bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student assessment of postgraduate clinical pharmacy programmes in the United Kingdom (1): validation of the course experience questionnaire
Authors: Quinn John , Bates Ian , Cox Roy 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Confirming the validity of the previously published course experience questionnaire (CEQ), a tool in general use in higher education, will enable its specific use in the evaluation of postgraduate clinical pharmacy programmes. The postgraduate clinical pharmacy programmes of interest may have unique aspects to them which may affect validity of the CEQ, for example, the dual emphasis on learning experience through both a formal class environment and workplace practice activities.

Objective
To validate the course experience questionnaire (CEQ), a tool used for student evaluation of higher education provision.

Method
A UK postal survey, using the CEQ, of graduates from clinical pharmacy postgraduate programmes. Cases were subject to exploratory factor analysis and compared with previous, non-pharmacy samples.

Setting
Graduates from 11 different postgraduate clinical pharmacy programmes in the UK since 1990 were surveyed. A total of 511 questionnaires were distributed and 364 (72 per cent) were returned.

Key findings
Factor analysis showed that the sample exhibited similar key constructs to other higher education samples. An important finding was a split in the “good teaching” construct in this postgraduate sample. This split reflects the type of teaching delivery common in postgraduate clinical pharmacy programmes.

Conclusions
The validation of this important evaluation tool for use in higher education means that comparisons can now be made between institutions and programmes, providing evidence for the quality of provision of these programmes from the student's perspective.
Work patterns and uptake of continuing education in a two-year cohort of New Zealand pharmacy technicians
Authors: Elmey V A , Beresford R A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the current practice, continuing education uptake and future work intentions of pharmacy technicians in New Zealand.

Method
Postal questionnaire survey of all 148 technicians certificated through the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand who started training in 1991 and 1992. Responses were obtained from 83 (56 per cent) of the target population.

Key findings
While most technicians regularly performed the duties for which they had been trained, some were also performing more demanding tasks, such as unit dose dispensing and deliveries for rest homes. A smaller number were engaged in more managerial tasks while fewer still were working beyond the confines of their legally defined role by undertaking extemporaneous compounding and preparing Controlled Drugs. Many felt restricted within their current role and wished to see it extended. Perhaps for that reason, most had undertaken some form of continuing education/professional development, not all of them with the support of their pharmacist employer(s).

Conclusions
While pharmacy technicians' aspirations and activities might be perceived by some as threatening the traditional role of pharmacists, technicians could also assist pharmacists to move further from the dispensary into the new age of counselling and other forms of patient management and care.
Pharmacist integration into the discharge process: a qualitative and quantitative impact assessment
Authors: Cattell Richard , Conroy Clare , Sheikh Adel 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether a discharge pharmacist can improve the timeliness of patient discharge.

Method
Following a pilot phase on an acute admissions ward to assess the suitability of data collection forms (DCFs), patients were assigned to have their discharge medication organised either by a pharmacist (intervention group) or by the existing system (control group). Information relating to a variety of prescription processing times, together with data on clinical interventions and use of patient's own drugs (PODs), was recorded for each group.

Setting
Sixty-eight patients were recruited from one surgical ward and one medical ward at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Key findings
Median discharge prescription processing time (time from discharge decision to patient discharge) was significantly less in the intervention group than in the control group (322 versus 460 minutes, P=0.0056). The median discharge prescription dispensing time was significantly greater with the existing system than when prescriptions were transcribed by the discharge pharmacist (240 versus 177 minutes, P=0.005). A cost-saving of £6 per patient by the reuse of PODs was calculated for the intervention group. No PODs were documented in the control group.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that integration of a pharmacist into the discharge system improves the timeliness of discharge, benefiting hospital bed management. Significant reductions in drug wastage and release of medical time are also apparent with this modified discharge process.
Medication compliance devices in primary care: activities of community-based nurses
Authors: Stewart Derek , Ogilvie Elaine , Kennedy Emily , Hansford Denise , Neil Elaine 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the workload, training and views of community-based nurses in relation to medication compliance devices.

Method
Postal questionnaires distributed to all nurse team leaders (n=57) and community-based nurses (n=327) in the Grampian region of Scotland.

Setting
Primary care.

Key findings
Responses were received from 32 team leaders (56 per cent) and 153 nurses (47 per cent). Ninety-six nurses (63 per cent) filled a total of 212 medication compliance devices per week for patients under their care — an activity which accounted for an estimated total of 121 hours per week (mean of 1.25 hours per nurse per week, range 0.5 to 7 hours) and for which they had received no formal training. One hundred devices (47 per cent) were filled to enable carers to administer medicines. Team leaders reported several areas of concern which had been raised by their staff, particularly relating to responsibility and accountability under professional body guidelines.

