Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Access to Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Ahmer Hameed Mirza,&nbsp;Abdulmajeed Alqasomi,&nbsp;Faris El-Dahiyat,&nbsp;Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S410262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S410262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This scoping review includes studies on pharmaceutical access, shortages, generics, availability, pharmacoeconomics, and pricing restrictions. The study's findings may aid in developing excellent pharmaceutical and access policies in the country.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To conduct a scoping review documenting access to medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to perform a scoping review. The articles were screened using databases from Google Scholar, EBSCO, Science Direct, and the University of Huddersfield Library. The selection, aims, results, and conclusion of each original research publication published between 2010 and 2022 were evaluated. To categorize the articles, a theme analysis was done.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study includes nineteen publications. The chosen articles revealed four themes. Among these topics were: Access to medications 36.84% Pharmacoeconomic 36.84%), which were the predominant theme followed by Generic Medicines 15.80%, and Cancer drug financing 10.54%. There are myriad challenges related to high-cost medicines. Access restrictions to medications have significant effects on patient morbidity and mortality; as a result, policy decision-makers frequently consider this issue. Access to medicines suffers budgetary limitations and the increasing cost of innovative medicines. Access to medicines for all patients could be significantly impacted by delays in patient access to new therapies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The available evidence revealed that Saudi Arabia's healthcare system has numerous issues ranging from cancer drug financing, medicine shortages, and access issue. In order to achieve the highest health standards possible, it is crucial that each individual has access to medicines and has the financial, physical, and social means to do so. However, the price of some medications can be prohibitive for people who need to obtain them. The study's outcomes could help the country develop pharmaceutical and access policies related to medicines.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/8c/iprp-12-137.PMC10356550.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9918430","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":"Community Pharmacists' Views on the Early Stages of Implementation of a National Pilot Independent Prescribing Service in Wales: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Efi Mantzourani,&nbsp;Rhian Deslandes,&nbsp;Karen Hodson,&nbsp;Andrew Evans,&nbsp;Lydia Taylor,&nbsp;Cherie Lucas","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S395322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S395322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A pilot Independent Prescribers' Service (IPS) was introduced in 13 community pharmacies across Wales in June 2020. Independent Pharmacist Prescribers (IPPs) could prescribe in the areas of management of acute conditions, contraception, or opioid withdrawal, as agreed with local commissioners. Access to the patients' medical records was provided via <i>Choose Pharmacy</i>, the national community pharmacy IT platform.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the experiences of IPPs delivering the service and commissioners responsible for financial resources regarding the IPS in Wales.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative methodology was employed, with purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews, and inductive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five themes were constructed from 13 interviews (n=9 IPPs; n=4 commissioners): (i) patient experience and safety; (ii) professional enablement and rebalancing workload of GPs; (iii) role and limitations of remote consultations; (iv) funding and business model; (v) functionality on <i>Choose Pharmacy</i> to support patient care. The design of the service allowed pharmacists to determine how best to deliver the IPS, maximizing access for patients and promoting a sense of professional value amongst pharmacists.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study builds on the body of evidence on enhanced patient experience with prescribing services in the community, reinforcing that IPPs have a key role in rebalancing management of common conditions from GP surgeries to community pharmacies. Several considerations need to be addressed to ensure future success of the service implementation, delivery and enhanced sustainability, such as formal referral pathways and access to medical records. These can be used by other commissioning bodies in the UK and internationally to build a network of suitably supported IPPs, confident to appropriately deal with uncomplicated acute and chronic conditions; and liaise with primary and/or secondary care when referrals are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/f1/iprp-12-11.PMC9888007.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9213181","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":"Assessment of Dispensing Malpractice in Community Drug Retail Outlets in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Simulated Patient Experience.","authors":"Achenef Bogale Kassie,&nbsp;Teklie Mengie Ayele,&nbsp;Melaku Mekonnen Agidew","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S416830","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S416830","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pharmacy professionals in community drug retail outlets, as the most accessible personnel for the community, are engaged in consultation and responding to health problems in addition to filling prescriptions. In doing so, different dispensing malpractices are observed and much is not known on the issue in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study aimed at assessing dispensing malpractice at pharmacies, drug stores and drug vendors in South Gondar zone.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study design with a descriptive approach was applied from April 1 to June 30. The data was collected using the simulated patient method. Seven prescription-only medicines and a diarrheal case were requested during visit. All drug retail outlets in South Gondar zone that were in service during data collection were visited.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Almost all prescription-only medications were dispensed without prescription at all community drug retail outlets. Of all the dispensaries, 19 (82.6%) provided a partial dosage regimen of amoxicillin. Presence of fever and pregnancy status were asked about by dispensers in only 8% and 20% of visits for diarrhea, respectively. Medication history was also rarely requested. Medication was dispensed in 80% of visits for diarrhea, all of which included antimicrobials. Oral rehydration salt was considered in only two (10%) dispensaries.