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Alexa JM, Bertsche T. An online cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists to assess information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1452-1463. [PMID: 37532842 PMCID: PMC10682211 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01624-7] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists play an important role in healthcare. They are frequently visited by patients to receive advice on self-medication products. Little research has been conducted to investigate pharmacists' information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling. AIM To assess community pharmacists' information needs in five predefined areas: general and specific individual needs, quality needs, utilisation needs, implication needs, and access needs for evidence based self-medication counselling. METHOD After ethical approval, we conducted an exploratory, semi-quantitative, cross-sectional online survey. Members of three different chambers of pharmacists in Germany were invited to participate anonymously in the survey. They gave informed consent and received no incentive for their participation. Quantitative outcome: Frequency of relevance / importance of items within predefined information needs areas, except for access needs. Qualitative outcome: Open-text responses concerning all information needs. RESULTS We analysed data from a total of 823 participants who completed the survey. General and specific information such as dosage (74.2% [611/823]) and when to refer to a physician (64.6% [532/823]) as well as an over-the-counter product's effectiveness according to medical guidelines (71.4% [588/823]) were rated as very important. Participants reported to prefer digital information sources (50.5% [416/823] strongly agreed), especially in the form of an easily accessible database (61.6% [507/823] strongly agreed) that contains regularly updated, manufacturer-independent, critically appraised, concise information. CONCLUSION Community pharmacists expressed distinct information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling. Further information services on essential evidence-based pharmacy knowledge may be necessary to support implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Alexa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Bruederstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Bertsche
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Bruederstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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2
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Hughes TD, Roller JS, Hahn F, Ferreri SP. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Community-Based Pharmacies: A Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:93. [PMID: 37368419 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11030093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As pharmacy practice shifts its focus toward population health care needs that serve public health, there is a need to understand community-based pharmacies' contributions to the reduction in health disparities. A scoping review was conducted to identify what community-based pharmacies in the United States are doing to target racial and ethnic disparities in community-based pharmacies. Forty-two articles revealed that community-based pharmacy services addressed racial and ethnic inequities in a variety of ways, including the types of interventions employed, as well as the ethnicities and conditions of the sample populations. Future work should focus on ensuring interventions are carried out throughout pharmacy practice and accessible to all racial and ethnic minoritized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamera D Hughes
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jessica S Roller
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Faustina Hahn
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stefanie P Ferreri
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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3
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Alexa JM, Richter M, Bertsche T. Enhancing evidence-based Pharmacy: The quality of web-based information sources compared to the EVInews-database - A randomized controlled trial with German community pharmacists (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2023. [DOI: 10.2196/45582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
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4
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Penm J, Narayan S, Alffenaar J, Johnson JL, Mirkov S, Page AT, Pont LG, Patanwala AE. A benchmarking scoping review of research output from hospital pharmacy departments in Australia. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Penm
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick Australia
| | - Sujita Narayan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Jan‐Willem Alffenaar
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
- Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Johnson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
- SA Pharmacy Statewide Clinical Support Services, SA Health Adelaide Australia
| | - Sanja Mirkov
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cairns Australia
| | - Amy T. Page
- Pharmacy Department Alfred Health Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety Monash University Parkville Australia
- Centre for Optimization of Medicines School of Allied Health University of Western Australia Crawley Australia
| | - Lisa G. Pont
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Asad E. Patanwala
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown Australia
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5
