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Schmidt C, Matlala M, Godman B, Kurdi A, Meyer JC. Perceptions of and Preparedness for the Application of Pharmacoeconomics in Practice, among Final Year Bachelor of Pharmacy Students in South Africa: A National Cross-Sectional Study. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020054. [PMID: 36961033 PMCID: PMC10037603 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
For the improvement of access to health, many countries including South Africa, have adopted universal healthcare. However, this requires skills to apply health technology assessments for the facilitation of investment decisions. This study aimed to ascertain final year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) students' perceptions of the relevance of pharmacoeconomics in pharmacy practice, and their level of preparedness to apply pharmacoeconomic principles, using a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive design. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire over 12 months, and included student demographics, knowledge about pharmacoeconomics and its applicability in practice, as well as students' satisfaction with the appropriateness of the curriculum content. Five of nine universities offering pharmacy education took part. The overallstudent response rate was 38.1% (189/496), with 26.2% (45/172) of students signifying a good understanding of basic pharmacoeconomic concepts. Pharmacoeconomics application in South Africa was perceived to be relevant by 87.5% (140/160); however, 47.0% (79/168) felt they were not prepared to apply pharmacoeconomic principles in medicine management, and 86.7% (137/158) wanted to acquire additional pharmacoeconomic knowledge. Whilst students' perceptions of the relevance of pharmacoeconomics were positive, results indicated a gap in knowledge, understanding, and application. Addressing this gap may increase students' preparedness to apply pharmacoeconomic principles and better equip them for the practical application of pharmacoeconomics post qualification. Consequently, we have started this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlien Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Moliehi Matlala
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
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Mbonane H, Sibanda M, Godman B, Meyer JC, Matlala M. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals on the use of an electronic stock visibility and management tool in a middle-income country: Implications for access to medicines. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100233. [PMID: 36845673 PMCID: PMC9945761 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Stock Visibility System (SVS) is a mobile application and web-based management tool used at public primary health care (PHC) facilities in South Africa to capture and monitor medicines availability, providing visibility at national level. Medicine stock-outs are prevalent despite the implementation of SVS, compromising patient care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the use of the SVS at PHC level to provide future guidance. Method A cross-sectional study using a structured self-administered questionnaire among 206 HCPs at 21 randomly selected PHC facilities located in a health district in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Closed-ended questions were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on the SVS and practices on its use. A Likert scale was used to determine attitudes towards the SVS. Cronbach's alpha (α) was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire and independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test statistical difference in the mean scores for KAP and socio-demographic variables. Association between knowledge and practices, and attitude and practices was determined using odds ratios (OR) and Chi-square. Results The majority (99.5%) of HCPs had previous training on SVS. Nearly two thirds (62.1%; 128/206) generally had good knowledge about the SVS and 76.7% (158/206) had positive attitudes towards the SVS while only 17.0% had a good practice score. There was no statistically significant association between KAP of HCPs on the use of the SVS, and sociodemographic variables (HCP qualification, age and sex). There was a significant association between the knowledge and practice scores (aOR: 5.44; 95% CI: 1.92-15.4; p = 0.001). Although positive attitudes, was associated with good practices, it was not statistically significant (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.46-3.22; p = 0.702). Conclusions HCPs in this district had poor practices when using SVS despite good knowledge and positive attitudes towards SVS and the higher the HCPs knowledge of SVS, the more desirable the practices on SVS. This underscores the need for continuous training of HCPs to ensure a constant and efficient supply of medicines to meet the health needs of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlalanathi Mbonane
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa,East Boom Community Health Centre, 541 Boom Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa
| | - Mncengeli Sibanda
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa,South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa,Corresponding author at: Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa.
