bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacists and their customers: a personal or anonymous service?
Authors: Abu-Omar Sahar M , Weiss Marjorie C , Hassell Karen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsTo explore the existence and nature of the pharmacist-customer relationship.MethodsA qualitative approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 customers recruited from two pharmacies differing in type and location: Pharmacy A, a multiple chain pharmacy in a more affluent area, and pharmacy B, a small chain pharmacy.Key findingsCustomers' views differed according to the pharmacy from which they were recruited. Pharmacy B customers had a personal relationship with the pharmacist and used the pharmacy as a health care resource, while pharmacy A customers did not have a personal relationship with the pharmacist and used the pharmacy simply for medicine supply. Several pharmacy A customers had their own different local pharmacist whom they used for more personal advice and counselling. Both groups described disadvantages of multiple chain pharmacies. Consumerist behaviour was identified among customers whereby they preferred to control the provision of advice, assess it and act upon it. However, lack of information was mentioned by several interviewees, which suggested that different types of customers have different needs from the pharmacy. The pharmacist has therefore to recognise these different needs and to meet them accordingly to provide services, whether anonymous or personal, within their “extended role.” While most customers viewed pharmacists as drug experts and considered managing minor ailments to be part of their job, they were less supportive of a more extended role in the therapeutic monitoring of drug therapy. This presents a serious barrier to pharmacists wishing to extend their role into a more patient-oriented and clinical domain.ConclusionThis study reinforces the importance of considering customers' views when policies and strategies concerning the development of the “extended role” are considered. Recognising customers' views helps the profession to adapt and respond to changing consumer behaviour. Issues identified through this in-depth exploration of public perceptions of pharmacists have implications for the extension of pharmacists' roles into areas favoured and appreciated by customers.
Evaluation of effect of pharmacy discharge planning on medication problems experienced by discharged acute admission mental health patients
Authors: Shaw Helen , Mackie Clare A , Sharkie Irene 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of pharmacy discharge planning on the pharmaceutical care issues experienced by discharged mental health patients.Method97 patients recruited from three acute-admission psychiatric wards were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (receiving a baseline pharmaceutical needs assessment, information about medicines and then a pharmacy discharge plan sent to their community pharmacy) or a control group (no such additional pharmaceutical care). Domiciliary visits were carried out at one, four and 12 weeks post-discharge and medicine knowledge and the number and types of medication problems experienced were assessed at each visit. Community pharmacists were questioned about problems with individual prescriptions and use of the discharge plan, where relevant, after each domiciliary visit.Key findingsThere was no significant difference between the groups in baseline medicine knowledge. One week post-discharge, both groups showed significant (P&lt;0.002) improvement in knowledge of medication from baseline and this improvement was maintained at 12 weeks. No significant difference was found between knowledge scores for the two groups on any occasion. Fewer medication problems were recorded for the intervention group. There was a trend for reduced readmissions for the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.065) Community pharmacists in receipt of plans were more likely to identify problems than other pharmacists.ConclusionsFurther work is needed to evaluate whether the effectiveness of pharmacy discharge planning may be improved by providing information to general practitioners and community psychiatric nurses in addition to community pharmacists, as in this study.
The development and evaluation of an extended adherence support programme by community pharmacists for elderly patients at home
Authors: Raynor D K , Nicolson M , Nunney J , Petty D , Vail A , Davies L 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To devise, implement and evaluate a medication adherence support service by community pharmacists for elderly patients living at home and at risk of non-adherence.

Method
Six community pharmacists identified patients who were 65 years of age and older, prescribed four or more regular medicines and living alone. A random sample of patients was visited at home and assessed for adherence-related problems using a structured interview. The pharmacist then drew up an action plan in conjunction with the patient and general practitioner (GP), and returned for a second home visit, where the revised regime was delivered and explained. A self-reported adherence questionnaire was also administered. After two months an independent researcher visited the patients at home to assess progress.

Setting
Six community pharmacies in the city of Leeds, UK, and patients' homes.

