Perfil das pessoas com diabetes que utilizaram a telefarmácia na pandemia de covid-19: resultados da DIABETES / Profile of people with diabetes who used telepharmacy during the covid-19 pandemic: results from DIABETES / Perfil de personas con diabetes que usaron telefarmacia durante la pandemia de covid-19: resultados de DIABETES

O objetivo foi analisar o perfil das pessoas com diabetes que utilizaram a telefarmácia na pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados oriundos da websurvey DIABETESvid que ocorreu nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2020. Verificou-se que 45 participantes recorreram à telefarmácia, sendo que 55,6% eram do sexo masculino, 42,2% tinham idade compreendida entre 18 e 34 anos e 46,7% estudaram 12 ou mais anos. Além disso, 48,9% autorreferiram diabetes mellitus tipo 1. A maioria usava insulina (55,6%) e obteve os medicamentos para o diabetes em farmácias do sistema público de saúde (60%). Ademais, as pessoas que tiveram o diagnóstico de covid-19 buscaram mais pela telefarmácia (RP=2,20; IC95% 1,23­3,94). Sabe-se que os medicamentos são essenciais para o tratamento do diabetes. Logo, no período estudado em que se preconizava o distanciamento físico, os participantes apropriaram-se da telefarmácia a fim de obter a integralidade do cuidado

The objective was to analyze the profile of people with diabetes who used telepharmacy during the covid-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study with data from the DIABETESvid websurvey that took place in September and October 2020. It was found that 45 participants used telepharmacy, 55.6% of whom were male, 42.2% were between 18 and 34 years-old and 46.7% studied 12 or more years. In addition, 48.9% self-reported type 1 diabetes mellitus. Most used insulin (55.6%) and obtained their diabetes medication from pharmacies in the public health system (60%). Also, people diagnosed with covid-19 used telephar-macy more often (PR=2.20; 95%CI 1.23­3.94). It is known that drugs are essential for the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, in the period studied in which physical distancing was advocated, the participants used telepharmacy to obtain comprehensive care

El objetivo fue analizar el perfil de las personas con diabetes que utilizaron la telefarmacia durante la pandemia del covid-19. Estudio transversal con datos de la encuesta por internet DIABETESvid realizada en septiembre y octubre de 2020. Se encontró que 45 participantes recurrieron a la telefarmacia, de los cuales el 55,6% eran hombres, el 42,2% tenían entre 18 y 34 años y el 46,7% estudiaban 12 o más años. Además, el 48,9% se autorrefirió diabetes mellitus tipo 1. La mayoría utilizaba insulina (55,6%) y recibía su medicación antidiabética en farmacias del sistema público (60%). Además, las personas diagnosticadas con covid-19 buscaron telefarmacia con más frecuencia (RP = 2,20; IC 95% 1,23­3,94). Los medicamentos son esenciales para el tratamiento de la diabetes. Por lo tanto, en el período estudiado en el que se propugnaba el distanciamiento físico, los participantes se apropiaron de la telefarmacia para la atención integral

Perceptions of Pharmacy students about their competences for professional practice in community pharmacy

Abstract Pharmaceutical education should enable the development of competences for community pharmacy practice, which is an important field for the pharmacist workforce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the competences perceived by pharmacy interns from a Brazilian pharmacy school for community pharmacy practice. This study adopted a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. The study cohort included undergraduate students who undertook internships in community pharmacy in the final year of the pharmacy course. Students responded to an 11-item structured questionnaire according to a five-point Likert scale that included perceptions of their competences for community pharmacy practice. Among the 693 possible answers, 605 (87.3%) agreed that the course promoted the development of competences for professional practice in community pharmacy. Less than 70% of students perceived themselves as prepared to respond to symptoms and provide non-prescription medicines. Qualitative analysis of the comments revealed three themes: the need to improve patient information skills, improve practice as a member of a health care team, and improve dispensing according to legal requirements. These findings may support improvements in undergraduate pharmacy programs, such as the inclusion of experiential learning, active learning methods, interprofessional education, and development of clinical skills.