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Alefishat E, Jarab AS, Muflih S, Aqeel AW. Community pharmacists’ attitudes toward practice-based research and their perceived utilization of scientific evidence. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264193. [PMID: 35290392 PMCID: PMC8923436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enhancing the contribution of practicing pharmacists into scientific evidence via practice-based research (PBR) is crucial in maintaining high-quality clinical practice and healthcare delivery. Involving community pharmacists in PBR can potentially can also help break barriers to the utilization of the current best evidence in everyday pharmacy practice. The impact of pharmacists’ attitude towards PBR on their utilization of current best evidence in pharmacy practice is understudied. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of community pharmacists’ attitudes toward PBR on their utilization of current best evidence, barriers for conducting PBR in clinical practice were also investigated. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 169 community pharmacists working across Jordan filled a questionnaire to assess their attitudes towards PBR, barriers to PBR, and their utilization of the current best evidence in clinical practice. Results Pharmacists in this study showed a positive attitude toward PBR (attitude mean score >3.5). A positive attitude towards PBR was associated with high utilization of the best current scientific evidence. We also investigated several barriers to PBR and their association with utilization those included; the lack of perceived benefits, lack of institutional support, and lack of self-engagements of community pharmacists to PBR. The lack of perceived benefit was found to be negatively associated with pharmacists’ utilization of the current best scientific evidence. Conclusion In this study, pharmacists’ utilization of current best evidence was found to be significantly impacted by their attitude toward PBR. The current study findings highlight the importance of supporting, promoting, and facilitating PBR among community pharmacists which can potentially enhance their utilization of the current best evidence in their everyday pharmacy practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Alefishat
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Science, 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
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- * E-mail:
| | - Anan S. Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Suhaib Muflih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdel Wahab Aqeel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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6
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Moritz K, Seiberth JM, Herrmann NS, Bertsche T, Schiek S. Are evidence-based criteria addressed during counseling on over-the-counter products? An observational study in community pharmacies. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2824-2829. [PMID: 33775501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether evidence-based criteria were addressed during counseling on over-the-counter products (OTCs) in community pharmacies. METHODS Consultations were observed in 10 community pharmacies. We analyzed communications about OTCs to determine if any information on three evidence-based criteria (outcome variables: scientific evidence such as clinical study results, pharmaceutical staff's experience, and customer's experience) was mentioned. Two groups of communications were compared with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate: The communications about OTCs recommended by the pharmaceutical staff vs. the communications about OTCs requested by customers. RESULTS In 379 observed consultations, 300 OTCs were recommended by staff and 390 OTCs were requested by customers. The least included criterion was scientific evidence (in OTCs recommended by pharmaceutical staff - 1% vs. requested by customers - 0%), followed by pharmaceutical staff's experience (5% vs. 1%). The customer's experience was addressed more frequently (14% vs. 41%). Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found for all criteria (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Evidence-based criteria were rarely addressed during counseling on OTCs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Pharmaceutical staff should be encouraged to include the three evidence-based criteria more frequently. Additionally, customers should be encouraged to request such information from the staff in community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Moritz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mina Seiberth
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nia Sophie Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Drug Safety Center, University Hospital of Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, El-Dahiyat F, Jairoun M, Al-Tamimi SK, Mothana RA, Khattab AH. A Quantitative Evaluation of Evidence-Based Beliefs and Implementation Among Community Pharmacists: Findings and Impact from United Arab Emirates. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:967-977. [PMID: 33727873 PMCID: PMC7955746 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s283068] [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: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The flux of pharmaceutical data can have a negative impact on the complexity of a pharmacist’s decision-making process, which will demand an extensive evaluation from healthcare providers trying to choose the most suitable therapeutic plans for their patients. Objective The current study aimed to assess the beliefs and implementations of community pharmacists in the UAE regarding evidence-based practice (EBP) and to explore the significant factors governing their EBP. Setting Community pharmacies in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, UAE. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months between December 2017 and June 2018. Community pharmacists who had three months’ professional experience or more and were registered with one of three regulatory bodies (Ministry of Health, Health Authority Abu Dhabi, or Dubai Health Authority) were interviewed by three trained final-year pharmacy students. Face-to-face interviews were then carried out and a structured questionnaire was used. Metrics The average beliefs score was 36% (95% CI: [34%, 39%]) compared to an implementation score of 35% (95% CI: [33%, 37%]). Results A total of 505 subjects participated in the study and completed the entire questionnaire. On average, participants scored higher in beliefs score than implementation score. The results of the statistical modelling showed that younger, female, higher-position pharmacists with more experience and with low percentages of full-time working, and graduates from international/regional universities were more likely to believe in and implement the concept of EBP. Conclusion A gap was identified between the beliefs and implementation of EBP. Developing educational EBP courses in undergraduate pharmacy curricula is of high importance, not only to increase knowledge levels but also to encourage commitment in those pharmacists to strive for professionalism and to support the provided patient care with evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11500, Malaysia
| | - Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11500, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates.,Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faris El-Dahiyat
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maimona Jairoun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ramzi A Mothana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Husham Khattab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
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8
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Moritz K, Seiberth JM, Schiek S, Bertsche T. Evidence-based self-medication: development and evaluation of a professional newsletter concept for community pharmacies. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 43:55-65. [PMID: 32728996 PMCID: PMC7878231 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01100-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Providing evidence-based care is recognized as a key competence for all healthcare professionals. In order to support community pharmacists in evidence-based self-medication counseling, the umbrella organization of German pharmacists initiated the development of a nationwide concept. The key element of the concept was a professional newsletter that should help pharmacists incorporate research findings into their daily counseling practice. Objective To develop, implement and evaluate the professional newsletter concept. Setting German community pharmacies. Method Clinical pharmacists from a German university compiled and synthesized clinical trial data in a professional newsletter that would supply community pharmacists with evidence-based information on common over-the-counter medicines as well as instructions for searching and appraising scientific literature. The electronic newsletter was offered to interested community pharmacists free of charge, once or twice a month, after they signed up for a subscription. About one year after the publication of the first newsletter issue, the subscribers were invited to take part in an anonymous cross-sectional online survey. In all, 21 newsletter issues were published through the end of the survey period. Main outcome measure Perceived value of the professional newsletter with 10 predefined objectives. Results A total of 1975 persons subscribed to the professional newsletter. Of those, 150 persons working in community pharmacies completed the survey. Most of them perceived the synthesized information as ‘useful’ (81–95%). They attributed positive changes in knowledge (89%), skills (87–91%), awareness (85%), and motivation (67–77%) to the newsletter. However, almost half of them (43%) found it difficult to incorporate reading the newsletter in their everyday working life. Free-text feedback suggested that further modifications should be considered to facilitate a better integration of the newsletter into everyday pharmacy practice. Conclusion A nationwide provided professional newsletter can play a vital part in supporting pharmacists in evidence-based self-medication counseling. However, the practicability of such a newsletter needs to be further improved and the newsletter should be accompanied by additional measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Moritz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mina Seiberth
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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9
