bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Counselling women about periconceptional use of folic acid: the role of the community pharmacist can be improved
Authors: De Van den Berg L T W Jong , Van Der Zee A H , Schaafsma E , de Smit D , Anderson C , Cornel M C 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To assess community pharmacists' attitudes towards, and practice behaviour, relating to the periconceptional use of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects

Method
A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 150 community pharmacists at the end of 1996. The questionnaire covered knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding the use of folic acid by women of childbearing age

Setting
Two regions in the Netherlands (Northern and Western Netherlands)

Key findings
The response rate was 72 per cent. Pharmacists' attitudes towards promoting the use of folic acid by women who wish to have a child are positive. Most pharmacists reported distributing folic acid brochures in their pharmacy and many stated that they displayed posters to promote the use of folic acid. Nearly 30 per cent of pharmacists reported using an additional label on the packaging of oral contraceptives with the standard text: “If you stop using the pill because you wish to have a child, please ask your pharmacist for information about the use of folic acid before you become pregnant”. Perceived attitudes of local general practitioners seemed to influence the willingness of pharmacists to promote the use of folic acid. The results indicate a tendency for some pharmacists to be more reactive than proactive in their advice-giving on the use of folic acid

Conclusion
Compared with the findings of a similar survey two years ago, it appears that more pharmacists are actively promoting the periconceptional use of folic acid. However, further improvements could still be achieved and pharmacists could become more proactive in their information and advice-giving
Exploring community pharmacists' perceptions of their professional relationships with physicians, in Canada and the Netherlands
Authors: Reebye Rajiv N , Avery Anthony J , Van Den Bosch Wil J H M , Aslam Mohamed , Nijholt Almar , van der Bij Akke 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To explore community pharmacists' levels of interaction with, and perceptions of, physicians in primary care in Canada and the Netherlands

Method
Interviews with community pharmacists

Setting
Thirty-six community pharmacies in Vancouver, Canada, and 36 in the Nijmegen and Arnhem areas of the Netherlands

Key findings
Dutch pharmacists were more likely to have “face-to-face contacts with the physician in the pharmacy setting” (P=0.008) and structured professional meetings with physicians (P&lt;0.001). Canadian pharmacists were more likely to agree that “interaction with physicians is mainly limited to phone/fax” (P&lt;0.001) and “the concept of pharmaceutical care is difficult to implement” (P=0.006). Qualitative analysis revealed that in both countries pharmacists had concerns about the attitudes of physicians and issues concerning territoriality. There were also many constructive comments and these enabled consideration of actions to enhance patient care

Conclusion
The findings of the study suggest four areas which could contribute to improved patient care: (1) Increasing levels of professional interaction; (2) developing a mutual understanding of roles; (3) participating in joint initiatives to benefit patients through the extended role of pharmacists; (4) conducting structured meetings between professionals with an emphasis on the care of individual patients
The demographics of pharmacy's clientele — a descriptive study of the British general public
Authors: Tully M P , Temple B 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To describe the demographics of pharmacy's clientele and of those people who do not visit pharmacies

Method
A face-to-face survey was conducted of a probability sample of the population of Great Britain (≥16 years of age) on their use of pharmacies. Statistical analyses were carried out using both traditional statistical tests and chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID), to identify the most significant predictor variables (P&lt;0.01)

Setting
Members of the public in private households

Key findings
Of the 1,882 people interviewed (71 per cent response rate), most (88.7 per cent) reported that they had been to a pharmacy at least once in the previous 12 months. Age and gender were the interacting predictors for respondents who had not been to a pharmacy in that time, with the proportion of women aged over 75 years who had not visited a pharmacy almost three times (30.5 per cent) that of the whole sample (11.3 per cent). Gender was the most important predictor for people who went to pharmacies every week, age the predictor for loyalty and purchase of medicines, and tenure of accommodation (with marital status and dependent children as interacting variables) the predictor for having had a prescription dispensed

