bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ABC of New Zealand's Ten Year Vision for Pharmacists: awareness, barriers and consultation
Authors: Scahill Shane , Harrison Jeff , Sheridan Janie 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to determine New Zealand pharmacists' awareness of, recall of consultation about, and potential barriers to the implementation of the Focus on the Future: Ten Year Vision for Pharmacists in New Zealand: 2004–2014 document.

Method
A national postal survey was carried out in New Zealand of practising pharmacists registered with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (n = 1892). The survey was conducted between September and December 2006.

Key findings
The response rate was 51.8% (n = 980 usable surveys). Approximately three-quarters (73.4%) reported being aware of the 10-year vision document and 40.9% recall being consulted. Fewer than one-third (29.8%) had read the document prior to completing the survey. Thirty-two variables describing potential barriers to implementing the 10-year vision were reduced, through factor analysis, to seven factors with significant eigenvalues (&gt;1.0). The factors describe the underlying themes of barriers identified in the survey, including pharmacist humanistic, integrated systems of care and teamwork, funder stakeholder relationships and remuneration, lack of appreciation of knowledge and skills, lack of research support, current expertise and continuing professional development, and lack of voice. The majority of barrier variables within the seven factors were rated as extremely or quite important.

Conclusions
There was a high level of awareness and moderate level of recall of consultation on the document among respondents. Although 40% recall being consulted on the document, fewer than one-third reported having read the document prior to completing our survey. Pharmacists highlighted a significant number of potential barriers to the implementation of the 10-year vision. If the pharmacy profession in New Zealand is to move forward towards the state described in the 10-year vision document then these potential barriers need to be better understood and addressed.
Language issues in the community pharmacy: A perspective from Wales
Authors: Hughes M Louise , John Dai N , Jones Arwyn T , Jones Elen H , Wilkins M Lowri 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to obtain the views of Welsh speakers to explore the role of the Welsh language in community pharmacies in bilingual communities in Wales.

Methods
Two communities with a high proportion of Welsh speakers were purposively identified for the research: one in North Wales and one in West Wales. Stage 1: semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of Welsh speakers to identify key themes. Data collection continued until no new themes emerged. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded manually and analysed thematically. Stage 2: self-complete questionnaire developed based on the interview results. The anonymous, bilingual questionnaire and covering letter, with a postage-paid envelope, were delivered to 500 homes (250 in each community) for completion by the person in the household who visited a pharmacy most often. There was no follow-up mailing due to anonymity. Data were analysed using SPSS version 12.

Key findings
Results from both interviews (n = 36) and questionnaires (response rate was 52%, 82% of whom were Welsh speakers) found that the majority of Welsh speakers in the study were able to understand English but preferred to use Welsh in the pharmacy. They would find it easier to explain symptoms and would ask more about their medication if they could speak Welsh with the pharmacist. In addition, the study participants would generally feel more at ease with a Welsh-speaking pharmacist and would feel they were getting a better service if they could use their first language.

Conclusions
This study of Welsh speakers indicates that language choice is important for bilingual people who may prefer to use their native, minority language for consultation with health professionals. Further, it is clear that a concordant partnership between patient and pharmacist is less likely where one party is using a language with which they are not confident or comfortable. Pharmacists need to be aware of the linguistic needs and preferences of bilingual clients.
What factors affect medication-storage practice among patients on methadone maintenance treatment?
Authors: Williams Nigel , Robertson James , McGorm Kelly , Roberts Kay , Elton Rob 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
Medication storage in patients' homes is an important safety issue. Safe storage of methadone oral solution is of particular concern. Previous studies have suggested that only about half of patients store methadone appropriately. The aims of this study were to describe medication-storage practice in a sample of patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and to identify factors associated with safe storage.

Methods
The setting was a primary health care centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. One hundred and four consecutive patients on MMT completed a self-administered questionnaire covering medication-storage practice, together with clinical and demographic variables. Storage of medication was classified as ‘acceptable’ if medication was out of sight and out of reach of children, and ‘optimal’ if it was also kept in a secure container.