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Moritz K, Seiberth JM, Schiek S, Bertsche T. The impact of evidence from clinical trials on counselling for over-the-counter drugs: A national survey of pharmaceutical staff in German pharmacies. J Clin Pharm Ther 2019; 44:895-903. [PMID: 31479521 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Evidence from clinical trials should form the foundation of healthcare advice. Comparatively little has been investigated about the implementation of evidence in over-the-counter (OTC) counselling in community pharmacies. The objective of this study was to explore the current impact of clinical trials on OTC counselling from the perspective of pharmaceutical staff. METHODS Pharmaceutical staff in German community pharmacies were invited to participate in a nationwide cross-sectional survey using SoSci Survey. Within the questionnaire, the following items were queried: (i) attitudes towards influencing factors on OTC drug recommendation, (ii) practical procedure of OTC drug recommendations, (iii) experiences and challenges in handling clinical trials, and (iv) current and desired continuing education on self-medication. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify predictors for OTC recommendations based on clinical trials in routine. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In total, 1068 participants completed the survey. (i) Clinical trial data were rated as 'very important' for drug recommendations by 33% and as 'rather important' by 50%. (ii) 8% reported that they base their recommendations on clinical trial data 'in almost all consultations', 40% 'in most consultations'. (iii) 69% faced difficulties in including clinical trial data into their counselling. (iv) 7% read original clinical trials at least once a month. Predictors for routine OTC recommendations based on clinical trials were as follows: male gender, university degree, clinical trials considered to be important for recommendations, inclusion of clinical trials in counselling assessed as easy, higher frequency of reading specialized literature per year, increasing number of working pharmacists in the pharmacy, and more casual than regular customers in the pharmacy. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Most of the pharmaceutical staff recognize the importance of clinical studies for self-medication advice. Based on self-report, however, clinical trial data are not taken routinely into account in practice. Only a minor proportion of staff routinely deal with studies. Therefore, appropriate instruments are required to make knowledge from clinical trials available in community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Moritz
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mina Seiberth
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiek
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Al-Jamei S, Abu Farha R, Zawiah M, Kadi T, Al-Sonidar A. Perceptions, knowledge, and perceived barriers of Yemeni pharmacists and pharmacy technicians towards evidence-based practice. J Eval Clin Pract 2019; 25:585-590. [PMID: 30028072 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RATIONAL, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception towards evidence-based practice (EBP) and identify the perceived barriers to practicing EBP among Yemeni pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 153 Yemeni pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are working in hospitals or community pharmacies. This study took place between the 15th of August and the 8th of November 2017 using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The study was approved by the ethics committee/scientific research center of Yemen University, Yemen (Reference number: ERC/2017/103). RESULTS Completed questionnaires were received from 153 (46.6% response rate). Most of the respondents showed a positive attitude towards EBP; however, their understanding of the basic terms used in EBP was poor (34.6%). The types of source that the respondent used in high percentage to make their decisions were own judgement and consulting the colleagues that can no longer be accurate and evidence based. The barriers to practicing EBP identified by most respondents were the limited access to EBP sources and lack of personal time. CONCLUSION These results reveal strong support for EBP among pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Yemen but only a minority indicated that they understood the technical terms of EBP. Training and continuing education programs on EBP and guidelines for pharmacists are strongly needed. These findings may help in planning the use and the application of EBP process in pharmacy practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayida Al-Jamei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Zawiah
- Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Hodeida University, Al-Hodeida, Yemen
| | - Taha Kadi
- Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Hodeida University, Al-Hodeida, Yemen
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11
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Buabbas AJ, Alsaleh FM, Al-Shawaf HM, Abdullah A, Almajran A. The readiness of hospital pharmacists in Kuwait to practise evidence-based medicine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2018; 18:4. [PMID: 29325555 PMCID: PMC5765677 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-018-0585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolving role of pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care, as part of the healthcare team, challenges them to acquire up-to-date knowledge of medicines to make the best clinical decisions. The volume of medical literature is on the increase, and it is important to utilise these resources to optimise patients' therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed at assessing the readiness of government hospital pharmacists in practising evidence-based medicine (EBM) in Kuwait in regards to their attitude, knowledge and skills, as well as the perceived barriers and facilitators. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study used pre-tested self-reported questionnaires to collect information from pharmacists working at government hospitals in Kuwait. In addition, one-to-one, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with the chief pharmacists of all health regions in Kuwait to discuss and identify the barriers and facilitators of implementing EBM in the hospitals. Quantitative and qualitative analytical measures were undertaken for the data acquired from the questionnaires and interviews, respectively. RESULTS A total of 176 pharmacists (of 445) working in secondary and tertiary government hospitals in Kuwait agreed to take part in the study, giving a response rate of 40%. Over half of the study sample (n = 94, 53.4%) had good confidence in performing online database searches. Approximately 50% of the pharmacists were familiar with searching the Internet for medical resources, asking answerable clinical questions and retrieving research evidence. However, 67% of the pharmacists (n = 118) were neither able to apply research evidence to patient care nor capable of identifying knowledge gaps in practice. Barriers to EBM practice were identified, which included limited access to EBM resources (75%), a lack of time and patient overload (71.6%). The interview results confirmed the willingness of the hospital pharmacists to adopt EBM in their practice if necessary resources such as computers and internet connection were provided. CONCLUSION The hospital pharmacists in Kuwait showed good attitude and willingness towards EBM, however, they need to acquire adequate knowledge and skills for applying it in "real life" practise. Using the current results, clinical implications were recommended to demonstrate how to overcome the barriers, wherein hospital pharmacists could be ready to practice EBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jasem Buabbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Al-Jabriya, Kuwait
| | | | | | - Ali Abdullah
- Hamza Mohamad Al-Shawaf, MSc Health Informatics and Information Management, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Al-Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Abdullah Almajran
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Al-Jabriya, Kuwait
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12
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Paravattil B, El Sakrmy N, Shaar S. Assessing the evidence based medicine educational needs of community pharmacy preceptors within an experiential program in Qatar. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2018; 10:47-53. [PMID: 29248074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Observations have shown a lack of evidence-based medicine (EBM) knowledge and skills among community pharmacy preceptors in Qatar. These skills are important when delivering evidence-based recommendations to healthcare providers and patients. The aim of this study was to explore the community pharmacy preceptors' knowledge and understanding of EBM and to identify challenges in applying this approach to community practice. METHODS A survey instrument was developed to assess the knowledge of community pharmacy preceptors related to EBM. Knowledge-based questions were mapped according to National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities professional competencies for practicing pharmacists. The survey tool was administered to community pharmacy preceptors involved in mentoring Qatar University College of Pharmacy students. RESULTS Twenty-six community pharmacy preceptors completed the survey with a response rate of 65%. The knowledge-based questions linked to drug information resulted in 18%, 36%, and 46% of correct, incorrect, and unsure responses respectively while the critical appraisal questions showed 18%, 27%, 55% of correct, incorrect, and unsure responses respectively. Major barriers to practicing EBM included lack of EBM training (81%) and interpreting study results (80%). CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacy preceptors showed poor knowledge and understanding of EBM. These results and expressed needs by pharmacists support the development of a supplementary course to improve EBM skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahd Shaar
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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13
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Shimizu T, Ueda M, Toyoyama M, Ohmori S, Takagaki N. Evaluation of an Evidence-based Medicine Educational Program for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2017; 137:987-998. [PMID: 28768952 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.16-00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of an evidence-based medicine (EBM) educational program on EBM-related knowledge and skills of pharmacists and pharmacy students. Our preliminary educational program included the following four sessions: 1) ice breaker, 2) formulation of answerable clinical questions from virtual clinical scenario using the PICO criteria, 3) critical appraisal of the literature using a checklist, and 4) critical appraisal of the results and integrating the evidence with experience and patients values. Change in knowledge and skills related to EBM were evaluated using pre- and post-seminar 4-point scale questionnaires comprising of 14 questions. A total of 23 pharmacists, 1 care manager, and 5 pharmacy students participated in our EBM educational seminar. Knowledge and skills related to several variables improved significantly post-seminar (pre-seminar 2.80 versus 3.26 post-seminar; p<0.001). Specifically, the skills of formulating answerable clinical questions from virtual clinical scenario and critical appraisal of the literature using a checklist improved. Our findings suggested that EBM educational program using problem-based learning was effective in improving EBM-related knowledge and skills of pharmacists and pharmacy students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masahiro Ueda
- School of Pharmacy, Hyogo University of Health Sciences.,Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital of Hyogo College of Medicine
| | | | - Shiho Ohmori
- School of Pharmacy, Hyogo University of Health Sciences
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14