Sources of medicines for hypertension and diabetes in Brazil: results from the National Health Survey / Fontes de medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes no Brasil: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde / Fuentes de medicamentos para la hipertensión y diabetes en Brasil: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud

This study aims to analyze the sources people over 18 years of age use to obtain medication for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, according to sociodemographic characteristics from 2013 to 2019. Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey were analyzed. Most individuals with diagnosis and prescription to pharmacological treatment reported obtaining medicines exclusively from one type of source. The percentage of people who acquired hypertension medicine exclusively from public pharmacies decreased, from 24.5% in 2013 to 16.2% in 2019; while there was an increase in those obtaining from the Popular Pharmacy program, from 23.5% to 31.4%; as well as for out-of-pocket payment, which rose from 30.9% to 35.5% The percentage of people who acquired diabetes medication exclusively from public pharmacies increased from 7.4% to 18.6% and with out-of-pocket payment increased from 21.6% to 26.8%, while the percentage of those who acquired from the Popular Pharmacy program decreased from 47.2% to 36.4%. The percentage of those who acquired medication from various sources decreased for both hypertension and diabetes. For men, white, and those with higher education, the source of medication acquisition, for both conditions, was mostly by out-of-pocket payment. The high number of medicine acquisition from public sources represents an advance in Brazil's response to the treatment of these conditions, but reducing regional differences still represents a challenge to be overcome by the healthcare system.

Este estudo buscou analisar as fontes utilizadas por pessoas com mais de 18 anos para obter medicamentos para o tratamento de hipertensão arterial e diabetes de acordo com características sociodemográficas de 2013 a 2019. Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde. A maioria dos indivíduos com diagnóstico e prescrição para tratamento farmacológico relatou a obtenção de medicamentos exclusivamente de um tipo de fonte. O percentual de pessoas que adquiriram medicamentos para hipertensão exclusivamente de farmácias públicas diminuiu de 24,5% em 2013 para 16,2% em 2019. Por outro lado, o percentual daqueles que adquiriram pelo Programa Farmácia Popular aumentou de 23,5% para 31,4% e gastos próprios foram de 30,9% para 35,5%. O percentual de pessoas que adquiriram medicamentos para diabetes exclusivamente de farmácias públicas aumentou de 7,4% para 18,6% e gastos próprios aumentaram de 21,6% para 26,8% enquanto o percentual dos que adquiriram da Farmácia Popular diminuiu de 47,2% para 36,4%. O percentual daqueles que adquiriram medicamentos de diversas fontes diminuiu tanto para hipertensão quanto para diabetes. Homens, pessoas brancas e pessoas com Ensino Superior adquiriram medicamentos para ambas as condições principalmente por gastos próprios. O alto número de aquisições de medicamentos de fontes públicas representa um avanço na resposta do Brasil ao tratamento dessas condições, mas reduzir as diferenças regionais ainda é um desafio a ser superado pelo sistema de saúde.

Este estudio buscó analizar las fuentes utilizadas por personas mayores de 18 años para obtener medicamentos para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes según las características sociodemográficas de 2013 a 2019. Los datos provienen de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud. La mayoría de los individuos con diagnóstico y prescripción de tratamiento farmacológico reportaron obtener los medicamentos exclusivamente de un tipo de fuente. El porcentaje de personas que compraban medicamentos para la hipertensión exclusivamente en farmacias públicas disminuyó del 24,5% en 2013 al 16,2% en 2019. Por otro lado, el porcentaje de quienes lo compraban a través del programa Farmacia Popular aumentó del 23,5% al 31,4% , y el gasto pasó del 30,9% al 35,5%. El porcentaje de personas que compraban medicamentos para la diabetes exclusivamente en farmacias públicas aumentó del 7,4% al 18,6% y el gasto propio aumentó del 21,6% al 26,8%, mientras que el porcentaje de los que compraban en Farmacia Popular descendió del 47,2% al 36,4%. El porcentaje de quienes compraban medicamentos de diferentes fuentes disminuyó tanto para la hipertensión como para la diabetes. Los hombres, los individuos de raza blanca y las personas con educación superior adquirieron medicamentos para ambas afecciones a sus expensas.. El alto número de compras de medicamentos de fuentes públicas es un avance en la respuesta de Brasil al tratamiento de estas condiciones, pero la reducción de las diferencias regionales sigue siendo un desafío para ser superado por el sistema de salud.

