Emily L Hoffins, Taylor L Watterson, Aaron M Gilson, Jamie A Stone, Peter C Kleinschmidt, Michelle A Chui
{"title":"Eye-tracking in pharmacy research: three case studies exploring methodology opportunities and considerations.","authors":"Emily L Hoffins, Taylor L Watterson, Aaron M Gilson, Jamie A Stone, Peter C Kleinschmidt, Michelle A Chui","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf125","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this methods article is to highlight applications of eye-tracking in pharmacy research. This article synthesizes methodological insights and lessons learned from applying eye-tracking across three distinct pharmacy research contexts. The article discusses key considerations for researchers when planning to apply this novel methodology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Case one used eye-tracking to examine how older adults interacted with Senior Safe, a community pharmacy redesign promoting safer over-the-counter medication selection, in a naturalistic environment. Case two used eye-tracking for near-live usability testing, leveraging schematic mapping to examine how healthcare professionals used a novel electronic health record (EHR) functionality during a simulated appointment. Case three used eye-tracking to examine which components of a direct-to-consumer television advertisement were most relevant to older adults and employed dynamic areas of interest.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Eye-tracking is a feasible methodological opportunity to further pharmacy research by delving into subconscious cognitive processes that dictate how medical professionals and patients make medication-related decisions. Through understanding how medication-related decisions are occurring, whether through an EHR or in the pharmacy, researchers can identify areas of a cognitive workflow to intervene and reduce the occurrence of adverse medication events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Eye-tracking provides a systematic approach for assessing how individuals interact with their environment when engaging in pharmacy-related cognitive processes. Eye-tracking can be successfully applied to pharmacy research to provide insight into healthcare professionals' and patients' cognitive thinking and decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"456-463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13037612/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146003257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qais Alefan, Osama Y Alshogran, Samar J Melhem, Abdulsalam Halboup, Mohammed Battah, Fadi M Alkhateeb
{"title":"Pharmacy education in Jordan.","authors":"Qais Alefan, Osama Y Alshogran, Samar J Melhem, Abdulsalam Halboup, Mohammed Battah, Fadi M Alkhateeb","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf121","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pharmacy education in Jordan has expanded in response to national growth and increasing healthcare needs. As an upper-middle-income country, Jordan depends on pharmacy programs to supply a workforce for community, clinical, academic, industrial, and regulatory sectors.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To review the current setting of pharmacy education and practice in Jordan, including training paths, accreditation, licensure, and career opportunities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of national regulations, institutional documents, literature, and professional reports was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Jordan hosts 18 pharmacy faculties offering BPharm degrees, with two also providing PharmD programs. Admission is centrally regulated, and training includes extensive coursework and required practice experience. Postgraduate opportunities include MSc and PhD programs, and CPD. Accreditation and licensure involve national regulatory bodies. Graduates work across community, hospital, academic, industry, and regulatory settings, though challenges include limited clinical positions, misalignment between curricula and labor-market needs, and insufficient support for advanced services. Research activity is increasing, served by curricular reforms and funding.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pharmacy education in Jordan is expanding, but strengthening clinical training, specialization, research capacity, and workforce planning remains essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"487-497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707757","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}
Anqi Lin, James Higgerson, Simon Butterworth, William Donaldson, Ralitsa Ivantcheva, Maureen Ohene-Mensah, Ellen I Schafheutle
{"title":"Support for pharmacy professionals returning to practice after a break: a cross-sectional survey.","authors":"Anqi Lin, James Higgerson, Simon Butterworth, William Donaldson, Ralitsa Ivantcheva, Maureen Ohene-Mensah, Ellen I Schafheutle","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf113","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Global healthcare shortages are projected to reach 14 million by 2030. This study aimed to investigate reasons why pharmacists and pharmacy technicians leave/return to pharmacy practice and/or the register, identify factors influencing their successful reintegration, and examine whether Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education Return to Practice/Register learning programmes were associated with a successful return.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to individuals who participated in the programme(s) between 2010 and March 2023 (n = 701). Data were collected through closed, Likert-type and free-text questions. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis (Fisher's exact, Spearman's rank, t-test) were conducted, with thematic analysis for qualitative comments.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>The valid response rate was 15% (n = 106). Most respondents were female (n = 67, 79.8%), aged 35 and older (n = 82, 97.6%), and pharmacists (n = 77, 85.6%). The primary reason for leaving was family responsibilities, the main motivation for returning was career reconnection. Overall, 70.8% (n = 75) successfully returned to practice and/or professional registration after completing the programme(s). Reintegration was more likely amongst those satisfied with the programme(s) [Return to Practice (RTP): P = .007; Return to the Register (RTTR): P = .015], who had been away for ˂10 years (n = 41, 78.8%, P = .034), and who completed the programme(s) before 2020, prior to the shift to online delivery (RTP: n = 41, 83.7%, P = .003; RTTR: n = 16, 88.90%, P = .011).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Return to Practice/Register programme(s) were effective in reintegrating pharmacy professionals. Successful reintegration was associated with shorter absences, high programme(s) satisfaction, and in-person delivery. Whilst focussing on pharmacy professionals, there is relevance to other professions and potential support needs for practice return.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"358-364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145563591","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}
