Emily L. Hoffins MS , Taylor L. Watterson PharmD, PhD , Michelle A. Chui PharmD, PhD
{"title":"Developing personas to examine older adult engagement with televised direct-to-consumer advertisements: A theory based approach","authors":"Emily L. Hoffins MS , Taylor L. Watterson PharmD, PhD , Michelle A. Chui PharmD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The average adult in the United States views up to 16 h of direct-to-consumer television advertisements (DTCA) per year, far exceeding time they spend with their primary care team. DTCAs present a unique opportunity to extend medical education beyond traditional medical settings and into the daily lives of patients. This is particularly valuable for populations with changing healthcare needs, such as older adults. As pharmaceutical companies invest in DTCAs, there is a growing need to identify what characteristics make viewers more likely to retain and act on medication information presented in DTCAs.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This paper presents a theory based approach to developing personas of older adult DTCA viewers that categorize characteristics influencing their approach to healthcare engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In 2023, 25 older adult participants watched a one minute DTCA followed by a semi-structured interview. The interview guide applied concepts from the human factors engineering Communication-Human Information Processing model (C-HIP). C-HIP provided structure for both identifying personal characteristics that influence cognition and examining how these factors influence older adult's ability and desire to retain information from DTCAs. Personas were iteratively developed using qualitative analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study yielded three main older adult DTCA viewing personas. These include: 1) medication averse older adults who actively avoid taking medications, 2) information seeking older adults who independently research health information to participate in shared-decision making, and 3) medication adhering older adults who prefer their provider to control decisions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Constructing older adult personas provides insights into the heterogeneity among older adult approaches to engaging with health information. Each persona represents unique information priorities and personal characteristics of older adults when viewing advertisements, thus presenting a need for tailored patient-centered messaging in commercials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644435","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}
Tara K. Watters , Nicole J. Scholes-Robertson , Andrew J. Mallett , Beverley D. Glass
{"title":"Exploring the pharmacist's role in regional, rural, and remote kidney transplant care: Perspectives of health professionals and transplant recipients","authors":"Tara K. Watters , Nicole J. Scholes-Robertson , Andrew J. Mallett , Beverley D. Glass","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Role clarification amongst health professionals is necessary for successful interprofessional collaboration. Despite a demonstrated need for pharmacists in the provision of care to regional, rural, and remote kidney transplant recipients, this role is not well defined.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study explored health professionals' and kidney transplant recipients' perceptions around the role of the pharmacist in the provision of care to kidney transplant recipients from regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with Australian kidney transplant health professionals and kidney transplant recipients respectively. Transcripts were analysed thematically and deductively coded using a simplified framework of role theory constructs.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants consisted of a multidisciplinary cross section of transplant health professionals (<em>n</em> = 26) and both deceased and living donor kidney transplant recipients (<em>n</em> = 30). Six role theory constructs were identified from the data with regards to the pharmacist's role: role identity, role ambiguity, role overload, role overqualification, role underqualification, and role insufficiency. Core role expectations centred around provision of ongoing education and support with medication management and supply (role identity), however pharmacists remain underutilised for delivery of medication education (role overqualification). A transdisciplinary model of care was suggested to overcome current shortfalls (role overload, role insufficiency). There was hesitancy around pharmacist-led immunosuppressant monitoring and titration (role ambiguity, role underqualification).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Kidney transplant recipients in regional, rural, and remote areas experience unique barriers and challenges associated with medication management, necessitating an increased level of involvement and support from the pharmacist.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642852","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}
Gia Tran , Joshua Wollen , Shantera Davis , Elisabeth M. Wang , Julia Arriazola , Natalie Rosario
