bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of pharmacy education on students' moral development at a school of pharmacy in the USA
Authors: Latif David A 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to assess the relationship between moral development and pharmacy education at a small, private pharmacy school located in the south-eastern region of the USA. Corollary objectives were to assess the impact, if any, of gender, age and grade point average on moral development.MethodsSeventy-one pharmacy students' moral reasoning was assessed during a 2-week orientation before the beginning of first-year classes in August 2006, and again after finishing didactic requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy in April 2009.Key findingsA paired t-test revealed that significant growth in moral reasoning occurred during their didactic pharmacy education. The class mean N2% score in August 2006 was 38.68 compared with 42.32 in April 2009 (P &lt; 0.01). Based on independent t-tests and Pearson correlations, there were no significant differences in the sample between age and N2% score, and between grade point average and N2% score.ConclusionsThe findings reveal that the students at University of Charleston School of Pharmacy experienced significant moral growth during the three didactic years of the pharmacy curriculum. As concluded in previous studies within the health professions, females scored significantly higher than males on moral reasoning in both the first and second assessment.
Using computer-tailored smoking-cessation advice in community pharmacy: A feasibility study
Authors: Hodges Lisa , Gilbert Hazel , Sutton Stephen 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
Community pharmacists are in an optimal position to provide smoking-cessation services. Computer-based interventions that generate behavioural feedback materials designed to encourage and help smokers to quit can complement existing services and ensure that smoking-cessation advice is reliably delivered. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of offering a system of computer-generated individually tailored behavioural feedback for smoking cessation in community pharmacy.

Method
The setting was community pharmacies in North London. Pharmacists, already offering cessation advice routinely in the pharmacy, were trained to use a computer-based system generating a feedback report containing highly tailored behavioural advice about quitting. Pharmacists' advice was structured around the report, which was printed for the participant. Pharmacists were interviewed after recruitment ended, and participants were sent a follow-up questionnaire 4 weeks after baseline.

Key findings
Pharmacists felt they had benefited from taking part in the study and were more confident in their management of, and advice to, smokers. All agreed that the computer program was an acceptable and valuable tool to aid smoking-cessation advice in pharmacies. Eleven smokers were recruited; five completed the follow-up, four of whom reported 4-week prolonged abstinence. Reaction to the feedback report from participants was positive.

Conclusions
The feedback from both pharmacists and participants demonstrates that use of this computer system to structure and standardise delivery of smoking-cessation advice in community pharmacy is feasible and acceptable. The study suggests that the use of this system could increase pharmacists' confidence and the quality of the advice they give, leading to improved outcomes. However, a randomised controlled trial to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the system is needed.
Recruitment strategies for palliative cancer care patients and carers
Authors: Hussainy Safeera Y , Marriott Jennifer L 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in palliative care often experience recruitment problems. This paper reports on the impact of using different strategies to recruit patients and carers into an RCT involving patient/carer interaction with community pharmacists.

Methods
The RCT was conducted with palliative care patients and carers from a palliative care service in an outer area of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Patients/carers were recruited to assess their medication knowledge after interaction with pharmacists who either had extra education in palliative care, or had no additional education. An initial recruitment strategy utilised palliative care nurses recruiting patients and carers in their homes. This strategy was twice modified during the trial to increase recruitment; patient/carer and pharmacist inclusion criteria were first revised and then the researcher recruited patients and carers directly in their homes.

Key findings
The statistically determined sample size for the study was not achieved. A high attrition rate (79%) occurred despite using three different recruitment strategies. Causes of attrition included patient death and the time period over which the trial was run. Gate-keeping was also a major barrier to recruitment.

Conclusions
This study supports previous findings of recruitment difficulties to palliative care trials. Strategies for improving recruitment are suggested which may be helpful for researchers.
Time and motion study for pharmacists' activities in a geriatric hospital
Authors: Wirth Francesca , Azzopardi Lilian M , Gauci Marise , Adami Maurice Zarb , Serracino-Inglott Anthony 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to identify and quantify activities undertaken by pharmacists in a geriatric hospital.

Methods
A data collection form was developed, validated and tested for applicability and practicality. Pharmacist activities were organised into three categories: Clinical, Administration and Others. Clinical activities incorporated patient discharge, patient admission, checking the ward controlled drugs record book, emergency trolley and patient medication trolley, prescription monitoring, ward round, discussion with health care professionals, and other professional activities; Administration activities included checking the ward medication stock and medication order; Others included break and inactive time. Observers conducted 6000 min of direct observation using a time and motion technique and observed the work activities of three pharmacists on three wards. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive statistics were carried out.