Conclusion
Many community-based nurses fill medication compliance devices, an activity which clearly causes much concern. There is an urgent need to develop and evaluate multidisciplinary models of care based around the needs of individual patients requiring medication compliance devices.
The training experience of primary care pharmacists
Authors: Jesson Jill K , Wilson Keith A , Blenkinsopp Alison 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To map the tasks, activities and training provision for primary care pharmacists (PCPs) and to identify perceived future training needs.

Methods
Survey undertaken in 1998/1999 using a pre-piloted, postal, self-completion questionnaire to two samples of PCPs.

Setting
PCPs in (a) the West Midlands and (b) England (outside West Midlands).

Key findings
The response rate was 66 per cent. A majority (68 per cent) had worked in the role for less than two years. Eighty per cent had some form of continuing education or training for the role although only 50 per cent had a formal qualification. Over two-thirds had contributed to the funding of their training, with one-third providing all funding. Seventy-four per cent of PCPs agreed that pharmacists should go through a procedure to ensure competence (accreditation) before being allowed to work for a general medical practice or primary care group. Views on the need for formal education/training prior to work differed: 82 per cent of those with formal qualifications, but only 46 per cent of those without, considered that this should be a requirement. There was general agreement that training/education had met training needs. Views on future training closely reflected previous training experiences, with a focus upon pharmaceutical roles rather than upon generic skill development and the acquisition of management skills.

Conclusions
The study provides a snapshot in time of the experience of pioneer PCPs and the training available to them. PCPs will need further training or updating if they are to provide the wider roles required by the developing needs of the National Health Service. Consideration should be given to formal recognition of the training of PCPs in order to assure competence. The expectation that pharmacists should fund their own training is likely to be a barrier to uptake of training and uncertainties over funding will militate against consistency of training.
Public perceptions of community pharmacists in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Oparah C A , Iwuagwu M A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To determine public perceptions of community pharmacists and pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria.

Method
A self-completion questionnaire was distributed to a stratified random sample of 1,500 households. Data were collected using a 22-item, Likert-type scale which was shown to have 0.77 reliability. The neutral point was assumed to be 66 on the scale of 22 to 110. Scores above 66 were interpreted as positive perception.

Results
The response rate was 68.3 per cent (1,025/1500). Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents perceived the community pharmacist as a health care provider, and 70 per cent agreed that community pharmacists are needed, especially in the area of medicinal product selection (76 per cent). However, 52 per cent believed pharmacists are profit motivated and only 43 per cent said they would be willing to pay for pharmacist consultation. Respondents reported difficulty in differentiating between pharmacists and pharmacy attendants, with only 58 per cent reporting that they could tell the difference. The pharmacists scored 76.37 ± 27.63, with 60 per cent of respondents scoring them above 66.

Conclusion
This study found that community pharmacists received a moderately positive rating from the public. There is a need for community pharmacists to carve out a more distinct professional identity for themselves.
Perceived factors influencing the development of primary care-based pharmaceutical care in Scotland
Authors: Krska J , Veitch G B A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To obtain the views of key pharmacists in Scotland (potential policy-makers and innovative practising pharmacists) on a systematic approach to pharmaceutical care and on the factors important in its development.

Method
Semi-structured interviews, based on factors identified from the literature as resources required for, or barriers to, pharmaceutical care development.

Key findings
All 16 interviewees agreed with the systematic approach and identified community pharmacies as the key locus for the delivery of pharmaceutical care in primary care. Many expressed similar views in relation to remuneration, the need for training, physical resources, relationships with general practitioners to facilitate access to clinical information from medical records, repeat dispensing systems and improvements to existing computer systems to support the necessary documentation. Divergent opinions were expressed on the need for registration of patients with community pharmacies, on the use of dispensing technicians and on what specific literature and information from medical records would be required to support pharmaceutical care. While all agreed that there was insufficient evidence available of the benefits of pharmaceutical care, many felt that its development should nonetheless be progressed.

