Pharmacy, Volume 8, Issue 3 (September 2020) – 67 articles

The potential risks of over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often aggravated in vulnerable populations, such as older adults. The elevated patterns of older-adult OTC medication use do not necessarily translate into a greater understanding of these medications or their safety implications. The objective of this study was to assess how older adults’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes inform their decision-making regarding OTC use. Situational interviews were conducted in three community pharmacies with 87 older-adult participants to capture how they intended to use an OTC medication. The interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed, generating seven key themes: (1) medication use concerns; (2) following label instructions; (3) wait time until medication effect; (4) responses to medication not working; (5) decision to stop medication; (6) sources of information; and (7) safety implications. This study shows substantial variations in older-adult OTC medication use while providing insight on factors that influence older adults’ appropriate OTC medication use and, in some cases, the potential for harmful effects. Full article

One post-marketing surveillance challenge for many regulatory authorities is access to information regarding the safety of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. National spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) report data represent a rich potential data source for the detection of safety signals associated with OTC medicines, yet little is known regarding the possibility of detecting safety signals for OTC medicines within these datasets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for detecting safety signals for OTC medicines in National ADR spontaneous reporting data, using OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and gastrointestinal bleeding as an example. Data from the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions System (ADRS) dataset (1971–2008) and the Canadian Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database (VAROD) (1965–2013) were used to explore the feasibility of using spontaneous reporting data, exploring the association between gastrointestinal bleeding and the use of OTC NSAIDs. Safety signals were examined using disproportionality analyses and reporting odds ratios calculated. After adjusting for age, gender, medications known to increase the risk of bleeding, and medications used for the management of conditions associated with an increased risk of bleeding, a two-fold increase in the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with OTC NSAID was observed within each dataset. This study demonstrates that spontaneous ADR reporting data can be used in pharmacovigilance to monitor the safety of OTC medicines. Full article

Pharmacotherapy of neonates is complex and marked to a large extent of off-label use. The implementation of the Paediatric Regulation (2007) gave hope for a change in the safety and efficacy for drugs used in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study investigates drug utilisation patterns and off-label use in a German neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in 2014. A 12-months retrospective, observational cohort study was performed at the NICU of the University Children’s Hospital Erlangen, Germany. Licensing status was determined using the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Results are compared with a similar study conducted 10 years earlier. The study included 204 patients (57.8% male) (2004: 183) and 2274 drug prescriptions were recorded (2004: 1978). The drugs that were mostly prescribed were drugs for the nervous system (2004: 22.6%; 2014: 26.9%) and anti-infectives for systemic use (2004: 26.0%; 2014: 24.9%);34.3% (2004) and 39.2% (2014) of all prescriptions were off-label;62.7% of all patients received at least one off-label or unlicensed drug (2004: 70%). For 13 drugs, the licensing status changed either from off-label to label (n = 9) or vice versa (n = 4). Overall, there was no significant change neither in terms of the drugs used nor regarding their licensing status. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in a European context. Full article

Background: Pharmacists are positioned as an accessible source of patient care services (PCS). Despite the adversity community pharmacies continue to face, the expanding opportunity of offering PCS continues to be a pathway forward. Objective: To identify community pharmacists’ perceptions to deliver PCS within an enhanced service network. Methods: One-on-one semi-structured phone interviews were conducted as part of a mixed-methods approach. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a consensus codebook to draft thematic findings. Participants were recruited from an electronic survey targeting community pharmacists from the New York chapters of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN). Results: Twelve pharmacists were interviewed with four main themes identified. The majority of study participants were pharmacy owners (92%) devoting an average of 15 h/week to PCS and 8 h/week addressing social barriers. The main themes identified include: (1) perceptions of pharmacy profession, (2) reimbursement models and sustainability of PCS, (3) provision of patient care services, and (4) how PCS address social determinants of health. Conclusions: Offering PCS opportunities for patients is a direction many community pharmacists have embraced and are working to succeed. Ongoing research is needed focusing on community pharmacists’ self-perceptions of the clinical impact and role they hold in an evolving healthcare system. Full article

Chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a common complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To improve prescribing consistency and patient outcomes, a patient-centered, pharmacist–dietician-led approach to managing CKD-MBD was developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the new approach impacted serum markers of CKD-MBD and medication burden, and to evaluate patient satisfaction. A single-arm, pre–post, mixed-methods study was conducted. Serum markers of CKD-MBD and medication data were collected pre- and post-intervention, and a patient survey administered post-intervention. Focus groups were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. No statistically significant differences in serum markers of CKD-MBD or medication burden were found. Eighty-seven percent of patients were satisfied with their care, however, 31% were very dissatisfied with medical explanations provided to them and 48% felt their allotted time with healthcare professionals was too short. Four major themes identified from focus groups included lack of privacy, knowledge and perceptions of blood work rounds, issues with taking phosphate binders, and areas for increased patient education. Patients would prefer more information regarding their blood work results and more time with the healthcare team. Areas for expanded education include renal diet, phosphate binders, and consequences of abnormal bloodwork. Full article

Dietary supplementation is increasingly sought after by consumers looking to meet the demands of a modern lifestyle. Effective supplementation requires knowledge of the purpose and proper use of nutritional supplements. Unverified or inadequate guidance on supplementation can propagate misconceptions and increase undue fears of side effects. Community pharmacists are best placed to guide consumers on nutritional supplement use. In this review, a panel comprised of community pharmacists, pharmacy academia, and dietitians (n = 6) convened to provide an experience- and evidence-based guidance on rational drug use, patient education, and integrated and personalized nutrition care in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. A novel framework to guide community pharmacist-led consultations on supplementation is proposed. The four-step CARE (Categorize, Assess, Recommend, Empower) guide was developed to facilitate and optimize outcomes of pharmacist-led nutritional supplement consultation. Telehealth advancements in the form of digital health applications and personalized nutrigenomic DNA testing support Integrative Nutrition Care, and will further promote appropriate supplementation use to improve overall well-being in the community. Practical implementation of the CARE guide is necessary to ascertain its applicability for optimizing outcomes of pharmacist-led consultation and the recommendation of nutritional supplements. Full article

The Home Medication Experience Questionnaire (HOME-Qv2) was developed to identify patient medication experience issues for pharmacist intervention. The study objectives were to (1) evaluate patient responses to the HOME-Qv2 medication experience questionnaire and (2) describe recommendations made by pharmacists in response to the identified medication experience issues and adoption of recommendations. The study sample was comprised of older adults, 55 years and above, who have one or more chronic illnesses for which they routinely take 4+ prescription medications. The HOME-Qv2 was administered to patients and a pharmacist made recommendations based on the responses. At 3 months, the research team followed up with participants via telephone, during which the HOME-Qv2 was again administered and participants shared their adoption of recommendations. Twenty-four patients completed the questionnaire, and twenty-one were available for follow-up. At 3 months, there was a significant decrease in patient self-reported HOME-Qv2 medication experience issues. There were 31 interventions/recommendations provided by the pharmacists, and 64.5% reported adopted. The HOME-Qv2 appears to facilitate patient disclosure of medication experience issues and informed targeted pharmacist recommendations. Full article

The opioid epidemic has had a significant, negative impact in the United States, and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) represent a vulnerable sub-population that is at risk for negative sequela from prolonged opioid use or opioid use disorder (OUD). PLWHA are known to suffer from HIV-related pain and are commonly treated with opioids, leading to subsequent addictive disorders. PLWHA and OUD are at an increased risk for attrition in the HIV care continuum, including suboptimal HIV laboratory testing, delayed entry into HIV care, and initiation or adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Barriers to OUD treatment, such as medication-assisted therapy, are also apparent for PLWHA with OUD, particularly those living in rural areas. Additionally, PLWHA and OUD are at a high risk for serious drug–drug interactions through antiretroviral-opioid metabolic pathway-related inhibition/induction, or via the human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium ion channel pathways. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders can also be potentiated by the off-target inflammatory effects of opioid use. PLWHA and OUD might require more intensive, individualized protocols to sustain treatment for the underlying opioid addiction, as well as to provide proactive social support to aid in improving patient outcomes. Advancements in the understanding and management of PLWHA and OUD are needed to improve patient care. This review describes the effects of prescription and non-prescription opioid use in PLWHA. Full article