Key findings
The time dedicated to Clinical activities was 3636 min (60.60%), Administration activities 1646 min (27.43%) and Others 718 min (11.97%). When considering total time in minutes for Clinical and Administration activities, ward round (1348 min), medication order (1255 min), patient discharge (723 min) and prescription monitoring (562 min) occupied most of the pharmacists' time. Ward round activities were subdivided into: patient profiling (545 min), actual ward round (668 min) and conference (135 min).

Conclusions
The time and motion study indicated that the pharmacists' time is mainly allocated to clinical activities. However, there is still a large proportion of time taken up by administrative activities, which can be conducted by non-pharmacist personnel, allowing more time to be directed to patient care.
Implementation of a method for glucose measurements in community pharmacies
Authors: Kjome Reidun L S , Nerhus Kari , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to implement a method for glucose measurements that could be used as a comparison method for asessing patients' self-monitoring of blood glucose. Further, we investigated whether pharmacies could achieve an analytical quality comparable to glucose measurements performed in general practice.MethodsSixteen Norwegian pharmacy employees were trained in glucose measurement, quality control and blood sampling. The comparison method, HemoCue Glucose 201+, was validated in four steps: (1) estimation of the variation between the HemoCue instruments to be used at the 16 pharmacies, (2) comparison between HemoCue results and a laboratory glucose method, (3) monitoring quality by internal quality controls and (4) an external quality-assessment scheme. The pharmacies' results of the external quality assessment were compared to those of 359 general practices.Key findingsThe coefficient of variation for HemoCue instruments was 6.1% at the low level and 1.7% at the normal and high levels. Bias was negligible at the normal level. The coefficients of variation for internal quality controls were 4.5, 1.5 and 1.2% for the low, normal and high levels, respectively. All pharmacies achieved good precision and acceptable or good trueness in the external quality assessment. The pharmacies exhibited significantly lower variation between sites (2.2 and 1.2%) than general practices (3.8 and 2.9%) on both external quality-assessment samples.ConclusionsGiven correct training and the establishment of a system of quality assurance, pharmacies are capable of obtaining glucose measurements that can be used as comparison measurements for controlling patients' meters. The pharmacies had external quality-assessment results comparable to general practice.
Enhancing an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience at free medical clinics
Authors: Morello Candis M , Singh Renu F , Chen Karen J , Best Brookie M 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the study was to assess and improve first-year student pharmacists' satisfaction and learning experience in a Student-Run Free Medical Clinic Project (SFMCP) providing medical care to an underserved population.

Methods
Two consecutive classes of first-year student pharmacists at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences participated in an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) at the UCSD SFMCP. This IPPE involved two inter-professional evening free clinics which provide medical care to an underserved population and opportunities for healthcare professional training and service. Year 1 students completed a self-assessment survey instrument and year 2 students completed the survey instrument plus a new competency checklist tool. Average scores from the self-assessment survey instrument were compared between years 1 and 2.

Key findings
Initial survey results showed that students felt the SFMCP was worthwhile; however, they did not experience enough involvement in the patient assistance programme or non-pharmacy-related clinic activities. After the competency checklist tool implementation, overall student pharmacist satisfaction of the SFMCP IPPE remained high (88%), participation in identified weak areas improved and students agreed that the tool helped focus their clinic experience.

Conclusions
Areas of improvement were identified with the survey instrument and the competency checklist tool increased achievement of learning objectives. Overall, student pharmacists felt the SFMCP IPPE was a good learning experience. Practising pharmacists can employ these or similar tools in specific practice settings, to evaluate and help ensure that student pharmacists or interns are achieving applicable learning objectives.
Pharmacy under the spotlight: New Zealand pharmacists' perceptions of current and future roles and the need for accreditation
Authors: Scahill Shane , Harrison Jeff , Sheridan Janie 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to determine New Zealand pharmacists' views on the range of services outlined in the Ten Year Vision for Pharmacists document and the need for accreditation to provide these services.

Methods
A national postal survey of practising pharmacists registered with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (n= 1892) was carried out, with two follow-ups.

Key findings
The response rate was 51.8% (n= 980 usable surveys). Findings indicated that the majority of pharmacists believe they should continue to undertake traditional clinical and technical roles (median 98.5%, range 92.7–99.3%). Less than one-third of respondents felt these activities required pharmacists to be accredited. A lower proportion, but still the majority, of respondents thought that pharmacy should undertake selected enhanced or collaborative roles (median 74.85%, range 64–92.5%). However, there was a greater emphasis on accreditation for these roles, with more than two-thirds of respondents suggesting a need for accreditation.