Mapping community pharmacy services in Brazil: a scoping review

Abstract The delivery of clinical pharmacy services has been growing in Brazilian community pharmacies, and it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of Brazilian studies about clinical pharmacy services in community pharmacies. Original research articles, with no restriction of time, study design, or patient's health condition, were included. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and Lilacs. Two reviewers conducted the screening, full-text reading, and data extraction independently. ROB and ROBINS-I were used for the assessment of quality. Charts and tables were built to summarise the data. Seventy-two articles were included. A diversity of study designs, number of participants, terms used, and outcomes was found. São Paulo and Sergipe States had the highest number of studies (n=10). Pharmacists' interventions were not fully reported in 65% of studies, and most studies presented an unclear risk of bias. Studies were very diverse, impairing the comparisons between the results and hindering their reproducibility. This review suggests using guidelines and checklists for better structuration of pharmacists' interventions as well as reporting results and measuring fidelity in future research.

Análise da produção científica sobre os serviços farmacêuticos comunitários no enfrentamento da pandemia pelo coronavírus / Analysis of scientific production on community pharmaceutical services in confronting the coronavirus pandemic

RESUMO Esta revisão buscou sintetizar as práticas em serviços farmacêuticos relacionadas ao gerenciamento e às atividades clínicas em distintos contextos para a prevenção e a assistência durante a epidemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura sobre políticas públicas de saúde para a reorganização da assistência farmacêutica em países atingidos pela Covid-19 realizada nas bases de dados Web of Science, Science Direct e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Foram selecionados 9 artigos, sendo todos publicados em 2020. Destes, 90% foram publicados pelo periódico 'Research in Social an Administrative Pharmacy' e tiveram como local de realização de estudo países de três continentes. Foram relatadas e debatidas experiências sobre a atuação do profissional farmacêutico e o papel da farmácia comunitária no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19, e sobre a reorganização destes serviços, evidenciadas no contexto de crise, tanto no que tange à oferta de serviços quanto ao próprio espraiamento da doença. O modelo adotado pelos países para o enfrentamento da Covid-19, no âmbito dos serviços farmacêuticos comunitários, baseou-se em atividades para a garantia da qualidade e logística de insumos e medicamentos, triagem e monitoramento de pacientes, acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico, educação em saúde e informações sobre o uso de medicamentos.

ABSTRACT This review sought to synthesize the practices in pharmaceutical services related to management and clinical activities in different contexts for prevention and assistance during the Covid-19 epidemic. This is a review of the literature on public health policies for the reorganization of pharmaceutical assistance in countries affected by Covid-19 carried out in the Web of Science, Science Direct and Virtual Health Library databases. 9 articles were selected, all published in 2020. Of these, 90% of the articles were published by the journal 'Research in Social an Administrative Pharmacy' and had countries of three continents as study sites. Experiences about the performance of the pharmaceutical professional and the role of the community pharmacy in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, and about the reorganization of these services, evidenced in the context of crisis, were reported and debated, both with regard to the provision of services and the spread of the disease itself. The model adopted by countries to confront Covid-19, within the scope of community pharmaceutical services, was based on activities for quality assurance and logistics of supplies and medicines, screening and monitoring of patients, pharmacotherapeutic accompaniment, health education and information on medication use.

Validating the Utilization of the Patient Compliance Instruction Support System “FollowNavi” for Follow-up Inhalation Instructions / 医薬品情報学

Objective: Following the amendment of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act in December 2019, continuous follow-up of patients during treatment has been mandated for pharmacists. The follow-up methods may involve contacting patients via telephone and social networking services (SNS). The SNS is advantageous over telephone, because patients can respond to the pharmacists at their convenience. Therefore, we developed a patient compliance instruction support system “FollowNavi” using LINE. We prepared a content of inhalation drugs used to treat bronchial asthma for assessment using FollowNavi and conducted questionnaire surveys among patients and pharmacists to validate its utility.Methods: FollowNavi was used from May1 to July 31, 2020, to follow up patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma for whom long-term control medicine (inhalation drugs) was prescribed for the first time or prescriptions were changed from other inhalation drugs. Subsequently, when the patients revisited the pharmacy, we conducted a questionnaire survey regarding the usability of FollowNavi. We also conducted a questionnaire survey among the pharmacists.Results: Seven and five responses were received from patients who were followed up via FollowNavi and pharmacists who used FollowNavi, respectively. Furthermore, 28.6% of the patients responded “I could solve the problem through LINE” and 71.4% responded “I did not have anything in particular that I could not understand.” As for pharmacists, 60.0% responded that they could obtain sufficient information from the patients through FollowNavi.Conclusion: The results suggest that follow-up after providing inhalation instructions using the inhalation drug content of FollowNavi may be useful for both patients and pharmacists.

