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Eab-Aggrey N, Khan S. Prospects and challenges of online pharmacy in post-Covid world: A qualitative study of pharmacists' experiences in Ghana. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 13:100395. [PMID: 38204888 PMCID: PMC10776979 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Online pharmacies continue to grow worldwide, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghana is experiencing this growth in an unprecedented way since its government initiated an online pharmacy pilot in December 2021, which was followed by the launch of the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform in July 2022. This pioneering initiative calls for extensive research with pharmacists to gain their perspectives. However, there is a dearth of such studies in the sub-Saharan African countries. Objective This study sought to understand how pharmacists in Ghana perceive online pharmacies in terms of the larger socio-cultural and policy implications, as well as the challenges they face in its implementation. Methods Using a qualitative research design, local licensed pharmacists were recruited through purposive sampling and by specifically combining the maximum variation and snowball sample techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with 21 pharmacists over the months of February and March 2022. The data were analyzed by using interpretive thematic analysis. Results Pharmacists perceived that online pharmacies would transform the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana by making it convenient for people to access medication easily and at a reasonable price, while also offering them privacy. However, concerns were expressed around existing poor infrastructure and inequities, low health literacy, and inadequate regulatory practices that could pose major challenges in the operation of this platform. Engagement of stakeholders was deemed essential for success. Conclusion Online pharmacy in Ghana and much of the developing world has the potential to transform and advance the pharmaceutical industry to better serve people. However, it could also lead to increased and irrational use of medications, if not properly regulated. Government, policy makers, and leaders in the field of digital health and pharmacy must also address poor infrastructure and inequities in digital access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naessiamba Eab-Aggrey
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Horizon Hall Suite 5200, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Shamshad Khan
- Department of Communication, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Ngyedu EK, Acolatse J, Akafity G, Incoom R, Rauf A, Seaton RA, Sneddon J, Cameron E, Watson M, Wanat M, Godman B, Kurdi A. Selling antibiotics without prescriptions among community pharmacies and drug outlets: a simulated client study from Ghana. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1373-1382. [PMID: 37975725 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2283037] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selling antibiotics without prescriptions is mostly illegal worldwide, including in Ghana, and promotes antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated the prevalence and practice of selling antibiotics without prescriptions among community pharmacies (CPs) and drug outlets, for the first time, in Ghana to quantify and characterize this issue to inform future interventions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Two scenarios utilizing the Simulated Client Methodology were enacted: an upper respiratory tract infection of viral origin (scenario one); and pediatric diarrhea (scenario two). CPs/Outlets were selected by stratified proportional random sampling from four metropolitan cities (~14% of the total Ghanaian population). Selling of antibiotics was assessed at three demand levels and its overall prevalence was estimated, then stratified by the study variables. RESULTS Out of the 265 sampled CPs/outlets, the prevalence of selling antibiotic without prescription was 88.3% (n = 234/265), with variations not only across the four regions [92.5% (n = 123/133) in Kumasi, 87.5% (n = 14/16) in Cape Coast, 84.1% (n = 69/82) in Accra, and 82.4% (n = 28/34) in Tamale] but also across CPs [90% (n = 121/134)] and drug outlets [86% (n = 113/131)]. CONCLUSIONS A very high prevalence/sub-optimal practice of selling antibiotics without prescriptions was found. This highlights the need to increase compliance with antibiotic dispensing legislation through evidence-based interventions including education of key stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Kofi Ngyedu
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Research Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joseph Acolatse
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Research Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - George Akafity
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Research Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Robert Incoom
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Research Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - R Andrew Seaton
- Department is Infectious Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Elaine Cameron
- School of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Margaret Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- Centre of Medical and Bio allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Kitab University, Kirkuk, Iraq
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Dhital R, Sakulwach S, Robert G, Vasilikou C, Sin J. Systematic review on the effects of the physical and social aspects of community pharmacy spaces on service users and staff. Perspect Public Health 2022; 142:77-93. [PMID: 35274562 PMCID: PMC8918882 DOI: 10.1177/17579139221080608] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim: This systematic review aimed to provide new insights into how pharmacy spaces, or the architecture of pharmacies, are experienced by pharmacy service users and staff. The review sought to identify environmental factors which may influence service users’ and staff participation in community-based pharmacy health services. Method: Ten databases were searched for English language publications, using a combination of search terms relating to pharmacy service users and staff; pharmacy spaces; and health and social care outcomes. Data from the final selected studies were extracted, thematically analysed using a narrative approach and the quality of each study assessed using the Integrated quality Criteria for the Review of Multiple Study designs (ICROMS). Results: 80 articles reporting 80 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were identified; they were from 28 countries, involving around 3234 community pharmacies, 13,615 pharmacy service users, 5056 pharmacists and 78 pharmacy health staff. Most studies (94%) met the ICROMS minimum score, and half did not meet the mandatory quality criteria. Four themes likely to influence service users’ and staff experiences of pharmacy health services were identified: (1) privacy; (2) experience of the physical environment; (3) professional image; and (4) risk of error. Conclusion: To optimise the delivery and experience of pharmacy health services, these spaces should be made more engaging. Future applied research could focus on optimising inclusive pharmacy design features.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dhital
- Arts and Sciences Department, University College London, 33-35 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7LA, UK
| | | | - G Robert
- King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - J Sin
- University of London, London, UK
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Hamidi N, Tan YR, Jawahir S, Tan EH. Determinants of community pharmacy utilisation among the adult population in Malaysia: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:649. [PMID: 34217293 PMCID: PMC8254968 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06656-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacies provide alternatives for medication procurement and other basic and minor health-related services in addition to mainstream hospitals and primary healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of community pharmacy users and associated factors for community pharmacy utilisation in Malaysia. METHODS Secondary data analysis was performed using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, a nationwide cross-sectional household survey that used a two-stage stratified random sampling design. Adults aged 18 years and over were included in the analysis. Respondents who reported visiting the community pharmacy for health purposes two weeks prior to the study were considered as users. Complex sample descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents' characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were employed to determine factors associated with community pharmacy utilisation. RESULTS Of the 11,155 respondents interviewed, 10.3 % reported community pharmacy utilisation for health purposes. Females (OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.14, 1.73), those with tertiary education (OR = 2.03, 95 % CI = 1.26, 3.29), urban dwellers (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI = 1.13, 1.79), and those with self-reported health problems (OR = 7.62, 95 % CI = 6.05, 9.59) were more likely to utilise the community pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS Demographic and socioeconomic factors were important determinants of community pharmacy utilisation in Malaysia with sex, age, education level, locality, and self-reported health problems as the associated factors. These findings serve as evidence for policy interventions, crucial for improvements in accessibility to healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Normaizira Hamidi
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B2, NIH Complex, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13 Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Yeung R'ong Tan
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B2, NIH Complex, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13 Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhana Jawahir
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B2, NIH Complex, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13 Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ee Hong Tan
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Block B2, NIH Complex, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13 Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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