Assessment of Texan pharmacists' attitudes, behaviors, and preferences related to continuing pharmacy education

Assessment of pharmacists' perception toward continuing education

Continuing education (CE) is a structured educational activity. Pharmacists must actively participate in CE and is an important part of developing the professional competency of pharmacists. This research focuses on measuring Saudi pharmacists' perception in CE, its impact on professional performance, and the barriers in CE. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2020, using random sample of Saudi pharmacists working in all workplaces from different cities in Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 15 questions that assess the perception of Saudi pharmacists toward CE and barriers that prevent them from CE. A total of 409 pharmacists participated in the study. Majority of pharmacists were working in government hospitals (48.4%) and have <2 years of practice experience (44.5%). More than 70% of respondents acknowledged that CE helps to increase their knowledge. The pharmacists mentioned that getting a certificate (23.37%) was the major reason for attending a CE event. The reasons that prevent respondents from attending live CE were cost and work responsibilities (23.59% and 24.57%, respectively). This study reported a subjective assessment of pharmacists' perception toward CE, their lifelong learning experience. Saudi pharmacists showed a great desire for CE because they believed that it greatly affects their professional performance.

Structure-based virtual screening of bioactive compounds from Indonesian medical plants against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that causes the infectious disease coronavirus disease-2019. Currently, there is no effective drug for the prevention and treatment of this virus. This study aimed to identify secondary metabolites that potentially inhibit the key proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This was an in silico molecular docking study of several secondary metabolites of Indonesian herbal plant compounds and other metabolites with antiviral testing history. Virtual screening using AutoDock Vina of 216 Lipinski rule-compliant plant metabolites was performed on 3C-like protease (3CL^pro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and spike glycoprotein. Ligand preparation was performed using JChem and Schrödinger's software, and virtual protein elucidation was performed using AutoDockTools version 1.5.6. Virtual screening identified several RdRp, spike, and 3CL^pro inhibitors. Justicidin D had binding affinities of −8.7, −8.1, and −7.6 kcal mol⁻¹ on RdRp, 3CL^pro, and spike, respectively. 10-methoxycamptothecin had binding affinities of −8.5 and −8.2 kcal mol⁻¹ on RdRp and spike, respectively. Inoxanthone had binding affinities of −8.3 and −8.1 kcal mol⁻¹ on RdRp and spike, respectively, while binding affinities of caribine were −9.0 and −7.5 mol⁻¹ on 3CL^pro and spike, respectively. Secondary metabolites of compounds from several plants were identified as potential agents for SARS-CoV-2 therapy.

Assessing Pharmacy Practitioners' Perceptions of Continuing Pharmacy Education and Professional Development at an Oncology Service Hospital in Nepal: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and continuing professional development (CPD) programs have been useful for enhancing the skills and performance of pharmacists. Despite its adoption worldwide, the practice of such programs has been limited in Nepal. The current pilot study aimed to assess the perception of pharmacists regarding CPE/CPD in one of the oncology centers in Nepal. The goal of this study was to provide suggestions for developing and implementing the CPE/CPD programs.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study, whereby the pharmacists and assistant pharmacists at a single-center were provided with a structured questionnaire inquiring about their perception of CPE/CPD. A mixed-method approach was followed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables.

RESULTS

A total of 15 pharmacy professionals were enrolled in the study. Recent innovations in pharmacy practices were the most commonly desired topics (n= 11, 73.3%) for CPE/CPD. Live in-person presentations (n= 10, 66.7%) and handouts method (n= 10, 66.7%) were the most recommended practices for CPE/CPD. The most commonly cited deterrent was poor quality and method of CPE delivery (n=11, 73.3%), while the most common motivation was professional competence (n= 12, 80%).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study shows the benefits of developing CPE/CPD packages in future for pharmacy professionals focusing on advances in pharmacy practices and skill development, using in-person presentations and handouts, and focusing on the curiosity of the participant to improve his/her professional practice.

Pharmacists and continuing education: a cross-sectional observational study of value and motivation

OBJECTIVE

To validate the scales of motivation and value towards CE and determine the factors affecting the motivation and value for CE among the Lebanese pharmacists.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February and May 2018, using a random sample of Lebanese pharmacists. Data collection was performed by a team of pharmacists independent of the study. The self-administered questionnaire was available in both English and French, and comprised sections on factors related to the value and motivation of pharmacists to enrol in the CE programme.