Conclusions
CHAID analyses allowed us to describe specific subgroups of pharmacy users with greater precision than did traditional statistics
The new consumer — implications for pharmacy
Authors: Morgall Janine M , Almarsdóttir Anna B 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this article, we argue that the extended role of the pharmacy profession appears to be driven more by professional interests than by the interests of the consumer. We believe that a better understanding of market trends in general, as well as research into consumer needs, will ultimately give the best results for the profession. We focus on the rise of consumerism and what is referred to as the “new” or “aggressive” consumer. We argue that unless the pharmacy profession understands this widespread phenomenon, it will continue to shoot wide of its goal to increase public support and to develop an appreciation of the pharmacist's professional skills. We propose that pharmacy practice research should analyse the current situation from the consumer perspective within the context of changes in society, specifically within the health care system.
The challenges of defining pharmaceutical care on an international level
Authors: Van Mil J W Foppe , Mcelnay James , De Jong-Van Den Berg Lolkje W , Tromp F J 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe objective of this article is to gain insight into the place of pharmaceutical care in health care and into the different interpretations of the term “pharmaceutical care” around the world. Based upon a literature review, communication with peers and results from an international questionnaire, the different influences on and interpretation of the terminology are outlined, and the place of pharmaceutical care within the health system is defined. The Dutch situation with regard to pharmacy and pharmaceutical care is used as an example of the national development of a definition. Different linguistic and cultural influences on the construction of the definition are discussed.There are different definitions of pharmaceutical care, although several countries use the 1990 definition of Hepler and Strand as a working definition. The term is often used without an explanation of its content. Influences of health systems, cultures and languages across different countries on the interpretation of the term are often overlooked.We conclude that, even after 20 years of evolution of the definition of pharmaceutical care in different cultures, for an observer it is not absolutely clear what pharmaceutical care is, and where exactly it fits into health care in different countries. The definition of social and culturally bound activities such as pharmaceutical care need rephrasing, depending on factors in the country of practice and health care system developments over time. Additionally there are conceptual language differences.
The changing face of pharmacy practice — evidence from 20 years of work sampling studies
Authors: Savage Imogen 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To determine whether the professional policy shift away from dispensing towards patient-focused care is reflected in the way community pharmacists actually use their time.

Method
Retrospective comparison, using data from five observational work sampling studies employing the same methodology. The percentage of time spent on manipulative dispensing (defined as creating labels and physically preparing prescription items) and health-related customer communication was monitored.

Setting
Fifteen independent practices (8.7 prescriptions/hour; London, England, 1993); 40 urban/rural pharmacies (7.8 prescriptions/hour; Dublin, Eire, 1985); 28 independents (9.1 prescriptions/hour; Sydney, Australia, 1985); one traditional multiple (9.6 prescriptions/hour; Nova Scotia, Canada, 1980); 20 traditional multiples (8.1 prescriptions/hour; eastern United States, 1973).

Key findings
Despite full computerisation, English pharmacists in 1993 spent as much time creating dispensing labels (8.8 per cent) as they did on health-related customer talk (7.2 per cent), and twice as much time preparing prescription items (14.2 per cent). Of their total time, 6.5 per cent was spent on simple redispensing (mostly counting tablets, pouring liquids and cutting blister strips). The time spent on extemporaneous preparation was extremely low. In Eire, pharmacists spent nearly twice as much time (5.8 per cent) on health-related talk as on counting, pouring and compounding (3.8 per cent) and in Australia nearly three times as much time (6.6 per cent vs 2.3 per cent). In Eire, two-thirds of pharmacists had qualified dispensing help of a type not found in other countries. In Australia, most products were ready to issue.

Conclusion
The proportion of pharmacist time spent on customer communication has increased three-fold since 1973. However, this has not been mirrored by a decline in time spent on manipulative dispensing. Keeping the study limitations in mind, it is suggested that, in Britain, the reprofessionalisation process may be hampered by the continued need for redispensing and the limited availability and use of trained support staff.
Community pharmacists' attitudes towards research
Authors: Rosenbloom Karen , Taylor Kevin , Harding Geoffrey 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate community pharmacists' perception of Pharmacy Practice research and to identify perceived barriers preventing their participation in research.MethodA self-completed postal questionnaire, including 29 attitudinal statements was analysed using factor analysis.SettingThe study group comprised pharmacists working in all 651 community pharmacies in East London and Essex.Key findingsThe response rate was 60 per cent. Factor analysis revealed five factors comprising correlated statements. The majority of respondents perceived community based practice research to be important and relevant to them and to the future development of community pharmacy. Fifty-four per cent agreed that they were prepared to participate in practice research, although 66 per cent of respondents felt their daily activities precluded this. Payment for a research related activity was a major issue impacting on their likely participation, with 72 per cent of pharmacists agreeing that they would only participate if paid to do so. Pharmacists' employment status, ie, whether employee or proprietor, was also associated with willingness and ability to undertake research.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists have a positive attitude towards practice research, and under the appropriate circumstances many would be prepared to participate in research.
Impact of medication regimen reviews performed by community pharmacists for ambulatory patients through liaison with general medical practitioners
Authors: Krass Ines , Smith Carlene 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the cost and clinical benefits of the provision of medication regimen reviews (MRRs) by community pharmacists for patients identified and referred by a general practitioner using a collaborative approach.

