bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verbal interactions between elderly people and community pharmacists about prescription medicines
Authors: Livingstone Carina 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Tape recordings of verbal interactions between elderly patients (women aged 60 or over; men aged 65 or over) and community pharmacists about prescription medicines were made in four study pharmacies to determine the frequency with which information was provided and to elucidate communication issues relevant to this patient group. Overall, 65 per cent of elderly patients receiving prescribed medications had no verbal interaction at all with the pharmacist, speaking only to other pharmacy staff. The pharmacists provided verbal information to 12.5 per cent of elderly patients about their prescription medicines. It was generally limited to aspects of the dosage regimen and the most common number of items of information given was three. There was no obvious pattern in advice giving related to the estimated workload. However, the frequencies with which advice was provided at all the pharmacies were too low to draw definite conclusions. The mean length of interactions where information was provided was 71 seconds (range 8 to 335).
During 43 interactions studied, pharmacists asked 38 questions, nearly all of which were closed; patients asked 15 questions of which more than a third were open. As expected, the number of elderly patients visiting the pharmacies and the number of patient interactions showed marked intra- and inter-pharmacy variation. This is relevant to the development of realistic advice-giving protocols.
Referral of clients by community pharmacists: views of general medical practitioners
Authors: Smith Felicity 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Community pharmacists have been shown to advise approximately 15 per cent of clients who present to them with minor ailments to consult another health professional, usually their general medical practitioner. The clients that pharmacists refer may or may not be those that GPs most wish to see. There may be other clients or symptoms that GPs believe should be referred to them. This study investigated GPs' views on community pharmacists' referral practices, looking at which symptoms they believed should be referred, the level of agreement between them and how their recommendations compared with the referral practices of community pharmacists established by the author in an earlier study.
Questionnaires were posted to a random sample of GPs in Greater London, asking them to indicate the referral advice they felt appropriate for each of 62 symptom groups, recommending either direct referral, no referral or referral only in some cases. The symptom groups were derived from the symptoms presented to the pharmacists in the earlier study.
Respondents were generally positive about the pharmacist's role, indicating that for many symptom groups they felt it appropriate for the pharmacist to be a first port of call. Although the variation between responses suggested that there should be local liaison regarding practice, on the whole the GPs' recommendations were in line with the pharmacists' existing practices.
Work sampling observations of community pharmacists: a review
Authors: Emmerton Lynne , Jefferson Karyn 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Activities undertaken by community pharmacists may be monitored in individual pharmacies to analyse the division of labour before and after changes in work practices, and for general insight into the current roles of pharmacists. Studies based in community pharmacies have used work sampling techniques, with activities recorded by observers at defined intervals. Sampling methods and the selection of observation periods have varied between studies, with activities recorded at one- to- five-minute intervals or at random. Differing classifications of activities also limit the comparison of findings. There exists a need for further research in this area to address sampling issues and limitations imposed by observers in pharmacies and to provide data relevant to present day practice. Self-reporting of activities using electronic bar code readers and reminders may be feasible for data collection from multiple-pharmacist pharmacies or larger samples of pharmacies.
Survey of the needs of patients in a private nursing home: a pharmacist's view
Authors: Deshmukh A A , Sommerville H 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Validated data collection instruments were used to assess the health status and existing drug therapy of 79 patients (16 male, 63 female; mean age 84 [±9] years) in two private nursing homes in Norfolk. The homes had already been found to be above average standard in terms of medicines supply, storage and administration. The most common symptoms of long term chronic disease were associated with neurological, cardiovascular, arthritic, psychiatric or diabetic diagnoses. Fifty nine patients had some memory impairment; 77 suffered from additional health problems which could arise from inappropriate therapy or dosing. All patients received most of their medicines from nursing staff. The mean (±SD) number of items received per day was 7.1 (±3.4). Of drugs prescribed for regular use, 79 per cent were given in accordance with the wishes of the prescriber. In contrast, only 21 per cent of medicines prescribed for use when necessary (prn) were given as intended. Thirty three per cent of prn medicines, some prescription only, had been given in the absence of any GP knowledge or instruction. Although there were written procedures for drug administration, there was only 58 per cent compliance with these guidelines. Drug administration charts proved to be an incomplete record of pre-existing drug allergy, topical application, self-medication and drugs used in routine nursing procedures, eg, bladder washouts.
