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Yang L, Qiu LL, Lv HY, Li M. A study of pharmacists-joint total parenteral nutrition in haematopoietic cell transplantation in accord with diagnosis related groups: A retrospective clinical research. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2361320. [PMID: 38933175 PMCID: PMC11207917 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2361320] [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: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Within Diagnosis Related Groups, based on service capability, efficiency, and quality safety assessment, clinical pharmacists contribute to promoting rational drug utilisation in healthcare institutions. However, a deficiency of pharmacist involvement has been observed in the total parenteral nutrition support to patients following haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) within DRGs. Methods This study involved 146 patients who underwent HCT at the Department of Haematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, spanning from January 2020 to December 2022. Results Patients were allocated equally, with 73 in the control group and 73 in the pharmacist-involved group: baseline characteristics showed no statistics significance, including age, body mass index, nutrition risk screening-2002 score, liver and kidney function, etc. Albumin levels, prealbumin levels were significantly improved after a 7-day TPN support (34.92 ± 4.24 vs 36.25 ± 3.65, P = 0.044; 251.30 ± 95.72 vs 284.73 ± 83.15, P = 0.026). The body weight was increased after a 7-day support and before discharge (58.77 ± 12.47 vs 63.82 ± 11.70, P = 0.013; 57.61 ± 11.85 vs 64.92 ± 11.71, P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay, costs and the rate of re-admissions were significantly shortened (51.10 ± 1.42 vs 46.41 ± 1.86, P = 0.048; 360,162.67 ± 91,831.34 vs 324,070.16 ± 112,315.51, P = 0.035; 61.64% vs 43.84%, P = 0.046). Conclusions Pharmacist-joint TPN support enhances the service efficiency score of medical units, ensuring the fulfilment of orders and rational medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu-lu Qiu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-yi Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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Bakrey H, Shivgotra R, Abdu A, Soni B, Shahtaghia NR, Jain SK, Thakur S. Use of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) as a Vehicle for Drug Delivery. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:306-329. [PMID: 38454772 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501284598240226102943] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of providing nutrients directly into the bloodstream for individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through the normal digestive process or gastrointestinal system. It provides macronutrients and micronutrients in a single container, reducing handling and contamination risks and making it more cost-effective. TPN has the potential to be used as a drug delivery system, with applications in combination therapies, personalized medicine, and integrating advanced technologies. It can enhance drug dosage precision and provide nutritional assistance, potentially reducing hospitalization and improving patient outcomes. However, implementing new applications requires thorough testing and regulatory approval. TPN could be particularly useful in pediatric and geriatric care and could also contribute to global health by combating malnutrition in areas with limited medical resources. Healthcare professionals prepare a sterile solution tailored to each patient's nutritional needs, and administration involves a central venous catheter. However, the simultaneous administration of medications with PN admixtures can result in pharmacological incompatibility, which can impact the stability of the oil-in-water system. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommendations advise against including non-nutrient drugs in PN admixtures due to safety concerns. This review focuses on the utilization of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) as a method for delivering drugs. It discusses the benefits and difficulties associated with its commercial application and offers suggestions for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossamaldeen Bakrey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Riya Shivgotra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Abdulkadir Abdu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Bindu Soni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Navid Reza Shahtaghia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Subheet Kumar Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
- Centre for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Shubham Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
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Ajabnoor SM, Zaher S, Malatani R, Jawa H. Exploring the practice of nutritional support during hospitalization across physicians, dietitians, and pharmacists based in Saudi Arabia. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1149727. [PMID: 37293671 PMCID: PMC10244628 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1149727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nutritional support has a pivotal role in preventing and treating malnutrition. Recognizing the gaps in nutritional support practice can aid the development of tailored nutritional protocols. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current practices, attitudes, and perceptions related to nutritional support for hospitalized patients in one of the largest Middle Eastern countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among different healthcare professionals currently working in hospitals in Saudi Arabia and involved in nutritional support practice. Data were collected using convenient sample via a self-administered web-based questionnaire. Results A total of 114 participants were included in this study. The majority were dietitians (54%), followed by physicians (33%) and pharmacists (12%), and were from the western region (71.9%). Various attitudes in many practices were observed among the participants. Only 44.7% of the participants had a formal nutritional support team. The mean confidence level of all respondents was significantly higher for enteral nutrition practice (7.7 ± 2.3) than for parenteral nutrition practice (6.1 ± 2.5) (p < 0.01). The confidence level for enteral nutrition practice was significantly influenced by nutritional qualification (β = 0.202, p < 0.05), type of healthcare facility (β = 0.210, p < 0.05), profession (β = -0.308, p < 0.01), and years of experience (β = 0.220, p < 0.05). Conclusion This study comprehensively assessed various aspects of nutritional support practice in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare practice of nutritional support should be guided by evidence-based guidelines. Professional qualification and training in nutritional support are essential for promoting practice in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Ajabnoor
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Zaher
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Malatani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Jawa
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abousheishaa AA, Sulaiman AH, Huri HZ, Kamis SFB, Hamidi H, Ang WC, Zainal ZAB, Shamsuddin N, Guan NC. Psychiatric pharmaceutical care service across Malaysian hospitals: results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:321. [PMID: 35264175 PMCID: PMC8905759 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07681-4] [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: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychiatric pharmaceutical care is the provision of pharmaceutical care services to patients with psychiatric related illnesses or disorders. Several studies have demonstrated the positive influence psychiatric pharmaceutical care on patients’ clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes. This study aimed to examine the extent of psychiatric pharmaceutical care practice in a convenience sample of Malaysian government hospitals and the barriers to the provision of these services. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional survey of registered pharmacists working at a convenience sample of government hospitals in Malaysia was undertaken from September 2019 to June 2020. Results Pharmacists frequently ensured the appropriateness of the dose (55%), dosage form (47%) and dosing schedule (48%) of the dispensed medications. Most pharmacists infrequently worked with patients and healthcare professionals to develop a pharmacotherapeutic regimen and a corresponding monitoring plan (28%). There was no statistically significant difference in the provision of pharmaceutical care services with respect to gender, age, years of practice, and professional board certification. However, the services offered were influenced by the respondent’s education and pharmacy setting. The obstacles perceived by pharmacists included lack of time (89%), shortage of pharmacy staff (87%), the patients’ inability to comprehend medical information (85%), insufficient demand and acceptance by patients (82%), the lack of official policies and standardised practice protocols (78%), inaccessibility to the patients’ medical records (77%) and the lack of structured communication channels between pharmacists and physicians (75%), the pharmacists lack of knowledge/skills and confidence (78%) and insufficient recognition from physicians to the pharmacists’ skills (76%). Conclusions This is the first study to explore the extent and barriers of psychiatric pharmaceutical care in Malaysian hospitals; it highlighted the need for mobilising pharmacists to expand these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ahmed Abousheishaa
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hasniza Zaman Huri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Wei Chern Ang
- Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Ng Chong Guan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Khalafallah Bashir BE, Ahmed Abdallah MM, Abd El-raheem GOH, Ali Nassir EH. Assessment of Total Parenteral Nutrition administration among Intensive Care Unit patients at Omdurman Military Hospital, Sudan.. [DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.19.20215053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractTotal parenteral nutrition is one of the important types of nutrition among patients with intestinal failure. This research was intended to assess total parenteral nutrition administration of the intensive care unit patients at the Military hospital, Sudan. A cross-sectional hospital-based study assessed the patients records in the period between April 2014-November 2015, data were analyzed through chi-square test, it was considered significant when p≤ 0.05. Twenty patients who received total parenteral nutrition were assessed, 60% were males, while 40% were females. The most frequent indication for total parenteral nutrition was laparotomy (35% of patients). The duration of total parenteral nutrition was assessed, 70% of patients had duration between 1-20 days. Regarding total parenteral nutrition complications, the most frequent complication was hypokalemia (45% of patients), refeeding syndrome occurred in 10 % of patients. A statistically significant association was found between total parenteral nutrition duration when assessed with age and indication (p= 0.005 and 0.000 respectively). Patients suffering from electrolytes imbalance need more care to avoid the development of refeeding syndrome, as well as high level of hygiene is strictly required to overcome septic complications. There is a need to consider specialized care team composed of nurses, clinical pharmacists and nutritionists.
