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Law MG, Maposa P, Chambula E, Steeb DR, Eckel SF, Duncan G. Knowledge, attitudes and practice of final-year student pharmacists in public health in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe: an exploratory survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2018; 27:55-62. [PMID: 29732640 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice of final-year student pharmacists about public health. METHODS Knowledge, attitudes and practice of all final-year student pharmacists (N = 158) in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe were assessed through a quantitative 12-item survey. The survey assessed personal interest and attitude towards public health activities, self-assessed ability to perform basic public health activities, perspectives towards current pharmacist practices within public health activities in their country, and student involvement in public health activities during pharmacy school. KEY FINDINGS Eighty-two per cent of students responded to the survey (n = 129). The majority (95%) of all final-year student pharmacists are interested in contributing to public health activities in both health promotion and disease prevention and feel, as pharmacists, they have the responsibility to do so. Additionally, the majority of students would like more education during pharmacy school on health promotion (93%) and disease prevention (89%). Despite their interest, low numbers of student pharmacists feel that pharmacists are currently utilised in disease prevention (35%) and health promotion (42%). CONCLUSION Final-year student pharmacists in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe express strong interest in public health education and involvement in public health activities. This interest and enthusiasm can serve as evidence for advancing public health education in the pharmacy curricula and for developing pharmacist opportunities in public health efforts that match the needs of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda G Law
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Prosper Maposa
- UZ School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elias Chambula
- Lusaka Children's Hospital Pharmacy, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - David R Steeb
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Gregory Duncan
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Hashmi FK, Hassali MA, Khalid A, Saleem F, Aljadhey H, Babar ZUD, Bashaar M. A qualitative study exploring perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists about extended pharmacy services in Lahore, Pakistan. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:500. [PMID: 28724411 PMCID: PMC5518160 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, community pharmacies reported a change of business model, whereby a shift from traditional services to the provision of extended roles was observed. However, such delivery of extended pharmacy services (EPS) is reported from the developed world, and there is scarcity of information from the developing nations. Within this context, the present study was aimed to explore knowledge, perception and attitude of community pharmacists (CPs) about EPS and their readiness and acceptance for practice change in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Methods A qualitative approach was used to gain an in-depth knowledge of the issues. By using a semi-structured interview guide, 12 CPs practicing in the city of Lahore, Pakistan were conveniently selected. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and were then analyzed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework. Results Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes. (1) Familiarity with EPS, (2) current practice of EPS, (3) training needed to provide EPS, (4) acceptance of EPS and (5) barriers toward EPS. Majority of the CPs were unaware of EPS and only a handful had the concept of extended services. Although majority of our study respondents were unaware of pharmaceutical care, they were ready to accept practice change if provided with the required skills and training. Lack of personal knowledge, poor public awareness, inadequate physician-pharmacist collaboration and deprived salary structures were reported as barriers towards the provision of EPS at the practice settings. Conclusion Although the study reported poor awareness towards EPS, the findings indicated a number of key themes that can be used in establishing the concept of EPS in Pakistan. Over all, CPs reported a positive attitude toward practice change provided to the support and facilitation of health and community based agencies in Pakistan. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2442-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan K Hashmi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Fahad Saleem
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Hisham Aljadhey
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaheer Ud Din Babar
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England
| | - Mohammad Bashaar
- SMART Afghan International Trainings & Consultancy, Kabul, Afghanistan.
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Saw PS, Nissen L, Freeman C, Wong PS, Mak V. A qualitative study on pharmacists' perception on integrating pharmacists into private general practitioner's clinics in Malaysia. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2017; 15:971. [PMID: 28943979 PMCID: PMC5597807 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2017.03.971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Private general practitioners in Malaysia largely operates as solo practices - prescribing and supplying medications to patients directly from their clinics, thus posing risk of medication-related problems to consumers. A pharmacy practice reform that integrates pharmacists into primary healthcare clinics can be a potential initiative to promote quality use of medication. This model of care is a novel approach in Malaysia and research in the local context is required, especially from the perspectives of pharmacists. OBJECTIVE To explore pharmacists' views in integrating pharmacists into private GP clinics in Malaysia. METHODS A combination of purposive and snowballing sampling was used to recruit community and hospital pharmacists from urban areas in Malaysia to participate either in focus groups or semi-structured interviews. A total of 2 focus groups and 4 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using NVivo 10. RESULTS Four major themes were identified: (1) Limited potential to expand pharmacists' roles, (2) Concerns about non-pharmacists dispensing medicines in private GP clinics, (3) Lack of trust from consumers and private GPs, (4) Cost implications. Participants felt that there was a limited role for pharmacists in private GP clinics. This was because the medication supply role is currently undertaken in private GP clinics without the need of pharmacists. The perceived lack of trust from consumers and private GPs towards pharmacists arises from the belief that healthcare is the GPs' responsibility. This suggests that there is a need for increased public and GP awareness towards the capabilities of pharmacists' in medication management. Participants were concerned about an increase in cost to private GP visits if pharmacists were to be integrated. Nevertheless, some participants perceived the integration as a means to reduce medical costs through improved quality use of medicines. CONCLUSION Findings from the study provided a better understanding to help ascertain pharmacists' views on their readiness and acceptance in a potential new model of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui S Saw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia. Selangor (Malaysia).