Key findings
Percentages (95% confidence intervals) for acceptable and optimal storage were as follows: methadone 80% (71–86%) and 33% (24-12%); other prescribed medication 69% (59–78%) and 27% (19–37%); purchased medication 64% (50–76%) and 28% (17–42%). Safe storage of methadone was more common in patients taking higher doses of methadone (P = 0.004 for acceptable storage, and P = 0.012 for optimal storage), and in those with children in the house (P = 0.007 and 0.061). Safe storage of prescribed and purchased medication was strongly associated with safe storage of methadone (P &lt; 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusions
Medication-storage practice was better than in previous surveys of patients on MMT. This may reflect the high profile given to safety issues for children of drug-using parents in Scotland, as well as local initiatives. Some aspects of prescribing and dispensing practice could be improved further.
Legal issues in prescription writing: A study of two health institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Erhun Wilson O , Adekoya Olalekan A , Erhun Mercy O , Bamgbade Olukemi O 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the degree of deviation (from both World Health Organization (WHO) specifications and the particular institution's specifications) on the part of prescribers in adequately filling prescription forms and the legal implications of such deviations for the prescriber and the institution.

Methods
The study was carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) and Obafemi Awolowo University Health Centre, Ife-Ife, Nigeria. The Teaching Hospital is a 1000-bed tertiary health care facility that serves as a training centre for health professionals. The Health Centre is a 25-bed health care facility. A random sample of prescriptions received from the Pharmacy Department of the OAUTHC and the Obafemi Awolowo University Health Centre were analysed.

Key findings
For the Teaching Hospital, the prescriber's name and signature were on 80 and 96% of the prescriptions, respectively, whereas all prescriptions from the Health Centre contained this information. For the Teaching Hospital, 100, 1.8, 93.8 and 98.4% of prescriptions contained the patient's name, address and age, and the date, respectively, whereas 99.6, 86.4 and 99.9% of prescriptions from the Health Centre contained patient code number, age and the date respectively. The precentages of completely filled prescriptions for the Teaching Hospital and the Health Centre were 1.3 and 85.9% respectively. Prescription patterns for the major drug classes in both institutions were compared and related to the level of deviation from the ideal prescription-writing specifications of the WHO.

Conclusions
The legal implications of non-compliance with WHO standards in prescription writing are discussed, with appropriate recommendations.
Differences in attitudes towards medication between population groups in the Durban Metropolitan Area of South Africa
Authors: Suleman Fatima , Ally Shabnam , Bayat Samirah , Essack Razia , Moodley Renalda , Mtembu Thobekile , Ramalingham Emily 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
Personal factors, especially attitude, have been implicated in the utilization of health care services, and in access to medical treatment. There is little information on the attitudes of the general public in South Africa towards medications and whether attitudes differ across population groups or among the different users of the health care system. This study aimed to determine the general attitude of a local population to medications, self-care orientation and health professional contact, and whether differences existed between age groups, gender and race groups.

Methods
We carried out a randomized, cross-sectional quantitative study via telephonic questionnaire survey (adapted from a previous study) of a sample of 1132 telephone numbers. The setting was the Durban Metropolitan Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Key findings A total of 500 (44.2%) people responded. The majority had a positive attitude towards medication. An increase in age resulted in increased medication use. Females were more likely than males to use medication and seek professional health care (P = 0.0406). Most of the respondents (86.0%) were self-care-orientated and displayed moderate medication knowledge (46.2%). Some 295 (59.0%) of the 500 respondents had visited a pharmacy within the last 6 months.

Conclusions
Health care professionals can adopt an informed approach to address the needs of the population with regard to medication, by targeting groups more likely to use medication (females and the older age group). In addition, gaps in medication knowledge were identified which could be used for health-promotion interventions by health care workers.
Accuracy of drug-allergy recording in a District General Hospital
Authors: Gay Kathryn J , Hill Christopher , Bell Thomas 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to audit the accuracy of drug-allergy documentation in a District General Hospital.

Methods
A drug card and case-note review was used. The subjects of the study were 117 medical and surgical current inpatients in a District General Hospital. Outcome measures were information collected, including whether the drug hypersensitivity box was filled in on the drug card, what was written in the box and whether this was signed and dated. The information on drug allergies was then checked with the patients. The medical notes were audited for a completed ALERT sheet and its accuracy.

Key findings
Sixty-nine patients in this study were on surgical wards, and 48 were on medical wards. Some 97.4% had the drug-allergy box on the drug card filled in to some extent, and only three (2.6%) had nothing documented. Including those boxes that were blank, 32 (27.4%) were signed and 22 (18.8%) were dated. Twelve patients (10.3%) stated that the allergy information recorded about them was incorrect. The ALERT forms in the medical notes were only filled in on 58.1% of occasions (i.e. they had a patient addressograph label), and of those that were completed, 36.5% did not match the information on the drug card.

