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Jarab AS, Al-Qerem W, Alzoubi KH, Almomani N, Abu Heshmeh S, Mukattash T, Alhamarneh YN. Exploring pharmacists' attitude, willingness and barriers to provide extended community pharmacy services: Implications for improved pharmacy services. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0310141. [PMID: 39250510 PMCID: PMC11383215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate pharmacists' attitude and willingness to provide extended community pharmacy services (ECPS), the barriers to ECPS, and the factors associated with attitude and willingness to implement ECPS. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online to community pharmacists across the United Arab Emirates between September and November 2023. In addition to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire evaluated attitudes toward ECPS, willingness to provide ECPS, and barriers to its implementation. Binary logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with attitude and willingness to implement ECPS. RESULTS The study included 409 pharmacists. Over half of the participants reported below the median attitude (58.7%) and willingness (59.4%) scores. Female pharmacists had a lower attitude towards ECPS (OR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.242-0.747). Higher number of daily prescriptions (OR = 1.066, 95%CI: 1.029-1.105) and being a Pharm D graduate (OR = 2.664, 95%CI: 1.439-4.932) were associated with higher willingness to provide ECPS, while an increased number of employed pharmacists (OR = 0.518, 95%CI: 0.397-0.676) was associated with a lower willingness (OR = 0.049, 95%CI: 0.004-0.660). Patients' preoccupation (76.5%), lack of specific training (76.3%), lack of clinical problem-solving skills (74.6%) and lack of a private consultation room (74.6%) were the most commonly reported barriers to ECPS. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists demonstrated unsatisfactory levels of attitude and willingness towards ECPS provision. Therefore, providing training and education programs that enhance pharmacists' perception and willingness to implement ECPS and emphasize improving clinical problem-solving skills, as well as setting up specific private consultation rooms, is deemed necessary. Female pharmacy graduates, pharmacists dispensing fewer daily prescriptions, and those working with a higher number of employed pharmacists should be specifically targeted when implementing these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anan S Jarab
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Walid Al-Qerem
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nadeen Almomani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shrouq Abu Heshmeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tareq Mukattash
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Yazid N Alhamarneh
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Cananda
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Hajj A, Zeenny RM, Sacre H, Akel M, Haddad C, Salameh P. Pharmacy education and workforce: strategic recommendations based on expert consensus in Lebanon. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:1. [PMID: 36593528 PMCID: PMC9807099 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacy in Lebanon has been taught for years, and the profession has known the golden ages in previous years. However, with the recent graduation of hundreds of pharmacists, without prior workforce planning, the oversupply of non-specialized pharmacists caused a mismatch with the needs of the market. The context of severe socioeconomic and sanitary crises has further exacerbated the situation, with hundreds of pharmacists leaving the country. A group of pharmacy experts joined to suggest strategic solutions to face such challenges, suggesting a clear strategy for education and the workforce, overarched by educational and professional values and based on six main pillars: (1) implement a national competency framework (including the core and specialized competency frameworks) to be used as a basis for licensure (colloquium); (2) implement a national pharmacy program accreditation, encompassing standards related to competencies adoption and assessment, curricula, teaching methods, research and innovation, instructors' and preceptors' skills, and experiential training; (3) organize training for students and early-career pharmacists; (4) optimize continuing education and implement continuous professional development, fostering innovation and specialization among working pharmacists; (5) develop and implement a pharmacy workforce strategy based on pharmacy intelligence, job market, and academic capacities; (6) develop and implement a legal framework for the above-mentioned pillars in collaboration with ministries and parliamentary commissions. Under the auspices of the relevant authorities, mainly the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the suggested strategy should be discussed and implemented for a better future for the pharmacy profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Hajj
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.42271.320000 0001 2149 479XLaboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité Des Médicament, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Oncology Division, CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Rony M. Zeenny
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Pharmacy, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon ,grid.444428.a0000 0004 0508 3124School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon ,grid.411324.10000 0001 2324 3572Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon ,grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Hatem G, Ghamloush S, Chami AA, Chaheen M, Khachman D, Awada S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy practice and on the provision of pharmaceutical care: A cross-sectional study among community pharmacists. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2023; 7:27550834231161145. [PMID: 37025695 PMCID: PMC10067468 DOI: 10.1177/27550834231161145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacists played an essential role in the control and management of the COVID-19 pandemic; both pharmaceutical care and community pharmacists were affected, given that, patients’ needs and demands increased due to the fear of lockdowns and shortage of medication throughout the pandemic. Objectives: This study was based in Lebanon and aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) pharmacists, including infection rates, pay, and working hours, and (2) pharmacy practice, including medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages. Design: A cross-sectional study involving 120 community pharmacists was carried out between August and November 2021. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey filled out by pharmacists working in Lebanon. Results: Most participants (71.7%) reported an increase in their income during the pandemic, and 60% reduced their working hours. A significant association was noted between being previously infected and marital status, level of education, work position, and salary of the participants. Most participants (95.8%) encountered a shortage of medications during the pandemic leading to high home storage of medication, searching for other sources of medicines, and decreased patient/pharmacist interactions. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenges on pharmacists and the provision of pharmaceutical care. It affected pharmacists’ daily routines, putting them at risk of infection with limited availability of medicines and PPE. This study suggests that establishing effective crisis management plans to increase community pharmacists’ resilience during similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Hatem
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Georges Hatem, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Ghamloush
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Al Chami
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Chaheen
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dalia Khachman
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Awada
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Nassar E, Kassouf S, Hajj A, Sacre H, Akel M, Zeenny RM, Haddad C, Salameh P. A pilot assessment of the career and job satisfaction of the pharmaceutical workforce in Lebanon. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:93. [PMID: 36443866 PMCID: PMC9703420 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00498-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lebanon has been recognized as a center for high-quality healthcare services in the Middle East because of its prestigious facilities certified by international bodies, competent health workers, and credible pharmaceutical sector. This study assessed the professional situation of the Lebanese pharmaceutical workforce upon graduation and entry to the job market. It also evaluated the satisfaction of pharmacists with the financial, physical, and psychological aspects of their job and the effect of the current socioeconomic crisis on their profession. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed between January and May 2021 among 114 Lebanese pharmacists from all pharmaceutical sectors across Lebanon. A self-administered questionnaire was elaborated to assess the pharmaceutical workforce in Lebanon. The online questionnaire was built using Google Forms and disseminated via emails and social platforms. RESULTS Fresh graduates seemed more oriented toward community pharmacies, and 78.1% of the participants worked at least once in their lifetime in a community pharmacy. Pharmacists from the public university worked predominantly in the community pharmacy sector, while those who graduated from private universities worked mainly as medical representatives. Hospital pharmacy comprised significantly more PharmD graduates than other sectors; medical representatives had mainly a BS pharmacy, while those working as industrial pharmacists had a Master's degree. A low percentage (31.6%) of participants found it easy to get hold of a job across different pharmaceutical sectors while 64.0% considered the internships experience insufficient to get employed. Nearly half (48.2%) of the respondents were poorly satisfied with their job, and 54.0% of community pharmacists reported not working in their preferred field compared to 39.1% of pharmacists from other sectors. Also, 65.79% felt that the economic crisis and the consequent medication shortages affected their credibility and how society perceived them. About half (45.61%) of the participants reported that their employment status was not affected by the crisis; the rest got a second job to cover their expenses (15.79%) or changed jobs (14.91%). CONCLUSION Our study findings revealed that most Lebanese fresh graduates worked as community pharmacists, which does not correspond to their preference, the available job market, and the modern pharmacy wingspan. Most pharmacists were also financially, physically, and emotionally dissatisfied due to the Lebanese economic crisis that added heavy workloads and responsibilities without any financial raise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Nassar
- grid.411324.10000 0001 2324 3572Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Sibelle Kassouf
- grid.411324.10000 0001 2324 3572Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Aline Hajj
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.42271.320000 0001 2149 479XLaboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicament, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Oncology Division, CHU de Québec- Université Laval Research Center, Québec city, Québec, Canada
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rony M. Zeenny
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Pharmacy, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jal Eddib, Lebanon ,grid.444428.a0000 0004 0508 3124School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- grid.411324.10000 0001 2324 3572Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
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5