{"title":"A review of recommendations, efficacy, and patient safety for over-the-counter norgestrel for daily contraception","authors":"Gia Tran , Joshua Wollen , Shantera Davis , Elisabeth M. Wang , Julia Arriazola , Natalie Rosario","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This narrative review examines the implications of norgestrel, a progestin-only oral contraceptive, becoming newly available over-the-counter (OTC) in the United States. The objectives are to explore the pharmacotherapy,mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and implications to clinical practice of OTC progestin-only pills (POPs), and how this may impact contraceptive access and public health.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The review synthesizes data from clinical studies, public health reports, global perspectives, and recent policy changes to assess the potential impact of OTC access to norgestrel in the United States. The analysis includes the evaluation of the pharmacodynamics of norgestrel 0.075 mg on ovarian activity, the effectiveness of POPs, and benefits and barriers to contraceptive access.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The evidence indicates that POPs thickens cervical mucus, providing effective contraception within 48 h of use. While ovulation inhibition may take up to 28 days and occurs in approximately half of users, the availability of POPs OTC is anticipated to significantly reduce barriers to contraceptive access. This could lead to a broader use of effective contraception and potentially reduce unintended pregnancies. Additionally, the review highlights that the introduction of OTC contraceptives could increase access among populations historically facing difficulties in obtaining prescriptions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Making norgestrel available OTC represents a critical advancement in contraceptive access with the potential to enhance public health by reducing unintended pregnancies. However, the extent of its impact will depend on widespread education and adherence to proper use. The review underscores the need for further research to monitor outcomes post-OTC availability and to assess the broader implications for reproductive health and equity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143628764","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":"Shifting the mindset regarding adherence to antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections","authors":"Carl Llor","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Some papers emphasize adherence to antibiotic therapy, but a paradigm shift is needed. While nonadherence may impact chronic conditions, it has not been proven to affect community respiratory tract infections outside of tuberculosis. Respiratory infections, which account for most community antibiotic prescriptions, often involve inappropriate antibiotic use, even in developed countries, with up to 80 % of consultations resulting in prescriptions. Over-the-counter sales of antibiotics further exacerbate this issue. Research should explore whether stopping antibiotics after symptom resolution, rather than completing the full course, is feasible for non-severe infections. Shorter antibiotic courses have shown similar effectiveness with fewer side effects, aligning with the “shorter is better” principle. The idea that completing the entire antibiotic course prevents antimicrobial resistance remains unproven. Instead, longer exposure to antibiotics increases resistance. A patient-centered approach, focusing on outcomes, is essential for the future of antibiotic stewardship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143632178","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}
Rand Hussein , Nardine Nakhla , Kyu Min Shim , Joslin Goh , Rosemary Killeen , Kelly Grindrod
{"title":"Evaluating the effect of computer-based education on pharmacist behaviour regarding point-of-care testing","authors":"Rand Hussein , Nardine Nakhla , Kyu Min Shim , Joslin Goh , Rosemary Killeen , Kelly Grindrod","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Recent regulatory changes in Ontario have enabled pharmacists to perform point-of-care testing (POCT) to manage chronic diseases. With the introduction of any new service(s), educational interventions can aid acceptance and implementation. Computer-based education (CBE) improves pharmacists' knowledge, but there is little evidence of its effect on pharmacist behaviour. This study assessed the impact of CBE on pharmacist knowledge, behaviour intention, and adoption of POCT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A three-month, web-based, randomized controlled trial was conducted between April 2024 and Sep 2024 with community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada. The intervention group was asked to complete two POCT modules using a CBE platform, while the control group was asked to review reference materials about POCTs. The primary outcome, the difference in the number of POCTs performed, was collected using monthly reports. Secondary outcomes (knowledge gain and changes in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs: attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and behaviour intention) were assessed using selfreported surveys. Generalized linear models (GLM) with negative binomial distribution were used to analyze the number of POCTs. Knowledge gain was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA and binomial regression. TPB constructs were analyzed within groups using paired sample <em>t</em>-tests and between groups using two-sample ttests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 261 pharmacists recruited, 201 completed the pre-study survey, 135 completed the one-week post-test, and 104 completed the three-month post-test. There was a significant difference in knowledge test scores between the two groups at one week (<em>P</em> = .001) and three months (<em>P</em> < .00). There was no significant difference in behavioural constructs between the two groups at three months. However, attitude increased significantly for both groups (intervention group 3.6 ± 0.6 Vs. 3.95 ± 0.5 <em>P</em> < .001; control group 3.5 ± 0.6 Vs. 3.8 ± 0.5 P < .001). There was no significant change in the number of POCTs performed after one, two, and three months for both study groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CBE improved pharmacists' knowledge of POCT but showed a limited effect on pharmacist intention or behaviour. The study highlighted that knowledge alone does not influence behaviour change. Factors such as organizational support, adequate reimbursement, and expanded practice scope (e.g., prescribing) are critical to enhance POCT implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100586"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143609622","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}