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Elsadig H, Weiss M, Scott J, Laaksonen R. Exploring the challenges for clinical pharmacists in Sudan. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 39:1047-1054. [PMID: 28823049 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Clinical pharmacy practice in hospitals is a new role for pharmacists in Sudan. Pharmacists have to face the challenge of moving from their traditional roles within the pharmacy premises to new roles on the wards with direct contact with patients and other healthcare professionals. Objectives To explore the role and challenges facing the clinical pharmacists of Sudan. Settings Two of the main government hospitals in Sudan and an online survey. Method This study applied a two phase mixed method, a focus group discussion and a survey. A FGD was conducted with the clinical pharmacists in two of the main government hospitals in Sudan. This was followed by an on-line survey among the clinical pharmacists of Sudan. Main outcome measure The role of the clinical pharmacists of Sudan and the challenges facing clinical pharmacy practice. Results Four pharmacists participated in the focus group and 51 out of 140 pharmacists (34%) completed the on-line survey. The roles that were perceived by the majority of pharmacists as part of their duties in hospitals in Sudan were identifying drug-related problems (100%, n = 51), providing drug-related information to healthcare professionals by (96%, n = 47), and educating patients about their medicines (96%, n = 48). The pharmacists identified a number of obstacles that hindered their progress in practice. These obstacles were related to the pharmacists themselves, the lack of senior clinical pharmacists for leadership, the environment they were working in and the training they had received in clinical pharmacy. Conclusion The new clinical pharmacists in Sudan faced several challenges that need to be overcome in order to move forward in their clinical practice. To do so they will require support from pharmacy educational institutions, other healthcare professionals and the healthcare institutions they are working within.
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Assessment of evidence-based practice among hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: attitude, awareness, and practice. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 39:712-721. [PMID: 28608329 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Many studies have previously looked at the perceptions, attitude, and use of Evidence-based Practice (EBP) among healthcare providers. However, limited data is available on the implementation of EBP among pharmacists in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular. Objective To evaluate the awareness, attitude, and practice of EBP among hospital practicing pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Setting Secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia with a bed capacity of ≥200 Methods This is a cross sectional, survey-based study where a validated selfadministrated questionnaire was utilized. Pharmacists working in secondary and tertiary care hospitals with a bed capacity of ≥200 were targeted. The descriptive data consisted of percentages for discrete and medians for continuous statistics. Results The survey was distributed to a total of 1136 pharmacists. Total number of respondents is 228 which represent a response rate of 20%. Most of them (75% median score = 8) have a positive attitude toward EBP. In addition to clinical expertise, only 48.6% of them were able to identify EBP resource as the second component of EBP concept, while only 1.7% of the respondents were able to identify patient preference as a third component. Lack of personal time, critical appraisal skills, and resources, (40%, 15.6% and 13.9% respectively) are considered as the major barriers to implementing EBP in pharmacy. Conclusion The majority of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia hold a positive attitude of EBP. Unfortunately, most of pharmacists do not consider patients' values as a component of EBP. The major barriers to practicing EBP are lack of personal time, critical appraisal skills, and resources availability.
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16
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Donder CG. Keeping up with the evidence: Resources used by a busy pharmacist. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2017; 150:98-100. [PMID: 28405253 DOI: 10.1177/1715163517692358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Evidence-based medicine aims to optimize decision-making by using evidence from well-designed and conducted research. The concept of reliable evidence is essential, since the number of electronic information resources is increasing in parallel to the increasing number and type of drugs on the market. The decision-making process is a complex and requires an extensive evaluation as well as the interpretation of the data obtained. Different sources provide different levels of evidence for decision-making. Not all the data have the same value as the evidence. Rational use of medicine requires that the patients receive "medicines appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community." Pharmacists have a crucial role in the health system to maintain the rational use of medicine and provide pharmaceutical care to patients, because they are the drug experts who are academically trained for this purpose. The rational use of the pharmacist's workforce will improve the outcome of pharmacotherapy as well as decreasing the global health costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Zerrin Toklu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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