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Manyama TL, Tshitake RM, Moloto NB. The role of pharmacists in the renal multidisciplinary team at a tertiary hospital in South Africa: Strategies to increase participation of pharmacists. Health SA 2020; 25:1357. [PMID: 32934826 PMCID: PMC7479385 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v25i0.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists are often marginalised from participating fully in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Pharmacists can contribute in the renal MDT by minimising drug-related problems and optimising therapy. Aim The study aimed to explore the current role of pharmacists in renal care at a tertiary hospital in South Africa, and to recommend strategies to improve their participation in the renal MDT. Method An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed exactly as spoken and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the analysis: pharmacist’s current scope of practice within the renal MDT, potential future roles of pharmacists, and perceived barriers to participation of pharmacists within the renal MDT. Furthermore, participants provided recommendations to increase pharmacist’s participation in the renal MDT: that is standardisation of practice, skills development of both pharmacist and pharmacist assistants and recognition of pharmacist services in the wards. Conclusion The role of pharmacists at Pietersburg Hospital is the official name of the hospital is confined to stock management and dispensing. Efforts should be made to improve the participation of pharmacists in the MDTs with the intention to standardise the practice of pharmacists in the wards, equip both pharmacists and pharmacist assistants with the necessary skills and recognise pharmacist’s services in the wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tebogo L Manyama
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Mankweng, South Africa
| | - Rendani M Tshitake
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Mankweng, South Africa
| | - Noko B Moloto
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Mankweng, South Africa
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Ahmed Abousheishaa A, Hatim Sulaiman A, Zaman Huri H, Zaini S, Adha Othman N, bin Aladdin Z, Chong Guan N. Global Scope of Hospital Pharmacy Practice: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8020143. [PMID: 32466229 PMCID: PMC7349332 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacy profession has undergone tremendous changes over the past few decades. Pharmacists’ roles have expanded their boundaries to encompass more patient-centered services. However, the degree to which these roles are practised may vary. This scoping review is aimed at describing the extent and range of the professional pharmacy services offered in hospital pharmacies across different countries and the barriers underlying inappropriate or incomplete implementation of these services. Studies published in the English language between 2015 and 2019 were retrieved from the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EBSCO Discovery Service, and Web of Science. A thematic analysis across the included studies produced two main themes. “Scope of practice” comprised three subthemes: pharmaceutical care practice, clinical pharmacy practice, and public health services and “Multiple levels of influence” comprised five subthemes: individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy-related factors. The hospital pharmacy services across countries ranged from traditional drug-centered pharmacy practice to a more progressive, clinically oriented practice. In some countries, there is an apparent inadequacy in the clinical pharmacy services provided compared to other clinical settings. Understanding the current pharmacy practice culture across different health care systems is an essential step towards improving the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ahmed Abousheishaa
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.H.S.); (N.C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-11-3734-1871
| | - Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.H.S.); (N.C.G.)
| | - Hasniza Zaman Huri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Syahrir Zaini
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25710, Malaysia;
| | - Nurul Adha Othman
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Selangor 47000, Malaysia;
| | - Zulhilmi bin Aladdin
- Unit Farmasi, Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Tanjung Rambutan, Perak 31250, Malaysia;
| | - Ng Chong Guan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.H.S.); (N.C.G.)