Key findings
A total of 143 patients were recruited and 441 medicine-related problems were identified. Of these, 241 (55 per cent) required the provision of information and advice, 106 (24 per cent) required consultation with the GP and 86 (20 per cent) required changes in the presentation of the medicines. The median number of regular prescribed medicines fell from six to five (P&lt;0.001). Overall, there was a reduction in the number of patients with one or more problems from 94 per cent to 58 per cent (P&lt;0.001). The proportion of patients who reported non-adherence fell from 38 per cent to 14 per cent (P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
This study shows that community pharmacists can target patients at risk of medication non-adherence and, using a structured approach, identify problems and implement solutions. The pharmacy patient medication record is an underutilised tool for identifying patients with adherence problems. The software needs enhancing to enable pharmacists to maximise their use of these records in adherence support. An adherence support programme needs to take more account of intentional non-adherence and should be closely linked with the rest of the primary health care team.
Empathy as a communication strategy in the pharmacy — a study based on cognitive and behavioural analysis
Authors: Lilja John , Larsson Sam , Hamilton David , Issakainen Josefin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate an educational intervention that aimed to improve the level of empathy shown by pharmacy staff to their customers.MethodOpen study of the effect of the intervention on pharmacy staff attitudes and behaviour related to empathy. All members of staff in five pharmacies in and around Stockholm, Sweden, participated in a 20-hour continuing education course on communication and empathy. Participants worked in groups of between four and eight. Course outcomes were measured by questionnaires (to examine cognitive changes) and video-recordings (to examine behavioural changes). Staff (n=75) completed questionnaires before and after the course. Questionnaires used Davis's empathy scale and Rosenberg's self-esteem scale. Interactions between staff and customer were video-recorded before and after the training course in one pharmacy. Videotapes were subsequently coded by two researchers for specific behaviours that demonstrated empathic communication.ResultsThe findings from both the questionnaires and the video-recordings indicated that after the course there were small increases both in the pharmacy staff's capacity to show empathy and in some aspects of the empathic behaviour they displayed.ConclusionRather modest changes in empathy were found to result from the intervention and possible reasons for this are explored in the paper.
The effects of a patients' own drugs scheme on the incidence and severity of medication administration errors
Authors: Dean Bryony , Barber Nick 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundMany UK hospitals are introducing patients' own drugs (PODs) schemes, in which patients' own medication is used during their stay. It has been suggested that these will reduce medication administration errors (MAEs), particularly those due to medication unavailability.ObjectiveTo explore the effects of introducing a PODs system on the incidence and severity of MAEs.Method and settingAn observational method was used to identify MAEs before and after introducing a PODs system on one surgical and one medical ward in a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. MAEs were classified as being due to unavailability (U-MAEs) or other reasons (O-MAEs). A validated severity assessment method was applied to the MAEs identified.Key resultsThe overall MAE rate for the traditional ward pharmacy system was 4.3 per cent and for the PODs system it was 4.2 per cent (P=0.99, chi square test). There were also no significant differences in U-MAE or O-MAE rates, types of MAE or their severity. There were several potential reasons why the PODs system did not reduce U-MAEs. These included the informal use of patients' own medication in the traditional ward pharmacy system and one patient prescribed a non-formulary drug who accounted for many of the U-MAEs observed. Logistic regression analyses indicated that U-MAE rates were affected by time of day and day of week, and O-MAE rates by day of week and administering nurse.ConclusionIt was concluded that the introduction of a PODs system had little effect on MAEs.
The effects of pharmacy commitment on the development of job satisfaction and organisational commitment
Authors: Lerkiatbundit Sanguan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine how professional commitment at the time of graduation affects the later development of professional commitment, job satisfaction and organisational commitment in pharmacy graduates.MethodSixty-one pharmacy students at Prince of Songkla university, Thailand, completed a first survey questionnaire administered two weeks before graduation and a second survey questionnaire eight months after graduation.ResultsAt eight months after graduation, the level of professional commitment remained unchanged. Professional commitment at graduation was the strongest predictor of professional commitment eight months later. It was also a predictor of job satisfaction. However, its effect on job satisfaction was less than those of skill utilisation and satisfaction with workload. Professional commitment at graduation did not emerge as a significant predictor for organisational commitment, when several job factors were controlled.ConclusionPharmacy commitment developed from schools seems to be stable at eight months after graduation. It is less influential than job factors in the formation of organisational commitment and job satisfaction.
Pharmaceutical needs assessment in general practice
Authors: Krska Janet , Duffus Peter R S 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To develop a method of prioritising the need for pharmaceutical input into a general practice.

