Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Intervention in the Intensive Care Unit, Wad Medani, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional, Prospective Study.","authors":"Yousif B Hamadalneel, Hifa O Ahmed","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S459170","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IPRP.S459170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Critical care pharmacists are uniquely qualified to provide a key role within the critical care multi-disciplinary team in managing the aspect of therapy, given their contributions to improved patient outcomes, medication safety, and reduced cost of the drug. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, type, and impact of clinical pharmacist interventions in the Intensive Care Unit and their physicians' acceptance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional, prospective study. Data were gathered over six months (15th June 2023 to 15th December 2023) on a daily basis, with a minimum sample size of 384 interventions. All patients admitted to the ICU at Wad Medani Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, Sudan during the study period were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In general, a total of 510 interventions were made for 123 patients throughout the six months course of study. Among them, 493 (96.7%) clinical pharmacist interventions were agreed by physicians. Among categories of interventions, most of the recommendations were concerned about safety 34.11% (174/510), in which drug discontinuation due to long duration was the highest one 48.27% (48/174) followed by the renal dose adjustment 30.46% (53/174). Another clinical intervention involving indication accounted for 23.33% (119/510) in second place. Regarding the cost-saving interventions the study showed that, of the total number of interventions, 124 had a costrelated component, accounting for (24.31%) of the total interventions. Among all the interventions, the addition of drug, with a frequency of 103 (20.2%) was the most recurring intervention, followed by dosing at 100 (19.6%), and renal dose adjustment at 53 (10.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated how clinical pharmacists might enhance critical care patients' quality management while reducing the costs associated with medication and care. In addition, it contributes valuable insights into the integration of clinical pharmacists in ICU settings, especially in resource-limited environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"43-49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11090122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140917148","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":"Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists Toward Cow Milk Protein Allergy Complications and Treatment in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sudan.","authors":"Zahraa Elrasheed Ali, Abdelrahim Elameen, Fatima A Fadul, Rawan R Babikir, Ahmed H Arbab","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S454850","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IPRP.S454850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cow's milk protein allergy is the most frequent type of food allergy in newborns and young children. It affects numerous body systems. A community pharmacist possessing adequate knowledge and appropriate practices is crucial for the management of the disease.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of community pharmacists toward the complications and treatment of cow milk protein allergy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 randomly selected community pharmacists in the Capital of Sudan (Khartoum state). Data were collected using a validated and internally consistent (Cronbach Alpha = 0.712) self-administered questionnaire Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The response rate was 95.8%, and about 47.8% of the population had 1-5 years of experience as community pharmacists, and 37.4% of them had a post-graduate degree. Only 30.8% of respondents had good knowledge, while 40.6% had poor knowledge, and 28.6% had scored as having fair knowledge of complications of Cow's milk protein allergy. Regarding knowledge toward treatment, 65.1% of respondents had a poor knowledge, 24.5% had fair knowledge, and only 10.4% had good knowledge. Overall, 39.62% of participants had a positive attitude, and 60.38% had a negative attitude toward this disease. Data analysis showed no significant association between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and their knowledge and attitude.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Community pharmacists in Khartoum State had inadequate knowledge and attitude about the complications and treatment of cow milk protein allergy. As a result, we recommend the implementation of strategies to raise pharmacists' knowledge and attitude.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"51-60"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11088822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140912806","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":"Drug Use Evaluation of Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) Fixed-Dose Combination for Initiation and Transition Among HIV-Infected Individuals Attending Lumame Primary Hospital, North West Ethiopia.","authors":"Bantayehu Addis Tegegne, Agumas Alemu Alehegn, Mengistie Kassahun","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S455351","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S455351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A key strategy for quality improvement is drug use evaluation, which looks at the safe, appropriate use of medication principles. Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD-FDC) usage has not yet been sufficiently examined in published literature. The purpose of this study was to assess how TLD were used by HIV-positive patients Using WHO drug use evaluation standards in Lumame Primary Hospital, North West Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using WHO drug use evaluation standards, a retrospective study design was used to evaluate the appropriateness of TLD use. Systematic random sampling was utilized to gather patient medical records containing TLD. Accordingly, 100 records that met the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed between April 1 and 15, 2021. Five criteria, namely, indication, dose, contraindication, drug interaction, and TLD safety monitoring were used to evaluate the appropriateness of TLD utilization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>80% of patients were transited to TLD from other regimens. The median time on TLD was found to be 13 months with 9 months to 18 months IQR. The latest CD4 count as well as CD4 count at the initiation or transition of TLD was not done for 75% and 89% of the patients, respectively. 