International Journal of Pharmacy Practice最新文献

{"title":"Biosafety Considerations for Viral Vector Gene Therapy: An Explanation and Guide for the Average Everyday-Hero Pharmacist.","authors":"Jill M Hernandez","doi":"10.1177/08971900221104250","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08971900221104250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> An overview of the multi-faceted biosafety points that must be taken into consideration by pharmacists and pharmacies in order to provide viral vector gene therapy to their practice site. <b>Summary:</b> As science and medicine evolves, pharmacists and other healthcare workers are continually faced with unique challenges in the workplace. They are expected to be informed and proficient on new therapies and standards of practice, and be able to apply this knowledge appropriately for their patients. One such advancement that seems to be picking up speed in recent years is gene therapy, which is often achieved with the assistance of a viral vector. As these viral vector doses move closer to mainstream medicine, a host of issues and concerns for the pharmacists, nurses, and caregivers that are involved in the process begin to rise to the surface, often rooted in the critical concern: \"How do we dispense, utilize, and administer these doses safely?\" Unfortunately, there is no singular, concise source of information for addressing biosafety with viral vector products, and guidance must be gathered from a variety of resources in order to mesh together a reasonable working process. <b>Conclusion:</b> While this may seem to be a daunting task, facilities that already meet USP 797 and USP 800 guidelines are well on their way to being ready to provide viral vector doses. By incorporating additional steps and reviewing biosafety specific resources, these sites can easily adapt to provide these new and novel therapies for their patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85711616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does the implementation of self-administration policies for insulin improve patient safety in the hospital inpatient setting? A scoping review","authors":"E. Davidson, T. Jones, W. Baqir, K. Fenwick","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.019","url":null,"abstract":"Self-administration schemes can have significant impact on a patient’s management and treatment of specific diseases. Implementing the self-administration of insulin for inpatients is believed to increase patient’s knowledge, understanding, independence and confidence regarding medication to improve outcomes. This study identifies the limited knowledge and access to self-administration schemes for diabetes. The aim of this scoping review is to collect and review relevant literature surrounding inpatient insulin self-administration schemes and to identify the impact this scheme has on knowledge, confidence, independence, satisfaction, costs and workload for patients, hospitals and staff. This scoping review further aims to highlight the reported limitations regarding self-administration and identify the potential gaps in the evidence-base. Keywords were searched on MEDLINE (1946 to October Week 4 2022), EMBASE (1974 to 2022 Week 43), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar from October 6th, 2022, to November 8th, 2022. The title, abstract and citations were initially screened using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included literature was then screened by a second reviewer. The identified literature described and evaluated inpatient insulin self-administration schemes and summarised according to author and study design. This scoping review did not require ethical approval as it was including information and studies freely available for public domain. Newcastle University Pharmacy Department. Among the 1,159 literature sources identified, 16 literature sources were included in the scoping review. A systematic review and meta-analysis was initially considered but yielded due to the heterogeneity of literature in study design. Nine quantitative and seven qualitative studies assessed individual patient and staff views. They were assessed in ranging time frames up to eight months. Literature evaluated the knowledge, understanding and compliance of patients relating to administration and drug regimens which were measured via questionnaires and interviews. Studies identified short-term costs to outweigh long-term benefits. The majority of patients and staff were significantly satisfied with the implementation of self-administration schemes. The implementation of insulin self-administration schemes for inpatients has shown to support patient health and safety, increasing knowledge and compliance. Literature continues to identify the need for extra support and maintenance from healthcare professionals to control diabetes. Self-administration schemes may continue to advance with increased support and engagement. Study limitations were identified to further acknowledged the advancements in time frames, support and sample size and selection for participants, supporting the advancements in self-administration schemes. 1. Wright J, Emerson A, Stephens M, Lennan E. Hospital inpatient self-administration of medicin","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139196651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring community pharmacists’ views around HRT and the menopause","authors":"S. Lakhani, M. D. Allinson","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.036","url":null,"abstract":"The number of women in England prescribed HRT has increased dramatically in the last seven years.1 Meanwhile, from 2018, HRT product shortages have resulted in the release of Serious Shortage Protocols allowing community pharmacists to supply alternative HRT products where appropriate.2 Furthermore, in 2022, the first over-the-counter medication for vaginal atrophy in menopause was licensed.3 With so many recent changes, it seemed an opportune time to determine community pharmacists’ views on the topic. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacists’ views around HRT and the menopause. