survey. The most commonly included information in the referral was medication list (97%), the least were details of hospitalisations (8%) and specialist letters (5%). Information pertaining to hospitalisation and specialist letters were collected by 20% of participants prior to the consultation. Details of, and history from, community pharmacy was the most sought information prior to consultations. Less than a quarter of participants 'most of the time' or 'always' formally assess adherence using a validated instrument during the consultation. Participants commonly (80%) report consumer concerns in the written report. CONCLUSIONS Consultant pharmacists collect a broad variety of information, beyond medicines-related content. Written HMR reports by consultant pharmacists were often reported to be consumer-centric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Mazza D, James S, Black K, Taft A, Bateson D, McGeechan K, Norman WV. Increasing the availability of long-acting reversible contraception and medical abortion in primary care: the Australian Contraception and Abortion Primary Care Practitioner Support Network (AusCAPPS) cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065583. [PMID: 36521891 PMCID: PMC9756212 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although primary care practitioners are the main providers of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and early medical abortion (EMA) in Australia, few provide these services. A professional community of practice (CoP) has the potential to improve LARC and EMA provision through evidence-based guidance, expert support and peer-to-peer engagement.The primary objective is to establish, implement and evaluate an innovative, multidisciplinary online CoP (AusCAPPS Network) to increase LARC and EMA services in Australian primary care. Secondary objectives are to (1) increase the number of general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists certified to provide or dispense EMA, respectively, (2) increase LARC and EMA prescription rates and, (3) improve primary care practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and provision of LARC and EMA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A stakeholder knowledge exchange workshop (KEW) will be conducted to inform the AusCAPPS Network design. Once live, we aim to reach 3000 GPs, practice nurses and community pharmacists members. Changes in the number of GPs and pharmacists certified to provide or dispense EMA, respectively, and changes in the number of LARCs and EMAs prescribed will be gleaned through health service data. Changes in the knowledge attitudes and practices will be gleaned through an online survey with 500 individuals from each professional group at baseline and 12 months after members have joined AusCAPPs; and experiences of the AusCAPPS Network will be evaluated using interviews with the project team plus a convenience sample of 20 intervention participants from each professional group. The project is underpinned by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework, and a realist framework will inform analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was received from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (No. 28002). Dissemination will occur through KEWs, presentations, publications and domestic and international networks. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12622000655741.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Mazza
- SPHERE, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon James
- SPHERE, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten Black
- Specialty of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Taft
- Judith Lumley Centre, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah Bateson
- Gynaecology and Neonatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kevin McGeechan
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy V Norman
- Department of Family Practice, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
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Kurashvili M, Reinhold K, Järvis M. Managing an ageing healthcare workforce: a systematic literature review. J Health Organ Manag 2022; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 36205415 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-11-2021-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this paper is to review research conducted on managing the ageing healthcare workforce and identify gaps for further research. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A systematic literature search of studies in the English language was carried out in Scopus and Web of Science databases. FINDINGS The study consists of an analysis of 75 published articles. The majority of the papers were published in recent years, indicating a growing interest in the field. The authors specified the following inclusion criteria: all years, articles/reviews, English language and full text in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The authors of the paper illustrated seven major categories with different topics that were suggested for future research. It included: challenges of labor market in the healthcare field, age-related changes and their influence on work ability, training opportunities and lifelong learning among ageing health workforce, motives of early retirement, ageing and its relationship to Occupational Health and Safety. Longitudinal studies and case study strategy with mixed-methods approaches were suggested for future research by the authors. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper summarizes knowledge related to the management of ageing health workforce, describes topics researched and as a result, presents findings on and conclusions about the most important future implications of the ageing workforce for management in the healthcare field providing lines for further research. To the authors' knowledge, no holistic systematic literature reviews have been published in academic journals targeted specifically to ageing healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kurashvili
- Department of Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Karin Reinhold
- Department of Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Marina Järvis
- Department of Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Bates I, Patel D, Chan AHY, Rutter V, Bader L, Meilianti S, Udoh A. A comparative analysis of pharmaceutical workforce development needs across the commonwealth. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 19:167-179. [PMID: 36031527 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing demographic healthcare challenges, such as increased life expectancy coupled with increased use of medicines for complex morbidities, point to the need for globally applicable transformative policies in health workforce development. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has established a set of 21 Global Development Goals (FIP DGs) to strengthen pharmacy workforce and benchmark professional developmental needs. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify policy directions and factors affecting pharmacy workforce development across the Commonwealth, and to examine country progress made towards implementing workforce oriented FIP DGs. METHODS The study involved a literature review and a global survey of commonwealth countries professional leadership bodies. The literature database search included PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and PsychINFO databases as well as the websites of the respective national pharmacy organisations of Commonwealth countries. A global survey was also conducted to assess country-level alignment with the workforce component of FIP DGs. RESULTS Thirty-one articles representing 21 Commonwealth countries were included in the literature overview. The development needs identified were workforce shortages and inequitable distribution across practice areas and geographical regions, low workforce supply capacity, workforce feminisation, lack of professional recognition, limited training opportunities, low job satisfaction, high workload and attrition. The survey showed disparities in country-level progress and alignment with the FIP DGs. High-income countries in the survey sample reported alignment with most of the FIP DGs, while the low-income countries reported alignment with fewer DGs. More than two-thirds of the countries showed alignment with the FIP DGs related to academic capacity, early career training, quality assurance and advancing integrated services. About half reported alignment with the FIP DGs related to competency and leadership development, respectively, while only a third aligned with the equity and equality DG. CONCLUSION This study identified realistic pharmacy workforce developmental needs across a range of Commonwealth countries. Addressing these needs through appropriate policy interventions will be essential for increasing the pharmacy workforce capacity and assuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care and medicines expertise in these countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Bates
