bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health-seeking behaviour: perspectives of Ghanaian women in London and Kumasi
Authors: Owusu-Daaku Frances T K , Smith Felicity J 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to describe and compare the perspectives of health, health-seeking behaviour and use of medicines by Ghanaian women resident in London, UK, and Kumasi, Ghana. This will enable the identification of ways in which Ghanaian women adjust to a different system and/or retain their own perspectives regarding healthcare and the use of medicines.

Method
Participants were 16 Twi-speaking Ghanaian women resident in and around London, UK, and 18 in and around Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, West Africa. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and/or Twi, usually in respondents' own homes, audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis.

Key findings
The data uncovered similar perspectives in the two groups regarding health beliefs and behaviours. The London respondents believed they retained some of their own perspectives, describing their use of health services and medicines in the context of both their own health beliefs and their adaptation to the British system. They also drew distinctions between themselves and the indigenous British population in health-seeking behaviour, response to symptoms and use of medicines. They recognised strengths in the British system and believed they were receiving better care, when compared with services in Ghana, in particular regarding the attitude of staff, quality of services and payment for care, including medication. In contrast to perceived practices in Ghana, women in both London and Kumasi reported limited personal experiences and expressed reservations regarding the use of herbal medicines.

Conclusion
The social-cultural contexts in which Ghanaians view their health and use medicines remain apparent despite their adjustment to using the British healthcare system. In the provision of healthcare, awareness of varying perspectives of different client groups is important to promote the appropriate uptake of services and use of medicines.
Medication reviews provided by general medical practitioners (GPs) and nurses: an evaluation of their quality
Authors: Krska Janet , Ross Susan M , Watts Michelle 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To train general medical practitioners (GPs) and nurses in providing medication review services in the primary care setting and to evaluate the reviews provided.

Setting
One medical practice in Scotland with five whole-time equivalent (WTE) GP partners, two practice nurses and six community-based nurses.

Method
Training for GPs was provided as a group session plus individual supported clinic sessions. Nurse training consisted of a group session only. Patients aged over 75 were invited to attend the medical practice to receive a medication review. Output measures were: number of patients with pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) documented, changes made to repeat medicines and computer records, monitoring undertaken, number of PCIs, PCIs identifiable from notes and records but not documented (‘missed’ PCIs). A sample of GP reviews provided before training and all GP and nurse reviews during training were evaluated.

Key findings
In 45 case note reviews provided prior to training, GPs documented PCIs in 20% of patients; average 0.3 per patient, but missed 1.75 per patient. In 56 reviews provided during training, they documented PCIs in 98% of patients; average 3.0 per patient, missing 0.8 per patient. The proportion of patients with changes to drug therapy or monitoring carried out during training increased significantly compared to pre-training reviews. Nurses documented PCIs in 97% of 33 patients reviewed, average 1.5 PCIs per patient, but missed 0.8. The mean number of repeat drugs prescribed reduced from 4.73 to 4.42 per patient after nurse review, but increased after GP review from 4.07 to 4.18.

Conclusion
After training, both GPs and nurses identified PCIs appropriate to their expertise. The sustainability of this effect in the longer term is not known. Since all patients should have repeat medication reviewed regularly, involving these professionals in providing routine reviews would allow pharmacist medication review clinics to be optimised.
An introduction to adverse drug reaction reporting systems in different countries
Authors: Rabbur Reza S M , Emmerton Lynne 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To review adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting schemes in selected developed countries, with emphasis on identifying community pharmacists' roles in ADR reporting.

Setting
International comparison between eight developed countries, with respect to ADR reporting systems and developments.

Method
Review of published articles on ADR reporting by pharmacists. Health and medical sciences databases including International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE and ProQuest were searched for relevant publications from 1993 to 2003. Websites specific to ADR reporting schemes in the selected countries were also searched.

Key findings
ADRs impact significantly on a nation's healthcare costs. Voluntary reporting by health professionals is currently considered the cornerstone to the detection and management of ADRs and makes a valuable contribution to the safe use of medicines. ADR reporting systems are managed by national ADR or pharmacovigilance reporting centres, and differ internationally. In general, medication-related problems are reported more commonly in hospitals than in the community. Physicians are the main contributors, except in the Netherlands and Canada, where community pharmacists play the major role in ADR reporting. Time pressure, no remuneration for reporting, and confusion about what to report were identified as some of the main deterrents for reporting by pharmacists.