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was chosen to allow for exploration of views. A list of community pharmacies from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire was obtained from the NHS website. They were grouped into independent and multiple pharmacies in both urban and rural areas. Twenty pharmacies were then randomly selected from across the lists, emailed and invited to participate in the study; a participant information sheet and consent form was attached. This was followed up with a telephone call one week later, and a day and time for interview was agreed. Telephone interviews were undertaken, with consent obtained verbally, and the interview digitally recorded. The interview guide was developed based on the literature review and aim of the study. The guide addressed experiences of patient queries regarding HRT and the menopause, views of the OTC vaginal tablet and their confidence in discussing menopause with patients. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Ethical approval was obtained from Keele School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering Ethics Committee. Nine interviews were undertaken in October 2022, lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Five interviewees were male, five from urban areas, all from different companies and experience ranged from 3 months to 45 years. Four themes emerged from the transcripts, namely: increase in queries; managing shortages; lack of knowledge on Gina®; and limited professional interest in the topic. Patients were found to rarely ask about menopausal symptoms, with most queries related to risks associated with HRT or advice on various formulations. All pharmacists found dealing with shortages to be time-consuming and potentially stressful. Many of the pharmacists had not heard of the new vaginal tablet and did not stock it. Those who did, felt it was expensive and unlikely to sell. All stated they would like further training on the menopause but only one would consider specialising as a future area of prescribing. This was a small study with relatively short interviews, due to the time constraints facing working pharmacists. Despite this, similarity in responses suggest that data saturation may have been reached. This study confirms previous reports of increasing queries relating to HRT, particularly around shortages, and the stress associated with dealing with them","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139197294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A model of intended and ideal prescribing and medication use in symptom control in palliative care: an international scoping review","authors":"S. A. Francis, S. Yardley, B. Franklin, M. Ogden, A. Kajamaa, K. Mattick","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.024","url":null,"abstract":"UK health policy documents are committed to improving personalised palliative care for people of all ages, prioritising access to coordinated care and health inequity. The UK Health and Care Act 2022 has stated it is a statutory requirement for Integrated Care Boards to commission palliative and end of life care services. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life of patients and families who are facing problems associated with life-limiting illness, and often involves medication for symptom control. Medication has been reported in 19% of NHS serious incident reports involving palliative patients, mostly occurring in patient homes, with half when specialists did not provide care.1 To document a model of existing evidence illustrating intended processes when palliative medications are prescribed for symptom control and used by adults at home, in hospital and hospice settings. We performed a scoping review using JBI methodology.2 Population (P): (i) adults in the last phase of life, (ii) informal carers supporting an adult as described above, (iii) healthcare professionals providing palliative care for symptom control. Concept (C): multistep processes for medication use for symptom control in palliative care. Context (C): care settings where palliative care may be anticipated, planned or happen. A systematic search were undertaken in Medline, CINAHL, Embase, plus Google scholar and Google images. There were no date limits; searches were confined to English language. Published and unpublished literature meeting the PCC framework were included. Screening and extraction of data were performed by two independent reviewers (SAF and SY). Studies were categorised inductively and results collated descriptively. Ethical approval was obtained from the NHS HRA and HCRW (ref: 21/LO/0459). 19,753 titles and abstracts were screened; 929 underwent full text review; 308 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature documents were retained to build the intended model. The majority of these papers (212; 69%) provided simple process steps involving expertise/judgement, supply chain/access, administration, prescribing/deprescribing, rationalisation, repurposing. The remaining 96 papers warranted richer thematic analysis. Most studies took place in the UK, Australia or USA in home/community settings. Analysis illuminated detail about ‘hidden work’ (participants’ actions in medication management), ‘hot spots’ (problematic areas e.g. out-of-hours care and the reliance on carers) and ‘cold spots’ (areas with less attention such as whose responsibility for keeping carers informed of changes and what is adequate support for safe medicines use at home). There is a growing interest in how best to work together across boundaries to enable getting the right medication to the right person at the right time and place. This scoping review documents the existing evidence of intended processes and a model of ideal prescribing and medication","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139197829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community pharmacists' perceptions of the POM to P reclassification of medicines for sexual and reproductive health – A survey study","authors":"P. Crilly, S. Abdallah, J. Davey, I. Al-Saery","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.017","url":null,"abstract":"In the UK, medicines reclassification is the process of changing the legal classification of a medication, such as from a prescription-only medicine (POM) to a pharmacy (P) or general sales list (GSL) medicine.1 It is overseen by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). and improves patient access to certain medications while ensuring safeguards are in place for their safe and responsible use.2 A number of the most recent POM to P reclassifications have been for medications used in sexual and reproductive healthcare. To investigate community pharmacists' (CPs’) perceptions of POM to P medicine reclassifications for sexual and reproductive health: sildenafil citrate (Viagra Connect, for erectile dysfunction), desogestrel (Hana/Lovima, for contraception), and estradiol hemihydrate (Gina, for vaginal atrophy). The study population was all CPs in Greater London. The survey consisted of 59-questions in five sections. The first section was for general perceptions about the reclassification of medicines, while the other sections were specific to the medicines studied. The final section was demographics. Question types included multiple-choice, 5-point Likert scale, and free text. The recommended sample size was 340 (95% CI), therefore, 398 CPs, in 210 pharmacies, were approached. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee. Participants were posted a participant information sheet (PIS) one week before distribution of the survey as a hard copy. The survey was also available on Microsoft Forms. Data were analysed in Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were given in numbers and percentages. The response rate was 37.7% (N=150/398). Most CPs (88%) perceived that medication reclassification increased their role and provided greater access to medicines for the public. However, less than half (44%) had a good understanding of the reclassification process. Sildenafil was available to purchase in all of the visited pharmacies, however, desogestrel was only sold in 50% of them, and estradiol was sold in only 28%. Reasons cited for not selling desogestrel and/or estradiol included lack of public awareness about the availability of these products, and a lack of public interest in purchasing them. While the availability of sildenafil as a P medicine was seen as a positive for improving safe access, many CPs (86%) expressed concerns about the high risk of its misuse. In terms of training, the available training for sildenafil received higher ratings compared to that for desogestrel or estradiol. Most CPs (67%) indicated that having case studies incorporated into the training for POM to P switches helped them understand which patients could safely purchase these medications. CPs are positive about the availability of sexual and reproductive health medications over the counter. They do have concerns, however, about the potential of some of the","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139201031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Five Rights of Antibiotic Safety: Antimicrobial Stewardship at One NHS Foundation Trust in England Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"R. Abdelsalam Elshenawy, N. Umaru, Z. Aslanpour","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.001","url":null,"abstract":"The study highlights the urgency of combating rising multi-drug-resistant infections, projecting 10 million deaths annually by 2050. With over 1.2 million deaths in 2019, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has become a significant public health issue. Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) promotes judicious antibiotic use1. 'The Five Rights of Antibiotic Safety' ensure appropriate usage. It encompasses the right patient, drug, dose, time, and duration2. The COVID-19 pandemic, causing around 6 million deaths by 2023, has intensified AMR challenges. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's AMS policy advocates for maximising the use of pharmacists' expertise to promote prudent antibiotic use, strengthen stewardship, and reduce AMR3. This study aimed to evaluate AMS and adherence to the 'Five Rights of Antibiotic Safety' in antibiotic prescribing at an NHS Foundation Trust during 2019 and 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This research study was conducted using a cross-sectional retrospective design and undertook an in-depth analysis of 640 patient records in 2019 and 2020. The study included adult patients aged 25 and above, immunocompromised and pregnant individuals, and those prescribed antibiotics for respiratory tract infections or pneumonia during 2019 and 2020. A validated data extraction tool facilitated data collection. This study was registered under ISRCTN number 14825813, receiving ethical approval from the University of Hertfordshire Ethics and Health Research Authority (HRA) (REC Reference number 22/EM/0161). The Citizens Senate reviewed the study protocol, ensuring public and patient involvement. The study evaluated inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, identifying a rise in inappropriate antibiotic prescribing with no indication from 16% in 2019 to 20% in 2020. Inappropriate routes of administration also increased from 33% to 36%. While inappropriate drug choice remained steady around 63-64%, inappropriate dosing rose from 13% to 18%. Interestingly, inappropriate duration reduced slightly from 70% to 66%. The study assessed AMS champions, pharmacists' participation increased from 19% to 21%, and doctors decreased from 19% to 12%. However, combined collaboration jumped from 58% to 71%. This study highlights the surge in incorrect antibiotic prescribing during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the necessity of the 'Five Rights of Antibiotic Safety.' Strict guideline adherence and increased professional education are pivotal. Progress in reducing improper duration was seen, indicating the significance of refining prescribing practices. This research highlights the critical role of pharmacists and doctors as AMS champions. It demonstrates that their collaborative efforts during the pandemic positively impacted patient outcomes, thus reaffirming the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's AMS policy on the importance of a multidisciplinary team in ensuring appropriate antibiotic use. This study reveals a worrying increase in inco","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139208615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Views and experiences of volunteers for the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship Extension Programme","authors":"C. Brandish, N. Kamere, A. Iqbal, H. Rosado, V. Rutter","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.012","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue, which can be addressed through improved antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) knowledge and practice. The CwPAMS programme, launched in 2019, is funded by the UK aid Fleming Fund and managed by Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).1,2,3 It expanded