Cost analysis of a medication dispensing service in community pharmacy in Brazil

This study was aimed to calculate in detail the costs of a medication dispensing service in community pharmacy in Brazil. Descriptive and retrospective analysis with a cost analysis based on mixed costing; absorption costing and time-driven activity based-costing, considering year 2018 and both public and private health system perspectives within a one-year time horizon to estimates costs related to implement and to deploy the service, costs per patient and costs per activity of process (US$ 1 = R$ 3.8310 in October, 2018). Total costs of dispensing service ranged from US$ 24,451.61 to US$ 37,914.48. Costs per patient ranged from US$ 2.43 to US$ 3.77. Costs per activity of the process ranged from US$ 0.39 in pharmacotherapy assessment to US$ 2.46 in pharmaceutical interview. This provides evidence to deploy and implement a structured medication dispensing service in community pharmacy in Brazil with a view to optimize the usage of medicines.

Nível de satisfação dos usuários e verificação do conhecimento dos farmacêuticos em farmácias públicas do Espírito Santo, Brasil / Satisfaction levels of users and verification of the knowledge of pharmacists in public pharmacies in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar o nível de satisfação dos usuários de farmácias públicas e verificar o conhecimento dos farmacêuticos com relação à dispensação de medicamentos. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado em municípios de uma mesma região, no interior do Estado do Espírito Santo, no período de maio a agosto de 2013. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário estruturado. Para a análise estatística, foi utilizado o Software SPSS20. Para os dados que apresentaram distribuição normal foram aplicados o teste t student ou ANOVA, enquanto que para os demais foram aplicados os testes Mann-Whitney ou Kruskal -Wallis. A correlação de Spearman foi utilizada para avaliar a satisfação do paciente em relação ao tempo de atendimento e ao tempo de espera. O nível de significância adotado para os testes foi de 5%. Os principais resultados obtidos foram o alto nível de insatisfação por parte dos usuários e a correlação com o tempo de espera até o atendimento. Além disso, o conhecimento dos farmacêuticos em relação à dispensação foi classificado como satisfatório/regular. Conclui-se que são necessárias medidas na gestão de serviços farmacêuticos para atender as expectativas dos usuários na dispensação de medicamentos.

Abstract The scope of this study was to determine the satisfaction levels of users of public pharmacies and verify the knowledge of pharmacists in relation to dispensing of medicines. This is a descriptive study, conducted in municipalities in the State of Espírito Santo, in the period from May to August 2013. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and SPSS20 software was used for statistical analysis. The Student t or ANOVA test was used for data with normal distribution, while the Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for data without normal distribution. The Spearman correlation was used to evaluate patient satisfaction with the service time and the waiting time. The significance level for the tests was 5%. The main results obtained were the high level of dissatisfaction among users and the correlation with the waiting time to be attended. Apart from this, the knowledge of pharmacists in relation to the medication dispensed was classified as satisfactory/regular. The conclusion drawn is that actions are necessary in the management of pharmaceutical service to address the expectations of users in the dispensation of drugs.

Pharmacist-led interventions in Brazil: a scoping review protocol

Drug-related problems consist an important avoidable risk factor to the hospitalization in the general population. The increase of technologies to promote and recovery health and their use makes the design of services aimed at preventing health and drug problems, as well as their adequate management, a priority for public health. Pharmacist-led interventions are capable to optimize the use of medicines. However, it is important to know the characteristics and assessed outcomes of interventions, since, as a complex intervention, the variability between services can explain different performances. The objective of the scoping review is to explore randomized and non-randomized clinical trial, quasi-experimental and cohort studies to explore characteristics and assessed outcome of pharmacist-led interventions conducted in Brazil. This review will consider studies about pharmacist-led interventions, regardless of patient profile or health setting. Electronic searches will be performed in PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS databases with no time limit of publication. Two researchers, independently, will select registries and extract data of study and service characteristics, and outcomes measures. The findings will be presented in a narrative form including tables and figures to aid in data presentation, where appropriate.(AU)

Impact of a drug dispensing model at a Community Pharmacy in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil

Although dispensing of medication has been addressed by theoretical models, studies that confirm the impact of this service are still needed. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a new model of medicine dispensing system on patients' medication knowledge, adherence to treatment and satisfaction. One hundred and four patients attending the dispensing service of a community pharmacy between 21 January 2013 and 20 April 2013 were included in this intervention study. The impact of the service on patients' medication knowledge, adherence to treatment and satisfaction was assessed by using validated questionnaires at two time points: at the moment of medication dispensing and 30 days thereafter by telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed by McNemar's test, and a p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. The number of patients showing insufficient knowledge about medications decreased by 50% (p < 0.05), and the number of those showing sufficient knowledge was three times greater (p < 0.05) after medicine dispensing. A high level of satisfaction was observed. Improvement of medication adherence, however, was not observed. The proposed system model for drug dispensing improved patients' knowledge about medication and satisfaction

Resultados de seguimento farmacoterapêutico a pacientes hipertensos em farmácia comunitária privada do interior da Bahia / Results of hypertensive patients pharmacotherapeutic follow up in a private community pharmacy in Bahia / Resultados del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes hipertensos en una farmacia comunitaria privada en Bahia

A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica é uma doença de alta prevalência e grande morbidade, quando não tratada de forma correta. A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso é um fator determinante no controle da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir o papel do farmacêutico, por meio dos resultados encontrados, no tratamento de pacientes hipertensos, na adesão à farmacoterapia e sua influência nos níveis pressóricos, na qualidade de vida e na satisfação dos pacientes. Foi realizada a análise dos dados obtidos por meio do seguimento farmacoterapêutico de 60 pacientes atendidos em uma farmácia comunitária privada, no município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. Esta análise permitiu observar uma redução significativa dos níveis de pressão arterial dos pacientes, assim como resultados positivos na satisfação com o serviço e na possibilidade de remuneração pela prestação de serviços de Atenção Farmacêutica.

Hypertension is a disease of high prevalence and high morbidity, if not treated correctly. Adherence to therapy is an important factor in controlling the progression of this disease. The objective of this study was to discuss the role of the pharmacist in the treatment of hypertensive patients, and their influence on adherence to pharmacotherapy, blood pressure control, quality of life and patient satisfaction. Data of 60 patients from a pharmaceutical care program in a private community pharmacy in the city of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia were analyzed. From this analysis, a significant reduction on blood pressure levels, as well as positive results regarding satisfaction with the service, and the possibility of compensation for the provision of pharmaceutical care were observed.

La Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia y gran morbilidad, cuando no tratada de forma correcta. La adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico es un factor determinante en el control de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue discutir el papel del farmacéutico, por medio de los resultados encontrados, en el tratamiento de pacientes hipertensos, en la adhesión a la terapia farmacológica, y su influencia en los niveles de presión arterial, en la calidad de vida, y en la satisfacción de los pacientes. Fue realizado un análisis de los datos obtenidos por medio del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de 60 pacientes, atendidos en una farmacia comunitaria privada, en el municipio de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. Este análisis, permitió observar una reducción significativa de los niveles de Presión Arterial de los pacientes, así como resultados positivos en la satisfacción con el servicio, y la posibilidad de remuneración por la prestación de servicios de Atención Farmacéutica.

Errores en las recetas médicas y en la preparación de estas en farmacia de pacientes ambulatorios: El caso del Hospital de Nueva Imperial / Errors in prescriptions and their preparation at the outpatient pharmacy of a regional hospital

Background: Adverse effects of medications are an important cause of morbidity and hospital admissions. Errors in prescription or preparation of medications by pharmacy personnel are a factor that may influence these occurrence of the adverse effects Aim: To assess the frequency and type of errors in prescriptions and in their preparation at the pharmacy unit of a regional public hospital. Material and Methods: Prescriptions received by ambulatory patients and those being discharged from the hospital, were reviewed using a 12-item checklist. The preparation of such prescriptions at the pharmacy unit was also reviewed using a seven item checklist. Results: Seventy two percent of prescriptions had at least one error. The most common mistake was the impossibility of determining the concentration of the prescribed drug. Prescriptions for patients being discharged from the hospital had the higher number of errors. When a prescription had more than two drugs, the risk of error increased 2.4 times. Twenty four percent of prescription preparations had at least one error. The most common mistake was the labeling of drugs with incomplete medical indications. When a preparation included more than three drugs, the risk of preparation error increased 1.8 times. Conclusions: Prescription and preparation of medication delivered to patients had frequent errors. The most important risk factor for errors was the number of drugs prescribed.

