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Ali ZZ, Skouteris H, Pirotta S, Hussainy SY, Low YL, Mazza D, Assifi AR. Interventions to Expand Community Pharmacists' Scope of Practice. PHARMACY 2024; 12:95. [PMID: 38921971 PMCID: PMC11207271 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of community pharmacists has evolved beyond the dispensing of medicines. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the interventions that expand the pharmacist's scope of practice within a community pharmacy setting and assess their effectiveness. METHODS We performed a scoping review to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), published worldwide from 2013 to 2024, which focused on interventions designed to expand pharmacists' scope of practice in the community. The review was undertaken in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. To address the aim of this scoping review, the included RCTs were mapped to themes influenced by the Professional Practice Standards 2023 as developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia: medication management, collaborative care and medication adherence. RESULTS Twelve studies demonstrated the potential to expand community pharmacists' scope of practice. Two RCTs resulted in no effect of the intervention. One RCT (conducted in Italy) led to an actual change to community pharmacists' scope of practice, with a statistically significant improvement in the proportion of patients with controlled asthma. CONCLUSIONS On the whole, this scoping review synthesised the findings of peer-reviewed RCT studies that revealed expanding community pharmacists' scope of practice may result in improved patient outcomes, a reduced burden for the healthcare system, and greater productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynah Zureen Ali
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (Y.L.L.); (D.M.)
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (H.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Stephanie Pirotta
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (H.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Safeera Yasmeen Hussainy
- Pharmacy Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Yi Ling Low
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (Y.L.L.); (D.M.)
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (Y.L.L.); (D.M.)
| | - Anisa Rojanapenkul Assifi
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (Y.L.L.); (D.M.)
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Chirila S, Hangan T, Gurgas L, Costache MG, Vlad MA, Nitu BF, Bittar SM, Craciun A, Condur L, Bjørklund G. Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1005-1013. [PMID: 38690537 PMCID: PMC11059623 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s459369] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration. Material and Method The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations. Results Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based vaccination availability. Conclusion Challenges include a lack of patient awareness and understanding of benefits, emphasizing the need for structured pharmacist-patient dialogues. Legal changes, a defined funding mechanism, and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation. The study provides valuable insights into patient perceptions, contributing to discussions on optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in Romania and beyond and recognizing pharmacies' potential in achieving broader vaccination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chirila
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Tony Hangan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Leonard Gurgas
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Sara Melek Bittar
- Department of Dermatology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Aurora Craciun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Laura Condur
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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Alotaibi MM, Aldandan EM, Alfredan BE, Almohammed SH, Almousa ZH. Pharmacists' perceptions about providing COVID-19 vaccines in community settings. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 12:100326. [PMID: 37743853 PMCID: PMC10511797 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100326] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community pharmacists were underutilized in Saudi Arabia. At the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, global healthcare systems experienced significant pressure. To combat the pandemic effectively, there was a need to involve other healthcare providers, such as community pharmacists. As a result, community pharmacists were enlisted to provide vaccines. Objectives This study aims to explore community pharmacists' perceptions about providing COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi community settings. Methods Ethical approval was granted by the Research Ethics Committee of King Faisal University in January 2022. A qualitative methodology was used to explore the opinions of community pharmacists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via face-to-face qualitative interviewing. Participants were recruited purposively and represented different types of community pharmacy settings. Results A total of 15 face-to-face individual interviews were conducted. The cohort included pharmacists who provided the service (n = 5) and those who did not (n = 10). The results showed that providing the service in a community setting was advantageous to patients, community pharmacy sector, and healthcare system. Moreover, the participants identified several barriers to providing the service. Conclusion Although providing the service had several advantages to several parties, the identified barriers need to be considered for the service to be provided appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour M. Alotaibi
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M. Aldandan
- Pharm-D intern, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer E. Alfredan
- Pharm-D intern, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar H. Almohammed
- Pharm-D intern, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahra H. Almousa