Conclusion
Most international reporting systems for ADRs are either hospital based, or physician based. The opportunity therefore exists to further develop reporting systems that are accessible by community pharmacists, as they are in an ideal situation to detect and report ADRs through contact with patients.
Educating Australian pharmacists about the use of online information in community pharmacy practice
Authors: Bearman Margaret , Bessell Tracey , Gogler Janette , McPhee Wendy 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objectives
Community pharmacists practice in an information technology-rich society, however many have not been educated in internet use for professional practice. The aims of this study were to investigate how community pharmacists use the internet in their practice; to develop an intervention to address their educational needs; and to examine the benefits and weakness of a flexible delivery programme.

Method
We conducted two focus groups investigating community pharmacists' internet use and education needs. We subsequently developed and provided a four-module educational course on CD ROM, ‘Advanced web skills for pharmacists: finding quality on the internet’. In total, 147 pharmacists participated. A survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of the course.

Key findings
The focus group findings provided a clear rationale for an educational intervention. One-hundred and four pharmacists completed the course. Participating pharmacists were highly positive about the learning experience, in particular the provision of education by flexible delivery. Many reported specific changes to practice. They also described the time-consuming nature of the course as the biggest barrier to further education.

Conclusions
This project demonstrates the need for community pharmacists to have access to internet education. Flexible CD ROM-based learning provided a successful delivery medium.
Improving Australian pharmacists' attitudes to internet use in community pharmacy practice
Authors: Bearman Margaret , Bessell Tracey 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
The internet now provides a significant part of consumers' healthcare information. While little is known about how community pharmacists regard the internet, there is some suggestion that issues of confidence and motivation may provide significant barriers to appropriate use. The objectives of this study were to measure any changes in pharmacists' attitudes towards the internet after completing a four-module educational course, ‘Advanced web skills for pharmacists: finding quality on the internet’.

Method
We developed a 30-item instrument measuring pharmacists' attitudes toward the internet. Pharmacists completed the survey upon enrolment, then again on completion of the CD ROM course and for a third time three months after completing the course.

Key findings
The instrument was completed prior to the course by 147 participating pharmacists. The numbers of responses at the end of the course and 3–4 months post-course were 104 and 88 respectively. We established a reliable measure of pharmacists' attitudes to the internet with an appropriate degree of face validity. There was a significant improvement in attitude after course completion (P &lt;0.005) and a further significant improvement in attitude three months after course completion (P &lt;0.01).

Conclusions
A short distance education programme in internet skills can markedly improve community pharmacists' attitudes to the internet.
The involvement of pharmacists in cardiac rehabilitation: a review of the literature
Authors: White Simon , Anderson Claire 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To identify, review and evaluate the literature regarding the role of the pharmacist in cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Method
Electronic databases searched up to October 2004 were Medline, Pharmline, Iowa Drug Information service, International Pharmacy Abstracts, Embase, Scanners and Web of Science. Reference lists of identified papers were searched and a Zetoc email alert was created to identify additional papers. Papers were included only if they referred specifically to a CR programme or CR patients, and also referred to the involvement of pharmacists or concerned pharmacy practice research. Reports were not excluded on the basis of quality, however reports that met the criteria for inclusion were allocated an evidence grade to indicate quality.

Key findings
Thirteen reports were identified, of which six reports were purely descriptive accounts of pharmacists' involvement in CR (all were from the US) and seven were evaluative reports (four from the US, two from the UK and one from Canada). Descriptions of the involvement of pharmacists in CR included providing medicines information and education to patients, and optimising drug therapy. The lack of substantial research was notable among the evaluative reports. One study found quality of life and economic benefits as a result of the involvement of a pharmacist in CR, and another found that health professionals provide most of the medicines information and education required by CR patients. However these studies were weakened by a lack of meaningful outcome measures.

Conclusion
There is insufficient evidence on which to base firm conclusions about the effectiveness of the involvement of pharmacists in CR. This has implications for pharmacy practitioners, researchers and policymakers in CR.
Effect of information leaflets and counselling on antidepressant adherence: open randomised controlled trial in a psychiatric hospital in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Saffar N , Deshmukh A A , Carter P , Adib S M 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To assess the acceptability and effectiveness of two educational initiatives on patterns of antidepressant medication use in depressed Kuwaiti patients.

Setting
Patients were interviewed on three occasions at the Psychological Medicine Hospital, Kuwait.