Method
An adaptation of health needs assessment methodology was used to study areas of potential pharmacist input into a practice. Prescribing data, information from the practice's computer system and medical records were used to identify the practice's needs for pharmacist input and changes to practice. Interviews with practice staff and direct observation were used to obtain information on current systems and suggestions for change. A summary of the needs identified and suggestions for change were used in a prioritisation process.

Setting
One UK general medical practice.

Key findings
The study identified the need for improvements to the repeat prescribing system, a greater agreement between practice partners on the use of a practice formulary and treatment protocols, and regular review and improved monitoring of patients taking long-term medication. Among patients taking repeat medication, those aged 45 or over and those taking four or more medicines were found to be at greatest risk of having potential pharmaceutical care issues which needed to be addressed. The prioritisation process resulted in pharmacist input into maintaining registers of patients taking drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes, reviewing the practice's computer-based formulary and undertaking medication review being considered of highest priority by medical staff.

Conclusion
The method enabled the identification of many areas which could benefit from pharmacist input and the prioritisation of these to plan future work.
Caring for people with schizophrenia: family carers' involvement with medication
Authors: Francis Sally-Anne , Patel Mayuri 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To investigate carers' experiences of medication, and their involvement in managing medication, when caring for an adult family member with schizophrenia.

Method
In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 family carers who were identified through voluntary care groups of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF). Interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed by comparing transcripts to generate descriptive themes.

Setting
All but one of the carers were interviewed in their homes; the remaining carer was interviewed in the researcher's home.

Key findings
Carers acknowledged the importance of medication in stabilising their care-recipients' illness. However, they had also observed their care-recipients experiencing unexpected adverse effects of medication. As a result of these observations, carers experienced feelings of guilt and fear for having encouraged medication compliance. Not all carers were involved with their care-recipients' medication but a number of roles were described: facilitator, monitor, advocate and interventionist. Direct involvement with managing medication was identified as a source of conflict between some carers and their adult care-recipients. All carers reported unmet needs for information and support concerning their care-recipients' medication.

Conclusion
In this study, the degree of involvement that carers had with their care-recipients' medication varied. Direct involvement with medication was identified as a source of conflict between some carers and care-recipients. All carers expressed the unmet need to discuss their care-recipients' medication with a professional. Health professionals need to consider effective methods for contributing to this gap in routine service provision.
Cost implications of the delivery of pharmaceutical care services through Australian community pharmacies
Authors: Donato Ron , March Geoff , Moss John , Gilbert Andrew 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To conduct a cost analysis of the Community Pharmacy Model Practices project in South Australia.

Method
As part of a prospective participatory action research programme, the cost analysis identified the main items of fixed and variable costs and of potential cost savings, and expressed them in a framework to aid decision-making.

Setting
Ten community pharmacy practices in primary care: five provided generalist medication management, two diabetes care, two asthma care, and one wound management. Services were provided to 411 pharmacy patients (median age 75; 70 per cent female) in the community, resident in a range of nursing home and hostel accommodation, or patients in hospital. There was a maximum of 11 months' observation.

Key findings
All the five medication management pharmacies, one of the asthma management pharmacies, and the wound management pharmacy, but neither of the diabetes management pharmacies, were able to generate potential resource savings greater than their total variable costs, so that net resource savings were available to make a contribution to absorbing fixed costs.

Conclusions
The provision of medication management services by community pharmacies working to a well-defined, systematic process of patient care within a primary care setting can be expected to reduce overall direct costs to the health system. Similar findings are likely with wound management in pharmacy care, but the results are less certain for asthma management and diabetes management. These results, when considered in the light of possible gains in survival and quality of life, are of significant interest to policymakers concerned with controlling health system costs.
Pharmacists' and physicians' perception of antibiotic policies in New South Wales public hospitals
Authors: Adu Ammishaddai , Simpson Judy M , Armour Carol L 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
The potential of antibiotic policies in hospitals to improve antibiotic use depends on the compliance of practitioners with these policies. It is conceivable that the way the policies are perceived by practitioners can influence their compliance.

Objective
To determine the perception and awareness of pharmacists and physicians of their current hospital antibiotic policy.

Setting
Public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.