Calidad del servicio en la farmacia Reparto Iglesias de Matanzas según percepción de los usuarios / Service Quality in the Iglesias Neighborhood Pharmacy in Matanzas according to Users’ Perception

Fundamento: El servicio que brindan las farmacias comunitarias es parte del sistema integral de salud en Cuba, por lo cual la calidad de ese servicio debe ser motivo de análisis constante. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad del servicio que brinda la farmacia reparto Iglesias. Métodos: se diseñó un estudio descriptivo y correlacional. La muestra (150 usuarios) se obtuvo mediante un muestreo probabilístico y asistemático de los usuarios de la farmacia. A partir de las dimensiones definidas en el modelo Service Perfomance, fueron identificados los indicadores que permiten, mediante el criterio de los usuarios, evaluar la calidad del servicio en la farmacia. Las variables del estudio fueron las dimensiones del modelo y sus respectivos indicadores, identificados mediante el criterio de expertos. Resultados: los indicadores explicación de posibles reacciones de los medicamentos y disponibilidad de los medicamentos solicitados, resultaron los de más baja evaluación. Las dimensiones del modelo peor evaluadas fueron las de fiabilidad y capacidad de respuesta. Conclusión: al evaluar los indicadores de calidad del servicio que brinda la farmacia reparto Iglesias, a partir del criterio de los usuarios, se obtuvo que hay un indicador con evaluación de mal y cuatro de regular, lo que indica problemas en la valoración de la calidad que tienen los clientes sobre la farmacia.

Background: the services provided by community pharmacies are part of Cuba’s comprehensive health system. Consequently, quality of pharmacy services should be constantly measured. Objective: to assess the quality of the services provided by the Iglesias neighborhood pharmacy. Methods: a descriptive correlational study was conducted. The sample (including 150 users) was obtained by using an unsystematic random selection of the pharmacy users. The Service Performance model was applied to identify the indicators that allowed assessing service quality in the pharmacy according to the users’ opinion. The study variables were the dimensions included in the model and their respective indicators, which were chosen based on expert opinion. Results: the explanation of possible adverse reactions and the availability of requested medicines were the indicators with the poorest ratings. The dimensions of the model with the lowest scores were reliability and responsiveness. Conclusion: in the assessment of the service provided by the Iglesias neighborhood pharmacy based on the users’ opinion, an indicator was rated as poor and four as fair, which reveals the presence of problems in the pharmacy service.

Quality Assessment of community pharmacy services provided in the United Arab Emirates: patient experience and satisfaction.

Whilst a limited number of studies have been conducted in nearby Arab countries to evaluate patients’ experiences and satisfaction with community pharmacy services provided, in the UAE, this area remains unexamined. Therefore, this study assessed patients’ experiences and satisfaction with community pharmacy services in the UAE, which can be used as an indicator to improve services. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to customers accessing community pharmacies and who are living in the UAE. The study showed that patient satisfaction regarding the two areas, which includes items on communication quality and other aspects of service delivery quality, was more than the average of Likert scale (cut point=3). However, items on satisfaction with consultation quality were a little less than the mentioned cut point. The worst experience, the one with the lowest level of satisfaction, was associated with non-Arabic or non-English speakers and participants over 60 years. The community pharmacy services provided in the UAE are seen to be traditional or product-focused with minimal or negligible pharmaceutical care provided. Therefore, unique structure strategies and health system reforms need to be introduced to follow the trend of extending community pharmacists’ roles and to meet the growing needs of patients.

Factores relacionados con la adquisición de medicamentos / Factors related with the acquisition of medication / Fatores relacionados com a aquisição de medicamentos

Objetivo: identificar los factores relacionados con la adquisición de medicamentos, de los usuarios de droguerías. Materiales y Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra fue de 138 usuarios de droguerías urbanas en una ciudad del noroccidente del departamento del Meta, mayores de 18 años, que expresaron su deseo de participar en el estudio cuando se les abordó al salir de la droguería. Se construyó un cuestionario revisado por 5 expertos. Resultados: las personas que compran medicamentos en las droguerías son, principalmente, del estrato 2; el 75 % de los usuarios no recibió información sobre los productos adquiridos; el 30 % leyó información del envase del medicamento, el 32.3 % de los usuarios de las droguerías recomienda medicamentos para el dolor de cabeza, la automedicación en la ciudad estudiada alcanza el 78 %, el 21 % de los usuarios se asesoran del personal de la droguería. Los grupos farmacológicos que más compran son analgésicos, antiinflamatorios, antibióticos y antigripales. Conclusiones: el gran reconocimiento del personal que labora en la droguería, como personal idóneo para recomendar el uso de medicamentos, lo debe llevar a liderar los procesos de dispensación pensando más en las personas y dejar de ver al medicamento como una mercancía.