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dispensing medications without a prescription is common in community drug retail outlets in South Gondar zone in Amhara Regional State. Our findings also showed that detailed assessments of patients' signs and symptoms are not performed properly by the dispensers to understand the diarrheal case. Training of pharmacy professionals and strict regulatory control are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/51/iprp-12-171.PMC10386832.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9913629","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, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacy Professionals Against Dispensing Antibiotics Without Prescription in Ethiopia.","authors":"Kaleab Taye Haile,&nbsp;Abdella Birhan Yabeyu","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S383709","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S383709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat that warrants immediate intervention. Dispensing of antibiotics without prescription (DAWP), is an inappropriate practice that contributes significantly to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants towards DAWP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data was collected from community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants during the eighth national pharmacist's day, which was held on December 4, 2021, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprise of four sections (socio-demographic characteristics, and knowledge, attitude and practice towards DAWP) was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, standard deviation) were computed. Binary logistic regression was used to predict determinates of DAWP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 175 community pharmacy professional were invited in the study, with 158 (111 pharmacists and 47 pharmacy assistants) completing the survey for 90.3% response rate. Most of the participants (86.7%) were aware that DAWP is illegal in Ethiopia. Despite their knowledge, the extent of DAWP was found to be 67.7%. The most common reason given by study participants for DAWP was that most patients do not want to consult prescribers unless the infection appears serious (53.2%). Pharmacy professionals with educational background of masters and above (AOR= 0.354, 95% CI: 0.013-0.744, P= 0.045), and with two to five years of working in community pharmacy (AOR= 0.745, 95% CI: 0.595-0.933, P= 0.010) had a lower tendency to DAWP, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite majority of pharmacy professional are aware that DAWP is illegal and contributes to antibiotic resistance, they commonly DAWP for common cold and diarrheal diseases. Strict enforcement of existing antibiotic supply policies, and ongoing educational support for community pharmacy professionals on the judicious use of antibiotics is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/93/c0/iprp-11-167.PMC9717598.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"35253174","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":"Erratum: Patient-Centered Communication Among Pharmacy Professionals Working in Hospitals and Drug Retail Outlets in Asmara, Eritrea: Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy and Barriers [Erratum].","authors":"","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S395096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S395096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2147/IPRP.S363931.].</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/6c/iprp-11-165.PMC9639410.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40674066","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":"Patient-Centered Communication Among Pharmacy Professionals Working in Hospitals and Drug Retail Outlets in Asmara, Eritrea: Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy and Barriers.","authors":"Ermias Michael,&nbsp;Abdulaziz Nurahmed,&nbsp;Haben Mihreteab,&nbsp;Mohammed Nurhussien,&nbsp;Mohammedali Adem,&nbsp;Alemseghed Goitom,&nbsp;Senai Mihreteab Siele,&nbsp;Eyasu H Tesfamariam,&nbsp;Nuru Abdu","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S363931","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S363931","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, preventable medication-related problems are increasing constantly. Patient-centered communication (PCC) is essential to identify and reduce the occurrence of drug-related problems such as inappropriate use of medications, adverse drug reactions and non-adherence. In Eritrea, personal observations and anecdotal reports showed that pharmacy professionals' practice towards PCC was unsatisfactory. This study was conducted to assess pharmacy professionals' knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and barriers towards the practice of PCC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed among all pharmacy professionals who were employees of the drug retail outlets and hospital out-patient pharmacies of Asmara, Eritrea. A census approach was employed and data were collected from May to June 2021 using a face to face interview-based data collection tool. Descriptive and analytical statistics including independent samples <i>t</i>-test and multiple linear regression were employed using IBM SPSS (version-26).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 79 pharmacy professionals with a median age of 36 (IQR: 20) years were included in the study. The mean (SD) knowledge score of PCC was found to be 11.91 (2.0) out of 17. Moreover, the mean (SD) attitude score was 39.55 (4.0) out of 60 and the overall mean (SD) self-efficacy score was 52.51 (12.0) out of 96. Self-efficacy was significantly correlated with attitude (<i>p</i>=0.015). Work setting (p=0.002) and training (p=0.045) were predictors for the sub-scales of self-efficacy 'exploring patient's perspectives' and 'dealing with communicative challenges', respectively. Workload/shortage of pharmacy professionals and time constraint were found to be the main barriers of the pharmacy professionals for not practicing PCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Generally the pharmacy professionals' fairly encouraging knowledge and attitude score on PCC, it was not supported with their self-efficacy. This necessitates further attention from policy makers and health facility managers in creating an ideal working environment for the pharmacy professionals to practice PCC at their best.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/26/iprp-11-153.PMC9550171.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33503994","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":"Disposal Practices of Unused Medications Among Patients in Public Health Centers of Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Survey [Retraction].","authors":"","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S390678","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S390678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/IPRP.S243069.].</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/ac/iprp-11-151.PMC9514300.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40382894","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":"Assessment of Inventory Management Practice and Associated Challenges of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Life-Saving Drugs in Public Hospitals of Southwest Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Approach.","authors":"Azmeraw Bekele,&nbsp;Wondwosen Kumsa,&nbsp;Mihret Ayalew","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S378340","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S378340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Maternal, newborn, and child health is a global priority, while most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have a poor implementation of maternal, newborn, and child health programs.