RESULTS

Of the 750 questionnaires distributed, 628 (83.37%) were completed and collected back. The value and motivation scales' items converged over a solution of one and two factors, respectively, explaining a total of 67.62% and 60.86% of the variance, respectively. Cronbach's alpha values were as follows: value of CE (0.686) and motivation for CE (0.800). Higher scores of value of CE were significantly associated with pharmacists who find the access to e-library (platform of online courses) easy (Beta = 1.154), want long-term courses with certification (Beta = 1.088) and those employed in a community pharmacy (Beta = 1.344). Higher scores of motivation for CE were significantly associated with pharmacists being aware of their CE credits (Beta = 2.14), working during weekdays and evening shifts (Beta = 1.659) and those who preferred long-term courses (Beta = 1.869).

CONCLUSION

This study validated the scales of motivation and value towards CE among Lebanese pharmacists and showed that pharmacists' motivation and value towards CE were highly correlated. These findings could help design more convenient and personalized programmes, thereby increasing the motivation of pharmacists towards new CE activities.

Attitudes of Lebanese pharmacists towards online and live continuing education sessions

Background:

Continuing education (CE) is an internationally recommended approach as a lifelong learning model for pharmacists, enabling them to maintain the necessary knowledge, skills and ethical attitudes so as to remain current and competent in their practice.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to 1) describe factors associated with taking different types of CE courses among pharmacists in Lebanon, and 2) assess the correlation between types of CE activity and the attitude of Lebanese pharmacists (motivation and value) and their computer literacy.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted between February and May 2017, using a random sample of Lebanese pharmacists from all districts of Lebanon. All pharmacists were eligible to participate; the sample consisted of those who agreed to complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire includes questions about computer literacy, motivation and value about CE, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics of pharmacists.

Results:

Out of the 750 questionnaires distributed, 628 (83.73%) were filled out and returned to be analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 39.04 (SD 10.57) years, 66.9% of them were females, and 41.1% of them had a bachelor degree in pharmacy and worked in Mount Lebanon. Among the 628 respondents, 567 (90.3%) have earned at least one CE credit. Of those, 5.4% took mainly online courses, 15.4% took mainly live courses and the remaining took both types of CE. Higher motivation (aOR=1.05; CI 0.994-1.109) and higher value (aOR=1.076; CI 0.968-1.197) were associated with higher odds of taking live CE courses. Higher motivation (aOR=1.07; 95%CI 0.994-1.152) was associated with higher odds of taking online CE courses. Higher motivation (aOR=1.059; 95%CI 1.006-1.114) and higher general confidence with computer use (aOR=1.058; 95%CI 1.012-1.106) were significantly associated with higher odds of taking both types of CE courses.

Conclusions:

A high percentage of Lebanese pharmacists enrolled in the CE system, mainly driven by motivation and value of CE, in addition to a higher general confidence in computer use. Further efforts should be exerted by the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists to motivate pharmacists and help them improve their computer literacy, which is expected to improve not only enrollment in CE activities, but also the completion of their CE requirements.

Continuing pharmacy education practices in geriatric care among pharmacists in the Upper Midwest

OBJECTIVES

To summarize select continuing pharmacy education (CPE) topics and hours related to geriatric care completed by community, hospital/clinic, and long-term care (LTC)/consultant pharmacists in the previous 12 months, whether pharmacy workplace influenced topic selection or completion, and to describe CPE sources used by community versus hospital/clinic pharmacists.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey (2017).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Licensed pharmacists in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska with primary practice settings in community pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics or those practicing as consultant pharmacists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CPE on geriatric-related topics and hours completed in the previous 12 months, CPE providers and sources used, and differences in CPE topic completion and CPE providers and sources by primary pharmacy practice setting.

RESULTS

Pharmacists' response rates for states ranged from 10.5% to 17.1%. Pharmacists (n = 1082) reported limited completion of geriatric-related topics. Almost one-third completed CPE credit in Alzheimer disease (AD) but fewer than 20% of pharmacists in selected age-related chronic diseases (e.g., Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, epilepsy, vascular dementia, geriatric syndrome). LTC/consultant pharmacists completed significantly more hours in geriatric-related topics compared with other pharmacists. In contrast, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma, and heart failure were completed by 34% to 64% of the pharmacists. Pharmacist's Letter (57.2%), Power-Pak CE (42.4%), conferences, conventions, and symposia (32.5%), and Pharmacy Times (21.8%), were the most used CPE sources. Other sources were used by fewer than 18% of the pharmacists. Online CPE providers used by high numbers of study participants offered limited AD- or dementia-related topics and hours.