in 2021 to support 14 health partnerships to enhance AMS capacity by leveraging UK expertise between the UK and 8 Commonwealth countries: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. CwPAMS was supported by UK and LMIC volunteers. The aim of this study was to explore views and experiences of volunteers who took part in the CwPAMS Extension Programme. A cross-sectional survey was developed using Survey Monkey by CPA internal AMS experts and programme managers. The questions explored the key benefits to health organisations and professionals, including the development of AMS skills and competencies, barriers to AMS, and personal/professional development opportunities. Open-ended questions were included to gather further insights into volunteers' views and experiences of volunteering and participating in CwPAMS. The survey was emailed to the 14 health partnerships who took part in the CwPAMS programme between October 2021-May 2022 to be disseminated to all volunteers. Data were collected between 14 April-1 June 2022, transferred to Microsoft Excel and analysed thematically, with frequency counting where appropriate. As it was an internal CPA programme evaluation, no ethical approval was required. A total of 83 survey responses were received. The majority respondents were female (60%) and were pharmacists (54%). Volunteers recognised the programme’s positive impact on a personal/professional and organisational level, by fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing AMS practices. Amongst volunteers, 87% noted that their organisation had benefited through their participation in CwPAMS, with 72% stating they had increased AMS capacity in their team. Volunteers highlighted several areas where they applied their newly acquired skills and experiences from their participation in CwPAMS. The most frequently mentioned impactful areas were: 1) Leadership and project management: Volunteers reported improved competencies in establishing local expertise in AMS and infection management, strengthening stakeholder and partnership engagement and improved confidence in project leadership, monitoring, and evaluation. 2) Use of new tools (digital/virtual) for training and AMS use 3) Mentoring, teaching and sharing their knowledge and experiences to support others in their professional development. In addition, volunteers reported they had the opportunity to network and form international partnerships, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations. They also experienced personal development by acquiring leadership, communication, problem-solving, grant application writing, an","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139196680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"To explore clinical pharmacists’ opinions, and their perceived barriers and facilitators, to supporting clinical research delivery in secondary care","authors":"Y. Jiao, J. Shenton","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.032","url":null,"abstract":"The National Health Service (NHS) is confronted with significant challenges in facilitating clinical research delivery.1 Clinical pharmacists were instrumental in ensuring patient safety while conducting urgent public health studies, such as the RECOVERY trial, during the COVID-19 pandemic.2 Numerous studies have reported the positive impact of pharmacy workforce in supporting clinical research delivery3. However, it remains unclear whether pharmacists are willing to take on this extra responsibility. To explore the opinions of UK clinical pharmacists towards facilitating the delivery of clinical research in secondary care. Objectives include understanding the level of knowledge of clinical research among clinical pharmacists; assessing levels of interest among clinical pharmacists towards supporting clinical research delivery; identifying clinical pharmacists’ perceived barriers and facilitators to supporting clinical research delivery; and developing recommendations to facilitate pharmacists’ engagement in research delivery. This study employed a qualitative research approach and utilised convenience sampling based on the researcher’s professional network. Eight pharmacists from two secondary care NHS Trusts participated. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted using questions adapted from the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool which was validated by two clinical trial pharmacists. Keele University Research Ethics Committee provided a favourable ethical opinion. Interview transcripts were analysed to identify emerging themes by using framework analysis. The findings revealed that participants possessed limited knowledge of clinical research in general. The key themes identified were categorised into three domains: individual, professional, and organisational, which corresponded with the RCC tool. In the individual domain, pharmacists demonstrated interest in clinical research delivery but lacked confidence. They acknowledged clinical research as contributing to evidence-based practice and enhancing professional development. However, they expressed concerns about patient harm resulting from trial interventions and poorly designed studies generating misleading data. Within the professional domain, pharmacists' capability to support clinical research delivery was limited by inadequate training in clinical research, their clinical skills, and their disease knowledge. They perceived internal and external barriers to participation. It has been suggested to improve the research culture within the profession and promote the role pharmacists can play in delivering research among other healthcare professionals. In the organisational domain, the workplace environment was perceived to present obstacles due to competing priorities and clinical research not being seen to be a core duty by managers. Additionally, awareness of clinical research opportunities was limited and exposure to clinical research-related activ","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139198032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast is best? A small-scale study exploring knowledge, attitudes, and training amongst community pharmacists about breastfeeding","authors":"D. Kamdar, Y. El Kout Oustah, M. Elbashir","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.034","url":null,"abstract":"The United Kingdom (UK) has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, with the last Infant Feeding Survey showing