Conclusions
There is a high level of support for the retention of current clinical and technical roles. A lack of need for additional accreditation suggests that pharmacists believe their training is adequate. There is a positive, but more tempered view regarding enhanced or collaborative services. There is recognition of a greater need for accreditation for enhanced and collaborative services. This suggests a cautious optimism about new services and a perceived need for pharmacists to learn more about these programmes.
Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: a survey of patients' perceptions and understanding
Authors: Ngo Suong N T , Stupans Ieva , Leong Wei Sin , Osman Marwa 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to investigate patients' perceptions and understanding on the appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen.

Methods
In this pilot study, a self-administered anonymous survey was completed by 183 patients presenting at one of the eight selected community pharmacy premises in South Australia and the Northern Territory during the study. The questionnaire comprised items on: demographics (age, gender), current medications, frequency of ibuprofen use, medical consultations, reading manufacturer's printed dosage/warning instructions, sources from which drug information was gathered and understanding of common indications for ibuprofen.

Key findings
Sixty per cent of patients (n= 110/183), predominantly females, were currently on other medications and 64.5% of patients (n= 118/183) did not seek medical advice before using non-prescription ibuprofen. Seventy-one per cent (n= 130) of these patients had used ibuprofen for more than a year. The majority of patients did not provide precise answers for the common indications of ibuprofen. Sixty-six per cent of patients (n= 110) reported rarely or never reading manufacturer's printed warning instructions on the potential drug interactions or adverse effects associated with the use of the product.

Conclusions
Many patients are unaware that non-presciption analgesics such as ibuprofen can cause potentially serious adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications.
Selective Synthesis of Secondary Amines via N-Alkylation of Primary Amines and Ammonia with Alcohols by Supported Copper Hydroxide Catalysts
Authors: He Jinling , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The N-alkylation of primary amines and ammonia (in situ generated from urea or aqueous ammonia) with alcohols to secondary amines was efficiently promoted by supported copper hydroxide catalysts, Cu(OH)x/Al2O3 and Cu(OH)x/TiO2. The observed catalysis was truly heterogeneous, and the catalysts could be reused without an appreciable loss of catalytic performance.
Highly Active Supported Nickel Catalysts for Pre-reforming of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Authors: Shen Kui , Wang Xueguang , Wang Xinxing , Zou Xiujing , Lu Xionggang , Ding Weizhong 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Mg–Al mixed oxide supported Ni catalysts were significantly more active than other catalysts so far reported for the pre-reforming of liquefied petroleum gas, in which LPG was completely pre-reformed to methane, carbon oxides, and hydrogen under high space velocity with low steam/carbon ratio of 2.0.
A simple method to estimate the episode and programme sensitivity of breast cancer screening programmes
Authors:   The Impact Working Group, Zorzi Manuel , Guzzinati Stefano , Puliti Donella , Paci Eugenio 
Published: October 2010

Background The estimation of breast cancer screening sensitivity is a major aim in the quality assessment of screening programmes. The proportional incidence method for the estimation of the sensitivity of breast cancer screening programmes is rarely used to estimate the underlying incidence rates. Methods We present a method to estimate episode and programme sensitivity of screening programmes, based solely on cancers detected within screening cycles (excluding breast cancer cases at prevalent screening round) and on the number of incident cases in the total target population (steady state). The assumptions, strengths and limitations of the method are discussed. An example of calculation of episode and programme sensitivities is given, on the basis of the data from the IMPACT study, a large observational study of breast cancer screening programmes in Italy. Results The programme sensitivity from the fifth year of screening onwards ranged between 41% and 48% of the total number of cases in the target population. At steady state episode sensitivity was 0.70, with a trend across age groups, with lowest values in women aged 50-54 years (0.52) and highest in those 65-69 (0.77). Conclusions The method is a very serviceable tool for estimating sensitivity in service screening programmes, and the results are comparable with those of other methods of estimation.
Mortality reductions produced by sustained prostate cancer screening have been underestimated
Authors: Hartley James A 
Published: October 2010