| | - Lisa Nissen
- Professor and Head, School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane QLD (Australia).
| | - Christopher Freeman
- Clinical Senior Lecturer in QUM, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland. St Lucia, QLD (Australia).
| | - Pei S Wong
- Senior lecturer, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
| | - Vivienne Mak
- Lecturer, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University. Parkville (Australia).
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Anil S, Zawahir MS, Al-Naggar RA. Effectiveness of preventive medicine education and its determinants among medical students in Malaysia. Front Med 2015; 10:91-100. [PMID: 26715159 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-016-0428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Preventive medicine has been incorporated in the medical school curriculum, but its effectiveness and the factors that affect it are yet to be widely looked into in the context of Malaysia. We aimed to measure the familiarity with, perception about the importance to learn, and the ability to practice preventive medicine as well as its determinants among the medical students in Malaysia. Thus, a cross sectional study was conducted through an anonymous online survey among 387 randomly selected final year medical students of four large public medical schools in Malaysia from March to September 2014. Of the total sample, 340 (response rate 87.8%) gave a written informed consent and took part in the survey. The familiarity of the sample with preventive medicine was measured in 19 preventive medicine areas, and their perception about the importance of preventive medicine and their ability to practice it were gauged on a Likert scale (low score indicates disagreement and high indicates agreement). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, followed by logistic regression. The mean age of the respondents was 23.7 (SD 0.77) years, and 61.2% (n = 208) of them were females. Results showed that 22.9% of the sample (n = 78) had a low familiarity with preventive medicine, whereas 76.8% (n = 261) had a high familiarity. The study sample specified that among all the preventive medicine subjects, screening and control as well as smoking cessation and immunization are "extremely important to learn." In univariable analysis, being a female, medical school, family size, and perception about the importance to learn preventive medicine were associated with the ability to practice it. In multivariable analysis, the perception towards the importance to learn preventive medicine was the only significant determinant: aOR (adjusted odds ratio) for those who "agreed" 17.28 (95% CI aOR 4.44-67.26, P < 0.001) and for "strongly agreed" 35.87 (95% CI aOR 8.04-159.87, P < 0.001). Considering these findings, the familiarity of medical students with preventive medicine should be increased. The perception about the importance to learn preventive medicine is a strong determinant for the ability to practice it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Anil
- Public Health Solutions Pakistan, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
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Mathialagan A, Nagalinggam P, Mathialagan S, Kirby BP. Relationship between performance barriers and pharmacist competency towards the implementation of an expanded public health pharmacy role. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2015; 23:320-6. [PMID: 25582973 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between performance barriers and competency, and implementation of an expanded public health role for community pharmacists. METHODS A validated questionnaire was utilised for this study whereby three variables of the study (performance barriers, competency and public health role) were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed to target respondents of registered community pharmacies in five states (Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak and Penang) in Malaysia. The data were analysed utilising the principles of structural equation modelling. KEY FINDINGS There were 191 completed and usable responses received, which represented a 66.7% response rate. This study showed perceived competency had a direct relationship with delivering a general public health role. A perceived lack of competency was shown to be a barrier to fulfilling a public health role. However, other factors, such as design of premises, IT infrastructure and pay, were not viewed as barriers to carrying out a public health role. CONCLUSION Perceived competency is an obstacle for community pharmacists to undertake a public health role in Malaysia. Adequate training programmes in pharmaceutical public health have to be put in place to address this concern and this should therefore be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amuthaganesh Mathialagan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Preesha Nagalinggam
- School of Pharmacy, Masterskill University College of Health Sciences, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Saravanabavan Mathialagan
- University Utara of Malaysia, Masterskill University College of Health Sciences, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Brian P Kirby
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Khan TM, Hassali MA, Rasool ST. A study assessing the impact of different teaching modalities for pharmacy students in a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course. Saudi Pharm J 2013; 21:375-8. [PMID: 24227957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of different teaching methods adopted for the practical session of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR training is one of the compulsory modules of the Public Health Pharmacy (PHP) course at Universiti Sains Malaysia. CPR training comprises of 10% of total marks of the PHP course. To test the effectiveness of the different teaching strategies, three groups were defined using a two-stage cohort distribution-i.e. based on grade point average (GPA) and different teaching modalities. Group One was instructed using images and PowerPoint lecture slides. Group Two was instructed using videos and PowerPoint lecture slides. Group Three was instructed using PowerPoint slides with white boards and videos. Students in Group Three were not provided with a hard/soft copy of the PowerPoint slides and were encouraged to write down all the information on their personal notebooks. A 20-item questionnaire was used to assess the students' understanding toward the CPR session. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Students, SPSS version 13®. Based on the response attained, the comparison of the final score among the groups was undertaken using one way ANOVA. Twenty-seven students have participated in this study. Final evaluation using the questionnaire revealed that student's in Group Three had a better understanding of CPR (18.1 ± 1.5, p <0.001) than the other two. Students' note taking during the lecture and use of traditional chalkboard teaching were found significant to improve the students' understanding and learning in the CPR session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Mehmood Khan