Underperforming students are often unaware of deficiencies requiring improvement until after poor performance on summative exams. The goal of the current study was to determine whether inclusion of individual end-of-class formative quizzes, which comprise of higher level Bloom’s questions, could encourage students to reflect on and address deficiencies and improve academic performance. Ninety-seven out of 123 first-year pharmacy students (79%) enrolled in a Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology course participated in a single-blinded, randomized, controlled, crossover study. Paired t-test analyses demonstrated that that implementation of individual end-of-class formative quizzes resulted in significantly higher summative exam scores for below average students (p = 0.029). Notably, inclusion of quizzes significantly improved performance on higher Bloom’s questions for these students (p = 0.006). Analysis of surveys completed by students prior to summative exam indicate that the formative end-of-class quizzes helped students identify deficiencies (89%) and making them feel compelled to study more (83%) and attend review sessions (61%). Many students indicated that quizzes increased stress levels (45%). Our collective data indicate that quizzes can improve summative exam performance for below average first year pharmacy students, and improve self-reflection and student motivation to study. However, the impact on student stress levels should be considered. Full article

Remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) services involve the transmission of patient-collected physiologic data to the healthcare team. These data are then analyzed to determine what changes may be needed to enhance patient care. While pharmacists may not be recognized as billing providers through some payers, there are opportunities for pharmacist collaboration with providers to enhance patient access to RPM services. Community pharmacist services are traditionally tied to a product, but pharmacists are skilled in medication management, disease state evaluation, and patient counseling, which are skills that can contribute to an elevated RPM program. Full article

Background: Prescription hormonal contraceptive methods are vital to prevention of unplanned pregnancies. New legislation among 23 states has expanded access to contraception. In California, a 2017 law requires pharmacists to dispense year-long supplies of contraception and insurance plans to cover it upon patients’ request. This study assesses pharmacist knowledge of this new law 6 months after enactment. Methods: From July to November 2017, a random selection of 600 community pharmacies were called requesting a pharmacist (n = 532, 88.7% response). Pharmacists were asked if they had heard of the new law, if they would dispense a year-long supply to cash-pay, privately or publicly insured patients, and what they perceived as obstacles to dispensing year-long supplies. Results: Awareness of this law was assessed through these surveys. Most pharmacists responded they would dispense year-long supplies to cash-pay patients, regardless of knowledge of the new law (81% of “knew”, 70% of “did not know”, p = 0.1046). The top two perceived obstacles were insurance reimbursement (55.8%) and store policy (13.4%). Conclusion: Despite a new law requiring insurance coverage of a year-long supply of prescription birth control, most pharmacists were unaware at six months after the policy went into effect. Of those who were aware, the majority did not clearly understand it. Compliance among insurance plans is unknown. There was no implementation plan or awareness campaign for the new law. Full article

Pharmacists report being less confident in their knowledge of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) than of vitamin K antagonists, which may influence their ability to detect and manage complications arising from DOAC use. In a mystery shopper study, patient agents were sent into community pharmacies with symptom or product-related requests related to common complications that might arise during treatment with oral anticoagulants, with each visit being assessed for the preferred outcome. Only 10/41 (24.4%) visits resulted in the preferred outcome. A complete history-taking process, obtaining a medical history, patient characteristics and pharmacist involvement were strong predictors of the preferred outcome being achieved. The preferred outcome was not consistently achieved without pharmacist involvement. The potential for strategies that support comprehensive pharmacist involvement in over-the-counter requests should be considered to ensure the provision of optimal care to patients taking high-risk medications such as DOACs. Full article

Pharmacogenomics—defined as the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs—is growing in importance for clinical care. Many medications have evidence and drug labeling related to pharmacogenomics and patient care. New evidence supports the use of pharmacogenomics in clinical settings, and genetic testing may optimize medication selection and dosing. Despite these advantages, the integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical decisions remains variable and challenging in certain practice settings. To ensure consistent application across settings, sufficient education amongst current and future healthcare providers is necessary to further integrate pharmacogenomics into routine clinical practice. This review highlights current evidence supporting clinical application of medications with pharmacogenomic labeling. The secondary objective is to review current strategies for educating health professionals and student trainees. One national organization predicts that most regions in the United States will soon contain at least one healthcare system capable of applying pharmacogenomic information. Applying genotype-guided dosing to several FDA-approved medications may help produce beneficial changes in patient outcomes. Identifying best practices for educating health care professionals and trainees remains vitally important for continuing growth of pharmacogenomic services. As pharmacogenomics continues to expand into more areas of healthcare, current and future practitioners must pursue and maintain competence in pharmacogenomics to ensure better outcomes for patients. Full article

