PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-22DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13020033
Maya Abo-Hamzy, Kayla Antosz, Sarah E Battle, Pamela Bailey, Hana R Winders, P Brandon Bookstaver, Majdi N Al-Hasan
{"title":"Association Between Reporting Antimicrobial Use and <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Standardized Infection Ratios in South Carolina Hospitals.","authors":"Maya Abo-Hamzy, Kayla Antosz, Sarah E Battle, Pamela Bailey, Hana R Winders, P Brandon Bookstaver, Majdi N Al-Hasan","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13020033","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13020033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been encouraging hospitals in the United States to report antimicrobial use (AU) to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This retrospective cohort study examines the association between reporting AU and the <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection (CDI) standardized infection ratio (SIR) in South Carolina hospitals. Student's <i>t</i>-test was used to examine the mean difference in the change in CDI SIRs from 2017 to 2021 between hospitals reporting AU for ≥3 years and those reporting AU for <3 years during the study period. Among 65 hospitals in South Carolina, 43 reported AU for <3 years, and 22 reported AU for ≥3 years. There was significantly greater decline in the CDI SIR from 2017 to 2021 in hospitals reporting AU for ≥3 years compared to those reporting AU for <3 years (mean difference of the change in the CDI SIR -0.33 [95% CI -0.57, -0.06]; <i>p</i> = 0.016). The results of a steeper decline in the CDI SIR in hospitals consistently reporting AU during the majority of the study period compared to other hospitals encourages hospitals to report AU to the NHSN and promotes antimicrobial stewardship efforts at the state and national level.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693699","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-21DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13020031
Paul J Wong, Noam Morningstar-Kywi, Rory E Kim, Tien M H Ng
{"title":"Student Use of Digital Patient Cases May Improve Performance in a Pharmacy Cardiovascular Therapeutics Course.","authors":"Paul J Wong, Noam Morningstar-Kywi, Rory E Kim, Tien M H Ng","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13020031","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13020031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of digital patient cases (eCases) is associated with student-perceived improvements in learning. However, novel instructional tools must demonstrate measurable student benefits to justify ongoing use. This research sought to identify the impact of digital patient cases (eCases) on student performance in a PharmD cardiovascular course. Optional eCases for hypertension (HTN), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and acute heart failure (AHF) were incorporated into the course. Performance on the exams and course overall was compared between student cohorts based on eCase use. Aggregated data were analyzed by year. Additional analysis was performed for scores on exam items related to eCase content. From 2020 to 2022, a total of 322/562 students (57.3%) used any eCase. While there were no differences in 2020 and 2021, eCase users in 2022 had significantly higher course (83.6% vs. 79.7%, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and final exam scores (75.0% vs. 67.7%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) compared with non-users. VTE eCase users had higher scores on VTE exam items compared to non-users, but only in 2021. AHF eCase users received higher scores on AHF exam items compared to non-users in 2021 and 2022. Among certain cohorts, student eCase use was associated with improved performance, and the use of certain eCases showed differences in content-specific performance. The eCase is a promising instructional tool that warrants further investigation to determine best design elements for maximal effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693507","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-21DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13020032
Christian J Wiedermann, Katia Sangermano, Pasqualina Marino, Dietmar Ausserhofer, Adolf Engl, Giuliano Piccoliori
{"title":"Distinct Regional Pattern of Sedative Psychotropic Drug Use in South Tyrol: A Comparison with National Trends in Italy.","authors":"Christian J Wiedermann, Katia Sangermano, Pasqualina Marino, Dietmar Ausserhofer, Adolf Engl, Giuliano Piccoliori","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13020032","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13020032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated regional variations in the use of sedative psychotropic medications, often prescribed for insomnia, by comparing Italy and the culturally distinct Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Using daily defined dose (DDD) data per 1000 inhabitants per day, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, sedative antidepressants, and melatonin consumption from 2019 to 2023 were examined. The findings indicate a notably lower utilization of benzodiazepines in South Tyrol compared to the national Italian average, alongside a significant increase in sedative antidepressant use, particularly mirtazapine. These disparities likely stem from regional prescribing preferences influenced by cultural, linguistic, and healthcare system factors. While Z-drug consumption remained comparable across regions, melatonin use exhibited a gradual upward trend, albeit less pronounced in South Tyrol. These insights emphasize the necessity for region-specific strategies in optimizing insomnia treatment, balancing pharmacological approaches with non-pharmacological alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Understanding these prescribing trends can inform healthcare policies aimed at reducing long-term sedative use while enhancing patient-centered care in sleep medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693720","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-19DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010030