Method
Pharmacists and physicians were surveyed using a structured questionnaire seeking the extent of agreement or disagreement with a series of statements about their hospital's antibiotic policy. All hospitals had at least one antibiotic policy. A simple one-stage cluster sample of 241 pharmacists and a two-stage cluster sample of 701 physicians were obtained. Factor analysis was used to identify the dimensions of perception. General linear modelling was used to investigate the effects of predictor variables on outcome variables.

Results
The response rates were 91 per cent and 77 per cent for pharmacists and physicians, respectively. The proportion of respondents who were aware of their hospital's antibiotic policy was 86 per cent (190/220) for pharmacists and 61 per cent (332/542) for the physicians. Factor analysis identified three factors related to how practitioners perceived their current hospital's antibiotic policies. These were: the usefulness of antibiotic policies (utility), how the policy was applied in the hospital (application) and the perceived problems associated with the policy (problems). Pharmacists were significantly more likely than physicians to perceive problems with antibiotic policies and how the policies were applied.

Conclusion
The level of practitioners' awareness of their hospital's antibiotic policy and pharmacists' perception of problems with such policies need to be addressed if these policies are to make a significant contribution to improved antibiotic use in hospitals.
A preliminary investigation into customers' perceptions of the image of retail pharmacies in South Africa
Authors: Truter I , van Niekerk W P 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe work scope of retail pharmacists in South Africa has changed considerably over the past few decades. A retail strategy is needed to adapt to these changes and challenges. One of the controllable variables of a retail strategy is store image. For a retail pharmacy, store image consists of factors relating to the pharmacist and factors relating to the pharmacy.ObjectiveThe primary aim of the study was to investigate the image of retail pharmacists and pharmacies in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in an attempt to supplement knowledge regarding the business aspects of retail pharmacy and to provide a model for a further and more detailed investigation into image research.MethodEmpirical survey consisting of telephone interviews with pharmacy customers. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate the image of pharmacists and pharmacies.SettingThe study was undertaken in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Two hundred customers from four different pharmacies were selected using systematic random sampling.Key findingsIt was found that pharmacists and pharmacies had an exceptionally favourable image among the general public. The professional element contributed greatly to this positive image.ConclusionThe future will require a delicate balance between the professional and business aspects of retail pharmacy, and this aspect should be investigated further. A more detailed study into customers' perceptions of the image of retail pharmacists and pharmacies is necessary to determine how the image of pharmacy as a profession is changing.
Pharmacist medication history interview of elderly patients in a teaching hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Oladipo O , Erhun Wilson O 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To explore communication patterns between hospital pharmacists and elderly patients during medication history interviews.

Method
Medication history interviews conducted by four hospital pharmacists were audiotaped and videotaped. A transcript was constructed for each interview comprising the words spoken, supplemented by noted observations of non-verbal behaviour from the videotapes. Twenty transcripts were coded and analysed using the socio-linguistic model of communication.

Results
Misconception of speech events was found to be an important source of conflict in the pharmacist-patient relationship. Miscommunication occurred most frequently in the acoustic, lexicon and conception areas.

Conclusion
Pharmacists' communication skills with the elderly must be developed for effective interaction about medication use.
“I've not asked him, you see, and he's not said”: understanding lay explanatory models of illness is a prerequisite for concordant consultations
Authors: Pollock Kristian 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMethodAn extended qualitative analysis of a single case.ObjectiveTo illustrate the complexity of patients' explanatory models and their significance in underpinning experience of illness and response to disease.Key findingsThe case demonstrates how lack of professional awareness and understanding of patient models limits the capacity to provide effective health care and reduces patients' ability to cope with the experience of illness or to participate constructively in the management of disease. The distance between patients and health professionals is likely to increase, as also is the rate of “non-compliance”, if laypeople continue to become increasingly well informed outside the consulting room, but retain the traditional role of passive and acquiescent patient within it. Concordant consultations are characterised by attention to the patient's illness as well as disease. It is not enough that technical issues and disease problems should be dealt with. The patient's subjective experience of symptoms, and the personal significance of his or her illness should be set out. The interpretation of meaning should be a collaborative endeavour involving both doctor and patient. Increased professional awareness of patient models of illness and associated concerns could be an important lever in changing the culture of the consultation.ConclusionConcordance offers a way of developing a more equal and meaningful relationship between patients and professionals and of generating more positive outcomes in medical consultations as a result.