Method
Two-hundred and seventy-eight patients attending a hospital outpatient clinic in Kuwait and receiving a single antidepressant for mild or moderate depression were randomised into a control and two treatment groups. Medication was dispensed from the pharmacy as normal. However, members of the treatment groups additionally received a patient information leaflet (PIL) written in Arabic with or without counselling from a clinical pharmacist. Medication adherence was monitored 2 months and 5 months later by self-report and tablet counting. Patient knowledge of medication and the acceptability of the educational interventions were assessed after 2 months using questionnaires.

Key findings
Patients in each of the treatment groups had an improved knowledge of the rationale behind their therapy. Clinic attendance was more likely when patients had received a PIL (odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.2) or a PIL plus counselling (OR 3.2, CI 2.1–4.9). Good medication adherence at 2 and 5 months was more common in patients who were given a PIL (OR 3.0, CI 1.7-5.3) or a PIL plus counselling (OR 5.5, CI 3.2–9.6). Certain pre-existing patient attitudes to therapy and the occurrence of side-effects were not determinants of adherence.

Conclusions
Patient responses to each of these educational interventions were very positive. After 5 months, patients receiving a PIL were more likely to be adhering to their medication regimen, particularly when they had also received counselling from a clinical pharmacist.
Use of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines by the elderly: implications for who chooses, who pays and who monitors the risks of medicines
Authors: Ballantyne Peri J , Clarke Philippa J , Marshman Joan A , Victor J Charles , Fisher Judith E 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To examine overall medicine use and the prevalence and distribution of use of the different types of medicines by the community dwelling elderly; and to discuss the implications of these use profiles for the health of this population.

Method
We examined aggregate levels of self-reported use of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and natural health products (NHPs) among community-dwelling elderly. Analysis focused on the relative balance of use of different types and combinations of medicines, and differences between five-year age categories, and sex.

Setting
Data are based on Canada's National Population Health Survey (1996/1997), and reflect population estimates of medicines use (over the previous two days) by elderly persons living in Ontario, Canada.

Key findings
In the total population, and in age- and sex-groups, a quarter of respondents reported using no medicines; use of OTC medicines (56%) was more prevalent than use of prescription medicines (48%). Seven per cent of respondents reported using NHPs. The proportions of elderly people using combinations of different types of medicines are reported.

Conclusion
The study findings place the use of prescription medicines by elderly people in the context of overall use of medicines. Over half of the study respondents were using one or more OTC medicines. There is a need for further examination of how individuals select and gain access to medicines of different types (distinguishing medicines selected for the patient and those selected by the patient), who pays for those medicines (distinguishing insured products and those purchased out-of-pocket), and what role pharmacists and other healthcare professionals ought to play in mediating the potential risks arising from medicine use in the elderly population.
Progress in patient counselling practices in Finnish community pharmacies
Authors: Puumalainen Inka I , Peura Sirpa H , Kansanaho Heli M , Benrimoj Charlie S I , Airaksinen Marja S A 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess progress in patient counselling practices in Finnish community pharmacies during a national four-year program (TIPPA) from 2000–2003 promoting enhanced pharmacist-customer communication about medicines.MethodA pseudo customer method was applied. Four visits with four different scenarios were conducted in a convenience sample of 60 Finnish community pharmacies of different size and geographic location. In total there were 240 visits during each time point measured (baseline in 2000 and three annual follow-ups, n = 960). The pseudo customers presented three scenarios related to self-medication and one related to a prescription medicine with a new prescription (baseline and the second follow-up) or a repeat prescription of the same medication (the first and the third follow-up). A structured data form customised to each scenario was used to record the interaction.Key findingsBaseline scores were generally low. In two of the four scenarios (one self-medication and one prescription) a statistically significant improvement (P &lt; 0.05) was found in total scores between the baseline and the third follow-up. Aggregation of the scores of the three self-medication scenarios did not show any change in counselling practices between the baseline and the third follow-up, measured as mean total scores (P = 0.439).ConclusionsSome improvements were found in pharmacists' counselling performance in relation to customers' requests for advice about nasal products and also when prescription scenarios were presented. However, pharmacists' counselling rates were low in relation to a repeat prescription or when a request was made to buy a specific medicine. Further attention needs to be paid to the latter two types of consultation.
A dictation system for reporting prescribing errors in community pharmacies
Authors: Kennedy Amanda G , Littenberg Benjamin 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To pilot and evaluate dictation as a novel method of reporting prescribing errors in community pharmacies.