Undertaking a pharmacy education is an investment in human capital. Candidates trade off present versus future costs and benefits. They make this investment with the expectation of earning enough income throughout their worklives to make their undertaking financially worthwhile. Whether or not this occurs is determined by the rate of return. The aim of the current study was to construct a theoretical model to estimate the rate of return to a pharmacy education investment. Specifications for model assumptions, inputs, and outputs are discussed. The outputs are the rates of return, the inputs are the costs and benefits of a pharmacy education, and the assumptions illustrate the circumstances of the individual or group for whom the model is built. The rate of return is the annual percentage that equates the streams of benefits and costs over the investment span. The higher the value of the rate of return to a pharmacy education is, the more profitable is the investment. This theoretical model may be used to estimate the financial viability of pharmacy and compare it to the viability of other professions or to the viability of pharmacy among various locations. Full article

Pharmaceutical care is a concept which has moved the pharmacy profession from their primary focus on the product to optimising drug therapy for the individual patient. Expanded pharmacy practice beyond pharmaceutical care will further challenge the role perceptions that other health professionals have about pharmacists. Role theory as a philosophical perspective was used to explore rural and remote health professionals’ beliefs on pharmacists expanding their clinical role by conducting twenty-three semi-structured interviews. Five role theory categories described the data, role ambiguity, role conflict, role overload, role identity and role insufficiency. The health professionals interviewed were found to be uncertain about the boundaries between the traditional roles of the pharmacist compared to that of the expanded roles. A perceived lack of accountability by pharmacists was seen as a major contributor to role conflict, which in turn was found to impact the ability of pharmacists and other health professionals to work collaboratively. Perspectives of other health professionals on pharmacists adopting expanded practice models has highlighted significant concerns with role conflict and role identity. Acknowledging and developing clear strategies to address these concerns is essential to ensure that expanded pharmacy practice can be effectively integrated to improve access to health services and thus health outcomes for rural Australians. Full article

Pharmacist prescribing is being increasingly undertaken to better use their skills and reduce the workload of existing prescribers such as doctors, often using formal processes to legitimate these activities. In developing countries like Saudi Arabia, however, pharmacists’ prescribing remains informal with no legislation or formal training and there is a lack of research and understanding into such practices. Therefore, we aimed to describe current pharmacist prescribing practices in Saudi Arabia and explore pharmacists’ views about pharmacists’ prescribing. This is a cross-sectional survey study using an online questionnaire of hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia about pharmacists’ prescribing, and associated views about prescribing legislation and barriers to implementing pharmacist prescribing. Over a quarter (28.5%) of pharmacists reported themselves as prescribers, 49% were following a collaborative prescribing model, 18% independent prescribing, and 33% were doing both. Ninety percent of prescribers reported confidence in prescribing the appropriate treatment and 92.3% perceived they will benefit from more prescribing training. Healthcare practice culture and pharmacist’s competency were identified as barriers. There is an overall support for pharmacists’ prescribing in Saudi Arabia among this sample of hospital pharmacists, with limitations in resources and the absence of standardized prescribing training being perceived as key barriers to pharmacists’ prescribing. Full article

Discharge prescriptions for heart failure (HF) patients may not adhere to the clinical practice guidelines. This study aimed to assess the impact of the clinical pharmacist as a member of a multidisciplinary team on the quality of prescribing to HF patients at discharge from a Critical Care Unit (CCU) in Egypt. This was a retrospective cohort study of HF patients discharged from the CCU between January 2013 and December 2017. Guideline Adherence Index (GAI-3) was used to assess guideline-directed prescribing at discharge. Multidisciplinary care was introduced to the CCU on 1 January 2016. The study included 284 HF patients, mean (±SD) age 66.7 ± 11.5 years, 53.2% male. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction affected 100 patients (35.2%). At discharge, loop diuretics were prescribed to 85.2% of patients; mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to 54.9%; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers to 51.4%; and β-blockers to 29.9%. Population Guideline Adherence Index (GAI-3) was 45.5%. High-GAI was prescribed to 136 patients (47.9%). Patients with High-GAI were younger; less affected by chronic kidney disease and had fewer comorbidities than those without High-GAI. Prescription of β-blocker increased (24.1% vs. 38.6%, p < 0.001) and digoxin utilization decreased (34.7% vs. 23.7%, p < 0.049) after the introduction of the multidisciplinary care. The inclusion of a clinical pharmacist in the multidisciplinary care team may have a role in optimizing the prescribing of HF guideline-directed therapies at discharge from this setting. Full article