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess inventory management practice and associated challenges of maternal, newborn, and child health life-saving drugs in public hospitals of Jimma zone and Jimma city.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Hospital-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to 30, 2020. The quantitative data was collected using physical inventory and document reviews. Thus, seventy-eight bin cards and annual report and resupply forms were reviewed, and the collected data was analyzed using SPSS |Version 24| software. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Twelve semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data and analysed manually using a thematic analysis technique.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About half of the evaluated drugs experienced 22 stock-outs per year with a stock-out rate and mean stock-out duration of 83.3% and 1.69 months, respectively. All hospitals placed at least one emergency order. The wastage rate of products was 13.1%. The data quality of report and resupply forms such as the average data accuracy of 396 (84.61%) had a significant association with the increasing level of education, <i>X</i> ² (16, N = 13) = 297.7, <i>p</i> = 0.019. Thirty-five (97.22%) reports and resupply forms were complete, while 24 (66.67%) of them were submitted to suppliers as per the predetermined timeline with an annual reporting rate of 94.44%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Data quality of bin card records was more promising than report and resupply form reports. All hospitals encountered at least one stock-out and one emergency order per year. The wastage rate was twice more than the national normal. Storage management, human asset, and capacity building challenges were identified as inventory management challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/cc/iprp-11-139.PMC9464928.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40356457","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":"Impact of Clinical Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Drug-Related Problems Among Pediatric Cardiology Patients: First Palestinian Experience.","authors":"Mohammed Kamel Elhabil,&nbsp;Mirghani Abdelrahman Yousif,&nbsp;Kannan O Ahmed,&nbsp;Mohamed Ibrahim Abunada,&nbsp;Khaled Ismail Almghari,&nbsp;Ahmed Salah Eldalo","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S374256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S374256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Discovery and resolution of drug-related problems (DRPs) are taken as the cornerstone in the entire pharmaceutical care process to improve patient outcomes. Very limited reports on the analysis of DRPs in pediatric cardiology have been released worldwide.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to disclose the impact of clinical pharmacist's interventions on DRPs among pediatric cardiology patients in Palestine.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between January and September 2021, a prospective interventional study involving clinical pharmacist's care was implemented in the cardiology ward of Al-Rantisy Specialized Pediatric Hospital in Gaza, Palestine. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe model 9.1 was used to identify DRPs, causes of the problem, clinical pharmacist's interventions, cardiologist's acceptance, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 309 DRPs were identified in 87 patients, representing a mean of 3.55 problems per patient. The most common DRPs were \"Treatment effectiveness\" (50.8%) and \"Treatment safety\" (30.4%), while the main causes of these DRPs were \"Errors in dose timing instructions\" (9.4%) and \"Inappropriate combination of drugs\" (13.7%), respectively. Analysis revealed that 96.7% of the interventions suggested by the clinical pharmacist were accepted by cardiologists and that 92.1% of problems were fully resolved with improved patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Interventions offered by the clinical pharmacist successfully addressed DRPs and positively impacted treatment outcomes in pediatric cardiology patients. With the high acceptance of pediatric cardiologists to the clinical pharmacist's experience in Palestine, there is a growing need to integrate clinical pharmacists into cardiology teamwork care to optimize drug therapy and patient safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/19/iprp-11-127.PMC9426679.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40342865","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":"Assessment of Pharmaceutical Service Quality Provided in Community Drug Retail Outlets in Selected Towns, South West Ethiopia.","authors":"Fitsum Demissie,&nbsp;Henok Buno,&nbsp;Getahun Paulos","doi":"10.2147/IPRP.S375155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S375155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inappropriate pharmaceutical services may result in unsafe, ineffective, and poor-quality treatment. This practice ultimately will lead to prolonged illness, suffering and damage to the patient and an increase in the cost of treatment. This study aims to assess the activities of pharmacy professionals and the pharmaceutical service quality given in community drug retail outlets of selected towns, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on all drug retail outlets working in Adola, Bule Hora, Dilla, and Yabelo towns, southern Ethiopia from October 1 to November 30, 2021, by interview through self- structured questionnaires and participant observations of the dispensing process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 46 (100%) dispensers participated. Out of which 18 (39.13%) respondents were from Dilla town, 11 (23.91%) were from Adola, 8 (17.39%) were from Bule Hora and 9 (19.57%) were from Yabelo town. Standard Reference Books 21 (45.7%) and Internet 20 (43.5%) were used as drug information sources by pharmacy professionals to get the latest facts about medicines. The leading causes of a dispensing error were incomplete prescription (54.34%) and illegible prescription (30.43%) from the prescriber. The errors were managed by communicating with patients (23, 50%), and prescribers (18, 39.13%). There was a high frequency of dispensing prescription drugs without prescription paper.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed that less than half of the respondents use standard reference books and the internet as their drug information sources. Incomplete prescriptions from the prescribers were found to be the leading cause of dispensing errors. Dispensing of prescription drugs without receiving an order from a prescriber remains a common problem. Therefore, extensive work from regulatory authorities and pharmacy professionals is required to improve the quality of pharmaceutical services provided in drug retail outlets.</p>","PeriodicalId":45655,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/d2/iprp-11-117.PMC9416480.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33444665","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}