A pharmaceutical advisory service in a private nursing home: provision and outcome
Authors: Deshmukh A A , Sommerville H 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A survey of pharmaceutical care in two private nursing homes in Norfolk identified concerns relating to the extent and nature of patient therapy as well as its administration and documentation (see p83). With the support of medical and nursing staff, relevant policy documents were reviewed by the investigating pharmacist and then implemented. A laxative policy was also introduced. During the next five months, monthly medication reviews were made for the 60 patients (eight male, 52 female; mean age 84 [±9] years) who remained from the original survey. Recommendations concerning individual drug therapy were subsequently evaluated. Of the 44 recommendations for changes in prescribing and administration of drugs that were accepted by the medical/nursing staff, 37 produced positive outcomes for the patient. Compared with the baseline data, there were significant increases in the number of patients who were free of possible drug induced problems (P&lt;0.05) or no longer constipated (P&lt;0.005) and a significant increase in the proportion of medicines administered in accordance with the prescriber's wishes (P&lt;0.05). The accuracy and completeness of drug administration records had improved and guidelines for nurse prescribing had been rationalised. The mean daily number of items taken by patients had fallen by 1.5. Based on these data, provision of pharmaceutical care to private nursing homes should produce significant cost savings and improve patient care.
Subject-centred learning outcomes of structured work-based learning in a community pharmacy training programme
Authors: Rees J A , Collett J H , Mylrea S , Crowther I 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Second-year pharmacy students were divided into two cohorts, one of which participated in structured work-based learning (WBL) activities in a summer vacation training programme (VTP) in a community pharmacy work placement. Assessment methods were developed to measure quantitatively any change in knowledge and knowledge-based transferable skills. Results from the assessments showed that participation in structured WBL activities increased the students' knowledge and knowledge-based transferable skills.
General practitioner prescribing and community pharmacist recommendation for the sale of aciclovir topical cream
Authors: Gaunt Rebecca , Whitfield Michael , Ghalamkari Hooman , Millar Michael 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A questionnaire survey of 50 general medical practitioners (GPs) and 50 community pharmacists in Bristol was undertaken to compare GPs' prescribing behaviour and the recommendations of community pharmacists for the sale of aciclovir topical cream. The participants' stated advice about prescribing or recommending the sale of aciclovir topical cream for a series of case studies illustrated by colour photographs was examined. In only one of the nine cases was a significant difference found between prescribing/recommendation of aciclovir cream, with pharmacists being more prepared than the GPs to recommend the cream for a cold sore at the scabbing stage. Pharmacists reported receiving a greater amount of information about the drug from the manufacturer than did the GPs. Some GPs were shown to be confused about the licensing laws regulating the over-the-counter sale of aciclovir cream. This is likely to lead to inappropriate advice from GPs for patients to visit community pharmacists for the purchase of the cream.
Communication and interaction between customers and pharmacy personnel in two Norwegian pharmacies — an observational study
Authors: Strømme Helge Knudsen , Haugli Arild 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
During the summer of 1993, a social anthropologist carried out non-participating observations in two pharmacies in Oslo, Norway, in order to describe the communication and interaction between the customers and the pharmacy staff. The ways the personnel encountered their customers varied in a striking way. Few indicators could be relied upon in predicting staff behaviour. Informational interaction did occur between customers and staff, but this practice did not seem to be systematic with regard to rules or routines. In the cases of customer-initiated questioning, the customer seemed to be taken good care of. The observations made in this study highlight three important features of pharmacy: a lack of control of admission, the transactional nature of the interaction between customer and staff and a lack of systematic approach for serving customers with particular needs. The quality and content of the information and interaction did not seem to be dependent on the physical layout of the pharmacy. It also seemed more dependent on the personal characteristics of the staff member concerned than on his or her formal competence, and dependent on when, during opening hours, the interaction took place. These features should be taken into account when more standardised routines are implemented for serving pharmacy customers.
Infant weaning and community pharmacy — the pharmacist's perspective
Authors: McCallion C Rosaleen , Scott Eileen M , Doherty Marie 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Community pharmacists' awareness of the COMA report on “Weaning and the weaning diet” and their knowledge of its recommendations was assessed in a questionnaire distributed to all (n=81) community pharmacists in the Western Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland. Sources of information and adequacy of training on childhood nutritional issues were determined. A knowledge score was computed for each pharmacist depending on their responses to questions based on key issues in the COMA report. Completed questionnaires were returned by 48 pharmacists (59 per cent). The COMA report had been read by 14.5 per cent of respondents while 12.5 per cent knew of its recommendations. Others had heard of it but not read it (52 per cent) or had never heard of it (21 per cent). The mean knowledge score was 66 per cent (±17.5). Scores ranged from 18 per cent to 90 per cent, indicating wide variability in pharmacists' knowledge of key recommendations for weaning. Only 29 per cent of pharmacists felt that they were adequately trained to give advice on weaning; 50 per cent felt that they did not have sufficient knowledge and 21 per cent were unsure. Pharmacists indicated that, on average, parents approached them weekly about a weaning topic, which emphasises the need for them to be well informed about current weaning recommendations.