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Factors influencing the implementation of clinical pharmacy services for hospitalized patients: A mixed-methods systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:437-449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sakeena MHF, Bennett AA, McLachlan AJ. The Need to Strengthen the Role of the Pharmacist in Sri Lanka: Perspectives. PHARMACY 2019; 7:E54. [PMID: 31195755 PMCID: PMC6631506 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy7020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the pharmacist in healthcare has evolved greatly over the last half-century, from dispensing to providing direct patient-oriented activities not associated with dispensing. However, pharmacist-led healthcare services in Sri Lanka must undergo reform to fully take advantage of their expertise and training in medicine management and related outcomes in Sri Lankan patients. As befits a profession's role development and value, professional and educational standards for pharmacists need ongoing development and growth. Currently, university curricula and continuing professional education in Sri Lanka require further development and optimisation to provide the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills regarding quality use of medicines and patient-oriented care. Furthermore, pharmacists' roles in Sri Lankan hospital and community pharmacist settings need to be recognised and should include the pharmacist as an integral part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team in Sri Lanka. Studies from developed countries and some developing countries have demonstrated that expanded pharmacists' roles have had a significant positive cost-effective impact on the population's health. Therefore, the availability of qualified Sri Lankan pharmacists trained to deliver expanded professional services accompanied by greater pharmacist integration into healthcare delivery is crucially important to ensure quality use of medicines within the Sri Lankan healthcare system and optimise the medication-related needs of Sri Lankans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H F Sakeena
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya KY 20400, Sri Lanka.
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | | | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Katoue MG. Role of pharmacists in providing parenteral nutrition support: current insights and future directions. INTEGRATED PHARMACY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 7:125-140. [PMID: 30324089 PMCID: PMC6173269 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s117118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy is a complex and critical therapy that requires special clinical knowledge, skills, and practice experience to avoid errors in prescribing, compounding, and clinical management of patients. Pharmacists with adequate clinical training and expertise in PN therapy can have pivotal role in the care of patients receiving PN therapy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to describe and evaluate the different roles of pharmacists and their provided services related to PN therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive systematic literature review on the topic was conducted via PubMed database using several keywords related to the topic (from 1975 to 2017). Additional resources included the standards of practice and clinical guidelines from recognized organizations such as the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). RESULTS Pharmacists have diverse roles in relation to PN therapy including the following: the assessment of patients' nutritional needs; the design, compounding, dispensing, and quality management of PN formulations; monitoring patients' response to PN therapy; supervision of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) programs; education of patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals on nutrition support and conducting PN-related research and quality improvement activities. These services seem to be variable across clinical settings and among different countries depending on the practice environment and pharmacists' clinical practice in these settings. However, each of these practice domains helps to support the delivery of safe and effective PN therapy to patients. CONCLUSION Pharmacists have been actively participating in providing PN-related services to patients. To fulfill the requirements of their essential role in this area of practice, pharmacists need adequate educational preparation and clinical training on nutrition support. Empowerment of pharmacists to assume a stronger leadership role in this dimension of pharmacy practice will enhance the quality of care provided to patients receiving PN therapy and improve PN services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Gamal Katoue
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait,
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Lemay J, Waheedi M, Al-Taweel D, Bayoud T, Moreau P. Clinical pharmacy in Kuwait: Services provided, perceptions and barriers. Saudi Pharm J 2018; 26:481-486. [PMID: 29844718 PMCID: PMC5961747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacy practice has considerably evolved from a dispensing role to a patient-centered profession. Kuwait has minimal clinical pharmacy services established in its healthcare settings. Objectives The objectives of this study were to document existing clinical pharmacy services in public hospitals, identify barriers to their implementation and assess perceptions regarding pharmacists providing clinical services. Material & Method A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires among a total of 166 pharmacists and 284 physicians across 6 public hospitals in Kuwait was conducted. Results Over half of pharmacists (54%) provided clinical services, with the most common service being education and drug information (86%). Forty percent (40%) of the pharmacists reported that clinical services offered were of their own initiative but most of them (71%) were not sure whether they would offer additional services in the future. The majority of physicians were receptive to an expanded patient-centered role of the pharmacist (97%), believed pharmacists add to patient clinical care (92%) and considered pharmacists members of the healthcare team (96%). Major barriers reported by pharmacists to implement clinical pharmacy services included lack of policy (49%), time (36%) and clinical skills (28%), which is similar to barriers reported by physicians. Conclusion Although clinical pharmacy is in its infancy in Kuwait, it is well perceived and requested by physicians. Major barriers must be addressed and in this context, having a national framework for pharmacy practice from Ministry of Health, supported by cutting edge education and a pro-active professional association would be key assets to evolve the practice in Kuwait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinthe Lemay
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Waheedi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Dalal Al-Taweel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Tania Bayoud
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Pierre Moreau
- Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
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