Conclusions
Although doctors ask about drug allergies, documentation is not done well for a number of reasons, including the design of the drug card. Currently there is a blank allergy box with no guidance about what should be written there. The new drug card to be introduced in the next few months will distinguish between true drug allergies and side effects. It will also prompt the nature of the allergy to be documented, from whom this information was obtained, and the signature of the person filling in the information. Failure to accurately document drug allergies leads to the potential for doctors to prescribe medication that could be harmful for the patient.
Patients' preferences for an increased pharmacist role in the management of drug therapy
Authors: Tinelli Michela , Ryan Mandy , Bond Christine 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated patients' preferences for an innovative combined prescribing-and-dispensing role for pharmacists in the management of drug therapies, compared to the more traditional dispensing-only role.

Methods
The project was a cross-sectional study. A structured self-completed Discrete Choice Experiment questionnaire was administered to a sample of patients aged over 18 years waiting to see their doctor at the surgery. Respondents compared the proposed combined innovative service with both their ‘current’ service and a ‘dispensing-only pharmacist’ service. Analyses were initially conducted for all respondents and then repeated excluding those with constant preferences (i.e. those who always chose the same option). The setting was two general practices in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Key findings
We approached 244 people and 204 returned an evaluable questionnaire. Everything else being equal, respondents preferred their ‘current’ service to either the proposed combined prescribing-and-dispensing role or a dispensing-only service. However, those without constant preferences, who were mostly younger, preferred the combined service, where a pharmacist both prescribed and dispensed.

Conclusions
Patients value input from their pharmacists, but are resistant to change and prefer their current situation. However, younger people are more willing to trade between alternatives, and preferred the innovative combined prescribing-and-dispensing service. Changes in the pharmaceutical service could be supported by the public. The Discrete Choice Experiment approach is considered a useful tool for evaluating preferences for alternative pharmacy services.
The impact of pharmacist intervention on the use of activated vitamin D in a tertiary referral hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Siow Jing Yong , Lai Pauline Siew Mei , Chua Siew Siang , Chan Siew Pheng 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
In recent years, the usage of activated vitamin D (α-calcidol and calcitriol) in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has escalated and this has put unnecessary burden on the hospital's limited health care budget. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of a clinical pharmacist's intervention in reducing the inappropriate use of activated vitamin D.

Methods
Data were collected retrospectively. Pre-intervention data were obtained from records of the previous year's use of activated vitamin D. An intervention screening form was developed based on a new guideline which was produced by the UMMC Osteoporosis Committee. Use of activated vitamin D from August 2006 to July 2007 was reviewed by a clinical pharmacist using the screening form.

Key findings
Of the 557 requests screened, 44.5% were identified as unnecessary prescriptions. The main indications recommended for prescribing activated vitamin D were long-term glucocorticoid treatment (38.8%) and abone mineral density T-score of less than −2.5 for patients aged 60 years and above (22.4%). As a result of the intervention, the number of patients on activated vitamin D decreased from 4095 to 2338, which led to a significant reduction in expenditure from RM798 400.60 (US$221 777.90) to RM397 783.80 ($110 495.50) (P = 0.002). The main reasons for the approval of activated vitamin D use were impaired renal function (46.6%) and long-term glucocorticoid use (38.5%).

Conclusions
Pharmacist intervention on the use of activated vitamin D was effective and resulted in a cost saving of up to RM400 616.80 ($111 282.40) annually. Prescribers in the UMMC are now aware of the guidelines and justifications for the use of activated vitamin D. Therefore, the implementation of the guidelines to reduce the inappropriate use of medications is a multidisciplinary effort between pharmacists and prescribers.
Medicine-related questions handled by community pharmacists: an exploratory study
Authors: Rutter Paul M , Warren Sharon , Rutter Jill 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The objectives of this study were to determine what type of medicine-related questions community pharmacists were asked and to ascertain whether responses given were appropriate.

Methods
All community pharmacists from three Primary Care Trusts were invited to participate in a week-long exploratory study. Piloted data-collection forms were self-completed. Data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel and statistical tests conducted with Minitab.

Key findings
Sixty-six medicines-related questions were answered by participating pharmacists. The type of questions asked were varied and asked by patients, the general public and health care professionals. Most answers (over 80%) were assessed as being appropriate; only four questions raised concern with assessors that possible patient harm may have resulted. Almost half (42%) of the questions were answered without consultation to any reference source.