Conclusion
Many of the views expressed are similar to those identified among community pharmacists in similar studies. Planning of future services needs to involve community pharmacists if indeed they are key to pharmaceutical care provision.
Development of a pharmacist-led cholesterol screening and lipid-lowering medication review service in coronary artery bypass graft patients
Authors: Alldred D P , Booth C , Chrystyn H 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of pharmacist intervention on lipid management in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.MethodOpen study in which total cholesterol (TC) levels were measured in 43 elective CABG patients at visit 1 (pre-surgery) and visit 2 (six weeks post-discharge following surgery). Statin therapy was initiated (using atorvastatin) or statin doses were adjusted according to an agreed protocol.Key findingsPrior to CABG surgery, 19 patients (44 per cent) did not have target TC values. Fourteen (74 per cent) of these patients were already receiving a statin while five patients (26 per cent) were not receiving statin therapy. At visit 2, 33 patients (77 per cent) had achieved target TC. Mean (SD) TC was 5.7 (0.72) mmol/L at visit 1 and 4.8 (0.68) mmol/L at visit 2 in the intervention patients (P&lt;0.01). There was no significant difference between mean TC at visits 1 and 2 in the non-intervention patients (patients who had target TC values at visit 1). From a previous meta-analysis, the decrease in TC of 0.9 mmol/L (16 per cent) in the intervention patients equates to a 24 per cent risk reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and an 18 per cent risk reduction in total mortality. The recent National Service Framework for CHD has set standards for improving the care of CHD patients. From this study, it appears that the management of raised TC in this high-risk population is sub-optimal.ConclusionThis study has shown that the role of the pharmacist can be extended to encompass the management of raised total cholesterol in CABG patients, thereby contributing towards health care benefit.
Analysis of the information and support needs generated by a community pharmacy-based methadone treatment programme
Authors: O'Connor Sile , Sheridan Janie , Corrigan Des 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Methadone treatment has been provided in Ireland since 1998 under the methadone protocol scheme. Two liaison pharmacists were employed by the Eastern Health Board to interface between pharmacists dispensing methadone in primary and tertiary care.

Objective
To analyse and review the inquiries received and addressed by one liaison pharmacist in the first year of operation of a community pharmacy-based methadone treatment scheme.

Method
Inquiries received were recorded by the pharmacist using a standard data collection form. Using content analysis, key themes were identified and each inquiry was classified. Data were analysed using standard computer software.

Key findings
Two primary categories of liaison inquiry were addressed: “patient-related” inquiries, requiring the organisation of community pharmacy-based methadone dispensing services for patients, and “pharmacy-related” inquiries, which were requests from community pharmacists for information or support. Two thirds of the inquiries were “patient-related.” The primary users of the liaison service were prescribers employed by the addiction services and community pharmacists.

Conclusion
The liaison pharmacy service handled diverse inquiries, with an emphasis on the facilitation of the provision of pharmaceutical care for patients requiring community pharmacy-based methadone dispensing services. The liaison service had a significant secondary role in the provision of support and information for community pharmacists. The study findings are of relevance to those involved in developing and introducing primary care-based services for drug misusers.
Validation of a “desire for information” scale
Authors: DUGGAN C , BATES I , STURMAN S , ANDERSSON E , ÅSTRÖM K , CARLSSON J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To validate a scale to measure patients' desires for information about their prescribed drugs.

Methods
Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Standardised bedside interviews were conducted with general medical patients in three hospitals over an eight-month period. The validity of the scale was explored by interfacing qualitative data from patients' perspectives and their scores to the scale.

Setting
General medical wards at three teaching hospitals in London.

Key findings
A total of 630 patients were recruited for interview; 50.2 per cent were male and 49.8 per cent female. The mean age for the population was 60 years. More than half (54 per cent) of the study population was retired, and the majority (82 per cent) described their cultural background as white. Through a factor analytic approach, the primary 12-item scale was refined to six items (designated F1), measuring “extent of information desired”. A second extracted factor (designated F2) measured “inhibited desire for information”, but was not considered reliable. The responses to semi-structured interviews gave valuable insights into the types of information sought: low-scorers declared no need for detailed information as this would sometimes even worry or frighten them, while high-scorers worried about not receiving enough information and requested specific details that would help them in their self care.

Conclusion
Interfacing qualitative responses to semi-structured and open questions and the quantitative scores contributed to the validation of a new six-item scale and gave insights into the types of information patients seek. By developing a tool to identify patients' desires for information, pharmacists will be able to identify and meet the drug information needs of patients in an appropriate and timely way.
A randomised controlled trial of a pharmaceutical care programme in high-risk diabetic patients in an outpatient clinic
Authors: Clifford Rhonda M , Batty Kevin T , Davis Timothy M E , Davis Wendy , Stein Gary , Stewart Graeme , Plumridge Richard J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To determine the impact of a pharmaceutical care programme (PCP) in diabetic patients.

Design
Randomised controlled study of high-risk diabetic patients.

Setting
Outpatient clinic at Fremantle hospital (FH), Western Australia.