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Bou-Saba AW, Kassak KM, Salameh PR. The current trends and challenges towards good community pharmacy practice and the way forward. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2022; 6:100152. [PMID: 35782690 PMCID: PMC9241085 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The practice of pharmacy continues to evolve. Comprehensive research to monitor and assess the development of the practice is needed. Good Pharmacy Practices (GPP) have been adopted by many countries to enhance the quality of services. Little information is available concerning how pharmacy practices are being implemented in developing countries. Lebanon being a developing country is a good example where community pharmacy practice doesn't follow clear guidelines and no evidence of good clinical practice. Objectives This study aims to highlight GPP implementation, to identify obstacles impeding implementation, and to suggest how its application could be facilitated in Lebanon. Methods The review included studies published in English during the last five years covering aspects of pharmacy practice in relation to GPP standards. The search excluded research related to hospital pharmacy practice and primary health care centers since they have their own quality standards. Results The research identified 20 recent studies that covered aspects of community pharmacy practice in Lebanon in relation to GPP standards. Eight of the studies related to research and professional development,5 related to the provision of medicines,4 related to interaction and communication,1 related to trainees,1 related to pharmacotherapy monitoring, and 1 related to documentation systems. An additional 6 studies provided insight into factors that affect the pharmacy practice in general. It is apparent that the pharmacy practice would benefit if pharmacists were better supported with financial incentives and a readjustment of their working conditions as this would have a positive impact on their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. The review indicated that the standard of research and professional development was the most studied topic and it was recommended that pharmacists develop their research capabilities. It was observed that there is a tendency towards implementing Continuous Education for pharmacists and obstacles primarily included work and family commitments, lack of interest, lack of time, difficulties in commuting, and lack of competence in the use of technology. This standard is aligned with the FIP's developmental goal of continuing professional development strategies. The search also identified only one pilot study to assess GGP compliance among community pharmacies in Lebanon. This pilot study was limited and showed low adherence of community pharmacies in Lebanon to GPP standards.Barriers to implementation are lack of enforcing laws,inadequate dissemination of the standards among the community pharmacists, poor public perception, and the financial and soscioeconomically crisis facing Lebanon. Conclusion Collaborated efforts are needed to implement GPP standards in Lebanon.It is recommended to undergo training and awareness sessions to community pharmacists thus enhancing their commitment and motivation. It is also recommended to establish key performance indicators to monitor the implementation. İndicators should include structure indicators for regulating the storage of medications, process indicators for regulating the dispensing, and outcome indicators for reporting patient safety incidents, measuring public satisfaction and the provision and use of medicines.These recommendations can be used by Health authorities and Pharmacy educational institutions in Lebanon and in all similar low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alein W. Bou-Saba
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kassem M. Kassak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale R. Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
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Husted GR, Hansen RN, El-Souri M, Lorenzen JK, Iversen PB, Rossing CV. What do persons with diabetes want from community pharmacies? A qualitative study. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2677. [PMID: 35919802 PMCID: PMC9296095 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.2.2677] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes is a demanding disease with a complex treatment regimen. Many persons with diabetes have difficulty managing their disease and taking medication as prescribed, possibly because they lack knowledge and sometimes misinterpret medical benefits. Community pharmacies continuously provide professional counselling to persons with diabetes. Objective This study aimed to explore 1) which services adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes want from community pharmacies and 2) how pharmacies can meet these wishes. Methods A qualitative, explorative study design using focus group interviews was chosen. Informants were recruited from Region Zealand in Denmark. Data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed by means of thematic analysis. Results Thirteen adults (11 female) with the mean age of 66.2 years (range 49-81 years) participated in one physical (n=6) or one online (n=7) focus group interview. Ten had type 2 diabetes, three had type 1 diabetes. The average duration of participants' diabetes was 13.4 years (range 2.3-33.0 years). The analysis revealed three overall themes of the functions which the informants would like community pharmacies to fulfil: 1) raise awareness of pharmacies' counselling service and competences; 2) act as a dialogue partner; 3) be a source of information and guidance about local activities and support. Conclusion The informants did not regard community pharmacies as a natural part of the healthcare system or as a place where they would expect counselling. They would like the community pharmacy to make their medical competences and services obvious and the community pharmacy staff to act as a dialogue partner and provide competent counselling. The informants would like to have a contact person with diabetes competences with whom they can book an appointment to complement over-the-counter counselling. They experience a gap in their care between routine visits in the healthcare system and suggest that community pharmacies counselling services become a natural supplement and that healthcare professionals in the primary and secondary sectors inform patients about the services - especially for patients newly diagnosed with diabetes. Finally, they would like a formal collaboration between diabetes associations and community pharmacies to make their competences, services and information visible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitte Reventlov Husted
- PhD, MScN, Consultant, Department of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Pharmakon, Denmark.
| | - Rikke Nørgaard Hansen
- MSc Pharmacy, Head of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Pharmakon, Denmark.
| | - Mira El-Souri
- MSc Pharmacy, Consultant, Department of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Pharmakon, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Charlotte Verner Rossing
- PhD, MSc. Pharmacy, Director of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Pharmakon, Denmark.