Setting
Seven community pharmacies in northwestern Vermont.

Method
An intervention reporting form was developed and implemented in seven community pharmacies. Using a crossover design, pharmacists reported by both dictation and paper methods for six weeks each. The primary objective was to determine if dictation stimulated more prescribing error reports than a paper-based reporting method. Secondary objectives included a qualitative assessment of dictation feasibility, pharmacist satisfaction with reporting in general, pharmacist preference for a dictation or paper reporting method, and a content description of the prescribing errors reported.

Key findings
Pharmacists completed a total of 72 reports, describing 80 interventions, during the 12-week study. Thirty-three reports were dictated and 39 were completed on paper (P= 0.56). There were no differences in completeness of reports between paper and dictation (P = 0.62). Seven out of the nine pharmacists (78%) stated they preferred the paper method to dictation.

Conclusion
Dictation does not appear to increase prescribing error reporting as compared with a paper method. Implementing dictation in community pharmacies proved feasible although most of the pharmacists in this study preferred the paper method. Further investigation to explore dictation as a useful technology in community pharmacies is warranted.
Drug-related problems in elderly general practice patients receiving pharmaceutical care†
Authors: Lau Elaine , Dolovich Lisa R 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the types of drug-related problems identified by pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care to elderly patients in the primary care or general medicine setting, and the impact of their recommendations on drug-related outcomes.MethodsSearches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts electronic databases from 1990 to 2002 were conducted and a manual search of references from retrieved articles and references on file was performed. Large (n&gt; 100) randomised, controlled studies comparing the provision of pharmaceutical care to usual care in seniors in primary care or general medicine settings were included. Two reviewers evaluated articles based on inclusion criteria and extracted data from the intervention arm of each study, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Nine original articles were included for analysis.Key findingsThe mean number of drug-related problems (DRPs) identified per patient was 3.2 and the mean number of recommendations made per patient was 3.3. The most common DRP identified was not taking/receiving a prescribed drug appropriately (35.2%, range 4.7–49.3%). The most common recommendations made involved patient education (37.2%, range 4.6–48.2%). Implementation rates were generally high for all types of recommendations, with the highest being for provision of patient education (81.6%). The small number of studies available examining measures of drug utilisation and costs, health services utilisation, and patient outcomes produced inconsistent results, making it difficult to draw conclusions.ConclusionsSubstantial numbers and a wide range of DRPs were identified by pharmacists who provided pharmaceutical care to seniors in the primary care and general medicine setting. Pharmacists' drug-therapy recommendations were well accepted; however, further study is needed to determine the impact of these recommendations on health-related outcomes.
An evaluation of pharmacist-written hospital discharge prescriptions on general surgical wards
Authors: Rahman Mohamed H , Green Christopher F , Armstrong David J 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the quality of pharmacist-written hospital discharge prescriptions (DPs) in comparison to those written by doctors.

Method
The study was carried out in two, week-long phases on the general surgical wards in one UK hospital. In phase 1, doctors wrote the DPs, which were then checked by the ward pharmacist. In phase 2, ward pharmacists wrote the DPs which were then checked by the patient's junior doctor. In both phases, the clinical dispensary pharmacist made their routine check of the prescription prior to dispensing. All interventions were recorded on a pre-piloted data collection form.

Key findings
In phase 1, doctors wrote 128 DPs; in phase 2, pharmacists wrote 133 DPs. There were 755 interventions recorded during phase 1 in comparison to 76 during phase 2. In phase 1, transcription errors accounted for 118 interventions, 149 were due to ambiguity/illegibility; 488 amendments were to facilitate the dispensing process e.g. clarification of patient, medical and drug details, and dosage form discrepancies. In phase 2, transcription errors accounted for one intervention, 50 interventions were due to ambiguities or illegibility; 25 amendments were to facilitate the dispensing process. During phase 2, doctors made 10 minor alterations to pharmacist-written DPs. On 52 occasions during phase 2, the ward pharmacist had to clarify, prior to writing the DP, either the dose of a drug, or, whether a drug should be continued on discharge, and if so, for what duration.

Conclusion
Pharmacist-written DPs contained considerably fewer errors, omissions and unclear information in comparison to doctor-written DPs. Doctors recorded no significant alterations when validating pharmacist-written DPs.