Arinze Nkemdirim Okere, Anthony Ryan Pinto, Sandra Suther, Patrick Ten Eyck
{"title":"A Pilot Study Evaluating the Impact of an Algorithm-Driven Protocol on Guideline-Concordant Antibiotic Prescribing in a Rural Primary Care Setting.","authors":"Arinze Nkemdirim Okere, Anthony Ryan Pinto, Sandra Suther, Patrick Ten Eyck","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010030","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Approximately 2.8 million cases of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections result in over 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. AMR is driven largely by inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, especially in clinics serving rural communities or underserved populations. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) improve prescribing practices, but many rural clinics lack fully functional ASPs. This pilot study evaluated the impact of an algorithm-driven protocol on antibiotic prescribing in a rural primary care setting. We conducted a pre-post quasi-experimental study at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), focusing on upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Eligible patients were enrolled in the study during their primary care visits. The primary outcome was the frequency of guideline-concordant treatment, analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Among 201 patients (101 pre-intervention, 100 post-intervention), the pre-intervention group consisted of 77% females and 47% African Americans, while the post-intervention group consisted of 72% females and 46% African Americans. The intervention was associated with a 12.6% decrease in the number of antibiotic prescriptions discordant with clinical guidelines (37.6% to 25%) from the pre- to post-intervention periods. This corresponded to an odds ratio of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.30-1.01, <i>p</i> = 0.054). Although not statistically significant at α = 0.05, this numerical decrease suggests potential benefits of algorithm-driven protocols in improving antibiotic stewardship in resource-limited settings. Longer study periods may further elucidate these benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11859786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493810","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010029
Jason W Guy, Shelby Smart, Mollie Harber, Julie H Oestreich
{"title":"The Mentorship Blueprint: A Comprehensive Review for the Development of Programs in Pharmacy Education.","authors":"Jason W Guy, Shelby Smart, Mollie Harber, Julie H Oestreich","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010029","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Mentorship has benefits for students and faculty, helping to support their professional development, connectedness, and career endeavors. While the value of mentorship programs is well documented in the literature, there is less practical guidance and few compiled resources to start a program. This paper reviews different mentorship practices in pharmacy education and provides a list of strategies to develop high-functioning mentorship programs or groups. <b>Methods:</b> A review of the literature was conducted through PubMed and other databases. If the titles and abstracts met the initial criteria for relevance to the topic, the complete article was reviewed in the context of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included articles focused on mentorship, mentorship programs, mentorship development, mentoring faculty or students, or mentoring in the workplace. <b>Results:</b> Twenty-three studies were included in the final review. Summaries and key points from the studies were reviewed and discussed. The advantages of mentorship programs include increased social connection, goal setting, and professional development. Challenges include increased time commitments and difficulty in determining objective markers of success. Critical components have been extracted from the literature, and key resources and templates have been provided to aid in mentorship program development. <b>Conclusions:</b> This review summarizes the pharmacy mentorship literature and provides user-friendly tables to quickly locate resources to build a mentorship program in pharmacy education.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11859274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493938","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}