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7
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Opportunities for extended community pharmacy services in United Arab Emirates: perception, practice, perceived barriers and willingness among community pharmacists. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:24. [PMID: 35321755 PMCID: PMC8941297 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community pharmacies are widely distributed in the United Arab Emirates where community pharmacists’ (CPs’) perspectives on provision of extended community pharmacy services (ECPS) is not known. This study assessed CPs perception, practices, perceived barriers and willingness to provide ECPS. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a self-administered Likert-type questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.976) was conducted among 195 community CPs in Northern emirates, selected through multistage sampling technique. The filled questionnaires were assessed for CPs’ perception, practice, perceived barriers and willingness to perform ECPS. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests examined the association between demography and outcome variables (alpha value of 0.05) with further analysis using Dunn’ post hoc test. Results Of the respondents, 71.8% (n = 140) ‘strongly agreed’ that every CP must provide ECPs and 39% (n = 76) ‘strongly agreed’ in supporting ECPS with another 44.1% (n = 86) ‘agreed’ on the same. The major barriers felt by CPs in practicing ECPS were lack of incentive for employee pharmacists [3 (2–3)], lack of documentation [3 (2–3)], insufficient time [3 (2–3)] and lack of patients’ demand [(2–3)]; maximum score (5–5). CPs also responded ‘completely’ willing to provide services such as blood pressure measurement, pregnancy testing and BMI measurement. Pharmacy location influenced practice score (p = 0.008) and access to the internet had a significant effect on barriers score (p = 0.000). Availability of drug information sources impacted perception (p = 0.038), practice (p = 0.000) and willingness scores (p = 0.011). Conclusions CPs’ perception on providing ECPS was positive and they are currently offering ECPS within their available resources and facilities. Less demand from patients and lack of time were reportedly the major barriers in offering ECPS. Proper utilization of CPs in providing ECPS can complement the healthcare system with additional cost and time savings for the patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40545-022-00418-y.
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8
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Zeenny RM, Akel M, Hajj A, Sacre H, Hallit S, Salameh P. Descriptive assessment of graduates' perceptions of pharmacy-related competencies based on the Lebanese pharmacy core competencies framework. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2021; 19:2320. [PMID: 34221200 PMCID: PMC8234617 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2021.2.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists possess a unique and complex body of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to enable them to optimize health outcomes. Pharmacy organizations publish routinely updated versions of professional competencies that help pharmacy schools integrate advances into their curricula. In Lebanon, no national framework for pharmacy education is officially adopted yet. In 2017, the Official Pharmacists' Association in Lebanon [OPL - Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon] took the initiative to develop a pharmacy core competency framework. Objective The primary objective of this survey was to evaluate graduates' perceptions of pharmacy-related competencies "taught" across Lebanese pharmacy schools/faculties, based on the suggested Lebanese Pharmacy Competencies Framework. This study also explored the association between graduates' demographics, university attributes, and self-assessed competency performance. Methods A cross-sectional study involving pharmacists who graduated from Lebanese universities was performed through a 40-minute online questionnaire distributed over social media platforms and groups of pharmacists. Results Pharmacists perceived their competence as moderate upon graduation, the lowest scores being in fundamental knowledge and medicine supply; the highest reported scores were in personal skills and safe/rational use of medicines. Moreover, females, younger graduates, PharmD holders, and pharmacists working in hospitals/clinical settings and academia had the highest perception of their competencies. Pharmacists in the public sector and medical laboratory directors had the lowest perception of competence. Conclusions When comparing the taught curriculum to the suggested Lebanese Pharmacy Competency Framework, all domains need to be improved to optimize the perception, education, and practice of pharmacists. It is essential to emphasize fundamental knowledge, medicines supply, and public health competencies in undergraduate curricula and improve continuing professional education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony M Zeenny
- PharmD. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, American University Beirut Medical Center. Beirut (Lebanon).
| | - Marwan Akel
- PharmD, PhD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University. Beirut (Lebanon).
| | - Aline Hajj
- PharmD, PhD. Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Quality Control of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University. Beirut (Lebanon).
| | - Hala Sacre
- PharmD. National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology & Toxicology (INSPECT-LB). Beirut (Lebanon).
| | - Souheil Hallit
- PharmD, PhD. Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). Jounieh (Lebanon).
| | - Pascale Salameh
- PharmD, PhD. Medical School, University of Nicosia. Nicosia (Cyprus).