Ajay Mahendrarai Karia, Lilian Chen, Richard Norman, Suzanne Robinson, Ruth Webster Griffiths, Tin Fei Sim
{"title":"Barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of community pharmacist-led professional services in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries: a scoping review in the context of expanded scope.","authors":"Ajay Mahendrarai Karia, Lilian Chen, Richard Norman, Suzanne Robinson, Ruth Webster Griffiths, Tin Fei Sim","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf120","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Community pharmacists are expanding their practice to provide more consumer-focused professional services to support rising healthcare demands. Despite strong evidence supporting the benefits of pharmacist-led services, their uptake remains inconsistent. This review examines the factors that affect the implementation of community pharmacist-led professional services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review of studies published between 2005 and 2024 was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing stakeholder experiences of implemented services. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thematic synthesis was applied to extract and categorize key findings.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Thirty-six studies were included in the final analysis. Fifteen were based in European countries, 12 in Oceanic regions, and eight in North America. Time constraints, workload pressures, general practitioner resistance, limited consumer awareness, and remuneration concerns hindered implementation. Facilitators included clear role definitions, motivated staff, structured service delivery models, enhanced collaboration with healthcare professionals, and financial incentives.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Community pharmacists have the potential to provide expanded professional services and practise to their full scope to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. Multilevel approaches that address logistic, collaborative, systematic, and financial challenges are needed. Future research should focus on large-scale evaluations and long-term impacts to build a stronger evidence base for pharmacist-led professional services.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"344-357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145700825","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":"Sustainability pharmacy assistants in large urban hospital system.","authors":"Sanjit Bains, Sharmain Ho, Michelle Sze, Sahar Moafi, Isla Drummond, Gigi Wong, Alfie Chung, Aaron M Tejani, Elissa Aeng","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf132","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The financial feasibility and practical viability of implementing a Sustainability Pharmacy Assistant Position (SPAP) program were assessed in this study. Human resources operating independently of the site were utilized by this innovative strategy to process medication returns for redistribution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The cost-effectiveness of employing SPAPs solely responsible for processing medication returns for redistribution was assessed in a 3-month pilot service at two hospital sites. Funding was sourced from unfilled positions, and the SPAP's tasks and schedule were coordinated with site staff. Data on medication returns and workflow were collected and analysed as well as labor costs and expenses to evaluate cost savings and operational impact. The results of the pilot were extrapolated to yield an estimate of the impacts of an expanded SPAP program for 12 hospitals in the area.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>The pilot service revealed net savings from SPAPs at two hospitals of $19 951. Extrapolating the net savings to two SPAPs working for a full year and servicing 12 Fraser Health hospitals, the return on investment was $6.51 per dollar invested for the first year. SPAPs are highly cost-effective and address previous problems with site-based resource issues. The SPAP was smoothly integrated into each site's workflow, with no disruptions or complaints from staff, allowing them to focus on their primary duties.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Costs are effectively reduced, and operational efficiency is enhanced by the SPAPs through the processing of medication returns for redistribution. Given these positive outcomes, plans are in place to expand the program to additional sites, and similar initiatives are recommended for other healthcare systems. Financial savings are yielded by this approach, along with environmental benefits through the reduction of medication waste and incineration.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"405-409"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952002","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}
Petal Abdool, Rachel Antinucci, Zhiting Tina Zhou, Xinyue Iris Zhao, Sanjeev Sockalingam, Certina Ho