3/4 (75%) of the patients were found to have a scheduled medication refill history. TLD dosing, indications, and contraindications were found to be 100% appropriate. No, TLD safety monitoring tests were done for 21% of the patients in this study. However, viral load, liver/kidney function, and serum creatinine tests were done for 77% (95% CI: 74%-79%), 5% (95% CI: 2%-8%), and 14% (95% CI: 11%-17%) of the patients, respectively. More over, In 93% (95% CI: 91%-95%) of the patients, the TLD interaction was appropriate; in 7%, it was not. All recording, documenting, and reporting technologies were available and used efficiently, except for the Electronic Dispensing Tool.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Generally, good adherence to national and WHO guidelines was obtained regarding dose, indication, and contraindications. However, improvement in safety monitoring tests and CPT utilization is recommended. Drug interactions satisfied the majority of the criteria's threshold, while certain standards were not followed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"31-42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11034558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140858821","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":"Evaluation of Rational Medicines Use Based on World Health Organization Core Indicators: A Cross-Sectional Study in Five Health Districts in Mauritania.","authors":"Mohamed Ali Ag Ahmed, Raffaella Ravinetto, Khadijetou Diop, Verónica Trasancos Buitrago, Catherine Dujardin","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S447664","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S447664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The rational use of medicines is essential for preventing adverse medicine reactions, achieving therapeutic outcomes, and optimizing treatment costs. While the irrational use of medicines is frequently reported in sub-Saharan Africa, to the best of our knowledge no formal studies have taken place in Mauritania thus far. The main objective of this study was therefore to analyze the rational use of medicines in public and private not-for-profit health facilities, in five health districts in Mauritania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the rational use of medicines. We used the standard indicators derived from the methodologies of the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD). Data were prospectively collected from 1050 prescriptions/patients, in thirty-one public and private not-for-profit health posts/centers in 5 health districts. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. P value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval considered for significance of relationships for associations in statistical test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average number of medicines per prescription was 2.21; 83.1% (1931/2325) of medicines were prescribed by generic name, but only 54% (1253/2325) were on the National Essential Medicine List (NEML). Antibiotics were prescribed in 62.4% (655/1050) of the consultations, and injectable medicines were prescribed in 15.6% (164/1050) of the consultations. The average consultation time was 16.32 minutes, and the average dispensing time was 97 seconds. Dispensed medicines were correctly labeled, and 83% (871/1050) of patients met the correct administration schedule. The NEML, and the \"restricted NEML\" for 76 commonly-used medicines, were available in all surveyed health facilities, but the National Therapeutic Guidelines were available in only 60.26% of them.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate a possible excess of antibiotics prescriptions, and a likely lack of knowledge of the National Therapeutic Guidelines. There is a need to investigate in more detail the prescription patterns versus disease-specific therapeutic guidelines, and to qualitatively investigate the factors that contribute to the observed irrational prescribing. Moreover, training local staff in the rational use of medicines seems important.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"17-29"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10984847/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140858822","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":"Biosimilars Would Reduce Health Care Costs But Are Yet Poorly Known - Patient Survey Study Among Biological Medicine Users.","authors":"Mari Pölkki, Tuire Prami","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S440888","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IPRP.S440888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>From the beginning of the year 2024, gradually implemented amendment to the Medicines Act will enable interchange of biological medicines in pharmacies in Finland. The legislative change aims to reduce health care costs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Opinions of the biological medicine users regarding substitution in pharmacies and knowledge about biological medicines were determined by a patient survey in community pharmacies and via patient organizations in Finland.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 199 users of biological medicines responded to the survey. The respondents did not always know which product they were using, an originator or a biosimilar. This was more prominent among patients with biosimilars determined according to brand names. The more recently the biological medicine had been prescribed, the more likely a biosimilar was in use. Only about 40% of the respondents would enable pharmacies to substitute their biological medicine to a lower cost product. The most common obstacle to the idea of interchange in pharmacies was that the respondents wanted to keep the product the doctor had prescribed for them. In general, biosimilar users were more accepting towards possible interchange than originator users.