{"title":"Experiences in a Clinical Innovation Pharmacy Fellowship: A Novel Model of Ambulatory Care Training and Practice Advancement.","authors":"Alison Doane, Nicholas Cox, Shannon Gadd, Erin Gurney, Payson Ashmead, Kyle Turner","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010028","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The University of Utah Clinical Innovation Fellowship models novel partnerships between third-party payers, clinical practices, and academia. While healthcare costs continue to increase unabated and physician burnout leads to provider shortages, this fellowship focuses on both crises by training pharmacists to establish new practices in ambulatory clinic spaces using funding provided by third-party payers. Not only does this fellowship represent a future in which pharmacists are able to address third-party payers' need to reduce healthcare costs and clinics' need to address provider shortages, it also successfully trained fellows to pursue jobs in ambulatory care and academia. Payers, clinics, providers and patients all expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the work of the fellows. In multiple clinics where fellows established new pharmacy services, those services led directly to new job approvals funded by the clinics themselves. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a model by which fellowship programs elsewhere can be designed, as well as to show that partnerships between ambulatory clinics, payers, and pharmacists are both sustainable and beneficial to all parties including, most importantly, the patients who receive better care for their complex chronic disease states. While this paper is descriptive in nature, work is ongoing to objectively measure the impact of the fellows on patients, providers, and third-party payers. A sampling of outcomes is presented, describing the impact of the pharmacist fellows' efforts to improve medication management in primary care. Even with limited objective measures of success, we are able conclude that over the past 3 years, the fellowship has accomplished its aim of preparing fellows for future roles in ambulatory care, practice design, and academia while also demonstrating that a funding model aligning payers, clinics, and academia is sustainable.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11858872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493900","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}
{"title":"Development of Chronic Kidney Disease Screening Integrative Care Model Led by Community Pharmacists.","authors":"Piangkwan Srimongkhol, Sirirat Anutrakulchai, Amponpun Theeranut, Nonglak Methakanjanasak, Sunee Lertsinudom","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010027","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising, increasing demand for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Community pharmacies, as accessible healthcare hubs, can play a pivotal role in CKD prevention. This study aimed to develop care models for community pharmacies to optimize medication use, encourage behavior modification, and promote self-management among at-risk individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Conducted between June 2017 and July 2018, this study utilized an action research approach. Microalbuminuria was assessed using urine dipsticks, and pharmacists applied behavioral change and self-management support (SMS) strategies to slow CKD progression. Participants were categorized by albuminuria levels and enrolled in pharmacist-led care programs, with follow-up assessments at weeks 0 and 12.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 521 participants screened, 57% tested positive for albuminuria. For these individuals, serum creatinine testing and referrals to primary care were initiated. Self-management behavior assessment (S1) scores significantly improved (<i>p</i> = 0.024). Key factors associated with urine albumin levels included age < 60 years (OR = 0.44), diabetes (OR = 3.69), hypertension (OR = 2.01), BMI < 27.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (OR = 0.42), eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> (OR = 3.34), lower systolic (OR = 0.55) and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.34), and fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL (OR = 0.29).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Community pharmacist-led albuminuria screening effectively supports CKD prevention and enhances self-awareness within communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11858870/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493897","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-13DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010026
Nantu Chakma, Sunjida Binta Ali, Md Saimul Islam, Tanisha Momtaz, Noshin Farzana, Raian Amzad, Sharful Islam Khan, Md Iftakhar Hassan Khan, Abul Kalam Azad, Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, Aliya Naheed
{"title":"Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities for Good Pharmacy Practices in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Nantu Chakma, Sunjida Binta Ali, Md Saimul Islam, Tanisha Momtaz, Noshin Farzana, Raian Amzad, Sharful Islam Khan, Md Iftakhar Hassan Khan, Abul Kalam Azad, Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, Aliya Naheed","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010026","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2015, the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) of Bangladesh accredited model pharmacies (MPs) to enhance the quality of pharmacy services across the country. We examined the challenges and opportunities for pharmacists in MPs, and also explored the perspectives of the pharmacy stakeholders for improving good pharmacy practices (GPPs) in Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with graduate pharmacists (Grade A) and diploma pharmacists (Grade B) recruited from a few selected MPs that were included in a previous study. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with the government and non-government stakeholders who were involved in pharmacy regulations and practices. Trained qualitative researchers conducted IDIs and KIIs using interview topic guides under relevant themes developed by the study investigators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between February and March 2021, nine Grade A and six Grade B pharmacists and nine government and non-government stakeholders were interviewed. The key challenges, as well as demotivational factors, for Grade A pharmacists were reported to be multiple responsibilities, inadequate salary, poor social status, an unfavorable working environment, long working hours, a lack of recognition, and low respect for their profession. However, Grade B pharmacists expressed job satisfaction, primarily due to working opportunities in reputable pharmacies and learning opportunities. The stakeholders reported a high operation cost of the MPs, a shortage of trained pharmacists, poor salary structures, and a lack of public awareness about the critical roles of the pharmacists in healthcare to be challenges of retaining Grade A pharmacists at the MPs. Addressing the challenges of the pharmacists and revising compensation packages along with strengthening monitoring systems would be important for improving GPPs at the MPs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study has demonstrated that specifying the roles of the pharmacists, offering competitive packages, conducive working hours, and professional recognition would be imperative for the retention of trained pharmacists at MPs. Implementing regulatory standards and monitoring performance would enhance good pharmacy practices in Bangladesh.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11859208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493914","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-11DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010025
Richard Cooper, Catriona Matheson, Emily Pagan, Helen Radford
{"title":"Resentful, Resigned and Respectful: Opioid Analgesics, Pain and Control, a Qualitative Study.","authors":"Richard Cooper, Catriona Matheson, Emily Pagan, Helen Radford","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010025","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Opioid analgesic prescribing has increased significantly with associated concerns about dependence and overdose. This study aimed to explore non-cancer patients' experiences and views of taking opioid analgesics to manage their pain. Twenty-two patients were purposively sampled from English GP practices and participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used to generate emerging latent and semantic themes. Patients resented taking opioid analgesics due to tolerance and addiction fears but were resigned to experiencing chronic pain. Control emerged in relation to patients' acceptance of doctors' control over treatment decisions but also patients' attempted self-control over medicine adherence. This involved negatively perceived attempts to control pain but also prevent tolerance and addiction. Non-pharmacological treatments were viewed negatively by patients and addiction awareness arose from various sources. Patients were respectful of doctors but expressed negativity about the lack of addiction warnings, medication reviews and appointments. Family and friends were infrequently mentioned, as was reference to shared decision-making, suggesting patients navigate control over opioids and pain in relatively isolated ways. Patients reported generally negative experiences of opioid use for pain, which provides key insights for health professionals to enhance understanding and the management of such patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11858891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493929","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}
PharmacyPub Date : 2025-02-10DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010024
Alesha Smith, Dhanya Hariharan Nair, Emma R Smith, Tara F Wheeler, Lauren E Smith, Bruce R Russell, Carlo A Marra
{"title":"University Pharmacy Clinic: Preventing Errors and Enhancing Lives Through Expert Medication Management.","authors":"Alesha Smith, Dhanya Hariharan Nair, Emma R Smith, Tara F Wheeler, Lauren E Smith, Bruce R Russell, Carlo A Marra","doi":"10.3390/pharmacy13010024","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmacy13010024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The University of Otago School of Pharmacy Clinic serves as a model for innovative medication management, tackling critical medication-related problems (MRPs) to enhance patient outcomes and advance pharmacy education. This study evaluated the clinic's impact, examining 456 patient consultations over four years, with a focus on MRPs such as dosing errors, non-adherence, and inadequate monitoring. Using the DOCUMENT classification system, pharmacists identified 754 MRPs and issued 836 recommendations, primarily related to medication adjustments and monitoring. Patients reported significant improvements in health-related quality of life, as measured by the SF12V2 survey, with notable gains in mental and physical health metrics. This outcome highlights the clinic's dual role in optimising patient care and providing pharmacy students with experiential learning opportunities. By integrating hands-on training within a supervised clinical environment, the clinic addresses workforce shortages and reinforces the value of pharmacist-led interventions. The findings advocate for university-based clinics as pivotal hubs for resolving MRPs through interprofessional collaboration, targeted interventions, and innovative technologies such as telepharmacy. The study underscores the need for expanded roles for clinical pharmacists in healthcare policy and practice, showcasing their potential to prevent medication errors, enhance lives, and reshape the future of pharmacy education and patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":30544,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacy","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11858876/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143492541","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}