Knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar towards medication use in pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Medication use during pregnancy is common. Pharmacists have an important role in improving medication use during pregnancy. There is a lack of empirical evidence on pharmacists' knowledge and practice characteristics towards medication use in pregnancy. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar about medicines use in pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over a period of 6 months in 2010. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 of 800 licensed pharmacists employed in Qatar [in government and private sectors]. Data were collected on: demographics and practice characteristics of the pharmacists; their knowledge and perception about medication use in pregnancy; their confidence in dealing with pregnant women and physicians; and their source of the drug information. Results: Of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 207 were returned [52% response rate]. Most pharmacists [71%] had not participated in any educational activities on medication use in pregnancy. About 50% reported that < 10% of their workload involved dispensing medications to pregnant women. A lack of available resources and unknown pregnancy status were the main concerns about dispensing medication to pregnant women. The majority of the respondents had average knowledge about medication use in pregnancy. There was a significant association between knowledge, and continuing education and years of experience [P < 0.05]. Conclusions: Pharmacists in Qatar had an average level of knowledge about medications use in pregnancy. Continuous educational programmes are needed for pharmacists in Qatar to enhance their knowledge and practice of medicine use during pregnancy

Hemi-hamate arthroplasty for unstable dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocation of the fingers

To assess restoration of finger functions after hemi-hamate reconstruction. Experimental / Analytic study. This study was carried out at two different centres at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore and King Khalid Hospital, Najran KSA from between 2010 and 2013. We performed hemi-hamate autograft arthroplasty in 20 patients age 16-45 years. All were having comminuted metaphyseal fracture of volar surface of middle phalynx involving more than 50% [55%-90% average 70%] of articular surface with dorsally displaced unstable proximal interphalyngeal joint. Functional outcome was assessed by grip strength, proximal interphalyngeal joint, distal interphalyngeal joint range of motion and residual pain and patient's satisfaction. At the end of average 24.4 months follow-up mean active range of motion for proximal interphalyngeal joint was 62 °[40°- 90°], distal interphalyngeal joint was 54°[40°-65°] and flexion contracture was 150[00-35°]. Grip strength was achieved upto 95% [50%-95%] of opposite normal hand. Almost all patients were satisfied with functional outcome and appearance of the finger. We had not come across donor site morbidity, graft resorption, avascular necrosis, subluxation/dislocation, coronal/sagittal instability, infections except 4 patients, one scar tenderness, one ulnar digital nerve paresthesia and 2 with early osteoarthritic changes. Non-vascularized hemi-hamate autogarft is a good treatment option for comminuted proximal interphalyngeal fracture dislocation having more than 50% volar lip involvement, resulting in satisfactory functional outcome as compared to other surgical treatments. We recommend it in patients of active age group