Oral counselling on dispensed medication: a survey of its extent and associated factors in a random sample of community pharmacies
Authors: Aslanpour Zoe , Smith Felicity J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
To establish the current rate of oral counselling on dispensed medications, a random sample of 50 community pharmacists from the greater London area was selected. A non-participant observational method was used to obtain the required information. It was found that most pharmacist characteristics, including age, experience and employment status (proprietor, manager or locum) did not affect the rate of provision of oral counselling. However, the rate varied according to sex, with female pharmacists advising more patients. The rate of counselling was also influenced by the patient's age, the type of prescription (National Health Service or private), whether the prescription was a repeat or for new medication and the therapeutic category of the medicine. During the study, the collection of 1,472 prescription items was observed. Overall, counselling was provided for 39 per cent of patients. Counselling was given for around 70 per cent of new prescription items and for 20 per cent of repeat items.
“One simple question should be enough”: consumers' perceptions of pharmacy protocols
Authors: Morris Caroline J , Cantrill Judith A , Weiss Marjorie C 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Little research in the United Kingdom has addressed consumers' views about over-the-counter (OTC) medicine purchase. In this study, qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 40 consumers recruited via two community pharmacies. Consumers' views and spontaneous comments regarding their expectations when making their most recent OTC medicine purchase, their awareness of the need for questioning and their willingness to answer questions about minor ailments were explored. Although the majority of consumers had a degree of awareness of why pharmacy staff might require information, 25 (62.5 per cent) expected to make their most recent purchase without being questioned. Consumers' attitudes to unsolicited questioning appeared to be affected by their perception of whether questioning was necessary. In addition, the majority of consumers seemed to view decisions about medicine purchase as their sole responsibility, rather than perceiving pharmacists to have a professional role. The results also suggested a wide variation in the needs and preferences of individual consumers.
Ethnic minority pharmacy practice
Authors: Platts Adrian E , Tann Jennifer , Chishti Zahid 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Community pharmacy in Britain practised by members of ethnic minorities is characterised by a large number of independent proprietors. We examined and compared the career paths of ethnic minority (largely Asian) and British white pharmacists, concluding that there are a number of qualitative and quantitative differences. We considered the number and distribution of pharmacies owned by ethnic minority pharmacists and the relationship to ethnic residential areas. Linkages between pharmacies and local communities were also examined. We suggest that the British ethnic minority-owned pharmacy currently fulfils a role for patients who feel less confident in a pharmacy owned or managed by a British white pharmacist and that this, at present, enables the small pharmacy business to remain viable in a competitive environment. Whether or how long this will remain the case will depend on a number of factors, including remuneration packages and changing attitudes among successive generations of British Asian pharmacists.
Residents' views and experiences of pharmacy questioning and advice relating to non-prescription medicine purchases
Authors: John David Neale , Evans Stuart Wyn 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Questionnaires were sent to a sample of 2,190 Cardiff residents asking their experiences of, and attitudes to, the questioning and provision of advice associated with non-prescription medicine sales from pharmacies. Eight hundred and ten questionnaires (37 per cent) were returned. A total of 585 respondents had made such a purchase in the previous six months, and 486 of the 585 (83 per cent) had bought their most recent medicine for their own use. Of the 486, 157 had not used the medicine on a previous occasion. Seventy-three of the 157 respondents (46.5 per cent) stated that pharmacy staff had selected the medicine for them and it was found that such respondents were more likely to have been questioned (P &lt; 0.001) and advised (P &lt; 0.001) than those for whom pharmacy staff had no influence on the medicine purchase.
Over 90 per cent of the 810 respondents believed that it was a good idea to be asked questions when purchasing non-prescription medicines and fewer than seven per cent resented such questioning. Only 16 respondents (2 per cent) indicated that they never wanted advice regarding non-prescription medicines, even for those medicines that they had not previously used. The majority of respondents expressed positive opinions of community pharmacists.