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa,Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa,South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Moliehi Matlala
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
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3
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Barbosa MM, Moreira TA, Nascimento RC, Nascimento MM, Acurcio FA, Godman B, Guerra AA, Alvares-Teodoro J. Access to medicines in the Brazilian Unified Health System's primary health care: assessment of a public policy. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:869-879. [PMID: 34032143 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2008, the Programa Rede Farmácia de Minas (RFM, literally translated: 'Minas Gerais Pharmacy Network' program) was created as a strategy to expand access to medicines. Aim: Measure access to medicines in public pharmacies through comparison between municipalities that joined or not the RFM. Materials & methods: Cross-sectional, evaluative study, gathering information from a representative sample of the municipalities in Minas Gerais between July 2014 and May 2015. The Poisson regression results were obtained by calculating the prevalence ratios. Results: Adequate access to medicines in Minas Gerais was 69.9%, being 75.8% in municipalities with and 69.2% without the RFM. The municipalities with the RFM showed statistically higher percentages in the Availability, Adequacy/Accommodation, and Acceptability dimensions. Conclusion: RFM appears an efficient strategy for promoting access to medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Barbosa
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thais A Moreira
- School of Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Public Health Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Crm Nascimento
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariana Mg Nascimento
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francisco A Acurcio
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.,Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Augusto A Guerra
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alvares-Teodoro
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Hayat K, Mustafa ZU, Godman B, Arshed M, Zhang J, Khan FU, Saleem F, Lambojon K, Li P, Feng Z, Fang Y. Perceptions, Expectations, and Experience of Physicians About Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Care Services in Pakistan: Findings and Implications. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:650137. [PMID: 34054528 PMCID: PMC8160509 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.650137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Optimal collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals such as physicians is integral in implementing pharmaceutical care. However, there are concerns regarding the role of pharmacists, especially among low- and middle-income countries. This study explored the perceptions, expectations, and experience of physicians working in various hospital settings of Punjab, Pakistan, about pharmacists and their roles. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections was administered from October to December 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis using SPSS. Results: Six hundred and seventy-eight physicians participated in this study with a response rate of 77.9%. Most of the physicians reported minimal to no interaction with pharmacists (n = 521, 76.8%). However, more than three-quarters of physicians (n = 660, 97.3%) accepted pharmacists as evidence-based sources of drug information. In addition, many physicians (n = 574, 84.7%) strongly agreed that pharmacists should attend patient care rounds to respond promptly to questions related to patient medication. A limited number of physicians (n = 124, 18.3%) assumed that pharmacists were advising their patients regarding the judicial use of their drugs. Median expectation and experience score had a significant association with age, experience, and education of physicians (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The perception of physicians was positive toward certain roles of pharmacists, coupled with high expectations. However, their experience was low, with most of the activities of pharmacists due to inadequate interprofessional coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khezar Hayat
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Pakpattan, Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | - Brain Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Arshed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lifeline Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Faiz Ullah Khan
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| | - Fahad Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Krizzia Lambojon
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengchao Li
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhitong Feng
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
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Rubio-Valera M, Marqués-Ercilla S, Peñarrubia-María MT, Urbanos-Garrido RM, Borrell C, Bosch J, Sánchez-Viñas A, Aznar-Lou I. Who Suffers From Pharmaceutical Poverty and What Are Their Needs? Evidence From a Spanish Region. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:617687. [PMID: 33959003 PMCID: PMC8093809 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.617687] [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: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmaceutical poverty occurs when a patient cannot afford the cost of prescribed medication and/or medical products. Nonprofit organizations are covering the cost of medication to those patients in some contexts. The aim of the study was to describe the population of beneficiaries of the PB, a nongovernmental organization based on the primary healthcare system, which provides free-of-charge access to medicines and their utilization pattern of medicines and healthcare products. Methods: This was an observational study using PB beneficiary data collected between November 2017 and December 2018 in Catalonia. The Catalan Health Service provided information from the general population. A descriptive analysis of the beneficiaries' characteristics was conducted and compared to the general population. Results: The beneficiaries (N = 1,206) were mainly adults with a low level of education, unemployed, with functional disability, and with ≥1 child. Compared with the general population, the beneficiaries were older, had a lower level of education, showed a higher prevalence of functional disability, were less likely to be Spanish, and were more likely to be divorced and unemployed. The beneficiaries were polymedicated, and most were using medication related to the nervous (79%), musculoskeletal (68%), and cardiovascular system (56%) and alimentary tract and metabolism (68%). Almost 19% of beneficiaries used healthcare products. Female beneficiaries were older and more likely to be divorced or widowed, employed, and with children. Compared to men, women were more likely to use medicines for pain and mental disorders. The pediatric group used medications for severe, chronic conditions (heart diseases, autoimmune diseases, conduct disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Conclusion: Patients with severe, chronic, and disabling conditions are affected by pharmaceutical poverty. While the system of copayment remains unchanged, family physicians and pediatricians should explore economic barriers to treatment and direct their patients to resources that help to cover the cost of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rubio-Valera