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK; International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 5, 2517, JP The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Devang Patel
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Amy Hai Yan Chan
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK; Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, 66 - 68 East Smithfield, London, E1W 1AW, UK
| | - Victoria Rutter
- Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, 66 - 68 East Smithfield, London, E1W 1AW, UK
| | - Lina Bader
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 5, 2517, JP The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Sherly Meilianti
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK; International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 5, 2517, JP The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Arit Udoh
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 5, 2517, JP The Hague, the Netherlands; College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Alnahar SA, Mamiya KT, John C, Bader L, Bates I. Experience with pharmacy academic programmes and career aspirations of pharmacy students and young pharmacists-an international cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:444. [PMID: 35676676 PMCID: PMC9178883 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03510-8] [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: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess pharmacy students and young pharmacists' motives to pursue pharmacy degrees, their overall experiences and satisfaction with their pharmacy academic programmes, and their career aspirations and future plans. METHODS Between May-2019 and March-2020, a self-administered online questionnaire was distributed via the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation and the Young Pharmacists Group at the International Pharmaceutical Federation. The questionnaire targeted pharmacy students and young pharmacists worldwide. Data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. RESULTS In total, 1,423 pharmacy students and young pharmacists participated in the study. Almost 70% (993) of respondents reported that pharmacy was their first choice subject for study. Intentions for studying pharmacy were driven by an interest in healthcare, wanting to help people as well as an interest in science. In general, more than 60% of the participants had a satisfactory education experience. However, dissatisfaction was more prevalent among current pharmacy students in comparison to young pharmacists. Out of 1,423 participants, 1,110 (78%) showed a continuing desire to practice pharmacy. Being female and resident of a middle-income country increased the likelihood of being more satisfied with the academic programme. Having pharmacy as the subject first-choice and being generally satisfied with the academic programmes were positively associated with participants' willingness to practice pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that the majority of this extensive sample had pharmacy as their profession of choice and wanted to continue to practice in the future. In addition most of the targeted population indicated satisfaction with their pharmacy academic programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saja A. Alnahar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
- Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Primary Care and Public Health-Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kayoko Takeda Mamiya
- Hokkaido University of Science, 7-15-4-1 Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-8590 Japan
| | - Christopher John
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Lina Bader
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Ian Bates
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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14
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OUP accepted manuscript. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022; 30:354-359. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Mill D, Johnson JL, Lee K, Salter SM, D'Lima D, Seubert L, Clifford R, Page AT. Use of professional practice guidance resources in pharmacy: a cross-sectional nationwide survey of pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmacy students. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:114. [PMID: 34965894 PMCID: PMC8715411 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00395-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Variations in practice are commonplace in healthcare where health professionals, such as pharmacists act as autonomous practitioners. This is evident in simulated patient studies, where pharmacists practice does not meet widely accepted standards for medicines supply or treatment of an ailment. To promote best pharmacy practice a myriad of guidance resources including practice guidelines, codes and standards are produced by professional organisations. These resources provide a framework for pharmacy practice and endeavour to facilitate consistency in provision of pharmacy-based services to consumers. Despite their role in specifying essential pharmacist behaviours, there is limited research exploring if and how these resources are used in practice. Objective To characterise Australian pharmacists’ use of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Code of Ethics, Professional Practice Guidelines and Professional Practice Standards. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered, electronic survey of registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students living in Australia was conducted in July 2020. Questions considered use of professional practice resources (by resource group) in the preceding 12 months. Data were analysed descriptively. Results Of 601 responses included in the analysis 462 (76.9%) of respondents were registered pharmacists, 88 (14.6%) pharmacy students and 51 (8.5%) intern pharmacists. Interns and students accessed overarching practice resources, such as the Professional Practice Standards, Code of Ethics and Dispensing Practice Guidelines more frequently than practising pharmacists. Pharmacists accessed professional practice guidelines, such as Practice Guidelines for the Provision of Immunisation Services Within Pharmacy, more often than students. More pharmacists than interns and students indicated that they would access guidelines to resolve practice and patient care issues. All resources except the Professional Practice Standards for Pharmacists (67.4%) were accessed by less than 50% of respondents in the preceding 12-month period. Reasons for not accessing resources varied between participant and resource groups, and generally were due to a lack of awareness of the resource or not considering them necessary for the individual’s practice. Conclusion(s) Access and use patterns for professional practice guidance resources change with experience. Professional organisations responsible for developing resources should consider these patterns when designing and reviewing resources and related policies. To ensure resources are meeting the needs of the profession, students, interns, and pharmacists should be involved in the review of and design of further resources. Pharmacy students access core guidance resources more than practising pharmacists. Pharmacists and interns access service specific resources more than students. Most resources were accessed by less than half of respondents in a 12-month period. Resources used to update knowledge, check practice and improve resource familiarity. Irrelevant content, no perceived need for information and poor awareness limited use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Mill
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Jacinta L Johnson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,SA Pharmacy, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sandra M Salter
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Danielle D'Lima
- Centre for Behaviour Change, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Liza Seubert
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Amy T Page
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Pharmacy Department, The Alfred, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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