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9
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Goff DA, Ashiru‐Oredope D, Cairns KA, Eljaaly K, Gauthier TP, Langford BJ, Mahmoud SF, Messina AP, Michael UC, Saad T, Schellack N. Global contributions of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2020; 3:1480-1492. [PMID: 33043280 PMCID: PMC7537072 DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) global pandemic, pharmacists were rarely mentioned as essential frontline health care providers by the news media, the public, or politicians. Around the world, pharmacists are working on the frontlines of health care every day providing essential health care services during the pandemic. Pharmacists are medication experts providing patient care in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, long-term care, physician offices, and national and public health. In this paper, we describe how pharmacists from high and low-middle income countries contributed to essential patient care and well-being of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the news media, the public, and politicians often overlooked pharmacists as essential frontline health care providers, we hope that this list of contributions by pharmacists from nine countries in this article can help to change this perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A. Goff
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterThe Ohio State University College of PharmacyColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Diane Ashiru‐Oredope
- National Infection ServicePublic Health EnglandLondonUK
- Commonwealth Pharmacists AssociationLondonUK
| | | | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Faculty of PharmacyKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
- College of PharmacyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | | | - Bradley J. Langford
- Public Health OntarioTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation CentreSt. CatharinesOntarioCanada
| | | | - Angeliki P. Messina
- Division of PharmacyNetcare Hospitals LtdJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Thérèse Saad
- Department of PharmacyAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirutLebanon
| | - Natalie Schellack
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health SciencesSefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityPretoriaSouth Africa
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Sacre H, Hallit S, Hajj A, Zeenny RM, Akel M, Raad E, Salameh P. Developing Core Competencies for Pharmacy Graduates: The Lebanese Experience. J Pharm Pract 2020; 35:332-339. [PMID: 33084476 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020966195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of a national qualification framework for health professionals, the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists (OPL) took the initiative of developing a pharmacy competency framework to standardize pharmacy education in all universities. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the steps that led to the Lebanese Pharmacy Core Competencies Framework. METHODS Based on a primer developed by a group of academic instructors, following international reference documents from different parts of the world, the Academic board appointed by the OPL, reviewed, streamlined, and validated the suggested primer using the Delphi technique over three rounds, to come up with the final framework. RESULTS The framework encompassed competencies distributed over 7 domains: fundamental knowledge, professional practice, personal skills, supply of medications, safe and rational use of medications, pharmaceutical public health competencies, and organization and management competencies. Its structure was similar to that of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), with cultural and legal adaptations and the addition of some behaviors related to OPL specific practice and research projects. CONCLUSION This work describes the elaboration of the Lebanese Pharmacy Core Competencies Framework, a project considered to be an essential step forward for the profession and a first step toward providing information on human resource planning and professional development of the pharmacy workforce. Instead of adapting existing international educational standards from resource-rich contexts, which may not meet the actual needs of Lebanon, universities can draw our findings to develop relevant programs targeting the skills needed for health workers in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Sacre
- Drug Information Center, 67014Lebanese Order of Pharmacists, Beirut, Lebanon.,INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Aline Hajj
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pôle Technologie-Santé (PTS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, 36925Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rony M Zeenny
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, 66984American University Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese 125671International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie Raad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 63572Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, 63572Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, 63572Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Hermansyah A, Wulandari L, Kristina SA, Meilianti S. Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Indonesia. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2020; 18:2085. [PMID: 32774531 PMCID: PMC7392514 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2020.3.2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The practice of community pharmacy in low and middle-income countries, including in Indonesia, is often described as in the state of infancy with several intractable barriers that have been substantially and continuously hampering the practice. Such description might be valid in highlighting how pharmacy is practiced and the conditions within and beyond community pharmacy organizations. Therefore, it is not surprising that the concept of integrating community pharmacy into the primary care system may not be considered in the contemporary discourse despite the fact that community pharmacy has been operating within communities for years. However, in the case of Indonesia, we argue that changes in the health care system within the past decade particularly with the introduction of the universal health coverage (UHC) in 2014, may have significantly amplified the role of pharmacists. There is good evidence which highlights the contribution of pharmacist as a substantial health care element in primary care practice. The initiative for employing pharmacist, identified in this article as primary care pharmacist, in the setting of community health center [puskesmas] and the introduction of affiliated or contracted community pharmacy under the UHC have enabled pharmacist to work together with other primary care providers. Moreover, government agenda under the “Smart Use of Medicines” program [Gema Cermat] recognizes pharmacists as the agent of change for improving the rational use of medicines in the community. Community pharmacy is developing, albeit slowly, and is able to grasp a novel position to deliver pharmacy-related primary care services to the general public through new services, for example drug monitoring and home care. Nevertheless, integrating community pharmacy into primary care is relatively a new notion in the Indonesian setting, and is a challenging process given the presence of barriers in the macro, meso- and micro-level of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Hermansyah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University. Surabaya (Indonesia).
| | - Luh Wulandari
- Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University. Bali (Indonesia).
| | - Susi A Kristina
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Gadjah Mada. Yogyakarta (Indonesia).
| | - Sherly Meilianti
- Department of practice and policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London. London (United Kingdom).
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