{"title":"Virtual reality suicide risk assessment simulated training in pharmacy students.","authors":"Petal Abdool, Rachel Antinucci, Zhiting Tina Zhou, Xinyue Iris Zhao, Sanjeev Sockalingam, Certina Ho","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf126","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore user experience, including learner confidence and engagement of using virtual reality (VR) simulation for training pharmacy students in conducting suicide risk assessment (SRA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two VR SRA case scenarios were developed with a multi-disciplinary team based on national guidelines and best practices. They were pilot tested by 14 pharmacy students.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>The VR training was well-received, with relatively positive user engagement and increases in self-reported confidence in SRA by the learners.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>VR SRA training has the potential to address current mental health needs in primary health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"513-516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145948316","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":"Development of a diagnosis and treatment formulary for short-term medical service trips.","authors":"Emily K Flores, Kacey M Lefevers, Janis E Blair","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf081","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To create a short-term medical service trip (MST) focused, standardized, evidence-based, cost-effective, locally appropriate formulary.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Documents from the World Health Organization (WHO), related entities, and primary literature were reviewed to determine best practices. Specific diagnosis and treatment formularies (DTFs) for MST use in the WHO Regions of Africa and the Americas were created.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>The DTF guiding principles were being WHO-region specific, addressing primary health needs, including essential medications based on disease prevalence, local availability and affordability, and optimizing patient labeling.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A thoughtfully crafted DTF for MSTs is one way to advance equitable and safe health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"505-508"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124400","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}
Fernando Fernandez-Llimos, Fernanda S Tonin, Filipa Alves da Costa
{"title":"International Collaboration of Pharmacy Journal Editors and the standardization of paediatric terminology.","authors":"Fernando Fernandez-Llimos, Fernanda S Tonin, Filipa Alves da Costa","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf122","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf122","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"517-518"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145654264","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}
Dayana El Nsouli, Naoko Arakawa, Adam Gordon, Claire Anderson
{"title":"An ethnographic study of pharmacist prescribers' competencies, collaboration, and barriers in hospital settings.","authors":"Dayana El Nsouli, Naoko Arakawa, Adam Gordon, Claire Anderson","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf114","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This ethnographic study explores hospital pharmacist prescribing practices in an inpatient multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms, including competencies, facilitators, and inhibitors, related to pharmacist prescribing practices in hospital settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Non-participant observations were conducted over six half-day sessions with three experienced prescribing pharmacists. Data were analysed using framework and thematic analysis. The RPS Competency Framework guided framework analysis, while thematic analysis identified overarching themes related to emotional intelligence and hierarchical dynamics.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Key competencies frequently observed included interpreting patient records and collaborating with MDT members. Facilitators of effective prescribing included strong interdisciplinary collaboration and access to comprehensive patient information. Barriers such as fragmented IT systems, high workloads, and hierarchical constraints affected the pharmacists' ability to efficiently manage and document patient care. Emotional intelligence was identified as a critical skill for managing professional identity within hierarchical structures and handling the emotional toll of systemic inefficiencies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pharmacist prescribers significantly enhance patient care through collaboration and proactive engagement in MDTs. However, systemic barriers, particularly IT-related inefficiencies and hierarchical dynamics, limit their full potential. Training in emotional intelligence and improved interdisciplinary support may enhance the effectiveness of prescribing pharmacists. Addressing systemic issues, especially IT infrastructure, could optimize prescribing efficiency and reduce cognitive load.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"425-433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145587191","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":"Is bigger better? Analysis of efficacy and safety of lemborexant 5 versus 10 mg in insomnia patients.","authors":"Eugene Chang, Aaron M Tejani","doi":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf077","DOIUrl":"10.1093/ijpp/riaf077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the rationale for using lemborexant 10 mg as a starting dose or for those with partial response to 5 mg for the management of insomnia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A review of MEDLINE, regulatory reports, and Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health data was conducted.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Lemborexant 10 mg as an initial dose offers minimal improvement in sleep metrics over 5 mg but increases somnolence risk. No evidence supports dose escalation for partial responders to 5 mg.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Lemborexant 10 mg is generally not advisable as an initial or escalated dose due to higher harm risk and unlikely clinical benefit.</p>","PeriodicalId":14284,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"502-504"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175214","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}