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Eastern Province, Alahsa 31892, Saudi Arabia
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Hassali MA, Ahmadi K, Yong GC. A need to rethink and mold consensus regarding pharmacy education in developing countries. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2013; 77:112. [PMID: 23966715 PMCID: PMC3748293 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe776112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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Al-lela OQB, Bahari MB, Elkalmi RM, Jawad Awadh AI. Incorporating an immunization course in the pharmacy curriculum: Malaysian experience. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2012; 76:206. [PMID: 23275671 PMCID: PMC3530068 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7610206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Mandiracioglu A, Dogan F. Comparing dental and pharmacy students' perceptions on public health and preventive health care course. Int J Prev Med 2012; 3:91-4. [PMID: 22347604 PMCID: PMC3278885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A Public health course has an important role in the undergraduate education of pharmacy and dentistry in terms of emphasizing preventive care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the views of pharmacy and dentistry students on a public health course and preventive health care. METHODS 173 students enrolled at Ege University, Faculties of Pharmacy and Dentistry completed a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and replied to 18 Likert type question to determine their perceptions on a public health course and preventive health care. The comments of the students were reviewed and categorized into key themes. RESULTS SWOT analysis and the results of quantitative Likert type questions supported each other. According to the quantitative results, there was no significant difference between the scores of students from both schools in terms of their statements about the public health course and preventive care. Both groups of students mentioned the contribution of the public health course to their professions in the future. They also appreciated the importance of preventive care in the health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliye Mandiracioglu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey,Correspondence to: Dr. Aliye Mandiracioglu, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Bornova-35100 Izmir, Turkey. E-mail:
| | - Fethi Dogan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Wilbur K. Pharmacy student perceptions of public health service roles and responsibilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2011; 19:179-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7174.2011.00115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is increasing emphasis on pharmacists' assuming responsibility for public health promotion and delivery with formal expansion of public health activities in their practice. A number of pharmacy school accreditation bodies now incorporate public health competencies within expected professional training outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize pharmacy student perceptions towards pharmacist public health services roles and responsibilities.
Methods
All undergraduate students at the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University were surveyed 1 week following a student-led breast cancer awareness event. A questionnaire was devised from a literature review and comprised of 10 questions assessing pharmacy student motivations, perceptions and anticipated comfort with various pharmacist-conducted public health activities.
Results
Ninety-four per cent of students responded, most having participated in the breast cancer awareness event. They generally felt pharmacist participation in such health promotions would enhance the profession's profile among patients (75.1%) and colleagues (89.6%), but recognized that other health professionals may be unfamiliar with certain pharmacist activities in this regard. Students considered knowledge of disease aetiology and diagnosis necessary for pharmacists (97.9%), as well as the obligation to offer non-pharmacological patient counselling (73.8%). Many (61.7%) anticipated comfort in communicating potentially culturally sensitive health matters both to patients in their own practice site or as a spokesperson to the general public.
Conclusion
Undergraduate pharmacy students in our College of Pharmacy expressed favourable attitudes towards public health roles of pharmacists. Early enthusiasm for participation in public health activities is valuable for building communication skills, promoting leadership and potentially influencing practising pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Wilbur
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Kelsch MP, Werremeyer AB. Poster project to emphasize public health in the pharmacy curriculum. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2011; 75:2. [PMID: 21451754 PMCID: PMC3049661 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To implement and assess a required public health poster project in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. DESIGN Third-year PharmD students collaborated in pairs to research a public health topic relating to pharmacy practice. Each student group prepared an informational poster, while receiving feedback from a faculty mentor at each stage of the project. The students presented their completed posters at a statewide pharmacy conference. ASSESSMENT Faculty members evaluated the posters with a grading rubric, and students completed a survey instrument that assessed the overall experience. In general, faculty members rated the class highly across all domains of the grading rubric. The class generally agreed that the poster project increased their awareness of public health issues related to pharmacy practice, overall knowledge of public health, and presentation skills. CONCLUSION The implementation of a poster project was well received by students and faculty members as an effective method for enhancing public health instruction in the PharmD program at North Dakota State University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Kelsch
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Sciences, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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