Pharmacists have demonstrated effectiveness in managing diabetes mellitus (DM) and lowering hemoglobin A1C (A1C) through direct patient management. Often patients with diabetes and elevated A1C may not be able to come into the clinic for separate appointments with a pharmacist or for diabetes education classes. A novel way that pharmacists can assist in improving the control of patients’ diabetes and improve prescriber understanding and the use of medications for diabetes is by providing medication recommendations to medical residents prior to the patient’s appointment with the medical resident. The results of this pilot study indicate that the recommendations provided to family medicine residents and implemented at the patient’s office visit helped to lower A1C levels, although the population size was too small to show statistical significance. This pilot study’s results support performing a larger study to determine if the pharmacist’s recommendation not only improves patient care by lowering A1C levels but if it also helps improve medical resident’s understanding and use of medications for diabetes. Full article

Over the last four decades, the expanded patient care roles of pharmacists in the United States (U.S.) have increased focus on ensuring the implementation of processes to enhance continuing professional development within the profession. The transition from a model of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) to a model of continuing professional development (CPD) is still evolving. As pharmacists assume more complex roles in patient care delivery, particularly in community-based settings, the need to demonstrate and maintain professional competence becomes more critical. In addition, long-held processes for post-graduate education and licensure must also continue to adapt to meet these changing needs. Members of the pharmacy profession in the U.S. must adopt the concept of CPD and implement processes to support the thoughtful completion of professional development plans. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology solutions are available to assist pharmacists with understanding, implementing and applying CPD to their professional lives. Full article

Annovera (segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol vaginal system) is a US Food and Drug Administration FDA-approved long-lasting, reversible contraceptive that is fully administered by the user and does not require a procedure for insertion or removal. The vaginal system is in the shape of a ring and contains low doses of a novel progestin, egesterone acetate, and ethinyl estradiol. It is made of silicone and is fully pliable and flexible. The vaginal system is reusable for 13 cycles, using a 21 days in/7 days out regimen, providing women with the ability to control their fertility. Particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to contraception has been further reduced, patients may benefit from a method that is both long-lasting and patient-controlled. Full article

In Italy, the National Vaccinal Prevention Plan has renewed the commitment of the Italian government to promote a culture of vaccination practices in the general population and especially among healthcare professionals, considering it as a strategic goal. The search for useful tools and techniques to promote a layered and widespread information network capable of restoring a climate of trust and confidence towards vaccination, leads us to reflect on the possibility, already adopted in numerous countries, of enlisting community pharmacies in immunization campaigns also in Italy, positively implementing the professional role of the community pharmacist in immunization. The pharmacist is often the first point of contact with both the patients and the public, both for the relationship of trust and confidence that binds him to the citizens, and for the ease of access in relation to the widespread distribution of community pharmacies in the territory, the availability of prolonged operating hours, the absence of need for appointments and positions near/outside of healthcare facilities. Currently, in Italy the role of the community pharmacist is limited to counseling and providing advice and information regarding the benefits and/or any risks of vaccination practices, but does not imply a direct engagement in immunization programs, rather a collaboration to avoid straining and overwhelming the vaccination centers. Some recent questionnaire-based studies have shown that Italian community pharmacists have attitudes that are favorable to vaccinations, even though their knowledge is rather limited. Together with expanding the engagement of community pharmacists in immunization programs, their educational gap should be addressed in order to significantly improve and enhance the protection of the public health. Full article

Polypharmacy is a common phenomenon among adults using opioids, which may influence the frequency, severity, and complexity of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) experienced. Clinicians must be able to easily identify and resolve DDIs since opioid-related DDIs are common and can be life-threatening. Given that clinicians often rely on technological aids—such as clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and drug interaction software—to identify and resolve DDIs in patients with complex drug regimens, this narrative review provides an appraisal of the performance of existing technologies. Opioid-specific CDSS have several system- and content-related limitations that need to be overcome. Specifically, we found that these CDSS often analyze DDIs in a pairwise manner, do not account for relevant pharmacogenomic results, and do not integrate well with electronic health records. In the context of polypharmacy, existing systems may encourage inadvertent serious alert dismissal due to the generation of multiple incoherent alerts. Future technological systems should minimize alert fatigue, limit manual input, allow for simultaneous multidrug interaction assessments, incorporate pharmacogenomic data, conduct iterative risk simulations, and integrate seamlessly with normal workflow. Full article