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although the most recent treatments appear to be initiated with biosimilars, interchange in pharmacies could enable an efficient way to lower health care costs. However, guidance and awareness regarding biosimilars and biological medicines in general would improve patients' willingness towards the change, but also help pharmacists and prescribing doctors in their meaningful role.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"9-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10849140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139703693","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":"Exploring Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy: Attitudes and Perceptions Among Saudi Pharmacists and Students.","authors":"Mohammed Alnuhait, Nada Falah Alqurashi, Ghodwah Zubair Abdullatif, Manar Sami Maash, Refal Fagieha, Haneen Alshareef, Foud O Bahamdain, Waad Alghamdi, Abdullah A Alhifany","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S441142","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IPRP.S441142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Entrepreneurship has recently become a focus in community development, innovation, and economic growth, including within pharmaceutical organizations. However, it remains a relatively new aspect of pharmacy education. For the effective incorporation of entrepreneurship in this field, a robust educational foundation is critical, one that emphasizes risk-taking, strategic planning, competitive spirit, and a sense of social responsibility. This study aims to evaluate Saudi pharmacists' attitudes towards entrepreneurship in their practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey design to assess the attitudes of pharmacists and pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia towards entrepreneurship. The study sample consisted of 302 individuals, selected through convenience sampling, all of whom were either licensed pharmacists or pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia. The survey was conducted electronically and disseminated online throughout the duration of January 2023, spanning a one-month period. The research sought to provide a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurship is perceived within the pharmacy field.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study involved 302 pharmacists in Saudi Arabia, with the majority being pharmacy students and Doctor of Pharmacy holders. Over 60% of the participants worked for the government sector. Results showed a strong interest in entrepreneurship, with nearly 80% expressing interest and believing in the entrepreneurial potential of pharmacists. However, there was a knowledge gap, as only 52% were familiar with entrepreneurship concepts, and most had not taken entrepreneurship courses. More than half of the participants reported insufficient institutional support for entrepreneurship. Remarkably, only 1% had started a pharmaceutical business.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, this study emphasizes the interest in entrepreneurship among pharmacists, highlighting the need for raising familiarity and formal education in the field. Factors such as working in the government sector were associated with higher willingness to become entrepreneurs, while the lack of awareness and institutional support hindered the entrepreneurial mindset.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"13 ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10802168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139543243","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":"Promoting Internship Excellence: Key Strategies Employed by Pharmacy Schools for Successful Development.","authors":"Najmaddin A H Hatem","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S444727","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S444727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Various early pharmacy practice experiences, such as introductory, advanced, and postgraduate internship programs, are part of the journey of future pharmacists during their educational experience in pharmacy schools. Pharmacy schools have the potential to enhance the quality of their internship programs by establishing strategies to provide comprehensive instruction and practical experience for students. Hence, this commentary shade light on the critical tactics employed by pharmacy schools to guarantee the growth and success of pharmacy students during their different internship programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"12 ","pages":"239-245"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10710273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138811840","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":"The Extent of Antibiotic Dispensing in Self-Medication Encounters in Sudan: A Simulated Patient Study Focusing on Cefixime Sale.","authors":"Riham M Hamadouk, Einass M Alshareif, Omnia M Ibrahim, Esra D Albashair, Bashir A Yousef","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S440010","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IPRP.S440010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antibiotics play an important role in decreasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, inappropriate use of them by patients or healthcare professionals contributes to their resistance rendering them less efficacious. Community pharmacists (CPs) have a significant part in reducing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the dispensing of antibiotics without prescription in community pharmacies with an emphasis on cefixime dispensing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, simulated patient (SP) study was conducted in the Khartoum locality. A total of 238 community pharmacies were randomly chosen using simple random sampling. One scenario of uncomplicated urinary tract infection was designed, and six female pharmacy students who were trained to act as SPs presented the scenario. Descriptive statistics were applied to report the study outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the 238 pharmacy visits, at least one antibiotic was dispensed without a prescription in 69.3% of the simulated visits. Among the dispensed antibiotics, ciprofloxacin was the most dispensed antibiotic followed by cefixime representing 51.5% and 41.8%, respectively, of total dispensed antibiotics. Cefixime was dispensed as a first choice by CPs in 29% of the visits, and in the rest of the visits, only 37.3% of CPs refused to dispense cefixime after SP demand.