Method
Patients over 18 years of age who could communicate freely in English and fulfilled pre-determined criteria for being high-risk for the development of diabetic complications, were randomly assigned to the PCP or control groups in a ratio of 2:1. In the PCP arm, a clinical pharmacist reviewed and monitored all aspects of the patients' drug therapy in collaboration with other health care professionals at six-weekly intervals for six months. The control patients received usual outpatient care.

Main outcome measures
Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), quality of life (QOL), patient satisfaction with health care providers and changes in drug therapy during the PCP.

Results
Seventy-three patients were recruited into the study, of whom 48 (66 per cent) were randomised to the PCP. There were no significant differences between the PCP (cases) and the control groups for demographic variables. The mean (±SD) HbA1c for the cases was 8.4±1.4 per cent at the beginning and 8.2±1.5 per cent at the end of the study period (P&gt;0.05). There was similarly no change in the control group (8.5±1.6 per cent to 8.1±1.6 % P&gt;0.05). There were no significant changes in QOL for cases or controls over the period of the study. During the PCP, there was a significant increase in patient satisfaction with the care provided by the clinical pharmacist (P=0.007) and the provision of drug information (P=0.036). The clinical pharmacist facilitated 39 drug interventions in the 48 cases. A high level of complementary medicine usage was found in the PCP group (16.7 per cent).

Conclusions
PCPs provide patients with important medication information and result in changes to drug therapy. However, in diabetic patients under specialist care, a six-month PCP did not lead to an improvement in glycaemic control. The role for pharmacist intervention in primary care now needs to be evaluated.
A classification system for issues identified in pharmaceutical care practice
Authors: Krska Janet , Jamieson Debbie , Arris Fiona , McGuire Andrew , Abbott Sorrel , Hansford Denise , Cromarty John 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the usefulness of a system for classifying pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs), defined in Scottish practice guidelines as “an element of a pharmaceutical need which is addressed by the pharmacist,” which were identified during the delivery of pharmaceutical care in a primary care setting.

Method
The classification system had 12 categories, each with a definition and examples reflecting the primary care setting to assist in assigning categories to individual PCIs. There was no category of “other” or “miscellaneous”. The system was used by two clinical pharmacists in a study involving 332 patients aged 65 years or over collecting four or more medicines regularly. The point at which PCIs were identified and resolved, the drugs involved and the actions required to resolve them were analysed for each type of PCI.

Setting
Six randomly selected medical practices in the Grampian region of Scotland.

Key findings
All 2,586 PCIs identified were successfully assigned one category within this classification system. The most commonly occurring types of PCI were “potential adverse drug reaction”, “need for monitoring”, “potentially ineffective therapy” and “need for education.” Most PCIs classed as “potential adverse drug reaction” and “need for monitoring” were identified from the prescription record. A third of “potentially ineffective therapy” PCIs, plus most PCIs classed as “drug use — no indication” and “indication — no treatment” were identified from medical records. Patient interview identified most of the PCIs categorised as “need for education,” “suspected adverse drug reaction” and “actual compliance issue.” Resolving the “need for education,” “suspected/actual compliance issue” and “out of date medicines” PCIs mostly involved the patient, whereas those involving changes to prescribed therapy or monitoring required contact with a health care professional.

Conclusion
The classification system was comprehensive in its coverage of PCIs arising from clinical pharmacists' direct patient care activities in a primary care setting. While the system requires further development and testing, it would appear to be a useful tool for researchers and practitioners to use in describing and comparing PCIs in different studies and using different practices.
Consumer opinions on medicines information and factors affecting its use — an Australian experience
Authors: Koo Michelle , Krass Ines , Aslani Parisa 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is brand-specific, written drug information produced by pharmaceutical companies and intended for consumers in Australia. The content of CMI is defined in legal regulations.

Objectives
This exploratory study investigated: (a) consumers' awareness, perceptions and modes of CMI use, (b) the impact of CMI on consumers, and (c) possible factors affecting CMI use.

Methods
Six focus groups (n=57 consumers) were conducted. Discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Setting
Metropolitan Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Key findings
Most participants were aware of written information about prescription medications but were unfamiliar with the term “CMI”. Few had experienced a health care professional providing or discussing CMI but most had read it and found it useful. There were many suggestions for improvements to the format and content of CMI to increase its “user-friendliness”. CMI had caused anxiety in some participants but increased awareness of their medications in others. Several factors appeared to increase the likelihood of CMI use: information-oriented coping mechanism, severe disease, internal locus of control, appropriate timing of information provision, and care-giver role. Conversely, difficulty in reading and understanding CMI, confidence in health care professionals and perceived “problem-free” therapies appeared to reduce CMI use.

Conclusions
Although consumers were aware of and read written drug information, there was limited interaction with a health professional when written information was provided.