CONCLUSION

Findings revealed modest to minimal CPE completion in select geriatric care topics among pharmacists in the Upper Midwest. Completion rates were higher for LTC pharmacists compared with hospital, clinic, and community pharmacists. Only a few CPE sources were heavily used, and those offered minimal CPE in AD/dementia-related care. Given current findings and previous research, current CPE use habits and CPE offerings from major providers and sources seem insufficient for ensuring continued high-quality patient-centered care for growing U.S. aging populations.

Assessing the perceptions of pharmacists working in Lebanese hospitals on the continuing education preferences

BACKGROUND

Continuing education (CE) is an international tool that requires lifelong active participation in learning activities allowing the pharmacist to stay a major player among others. In 2014 the CE program was introduced to the pharmacists licensed in Lebanon as a mandatory requirement for re-licensure. In the absence of guidelines regarding the quality and quantity of CE programs, behavioral resistance to precipitate in the CE programs might be encountered among the pharmacists.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the perceptions of pharmacists working in Lebanese hospitals on the continuing education preferences. The advantage of this program is to collect information that would help the Order of Pharmacy in Lebanon to upgrade the CE program in a way that is more acceptable and convenient for the pharmacists.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016, using a proportionate random sample of Lebanese hospital pharmacies from all governorates in Lebanon. A structured questionnaire was distributed to all hospital pharmacies in Lebanon. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables. This includes the mean and standard deviation for continuous measures, counts and percentages for categorical variables.

RESULTS

A total of 107 (53.5%) participants completed the questionnaires. The majority of participants were from Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The percentage of participants working at private hospitals was (68.2%).The majority of participants who completed the questionnaire (86.2%) agreed that continuing education programs affects their way of practice and increases their knowledge. Their preferred CE types to be used in the future were the computer based ones (60.6%), interactive workshops (45.5%) and printed materials (44.9%). Their considerations for selecting the CE type is based on their interest in the topic (80.6%), the ease of access to print or online material (77.2%), or the convenience of being offered during an event (67.1%). Participants noted that barriers to attend live CEs were mainly work responsibilities (76%), travel distance (65.6%), family commitments (48.4%) and scheduling (40.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Lebanese hospital pharmacists are highly committed to CE. They consider it a practical tool for career development and advancement.

Attitudes towards continuous professional development: a study of pharmacists in Lebanon

Objective:

To investigate the views and assess motivation, attitudes of pharmacists in Lebanon towards mandatory continuous education (CE), its transition to Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and identify barriers to participation in CPD.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study, conducted between February and May 2017, enrolled 591 pharmacists. The questionnaire used in this study was developed after an extensive literature review and based on previous similar studies in different countries.

Results:

Half of the pharmacists who completed the questionnaire agreed that all the factors that were mentioned in the questionnaire motivated completing CPD, whereas 55.4% felt confident that CPD meets their needs. 78.4% felt confident in their abilities to assess what they have learned. 71.6% felt confident in their abilities to assess what additional CPD activity may be necessary. The majority of the pharmacists agreed that accessibility of group learning activities (location/distance) (69.6%), job restrictions (76.3%) and lack of time (80.6%) were the most essential barriers against participation in CPD. Motivation was significantly and positively correlated with attitude (r= 0.718), but negatively correlated with barriers (r= -0.243). Attitude was significantly and negatively correlated with barriers (r= -0.120).

Conclusion:

Our findings contribute to informing the forward pathway for the profession. Attitude and motivation to CPD were positive in this study. Accessibility of group learning activities due to distance and location, job restrictions and lack of time were the major barriers to participation in CPD. Potential solutions can be sought to address these issues.

Opinion of hospital pharmacy practitioners toward the Continuing Pharmacy Education program: a study from a tertiary care hospital in central Nepal

Background

Meeting participants’ needs and matching their preferences are important prerequisites for an effective Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) program. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the opinion of hospital pharmacy practitioners with respect to the CPE program.

Methods

The pretested questionnaires were distributed to 20 pharmacy practitioners working in a pharmacy at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal which asked for their opinions and suggestions with respect to the CPE program. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS version 20.

Results

Topics related to skills development (75%) and recent innovations in pharmacy practice (65%) were mostly preferred. Live (in-person) presentations (80%) and small group discussion (60%) were the most suitable methods for delivery. Improving knowledge (75%), improving skills (60%) and keeping up-to-date in the latest information (60%) were major motivating factors to participate, while lack of time (75%) was a major barrier. Approximately 55% of the participants believed that face-to-face interview was a suitable method for evaluating the effectiveness. Allocation of separate time for the program, assessing baseline knowledge and skills of the participants along with delivery of quality materials in an understandable way were the top common suggestions for improving the CPE program.

Conclusion

Hospital pharmacy practitioners’ opinions and suggestions were assessed with respect to the CPE program and this was upgraded accordingly to meet their expectations.