Dagmar Abelone Dalin , Sara Sommer Holst , Lucif Søemosegaard Dalin , Charlotte Vermehren
{"title":"Interdisciplinary medication reviews of psychiatric patients – A mixed method evaluation","authors":"Dagmar Abelone Dalin , Sara Sommer Holst , Lucif Søemosegaard Dalin , Charlotte Vermehren","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Patients at psychiatric homes are a vulnerable group with several factors complicating their pharmacological treatment. Psychiatric patients in stable treatment are transferred from specialist care to primary care, which presents new challenges as general practitioners (GPs) may feel that they are not sufficiently trained in prescribing and tapering psychiatric drugs. Medication reviews (MRs) have been seen to improve the appropriateness of pharmacological treatment – especially when performed in interdisciplinary teams.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Thus, the aim of this study was to examine to which extent it was possible to conduct interdisciplinary MRs at a psychiatric home and with patient involvement. The study was a mixed-method evaluation study that included 11 quantitative MRs analyzed by descriptive analysis and 5 qualitative semi-structured interviews analyzed by thematic coding analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The MR performance formed the basis of an interview study. The patients' GPs and psychiatrist accepted 32 of the 37 (86 %) recommended changes to the current medication. At six months follow-up, 75 % of changes had been implemented. Three main interview themes and seven sub-themes were identified, covering collaboration between healthcare professionals, patient involvement, and the MR method. Conduction of interdisciplinary MRs was affected by e.g. challenges in the collaboration between GP and psychiatrists and patient involvement.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Interdisciplinary MRs for psychiatric patients were seen as beneficial by healthcare professionals and had a high implementation rate of medication changes. In future use of the MR model, the involvement of patients and GPs should be ensured and include a psychiatrist in the MR team.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619192","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":"Automated dispensing cabinets and the effect on omitted doses of ward stock medicines; can implementation reduce delays to first dose antimicrobials?","authors":"Emma Jeffrey, Áine Walsh, Kit Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Omitted doses are a subset of medication administration errors which have the potential to cause severe harm. Sepsis is a clinical condition where dose omissions or delays in medicines administration can be fatal. Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) provide a medicines management solution which keeps track of stock in real time and can automatically generate orders, reducing the likelihood of medication stockouts. This study aims to assess the impact of ADC implementation on the rate of omitted doses due to unavailability of ward stock medicines. Secondary aims are to investigate the effect of ADCs on omitted doses of first dose antimicrobials. Due doses data was compiled from the electronic prescribing and medicines administration (EPMA) system for ten wards pre-ADC implementation between July and September 2022 and was compared with data post-ADC implementation between July and September 2023. Omitted doses were selected and filtered for those marked ‘drug not available’. Ward stock lists were used to determine which omitted doses were for medicines held as ward stock. A secondary analysis filtered this data further to isolate omitted doses of ward stock medicines which were systemically administered antimicrobials. The overall number of prescribed doses during the pre-implementation period was comparable to those in the post-implementation period. There was a total of 393 omitted doses of ward stocked medicines due to unavailability pre-ADC implementation, and 817 post-ADC implementation. This represents an omission rate due to unavailability of ward stock medicines as a percentage of all prescribed doses, of 0.08 % pre-ADC and 0.18 % post-ADC implementation. Statistical analysis showed no difference (<em>p</em> = 0.1655). There was also no statistical difference in omitted doses of ward stocked antimicrobials pre vs post-ADC implementation (<em>p</em> = 0.3363). It has been identified that a potential way to reduce rates of omitted doses is by optimising stock stored in each cabinet. This research is encouraging and may warrant further data collection once stock optimisation has occurred.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100583"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143519950","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}
Théodora Merenda , Fanny Depasse , Stéphanie Patris
{"title":"The impact of simulated visual impairment on medication use process: A study with healthy volunteers","authors":"Théodora Merenda , Fanny Depasse , Stéphanie Patris","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Visual impairment may be caused by various diseases and can impact the safe use of medications. It is therefore important that healthcare professionals consider these challenges to facilitate the correct administration of medications by visually impaired patients.