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings revealed a high rate of antibiotics dispensing without prescription by CPs in Khartoum state, and cefixime was obtained with ease before and after the patient's demand. Urgent corrective actions such as imposing strict regulations, monitoring pharmacists' practice, and endorsing educational programs for pharmacists are needed to prevent inappropriate antibiotic dispensing practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"12 ","pages":"227-237"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10683652/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138463462","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":"Knowledge, Perception, and Readiness of Indonesian Pharmacists for the Implementation of Telepharmacy-Based Pharmaceutical Services in Indonesia.","authors":"Nasrul Wathoni, Keri Lestari, Ghina Nadhifah Iftinan, Susi Afrianti Rahayu, Anggun Nurlatifah, Miski Aghnia Khairinisa, Khaled M Elamin","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S434790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S434790","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Telepharmacy, a digital technology-driven approach, has emerged as a potential solution to address the challenges posed by this pandemic. Telepharmacy is a method used in pharmaceutical practice where a pharmacist utilizes telecommunications technology to supervise aspects of pharmacy operations or provide patient care services. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' level of knowledge, perception, and readiness toward telepharmacy in Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional approach was used in this study, and non-probabilistic purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents who were Indonesian pharmacists. The Telepharmacy Knowledge, Perception, and Readiness questionnaire, translated into Indonesian and administered online, was used to measure the pharmacist's knowledge, perception, and readiness level. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed using SPSS version 26, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 378 responses were obtained, with 96.83% exhibiting high knowledge and 63.23% showing high readiness for telepharmacy services. Furthermore, 58.20% of respondents had a positive perception of telepharmacy services. The results indicate a significant influence of pharmacist's knowledge and perception on their readiness to implement telepharmacy services in the future practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most study participants had sufficient knowledge, positive perceptions, and readiness to implement telepharmacy services in their future pharmaceutical practice. However, they expressed concerns about the potential for an increased workload and the potential lack of incentives associated with the widespread adoption of telepharmacy practice models. Telepharmacy practice models must be included in the training programs that train future's pharmacists in order to ensure that they have the abilities required to offer telepharmacy services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"12 ","pages":"213-225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10676650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138463461","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":"Request for Antimalarial Medicines and Their Dispensing Without a Prescription in Community Pharmacies in Rwanda.","authors":"Amon Nsengimana,&nbsp;Emmanuel Biracyaza,&nbsp;Joyce Isimbi,&nbsp;Charles Uwambajimana,&nbsp;Jean Claude Hategekimana,&nbsp;Vedaste Kagisha,&nbsp;Domina Asingizwe,&nbsp;Jean Baptiste Nyandwi","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S428105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S428105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to explore the request and dispensing of antimalarial medicines without a prescription in community pharmacies in Rwanda, as well as factors associated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We employed an embedded mixed-methods design that involved a convenience sample of 235 licensed community pharmacists between February and April 2022. To simultaneously collect qualitative and quantitative data, we used a self-administered questionnaire containing a combination of close and open-ended questions. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between dispensing antimalarial medicines without a prescription and the selected independent variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and a 95% confidence interval was applied. The factors influencing the dispensing of antimalarial medicines without a prescription were analyzed using thematic content analysis as a qualitative analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most respondents (88.5%) were asked to dispense antimalarial medicines by clients without a prescription. More than half of them (54%) agreed, but 34.5% refused; instead, they referred clients to malaria diagnostic testing facilities. Those who had rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in stock (OR=2.08, 95% CI:1.1-3.94), and thought that antimalarials were over-the-counter medicines (OR=7.03, 95% CI:2.01-24.5) were more likely to dispense antimalarial medicines without prescriptions. The primary reasons reported by community pharmacists for dispensing antimalarial medicines without prescriptions included their prior knowledge of malaria diagnosis, client pressure, and fear of losing clients. However, non-adherence to negative results obtained from formal health facilities and long queues at these institutions have also been cited as additional factors driving clients to seek antimalarial medicines without prescriptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dispensing antimalarial medicines without prescriptions is a common practice in community pharmacies in Rwanda. The main factors contributing to this practice include lack of awareness regarding the classification of antimalarials as prescription medicines, the availability of malaria diagnostic tests, client pressure, and fear of losing clients.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":"12 ","pages":"195-212"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10625414/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71487173","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}