- Research and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Marqués-Ercilla
- Centre d’Atenció Primària Bartomeu Fabrés Anglada, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Costa de Ponent, Institut Català de la Salut, Gavà, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Costa de Ponent, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain
| | - M Teresa Peñarrubia-María
- The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centre d’Atenció Primària Bartomeu Fabrés Anglada, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Costa de Ponent, Institut Català de la Salut, Gavà, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Costa de Ponent, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Urbanos-Garrido
- Department of Applied Economics, Public Economics and Political Economy, The Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Borrell
- The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Sánchez-Viñas
- Research and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Aznar-Lou
- Research and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Rocha WH, Teodoro JÁ, Assis Acurcio FD, Guerra AA, Gomes Moura IC, Godman B, Kurdi A, Rezende Macedo do Nascimento RC, Almeida AM. Influence of pharmaceutical services organization on the availability of essential medicines in a public health system. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:519-532. [PMID: 33739138 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the influence of organizational structure and technical-management activities on the availability of essential medicines in the primary healthcare. Materials & methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory and evaluative study. The availability was evaluated according to parameters established by the WHO. Results: The average availability of standardized essential medicines was 83.3 and 73.3% for medicines purchased centrally by the Brazilian government. Among the therapeutic groups evaluated, the lowest average availability were for the tuberculostatics (24.1%) and psychotropic/special control medicines (30.3%). Conclusion: The availability of essential medicines was positively influenced by the presence of the pharmacist and by the computerized system deployed, and negatively associated with essential medicines purchased centrally by the federal government, especially in the smaller municipalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenderson Henrique Rocha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Álvares Teodoro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,School of Pharmacy, SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment & Excellence in Health, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco de Assis Acurcio
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,School of Pharmacy, SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment & Excellence in Health, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Augusto Afonso Guerra
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,School of Pharmacy, SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment & Excellence in Health, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Gomes Moura
- Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Belo Horizonte, MoG, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral St. G4 0RE. Glasgow, UK.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet. Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge. SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy & Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral St. G4 0RE. Glasgow, UK.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | | | - Alessandra Maciel Almeida
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Belo Horizonte, MoG, Brazil
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7
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Barbosa MM, Nascimento RC, Garcia MM, Acurcio FA, Godman B, Guerra AA, Alvares-Teodoro J. Strategies to improve the availability of medicines in primary health care in Brazil: findings and implications. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:243-253. [PMID: 33541125 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Access to essential medicines is a key component of managing patients in ambulatory care. In 2008, the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, created the Pharmacy Network of Minas (Rede Farmácia de Minas [RFM]) program to improve access to medicines, increasing availability and restructuring the infrastructures. The aim was to assess the current situation, comparing municipalities with and without RFM. Materials & methods: Descriptive survey study, data collected from 2014 July to May 2015. Availability was verified by stock levels. Results: The drug availability index was 61.0%, higher in municipalities with RFM. Most physicians considered the pharmaceutical services as good/very good. The main reasons for medicines shortage were 'financial transference problems', 'insufficient financial resources' and 'budget'. Conclusion: Strategies, such as the RFM can promote improvements in medicine availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Barbosa
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Crm Nascimento
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Marina M Garcia
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francisco A Acurcio
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.,Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, SE 141 86, Sweden.,School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Augusto A Guerra
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alvares-Teodoro
- School of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Medicines & Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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8
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Githendu P, Morrison L, Silaa R, Pothapregada S, Asiimwe S, Idris R, Peterson T, Davidson E, Lesego A, Mwale N, Mwakalobo SM, Bwanakunu LR, Achoki T. Transformation of the Tanzania medical store department through global fund support: an impact assessment study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040276. [PMID: 33158832 PMCID: PMC7651727 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tanzania government sought support from The Global Fund to Fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria to reform its Medical Stores Department, with the aim of improving performance. The study sought to assess the impact of the reforms and document the lessons learnt. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative research methods were applied to assess the impact of the reforms. The quantitative part entailed a review of operational and financial data covering the period before and after the implementation of the reforms. Interrupted time series analysis was used to determine the change in average availability of essential health commodities at health zones. Qualitative data were collected through 41 key informant interviews. Participants were identified through stakeholder mapping, purposive and snowballing sampling techniques and responses were analysed through thematic content analysis. RESULTS Availability of essential health commodities increased significantly by 12.6% (95% CI 9.6% to 15.6%) after the reforms and continued to increase on a monthly basis by 0.2% (95%CI 0.0% to 0.3%) relative to the preintervention trend. Sales increased by 56.6% while the cost of goods sold increased by 88.6% between 2014/2015 and 2017/2018. Surplus income increased by 56.4% between 2014/2015 and 2017/2018 with reductions in rent and fuel expenditure. There was consensus among study participants that the reforms were instrumental in improving performance of the Medical Stores Department. CONCLUSION Positive results were realised through the reforms. However, despite the progress, there were risks such as the increasing government receivable that could jeopardise the sustainability of the gains. Therefore, multistakeholder efforts are necessary to make progress and expand public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Githendu