Method
There were two cohorts of patients — 105 in stage 1 and 170 in stage 2 — from 34 GPs. The reviews were performed by 45 community pharmacists who had completed a training programme in MRR. The protocol was as follows: (1) a proforma MRR request form, including relevant clinical information and the patient's current regimen, was completed by the GP, (2) the review was conducted by the pharmacist and documented in a proforma report, (3) pharmacists and GPs met to discuss the review findings and recommendations for each patient, and (4) three months later, GPs were surveyed to verify any accepted recommendations and changes to medication regimen. A clinical panel estimated the clinical significance of the regimen changes for a subset of 141 cases.

Key findings
The patients had an average of five diagnoses, with cardiovascular disease (34 per cent) and musculoskeletal disease (15 per cent) the most common conditions. A total of 2,220 medications were prescribed, representing a mean of eight per patient. In all, 869 changes to therapy were observed at the three-month follow up: 47 per cent drug ceased; 17 per cent dose reduced; 11 per cent dose increased; and 12 per cent drug changed. Examining the impact of MRR on the mean number of medications per patient, the null hypothesis of no difference pre- and post-MRR was rejected. There was a mean reduction of one medication per patient (P&lt;0.001). As a consequence of this reduction, the average annual cost of medications was reduced by $A240 per patient. This translated to a projected annual cost saving for medication alone of $A90 per patient after offsetting the $A150 cost (professional remuneration) of the MRR. Considering health outcomes, overall, the reviewers rated at least 40 per cent of the MRR changes as leading to a positive effect on the patient's health.

Conclusion
This study provides a good indication that MRR through GP-pharmacist collaboration in the community can lead to positive clinical benefits and reduction in health care costs.
Over-the-counter ibuprofen: how and why is it used?
Authors: Sinclair Hazel K , Bond Christine M , Hannaford Philip C 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To pilot an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine pharmacovigilance project, using ibuprofen as a model.

Method
All users of any tablet or capsule form of ibuprofen (excluding compound products) purchased from 61 participating community pharmacies, aged ≥18 years and able to give informed consent, were eligible to join the study. A postal questionnaire one week after the index purchase monitored the follow-up rate, drug usage, past medical history, concurrent medication, symptoms and health service utilisation.

Setting
Primary care: community pharmacies in Grampian, Scotland.

Key findings
A total of 443/544 (81 per cent) questionnaires were completed. The recommended daily dose of OTC ibuprofen (1,200mg) was exceeded by 35 customers (8 per cent) on at least one day and the recommended maximum daily dose that can be prescribed by a physician (2,400mg) was exceeded on five occasions. During the seven days after the index purchase, ibuprofen was used by 15 customers (4 per cent) with an active or past history of peptic ulcer, and 30 (7 per cent) with an active or past history of asthma. Thirty-eight per cent had purchased ibuprofen for a chronic condition and 32 per cent were still taking it at the end of the initial seven-day period. Twenty-eight of 412 customers (7 per cent) sought advice during the seven-day period about at least one symptom: 13 consulted their general practitioner, 12 consulted a pharmacist, two consulted both their GP and a pharmacist, and one consulted a hospital doctor. Some of these consultations (23/28, 82 per cent) might have related to an adverse reaction to ibuprofen: 11 customers (3 per cent) consulted about lower abdominal symptoms, nine about gastric symptoms and three about wheeziness.

Conclusions
This pilot study identifies instances of contraindicated and excessive use of OTC ibuprofen, indicating a need for pharmacovigilance studies of OTC medicines; it also demonstrates the feasibility of a major study.
Nurses' attitudes and beliefs about medication errors in a UK hospital
Authors: Hand Katy , Barber Nick 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate nurses' attitudes and beliefs about medication administration and medication system errors, and to determine the impact of these attitudes and beliefs at ward level.MethodSemi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of nurses who had been selected initially by ward specialty and then by grade.SettingA teaching hospital in London, United Kingdom.Key findingsSeventeen nurses were interviewed and their attitudes and beliefs about types of medication errors, causes of medication errors, reporting of medication errors and the responsibility for medication errors were explored. The types of errors mentioned by the nurses were consistent with those cited in the literature. Nurses believed both doctors and pharmacy staff to be sources of errors but by far the most common source of error was said to be the nurses themselves. Few of the nurses interviewed believed all errors were reported and almost all believed they were responsible for any errors which occurred when they were administering drugs. As well as blaming themselves, some also blamed the pharmacist and the doctor, if they had been involved. The nurses thought the fear of disciplinary action and having to admit to making a “silly” mistake stopped a nurse from reporting an error if it had no ill effects on the patient. They hoped anything that could harm the patient would be reported, as would any errors involving intravenous drugs, Controlled Drugs and drugs with serious side effects. They believed errors should be reported to the nurse in charge of the ward, the doctor and sometimes the ward manager, if necessary. Generally the nurses felt the patient should be informed if they might suffer any ill effects due to the error; if the error was not going to harm the patient, the nurses were divided as to whether the patient should even be told an error had occurred.ConclusionIt was felt that medication errors should be a learning experience which could allow the nurse to reflect on her own practice. The emphasis of errors should be shifted from the nurse to the situation in which it occurred as blaming the nurse was not considered to be very constructive.
Exploring the gap: community pharmacists' perceptions of their current role compared with their aspirations
Authors: Rutter P R , Hunt A J , Jones I F 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To investigate community pharmacy managers' perceptions of their role in providing health care to patients and to compare these with their aspirations for the future.