Curriculum reform is a long-term project that needs to be managed through detailed strategy. To create this strategy, the management team has to analyse the current situation by doing a thorough environmental scan and by identifying the gap between the current state and the desired program. To be implemented, the vision of the new program needs to rely on the generation of several potential avenues to come up with optimal solutions, likely involving some form of innovation. Indeed, to come up with the most promising ideas, there needs to be an environment conducive to reflection and experimentation. Throughout the phases of analysis, decision making and implementation, specific activities need to be organised to engage college members. Furthermore, such a profoundly impacting project needs to include a parallel change management strategy to account for expected human resistance, both individual and collective (internal culture). This article proposes a method and several concrete actions to help leaders and managers support the development and implementation of a new and innovative curriculum to promote and support advancement of local professional practice. Full article

Consideration of drug usability characteristics is important during the design process. Although many wound management products have been developed in recent years, there are few studies on their usability. We investigated the needs and characteristics of wound management products required by medical professionals, so as to consider these in future development projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a group of healthcare professionals. Interview responses were analyzed based on thematic analysis. Four themes common to all facilities were secondary wounds, adaptability of materials, convenience, and physicochemical properties. Economic efficiency of medical care was found to be considered only at the hospital, and quality of life of patients was found to be considered only at the home palliative care clinic. Requirements for wound management products can be affected by participants’ roles and their facility settings. However, there were needs common to all fields that all wound management products should aim to incorporate. Full article

Background: To introduce and evaluate a university vaccination training program, preparing final year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) students to administer vaccinations to children and adults in community pharmacy and offsite (mobile and outreach) settings. Methods: Final year BPharm and MPharm students were trained to administer intramuscular vaccinations to adults and children. The education program embedded in pharmacy degree curriculum was congruent with the requirements of the Australian National Immunisation Education Framework. The training used a mix of pedagogies including online learning; interactive lectures; and simulation, which included augmented reality and role play. All pharmacy students completing the program in 2019 were required to carry out pre- and post-knowledge assessments. Student skill of vaccination was assessed using an objective structured clinical assessment rubric. Students were invited to complete pre and post questionnaires on confidence. The post questionnaire incorporated student evaluation of learning experience questions. Results: In both cohorts, student vaccination knowledge increased significantly after the completion of the vaccination training program; pre-intervention and post-intervention mean knowledge score (SD) of BPharm and MPharm were (14.3 ± 2.7 vs. 22.7 ± 3.3; p < 0.001) and (15.7 ± 2.9 vs. 21.4 ± 3.2; p < 0.001) respectively. There was no difference between the BPharm and MPharm in the overall knowledge test scores, (p = 0.81; p = 0.95) pre and post scores respectively. Using the OSCA rubric, all students (n = 52) were identified as competent in the skill of injection and could administer an IM deltoid injection to a child and adult mannequin. Students agreed that the training increased their self-confidence to administer injections to both children and adults. Students found value in the use of mixed reality to enhance student understanding of the anatomy of injection sites. Conclusion: The developed vaccination training program improved both student knowledge and confidence. Pharmacy students who complete such training should be able to administer vaccinations to children and adults, improving workforce capability. Mixed reality in the education of pharmacy students can be used to improve student satisfaction and enhance learning. Full article

Chronic non-cancer pain is common and long-term opioid therapy is frequently used in its management. While opioids can be effective, they are also associated with significant harm and misuse, and clinicians must weigh any expected benefits with potential risks when making decisions around prescribing. This review aimed to summarise controlled trials and systematic reviews that evaluate patient-related, provider-related, and system-related factors supporting responsible opioid prescribing for chronic non-cancer pain. A scoping review methodology was employed, and six databases were searched. Thirteen systematic reviews and nine controlled trials were included for analysis, and clinical guidelines were reviewed to supplement gaps in the literature. The majority of included studies evaluated provider-related factors, including prescribing behaviours and monitoring for misuse. A smaller number of studies evaluated system-level factors such as regulatory measures and models of healthcare delivery. Studies and guidelines emphasise the importance of careful patient selection for opioid therapy, development of a treatment plan, and cautious initiation and dose escalation. Lower doses are associated with reduced risk of harm and can be efficacious, particularly when used in the context of a multimodal interdisciplinary pain management program. Further research is needed around many elements of responsible prescribing, including instruments to monitor for misuse, and the role of policies and programs. Full article