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Linden Morrison
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Rosemary Silaa
- Independent Consultants, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Sai Pothapregada
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Asiimwe
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Rafiu Idris
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Peterson
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Emma Davidson
- Independent Consultants, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Abaleng Lesego
- Africa Institute for Health Policy Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Neema Mwale
- Tanzania Medical Stores Department, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | | | | | - Tom Achoki
- Africa Institute for Health Policy Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Babatola AO, Fadare JO, Olatunya OS, Obiako R, Enwere O, Kalungia A, Ojo TO, Sunmonu TA, Desalu O, Godman B. Addressing antimicrobial resistance in Nigerian hospitals: exploring physicians prescribing behavior, knowledge, and perception of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship programs. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:537-546. [PMID: 32990480 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1829474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assessed the knowledge of, attitude toward antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and practice of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among physicians in Nigeria to provide future guidance to the Nigerian National Action Plan for AMR. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study explored the physicians' self-reported practice of antibiotic prescribing, knowledge, attitude, and practice of AMR and components of ASPs. RESULTS The majority (217; 67.2%) of respondents prescribed antibiotics daily in their clinical practice AMR was recognized as a global and local problem by 308 (95.4%) and 262 (81.1%) respondents, respectively. Only 91 (28.2%) of respondents have ever heard of antibiotic stewardship. The median AMR knowledge score was 40 (19-45)out of 45while that for ASP was 46.0(32-57) out of 60. There was significant statistical difference between the ASP median scores among the medical specialties category (P value <0.0001) More respondents had good knowledge of AMR than ASPs (82.7% versus 36.5%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Respondents in this study were more knowledgeable about AMR than AMS and its core components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adefunke O Babatola
- Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Joseph O Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Oladele S Olatunya
- Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Reginald Obiako
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Okezie Enwere
- Department of Medicine, Imo State University, Orlu, Nigeria
| | - Aubrey Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Temitope O Ojo
- Department of Community Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Olufemi Desalu
- Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Zuppo IDF, Ruas CM, de Oliveira HN, Godman B, Castel S, Wainberg ML, Reis EA. Health equity and the usage of atypical antipsychotics within the Brazilian national health system: findings and implications. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 21:743-751. [DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1804873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella de Figueiredo Zuppo
- Postgraduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristina Mariano Ruas
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helian Nunes de Oliveira
- Psychiatrist and Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, South Africa
- Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK
| | - Saulo Castel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milton L. Wainberg
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Edna Afonso Reis
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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11
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Gad M, Salem A, Oortwijn W, Hill R, Godman B. Mapping of Current Obstacles for Rationalizing Use of Medicines (CORUM) in Europe: Current Situation and Potential Solutions. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:144. [PMID: 32194401 PMCID: PMC7063972 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are increasing concerns regarding the inappropriate use of medicines with expenditure continuing to grow driven by increasing sales in oncology and orphan diseases, enhanced by their emotive nature. As a result, even high income countries are struggling to fund new premium priced medicines. These concerns have resulted in initiatives to better manage the entry of new medicines and enhance the rational use of medicines (RUM). However, there is a need to ascertain the current situation. We sought to address this by developing the Current Obstacles for Rationalizing Use of Medicines in Europe (CORUM) mapping tool to qualitatively investigate the current situation and provide analysis of current views on RUM and interventions among key European payers and their advisers. The findings will be used to provide future guidance. Methodology Descriptive study exploring and identifying perceived gaps to achieving optimal RUM. The CORUM tool was based on the WHO 12 key interventions to promote RUM. Results 62 participants took part with most respondents believing their country could improve RUM capacity. This included educational initiatives on the use of clinical guidelines (90%) and the inclusion of problem-based pharmacotherapy in undergraduate curricula and for Continued Professional Development. Key challenges included a lack of regular updates of guidelines, exacerbated by limited funding and a lack of follow-up to monitor adherence to agreed guidelines. RUM could also be enhanced by the development of regional formularies as well as implementing Drug and Therapeutic Committees where these are currently limited. There also needs to be greater co-ordination between RUM and Health Technology Assessment activities, with countries learning from each other. Conclusion There is an urgent need to improve RUM through improved educational and other activities among European countries, with countries learning from each other. This will involve addressing current challenges and we will be following this up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gad
- Global Health and Development Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Salem
- Real World Evidence Solutions, IQVIA, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Wija Oortwijn
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ruaraidh Hill
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, South Africa
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