Conclusions
Despite the small-scale nature of the study the findings show that community pharmacists provide a good-quality service that is easily accessible to all people. However, the failure to use reference sources may impact on pharmacists' ability to answer medicine-related questions fully.
What probable factors underlie inadequacy of medication history information recorded in patients' case notes by physicians in a Nigerian teaching hospital?
Authors: Yusuff Kazeem B , Tayo Fola , Aina Bola A 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo identify probable factors underlying inadequacy of medication history information recorded in patients' case notes by physicians in an ambulatory tertiary care setting in Nigeria.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted, with a pre-tested 25-item questionnaire, of 93 physicians at the nine medical units in the Department of Medicine at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.Key findingsThe overall response rate was 79.6% (74/93), and the usable rate was 75% (70/93). A majority of physicians opined that a detailed medication history is an essential component of optimal and patient-specific care; and they were able to identify correctly the key components of a detailed medication history. However, about 60% of physicians opined that the adequacy of medication history documented by them is affected by heavy workload due to the large number of patients to which they attend. The majority (75%) of physicians also considered detailed documentation of patient medical history to be more important than medication history.ConclusionsPhysicians' heavy workload, due to the large number of patients, and their belief that medical history is more important than medication history, appear to be the probable factors underlining the inadequacy of physician-acquired medication history in a developing sub-Saharan tertiary care setting.
Pharmacy support staff involvement in, and attitudes towards, pharmacy-based services for drug misusers
Authors: Scott Jenny , Mackridge Adam J 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to examine involvement of pharmacy support staff in delivering services to drug misusers; to quantify their participation in related training; and to examine relationships between attitudes, practice experience and training.

Methods
The setting was a random sample of 10% of UK community pharmacies (n = 1218) using a postal questionnaire with two reminders. Pharmacy managers were used as gate-keepers to access pharmacy support staff, which included dispensary technicians and medicines counter assistants.

Key findings
Six hundred and ninety (56.7%) pharmacies responded, and 1976 completed questionnaires were returned from 610 (50.1%) pharmacies. A further 80 (6.6%) opted out. Three-fifths of staff had no input into decisions about whether their pharmacy provided services for drug misusers. One-third working in pharmacies that provide services were uncertain or negative about whether their pharmacy should do so. Staff were more involved in needle exchange (91%) and decisions to sell needles (95%) than supervising consumption of therapies (64%) or handing out dispensed medicines to drug misusers (73%), suggesting managers perceive needle exchange and sales as appropriate roles. Three-quarters of those working in pharmacies that provide services had not received any training to do so. Those who had undertaken training and who worked in pharmacies that provided services had significantly more positive attitudes compared to those had not undertaken training but also worked in pharmacies that provided services, or those who had undertaken training but did not provide services.

Conclusions
Pharmacy support staff were involved extensively in drug-misuse services but the majority had not been trained to do so. Attitudes were more positive in those who were involved in service provision and had undertaken training. The findings suggest a need for more extensive training and for further exploration of the views of managers on appropriate roles, particularly the clinical versus supply nature of needle exchange. This is timely given the recent publication of guidelines by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on needle exchange.
Using learning outcomes for undergraduate pharmacy education to assess final-year students' perceptions of their preparedness for pharmacy practice
Authors: Willis Sarah C , Hassell Karen , Seston Elizabeth M , Hann Mark 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
Using learning outcomes for undergraduate pharmacy education in Great Britain, this study explored the extent to which final-year students perceived their education had prepared them for various aspects of practice. Fifteen learning outcomes were evaluated, encompassing competencies necessary for both the performance of pharmacists' tasks and for a professional approach to those tasks.

Methods
Final-year students studying at 14 British pharmacy schools completed a questionnaire evaluating perceptions of the extent to which their course had met learning outcomes defined by the profession's regulatory body ‘for and of pharmacy graduates’. Learning outcomes were divided into two groups: those related to preparedness for competence in the performance of pharmacist-role tasks (Group 1 learning outcomes) and those related to how tasks are approached (Group 2 learning outcomes). Univariate analysis explored associations between contextual/demographic variables and learning outcomes; multivariate analysis was used to determine whether the pharmacy school attended independently predicted learning outcomes once ethnicity and gender had been controlled for.

Key findings
A response rate of 67.8% was achieved. Respondents were more likely to have felt prepared for broad areas than for specific competencies (Group 1 learning outcomes). Marginally fewer felt prepared for a professional approach to tasks (Group 2 learning outcomes). Females and respondents from minority ethnic groups were significantly more likely to have felt prepared for many outcomes; significant variation between pharmacy school attended and outcomes were also found. After controlling for student characteristics, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the pharmacy school attended predicted variation in 11 out of 15 learning outcomes.

Conclusions
In the main, students perceived that the learning outcomes of curricula had been met. However, differences between school attended and students' perceptions suggest that either some schools are providing insufficient opportunities for their students to develop skills or that students at some schools have unrealistic expectations of the skills they will need.