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is commonly employed, and may be required, in multiple healthcare settings, with pharmacists playing an integral role in developing and conducting AMS techniques. Despite its prevalence, AMS is minimally taught in pharmacy school curricula. In order to increase student and preceptor understanding and application of AMS techniques, the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy required introductory pharmacy practice students to complete three checklists and reflections of AMS techniques observed at three different practice settings: inpatient, ambulatory, and community (retail) pharmacy. Student and preceptor understanding and application of AMS techniques were then assessed via voluntary survey. Survey response rates were 43% for pharmacy students, while preceptor response rates were 27%. Student understanding and application of AMS techniques increased after completion of the AMS checklist, with the largest magnitude of change seen with antibiotic selection recommendations and guideline and policy development. Preceptor understanding was minimally impacted by the activity; however, an increase in understanding was seen for allergy assessments, antibiotic time-outs, and vaccine assessments and recommendations. AMS is an important component of pharmacy practice today. Implementation of a checklist and reflection activity within experiential education increases perceived student understanding and application of relevant AMS techniques. Full article

Barcode medication administration (BCMA) is advocated as a technology that reduces medication errors relating to incorrect patient identity, drug or dose. Little is known, however, about the impact it has on nursing workflow. Our aim was to investigate the impact of BCMA on nursing activity and workflow. A comparative study was conducted on two similar surgical wards within an acute UK hospital. We observed nurses during drug rounds on a non-BCMA ward and a BCMA ward. Data were collected on drug round duration, timeliness of medication administration, patient identification, medication verification and general workflow patterns. BCMA appears not to alter drug round duration, although it may reduce the administration time per dose. Workflow was more streamlined, with less use of the medicines room. The rate of patient identification increased from 74% (of 47) patients to 100% (of 43), with 95% of 255 scannable medication doses verified using the system. This study suggests that BCMA does not affect drug round duration; further research is required to determine the impact it has on timeliness of medication administration. There was reduced variability in the medication administration workflow of nurses, along with an increased patient identification rate and high medication scan rate, representing potential benefits to patient safety. Full article

(1) Background: Medication adherence is a key determinant of patient health outcomes in chronic illnesses. However, adherence to long-term therapy remains poor. General beliefs about medicine are considered factors influencing medication adherence. It is essential to address the gap in the literature regarding understanding the impact of general beliefs about medicine on medication adherence to promote adherence in chronic illnesses. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINHAL, and EMBASE databases were searched. Studies were included if they examined medication beliefs using the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire in one of four chronic illnesses: hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and/or asthma. (3) Results: From 1799 articles obtained by the search, only 11 met the inclusion criteria. Hypertension and diabetes represented 91% of included studies, while asthma represented 9%. Higher medication adherence was associated with negative general medication beliefs; 65% of the included studies found a negative association between harm beliefs and adherence, while 30% of studies found a negative association with overuse beliefs. (4) Conclusions: This review evaluated the impact of harm and overuse beliefs about medicines on medication adherence, highlighting the gap in literature regarding the impact of harm and overuse beliefs on adherence. Further research is needed to fully identify the association between general beliefs and medication adherence in people with different cultural backgrounds, and to explore these beliefs in patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Healthcare providers need to be aware of the impact of patients’ cultural backgrounds on general medication beliefs and adherence. Full article

Several states now permit pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception. Consequently, some schools of pharmacy now incorporate activities intending to prepare students to offer this service. This study aimed to assess the impact of a simulated activity on student pharmacists’ readiness for, ability to use, and confidence in applying the Pharmacists Patient Care Process along with the United States Medical Eligibility Criteria to a patient seeking contraception. Students completed a contraceptive-prescribing simulation with standardized patients. Scores were analyzed for safe and appropriate prescribing practices. Pre- and post-workshop surveys measured confidence and perceived preparedness. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze categorical variables and Likert-scale data, respectively.The mean activity score was 86% (median 90%), with significant change in student confidence of ability to complete the process (p < 0.0001). The majority of students at baseline (52.2%) and follow up (53.2%) reported needing more practice during advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) to feel prepared. There was a significant change pre/post in students who agreed that their curriculum prepared them (15% to 28.7%, p = 0.0014). This study suggests that students are able to safely and appropriately prescribe contraception in a simulated activity. The activity increased student reported confidence and moved some students towards readiness for contraceptive prescribing. Full article