- Pharm-D intern, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Motlohi NF, Wiafe E, Mensah KB, Padayachee N, Petrus R, Bangalee V. A systematic review of the role of community pharmacists in the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases: the perceptions of patients. Syst Rev 2023; 12:160. [PMID: 37705090 PMCID: PMC10500864 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The modifiable risk factors can be measured and identified early at primary healthcare facilities. Community pharmacists present an opportunity for improved management of cardiovascular diseases and health outcomes. The systematic review aims to identify the roles of community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases and patients' perceptions towards such functions. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The team searched MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and Web of Science from January 2001 to December 2021 with a focus on studies reporting the role of community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases, and patients' perceptions of such roles. Search terms included were ''interventions,'' ''community pharmacists,'' ''patients,'' ''cardiovascular diseases,'' ''risk factors,'' and "perceptions". The quality of studies was appraised using the Joanne Briggs Institute checklist. RESULTS A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria: 35 (78%) and 10 (22%) reported community pharmacists' preventive and control roles, respectively. Generally, drug therapy monitoring, medicine and lifestyle counselling, and health education were most common roles, with pharmacist-initiated prescribing and social support least common. A total of 11 (24%) studies reported patients' perceptions of community pharmacists' contribution in preventing (73%, n = 8) and controlling (27%, n = 3) cardiovascular diseases. Patients were satisfied with community pharmacists' services in 10 of 11 studies. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight community pharmacists' capability of providing primary healthcare services in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases and provide evidence for their inclusion in primary healthcare frameworks. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these roles and provide a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF) registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WGFXT .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebenezer Wiafe
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho, Ghana
| | - Kofi Boamah Mensah
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Neelaveni Padayachee
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruwayda Petrus
- Discipline of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Varsha Bangalee
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Coalition Shaping the Vaccination Landscape. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122030. [PMID: 36560440 PMCID: PMC9783736 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122030] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2022, the National Program for Influenza Prevention coalition will have its 10th anniversary; it is one of Poland's oldest educational initiatives. The National Program for Influenza Prevention was initiated to prevent a further decline and promote influenza prevention in the A(H1N1) post-pandemic years. In this review, we summarize the structure and operational model of the coalition and identify core functional elements that make it a key non-governmental organization involved in the prophylactics of communicable diseases. The coalition-based organization can operate in a complex environment, such as vaccinations requiring scientific, economic, social, and psychological involvement, and communications with different groups. Anchored to the history of the National Program for Influenza Prevention, we review Poland's vaccination landscape changes from the last ten years.
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Grzegorczyk-Karolak I, Zglińska-Pietrzak A, Weremczuk-Jeżyna I, Kałucka S. Evaluation of Patient Experiences Regarding Pharmacist-Administrated Vaccination and Attitude towards Future Additional Pharmacy Services in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091479. [PMID: 36146558 PMCID: PMC9501353 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to increase the number of vaccinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a significant change was introduced in the legislation allowing for the vaccination to also be performed in pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among those who chose a pharmacy as a vaccination point during the pandemic COVID-19. The aim of the study was to determine the overall level of patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccination in pharmacies and to examine patient opinions regarding the further expansion of pharmacy services. A patient survey was conducted immediately after vaccination in the period from January to March 2022. A total of 398 questionnaires were completed. The respondents reported high satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccinations (94.5%). In addition, the majority of consumers felt safe during the vaccination procedure (98.5%), and 88.4% declared they would come for other vaccinations at the pharmacy. The two main reasons for choosing this vaccination place were easy access regarding location (94.2%) and proposed vaccination hours (95.2%). The participants reported high levels of satisfaction concerning the pre-vaccination interview (91.2%), information level before immunization (91.5%), injection technique (96.7%), adjusting the premises to the service (95%) and general care in pharmacy after with vaccination (87.7%). The majority of respondents supported the future expansion of pharmacist-administered services, although the support rate ranged from 52% to 83% depending on the type of service offered. The majority of patients supported the continuation of ongoing prescriptions, blood pressure and blood glucose measurement services by pharmacists. Our findings indicate that the involvement of pharmacies in vaccination programs and other public health services met high levels of patient acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Izabela Weremczuk-Jeżyna
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Kałucka
- Department of Coordinated Care, Medical University of Lodz, 90-251 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Rose O, Erzkamp S, Schöbel W, Grajeda M, Köberlein–Neu J. COVID-19 vaccinations in German pharmacies: A survey on patient and provider satisfaction. Vaccine 2022; 40:5207-5212. [PMID: 35918204 PMCID: PMC9329147 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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