Objective: identify the factors related with the acquisition of medication, from the drugstore customers. Materials and Methods: a descriptive study of cross section. The sample was of 138 customers from urban drugstores in a city on the northwest of the Meta department, older than 18, that expressed their desire to participate in the study when they were asked when leaving the store. A questionnaire was made and revised by 5 experts. Results: the people that buy medicine are, mainly from social stratum 2; 75% of the customers did not receive information about the products; only 30% read the information of the packaging, 32,3% of the customers from the drugstore recommend medicine used for headaches, the self-medication on the analyzed city reaches 78%, 21% of the customers consult the drugstore staff. The best-bought pharmacological groups are painkillers, antiinflammatory, antibiotics and flu remedies. Conclusions: the great recognition of the drugstore staff, as qualified staff, to recommend the use of medicine, should lead to the processes of dispensation thinking more about the people and stop seeing medicine as merchandise.

Objetivo: identificar os fatores relacionados com a aquisição de medicamentos, dos usuários de drogarias. Materiais e Métodos: estudo descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra foi de 138 usuários de drogarias urbanas em uma cidade do noroeste do estado de Meta, maiores de 18 anos, que expressaram seu desejo de participar no estudo quando foram entrevistados ao sair da drogaria. Construiu-se um questionário revisado por 5 peritos. Resultados: as pessoas que compraram medicamentos nas drogarias eram principalmente de classe baixa (estratificação 2); o 75% dos usuários não recebeu informação sobre os produtos adquiridos; o 30% leu informação da embalagem do medicamento, o 32,3% dos usuários das drogarias procuram medicamentos para a dor de cabeça, a automedicação na cidade estudada alcançou o 78%, o 21% dos usuários foram aconselhados pelo pessoal da drogaria. Os grupos farmacológicos que mais compraram foram analgésicos, antiinflamatórios, antibióticos e remédios para a gripe. Conclusões: o importante reconhecimento do pessoal que trabalha na drogaria, como pessoal idóneo para recomendar o uso de medicamentos, deve leva-os a liderar os processos de dispensação pensando mais nas pessoas e deixar de perceber ao medicamento como uma mercancia.

Use of the Brazilian people's pharmacy program by older adults / Utilização do programa farmácia popular do Brasil por idosos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of the expanded Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program among older adults and the reasons for not using it. METHODS In this population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban area of Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, we evaluated 1,305 older adults (aged 60 years or over) who had used medication in the last 15 days. Independent variables were socioeconomic factors, economic status, household income in minimum wages, educational attainment in years of schooling and occupational status. Demographic variables were sex, age, marital status, and self-reported skin color/race. Poisson regression was employed to analyze the factors associated with the use of the program. RESULTS The prevalence of use was 57.0% whilst the prevalence of knowledge of the program was 87.0%. In individuals aged 80 years or over, use of the program was 41.0%. As to the origin of the prescriptions used by older adults, 46.0% were from the Brazilian Unified Health System. The main reasons for not using the program were: difficulty in getting prescriptions, medication shortage, and ignorance about the medications offered and about the program. Higher age, lower income, presence of chronic diseases, and use of four or more medications were associated with use of the program. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to expand the knowledge and use of the Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program, especially among older adults, and to improve the dissemination of its list of medications to users and physicians. Thus it will be possible to reduce spending on long-term medications, which are especially important for this population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados à utilização do Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil - modelo expansão entre idosos e os motivos de não utilização. MÉTODOS Neste estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado na zona urbana de Pelotas, RS, foram avaliados 1.305 idosos (60 anos ou mais) que utilizaram medicamentos nos últimos 15 dias. Como variáveis independentes foram caracterizados fatores socioeconômicos, nível econômico, renda familiar em salários mínimos, escolaridade em anos de estudo e status ocupacional. As variáveis demográficas foram sexo, idade, situação conjugal e cor da pele autorreferida. Para análise dos fatores associados à utilização do PFPB-E, utilizou-se regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS A prevalência de utilização do programa foi de 57,0% e a de conhecimento foi de 87,0%. Nos indivíduos com 80 anos ou mais, a utilização do programa foi de 41,0%. Quanto à origem das prescrições utilizadas pelos idosos, 46,0% eram oriundas do SUS. Os principais motivos para não utilização foram: dificuldade em conseguir receita, falta do medicamento, desconhecimento sobre os medicamentos ofertados e sobre o programa. Maior idade, menor renda, ter doença crônica e usar quatro ou mais medicamentos estiveram associados à utilização. CONCLUSÕES É preciso ampliar o conhecimento e a utilização do Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil, especialmente entre os mais idosos, e melhorar a divulgação da lista de medicamentos do programa aos usuários e aos médicos. Dessa forma, será possível reduzir gastos com medicamentos de uso contínuo, que são especialmente importantes para essa população.