a reduction from 81% of mothers initiating breastfeeding to 0.5% still breastfeeding at 12 months.1 It provides multiple health benefits for mothers and infants, and promoting breastfeeding is an important public health strategy, impacting the future health of the population. Community pharmacists are accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, giving expert advice on medication use and public health. Previous research has found a lack of knowledge and training on medicines use during lactation and breastfeeding-related conditions, often leading to unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding.2 To explore breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and training amongst community pharmacists. Following ethical approval from Kingston University and a pilot study, a paper questionnaire comprising 24 mixed-style questions was distributed to community pharmacists in the London boroughs of Ealing and Brent. The Raosoft online calculator was used to calculate the sample size of 110 pharmacists at 95% confidence interval. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Analyses were performed using SPSS software alongside thematic analysis for interview responses. Response rate was 75% (n=82/110) and 9 pharmacists participated in the interviews. 47.6% (n=39/82) pharmacists rated their current breastfeeding knowledge as neither poor nor good or lower. Only 11% (n=9/82) pharmacists stated the duration of breastfeeding should be greater than 2 years. 27.2% (n=12/44) pharmacists felt slightly or not confident providing over-the-counter medicines to breastfeeding patients compared to 61.4% (n=27/44) when making recommendations for breastfeeding-related conditions such as mastitis or nipple thrush. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for further research into medication use safety during lactation as pharmacists lacked confidence to make recommendations based on Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). 50% (n=41/82) pharmacists stated their knowledge was obtained from personal experience. 100% (n=82/82) of participants agreed that more education and training must be provided, and thematic analysis showed pharmacists would prefer a spiralled approach starting at university level, through foundation year training and post-registration. The majority of pharmacists showed somewhat or high confidence advising patients about over-the-counter medication safety during lactation, but this was reversed when confronted with breastfeeding-related conditions, in contrast to findings from Byerley2 where the majority of pharmacists were not confident about medicines advice. Pharmacists have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding with all desiring further training. Changes to pharmacy education and training are needed to develop pharmacists’ understanding on breastfeeding generally and medicines safety","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139199425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key considerations when developing and implementing digital technology for early detection of dementia causing diseases: a qualitative study","authors":"S. Wilson, C. Tolley, R. Mc Ardle, E. Beswick, S. Slight","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riad074.070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riad074.070","url":null,"abstract":"There has been substantial growth in research exploring use of digital health technologies (DHT) to improve global population health. Harnessing the potential of DHT for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases is one such area.1 According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, DHTs need to be credible for UK Healthcare Professionals (HCPs); HCPs should be involved in the development and implementation process of DHTs to ensure that their needs are met and to promote the successful adoption into healthcare systems.2 To explore HCPs’ perspectives on key considerations of developing and implementing DHT for the early detection of dementia causing diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, within the National Health Service (NHS). Ethical approval was granted from Newcastle University Ethics Committee. HCPs with patient-facing roles within primary or secondary care NHS settings were recruited through various online networks alongside a snowball sampling approach. Participants took part in a semi-structured audio-recorded interview exploring their experience of current diagnostic practices, opinions on the early detection of dementia causing diseases and the use of DHT to aid this approach, and the challenges of implementing such interventions into healthcare. The framework approach was used to thematically analyse the verbatim transcripts to identify core concepts and themes emerging within the interviews. A list of core concepts and themes was applied systematically to the whole data set using QSR N-Vivo (Version 1.6.1). The research team then used the ‘constant comparison’ technique to move backwards and forwards between these data and evolve explanations until a fit was made. Eighteen interviews were conducted with 11 primary and seven secondary care HCPs. Our analysis highlighted three core concepts, centring around considerations for healthcare service users, HCPs, and the DHT when developing and implementing DHT for the early detection of dementia causing diseases. HCPs recognised the potential benefits of providing an early detection of dementia causing diseases to healthcare services users, but only if a suitable intervention was available to allow individuals to potentially reduce their risk. Additionally, HCPs were concerned about the impact on health inequity, such as accessibility of this type of service to individuals who have disabilities or could be possibly digitally excluded. Many HCPs were also concerned about the impact on the healthcare system, with fears that it could overburden the NHS if sufficient resources and support were not provided for its implementation. In regard to the DHT, HCPs were positive about the possibility of a DHT to remotely capture real time data and felt it would be important to capture different modalities to help differentiate between dementia causing diseases. This study highlights the need to design a DHT for the early detection of dementia causing diseases t","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139199909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}