Background The recently published European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) reported prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based screening to have reduced the prostate cancer death rate by only 20%. However, this is an underestimate caused by (i) including in the 20% the years before the impact of the first screen becomes manifest, and (ii) not having full information for the follow-up years where the effects of the screening are most apparent. This paper provides a re-analysis of the results using time-specific measures, which avoid the first of these sources of error. Methods Mortality rate ratios for follow-up years 1-12 were derived from the yearly numbers of prostate cancer deaths and numbers of men being followed in each arm of the ERSPC. To reduce statistical noise, they were based on moving three-year intervals, and a smooth rate ratio curve was fitted to the yearly data, in order to measure the steady state reduction in mortality and to identify the time at which it reached this level. Results The re-analysis suggests that the sustained reduction in prostate cancer mortality may be more than 50%. Conclusion Re-analysis of the ERSPC data suggests that if screening is carried out for several years, and if follow-up is pursued until the reduction becomes manifest, the reduction in mortality will be 50-60%. An analysis that includes the 2007-2008 follow-up data is required to quantify more precisely the impact of this intervention.
Breast and cervical cancer screening programme implementation in 16 countries
Authors: Dowling Emily C , Klabunde Carrie , Patnick Julietta , Ballard-Barbash Rachel ,   For The International Cancer Screening Network (Icsn)
Published: October 2010

Objective There is a continuing need to monitor and evaluate the impact of organized screening programmes on cancer incidence and mortality. We report results from a programme assessment conducted within the International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) to understand the characteristics of cervical screening programmes within countries that have established population-based breast cancer screening programmes. Methods In 2007-2008, we asked 26 ICSN country representatives to complete a web-based survey that included questions on breast and cervical cancer screening programmes. We summarized information from 16 countries with both types of organized programmes. Results In 63% of these countries, the organization of the cervical cancer screening programme was similar to that of the breast cancer screening programme in the same country. There were differences in programme characteristics, including year established (1962-2003 cervical; 1986-2002 breast) and ages covered (15-70+ cervical; 40-75+ breast). Adoption of new screening technologies was evident (44% liquid-based Pap tests; 13% human papillomavirus (HPV)-triage tests cervical; 56% digital mammography breast). There was wide variation in participation rates for both programme types (<4-80% cervical; 12-88% breast), and participation rates tended to be higher for cervical (70-80%) than for breast (60-70%) cancer screening programmes. Eleven ICSN member countries had approved the HPV vaccine and five more were considering its use in their organized programmes. Conclusion Overall, there were similarities and differences in the organization of breast and cervical cancer screening programmes among ICSN countries. This assessment can assist established and new screening programmes in understanding the organization and structure of cancer screening programmes.
Examination of the pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A assay on the Beckman Coulter Access® platform: suitability for use in first trimester Down's syndrome screening
Authors: Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn , Palomaki Glenn E , Canick Jacob A 
Published: October 2010

Objective To explore the clinical validity of the new Access® pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) assay for Down's syndrome screening. Setting Academic hospital. Method Residual serum samples ( n = 416) received for routine first trimester Down's syndrome screening (10-13 weeks) were retrieved from freezer storage and tested using two PAPP-A immunoassay methods. The new Access® assay was specifically compared, on a subset of these samples ( n = 194), with an assay proven to give acceptable Down's syndrome screening performance, the PerkinElmer (PE) AutoDELFIA method. Access® PAPP-A levels were examined in relation to gestational age and maternal weight, and were compared with the PE method by regression and Bland-Altman analyses. Results Access® PAPP-A assay results were highly correlated with the PE AutoDELFIA method ( r = 0.97). PAPP-A levels obtained using the Access® assay increased with advancing gestational age and were inversely related to maternal weight, as expected. The distribution of multiples of the median (MoM) values fit a log Gaussian distribution and the standard deviation of the log MoM (0.2331) matched published estimates. PAPP-A MoM levels in Down's syndrome pregnancies ( n = 6, median 0.30) showed the expected reduction. Conclusion Using an appropriate gestational age-specific median equation, the Access® PAPP-A assay is expected to perform acceptably in first trimester Down's syndrome screening.
A multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of wood with adsorbed water: Estimating bound water concentration and local wood density
Authors: Dvinskikh Sergey V. , Henriksson Marielle , Berglund Lars A. , Furó István 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The interaction between moisture and the macromolecular wood tissue is of critical importance to wood properties. In this context, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very promising as this method could deliver molecular information on the submillimeter scale (i.e., along concentration gradients) about both free and adsorbed water and the cell wall polymers. In the present study, it is demonstrated for the first time that wood containing adsorbed heavy water (2H2O) can be studied by MRI based on separated images due to water (2H MRI) and cell wall polymers (1H MRI). Data confirm that in specimens equilibrated at controlled humidity there is a direct correlation between bound water content and relative density of the polymers in wood tissue; there is a strong variation across annual rings.