Method
Fourteen pharmacist managers from one regional area of a UK national multiple pharmacy chain participated in two focus groups.

Key findings
Participants voiced a shared vision of wanting to play a more integral part in the health care of patients. Strategies put forward to embrace a more participative role included delegation of health screening and minor illness clinics from the prescriber to the pharmacist, having more formalised and open channels of communication with prescribers and moving away from performing technical duties, such as the physical assembly of medicines. Participants in both groups showed awareness that apathy and inaction would result in potential opportunities for pharmacy to be lost or passed over to another profession within the primary health care team (PHCT). Two key external obstacles that currently prevented attainment of desired roles were identified: first, a lack of awareness among other health care professionals and the general public about the pharmacist's skills and attributes and, secondly, current UK legislation that limits the potential for community pharmacists to expand their role away from the pharmacy premises.

Conclusions
Participants believed that they could provide a more comprehensive pharmaceutical service if given the chance. However, they believed that implementation of change would be difficult considering the obstacles that needed to be surmounted for change to occur.
Perceived barriers to participating in continuing education: the views of newly registered community pharmacists
Authors: Ward P R , Seston E M , Wilson P , Bagley L 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to explore newly registered community pharmacists' attitudes to the current provision of continuing education (CE) and to identify key factors that act as motivators and barriers to participation in CE.MethodEight focus groups of newly registered pharmacists were set up. All focus groups were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The results presented in this paper focus specifically on the barriers to participation in CE.SettingFour geographical areas of England.Key findingsThe main barrier identified by the pharmacists was competing demands on their time, both in and out of work. Participants felt disillusioned with further study, describing this stage of their lives as a “honeymoon period” in which they sought to make adjustments in both their professional and personal lives. They also felt disillusioned with the reality of community pharmacy and offered this as an explanation for their lack of involvement in CE. In addition, many pharmacists believed themselves to be at the peak of their pharmaceutical knowledge, thus not requiring CE. Rather, it was felt that they needed to develop their skills in other areas such as communication skills or applying pharmaceutical knowledge in practice. It was suggested that this could only be remedied through working with and learning from more experienced pharmacists, rather than undertaking formal CE activities.ConclusionNon-participation in CE may be seen to result from a complex web of factors which do not easily map on to policies to increase participation of newly registered pharmacists in CE activities. Nevertheless, if newly registered community pharmacists are to achieve the continuity of learning necessary for continuing professional development, education providers will need to address their specific learning needs in the period following registration.
Personality preferences of lecturers and students at a pharmacy school
Authors: Rothmann Sebastiaan , Basson Willem Diederick , Rothmann Johanna Christina 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundJung's theory of psychological types and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) continue to gain popularity in social and behavioural sciences. The MBTI was developed to measure people's personality preferences.ObjectivesTo compare the personality preferences of pharmacy students and lecturers at a tertiary education institution and to determine if personality preferences are related to academic performance.MethodA survey design was used.SettingThe study population included undergraduate and master's students and lecturers of a pharmacy school at a university.Key findingsThe MBTI instrument was completed by 603 out of 686 undergraduates (87.9 per cent), all master's students and all 35 lecturers. The results showed that pharmacy students and lecturers preferred sensing and judgment. It appeared that students' preferences for extraversion and perception were related to lower academic performance and slower advancement through the pharmacy course.ConclusionPharmaceutical care requires understanding of the preferences of self and others. Pharmacy students and lecturers need to know their own and others' MBTI preferences, and to develop skills in the opposite or “shadow” preferences.