A stability and validation study of 1%w/w menthol in aqueous cream
Authors: Gallagher Peter , Jones Sean 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this study an analytical method for the determination of menthol in aqueous cream was developed, together with the complete validation of the production process and stability testing of 18 months' retained reference samples. Cream packed in 500ml plastic screw cap containers was tested and studied. Up to now there has only been a small scale (1.40kg) manual manufacture of 1%w/w menthol in aqueous cream without any formal quality control analysis and testing carried out on the product.
The purpose of this work was to enable large scale manufacture of the product, which would require development of an analytical method and validation of the mixing and filling processes. Stability testing of stored reference samples was carried out concurrently.
A stability-indicating, gas-liquid chromatographic method, with the use of an internal standard, was developed and validated for the product. Stability testing of samples stored at 25C ± 1C showed no significant degradation over 18 months. Validation of the manufacturing process by a sequential sampling technique showed the process to be satisfactory and workable at all stages.
The current formulation in use is 1%w/w menthol triturated directly into aqueous cream BP.
Wiltshire pharmacy health promotion training initiative: a telephone survey
Authors: Anderson Claire , Alexander Angela 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A telephone survey of 40 pharmacists before and after attendance on a health promotion course in Wiltshire, conducted using semi-structured questionnaires, indicated that training led to changes in knowledge and perceived changes in attitude and practice. The value of the increased knowledge was recognised by participants, in particular when talking to patients and other health professionals. The change in attitude, towards a more holistic view of health, is seen by the authors as a positive benefit of training, as it may be of value to the pharmacists. Changes in practice were evident despite recognised constraints.
Recommendations for future health promotion training schemes are: training should be ongoing; joint working with other health care professionals is needed fully to achieve training objectives; the role of the pharmacist should be promoted; and this currently unremunerated role should be recognised by Wiltshire health authority for its potential contribution towards the health care of the population, and receive appropriate funding.
Health promotion by community pharmacists: consumers' views
Authors: Anderson Claire 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
As part of the evaluation of the Barnet family health services authority high street health scheme (HSHS), 592 consumers were interviewed in six pharmacies. The objectives were to investigate whether the consumers came to the pharmacies for advice on general health matters, saw pharmacists as a reliable source of advice about staying healthy, read health promotion leaflets and had heard of HSHS.
The general medical practitioner's (GP's) surgery was felt to be the most convenient place to get advice about staying healthy, and the GP the best person from whom to get it. The pharmacist was rated second in each case, above the media, although only 90 (15 per cent) of respondents had ever asked the pharmacist for general health advice. Only 237 (40 per cent) thought that it was the “usual” job of the pharmacist to give advice about general health, 112 (19 per cent) thought that it was not, and 243 (41 per cent) did not know. Those who had taken away leaflets to read (178, 30 per cent) were significantly more likely to be frequent visitors to the pharmacy, to have chronic illnesses, to think the media was the most convenient place to get advice, to have previously asked the pharmacist for advice about staying healthy and to think it was usual job of the pharmacist to give advice about staying healthy. Only 65 (11 per cent) had heard of the HSHS.
Many consumers do not currently perceive that there is a role for community pharmacists in health promotion, and the profession needs to think again about some of the presumptions that have been made in the past.
An observational study of the prescribing and administration of intravenous drugs in a general hospital
Authors: Hartley G M , Dhillon S 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The prescribing and administration of intravenous drugs on two surgical and one medical ward were studied to determine the number, type and causes of errors occurring. The errors were classified for potential to harm the patient and for implications for the system of supply, preparation and administration. Of the 154 patients, 46.7 per cent were prescribed intravenous drugs. Of the 178 prescriptions for intravenous drugs, 14 per cent failed to conform to the local policy on prescribing and 11.2 per cent were considered to be clinically inappropriate. Preparation and administration were observed for 41.5 per cent of all scheduled intravenous doses during the 39-day study period. Excluding wrong time errors, the intravenous error rate was 26.9 per cent. Most errors were omissions (12.5 per cent of all observations), of which 45 per cent were due to lack of venous access and 22.5 per cent due to improper use of the drug chart. The latter also caused two errors of extra dosing. Fifty-two per cent of doses were given at the wrong time. Of the 254 errors, 4.7 per cent were classed as of major consequence for the patient, 17.3 per cent classed as moderate and 77.9 per cent as minor. Although the majority of errors observed were of minor consequence for the patient, the intravenous medication error rate could be reduced by using knowledge of the causes observed to change or reinforce the existing system of intravenous drug supply, preparation and administration.