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine the category of visual impairment beyond which it becomes impossible to identify medication boxes, to read patient information leaflets, expiration dates, and dosage instructions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Visual impairment was simulated with glasses on healthy volunteers who had to identify and read different elements on medication boxes and leaflets. The participant eligibility was confirmed through the administration of five ophthalmological tests designed to quantify functional vision. Data were analyzed using a within-subject repeated measures ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ninety-two simulations were conducted. This study indicates that for a simulated moderate visual impairment, 81 % of participants lacked access to the medication names and doses, 75 % lacked access to the full expiration date, and 60 % were unable to read the leaflets. Additionally, a simulated moderate visual impairment resulted in a reduced reading speed of 44 words per minute. The low contrast of the writing on medication boxes makes identification more difficult.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This simulation study demonstrated that it became impossible to identify medication boxes from a severe visual impairment onwards, while it was no longer possible to read leaflets and expiry dates from a moderate visual impairment onwards. Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the patient has strategies to identify medications, particularly if the packaging exhibits low contrast and small print.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143488811","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}
Richard Segal , Michelle L. Zeigler , Jordan L. Wallace , Folakemi T. Odedina
{"title":"Enhancing medication adherence in marginalized and minoritized communities: A brief training approach for pharmacy technicians and community health workers","authors":"Richard Segal , Michelle L. Zeigler , Jordan L. Wallace , Folakemi T. Odedina","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Medication non-adherence is a pervasive issue, with especially severe consequences for marginalized and minoritized populations. Engaging pharmacy technicians and community health workers (CHWs) to address medication adherence in collaboration with pharmacists could be an effective strategy since they may be better positioned to build trust and rapport with patients compared to pharmacists alone.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a brief training program for pharmacy technicians and community health workers in improving medication adherence.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A hybrid model training program, including pre-recorded video lectures to be watched at home followed by an in-person session, was developed and delivered to 19 pharmacy technicians and 109 CHWs, focusing on key skills related to enhancing medication adherence. Participants' knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed using pre- and post-program questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The training program yielded significant improvements in participants' knowledge and confidence in performing activities to improve medication adherence. Notably, post-training scores did not differ significantly between pharmacy technicians and community health workers, indicating that both groups achieved similar levels of knowledge and self-efficacy. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians demonstrated significant gains in understanding cultural competence and health disparities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A targeted, brief training program can significantly enhance the knowledge and self-efficacy of pharmacy technicians and community health workers in addressing medication adherence. Engaging these frontline healthcare workers could be a crucial strategy for improving medication adherence, particularly in marginalized communities. Future research is necessary to assess the impact of this training on patient adherence outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143508926","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}
Sujith Ramachandran , Stefan Kertesz , Emily Gravlee , Prachi Prajapati , John P. Bentley , Yi Yang
{"title":"Development of the barriers to opioid access scale among individuals with chronic pain","authors":"Sujith Ramachandran , Stefan Kertesz , Emily Gravlee , Prachi Prajapati , John P. Bentley , Yi Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Measurement of accessibility is a crucial pillar in assessing equity of access to pain treatment, particularly in the context of reducing opioid prescribing in response to rising overdose deaths in the United States.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to measure barriers to prescription opioid access among individuals with chronic pain and test its psychometric properties.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of adults (>18 years) who reported any type of pain for at least 45 days or more in the previous 3 months. The survey captured demographic characteristics, self-reported medication use characteristics, and measures such as the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form and the PROMIS Global Health measure, along with an item pool of potential questions that measure barriers to opioid access.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Respondents (<em>N</em> = 200) were 89 % women, 86 % White, averaging 45.32 years old (SD:11.79), and reported poor quality life. Two subscales, Access to Care and Patient Concerns, were identified for the Barriers to Opioid Access Scale with good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.909 and 0.835, respectively). In multivariable analyses, the Access to Care subscale was associated with the PROMIS mental health score (−2.44; 95 % CI: −3.77, −1.11), and the Patient Concerns subscale was associated with self-reported frequency of opioid use (−0.70; 95 % CI: −0.99, −0.40).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The newly developed BOAS has the potential to serve as a tool for capturing quality of pain treatment as well as measuring the impact of policy changes on the quality of treatment provided to patients with chronic pain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143508927","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}