Fontes de obtenção de medicamentos para tratamento de hipertensão arterial no Brasil: análise da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Sources for obtaining drugs for hypertension in Brazil: results from the National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar as diferenças sociodemográficas dos indivíduos adultos hipertensos, em relação às fontes de obtenção de medicamentos para tratar hipertensão arterial no Brasil. Métodos: Análise secundária dos dados oriundos da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013; os desfechos considerados nas análises foram representados pelas fontes de obtenção de medicamentos para tratar a hipertensão arterial. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 10.017 indivíduos. A grande maioria dos hipertensos em uso de medicamentos (74,0%) utiliza uma fonte única de obtenção de medicamentos 7,3% (IC95% 6,4 - 8,4) referiu obter todos os medicamentos por meio dos planos de saúde privados; 22,7% (IC95% 21,0 - 24,4) em farmácias do sistema público de saúde; 21,8% (IC95% 20,2 - 23,4) no Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil; e 29,5% (IC95% 27,7 - 31,4) exclusivamente pelas farmácias comerciais. A obtenção no sistema público de saúde como fonte única diminuiu com o avanço da idade, apresentou-se menor nas pessoas de cor da pele branca, diminuiu fortemente com o aumento da escolaridade e evidenciou-se menor entre os residentes na região Norte do país; no Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil, a fonte única de obtenção também foi menor para as pessoas com maior escolaridade. A obtenção nas farmácias comerciais esteve associada positivamente com um perfil do sexo masculino, de maior escolaridade, de idade mais elevada, tendo declarado cor da pele branca. A ocorrência de mais de uma fonte de obtenção mostrou-se associada positivamente ao aumento da idade e inversamente ao aumento da escolaridade. Conclusões: Os resultados possibilitaram identificar diferentes estratégias para obtenção de medicamentos usados no tratamento da hipertensão, de modo a explicar como são obtidos os medicamentos no país e qual o impacto das políticas públicas nesse setor.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic differences among adults with hypertension regarding the sources for obtaining drugs for hypertension treatment in Brazil. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from the National Health Survey 2013; the outcomes considered for the analysis were the sources for obtaining drugs for treating high blood pressure. Results: The great majority (74%) of patients with hypertension taking drugs use a single source for obtaining them, 7.3% (95%CI 6.4 - 8.4) reported getting all the drugs through private health plans, 22.7% (95%CI 21.0 - 24.4) by pharmacies of the public health system, 21.8% (95%CI 20.2 - 23.4) by the Popular Pharmacy Program, and about one-third (29.5%; 95%CI 27.7 - 31.4) exclusively by commercial pharmacies. Having the public health system as the single source for obtaining the drugs was found to decrease with age, was lower in white people, decreased strongly with increase in education, and was lower for residents in the North region. Exclusive obtainment through the Popular Pharmacy Program was lower for people with higher education. Obtainment in commercial pharmacies was positively associated with being male, with higher education level, being older, and having white skin color. Obtainment using more than one source was positively associated with increasing age and inversely associated with higher education levels. Conclusions: The results allowed the identification of a trajectory of patients in obtaining drugs for the treatment of hypertension, aiming at explaining how the drugs are obtained and the impact of public policies in this sector in the country.

Serviços farmacêuticos na atenção primária no município do Rio de Janeiro: um estudo de avaliabilidade / Pharmaceutical services at primary care in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro: an evaluability assessment

Objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento de etapas do estudo de avaliabilidade dos serviços farmacêuticos na Atenção Primária à Saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa documental, com entrevistas realizadas para identificar objetivos, metas e envolvidos nos serviços na atenção primária. Estes subsidiaram a construção do Modelo Lógico de intervenção que priorizou o desenvolvimento de atividades voltadas para o cuidado com o usuário e as comunidades, considerando duas células operacionais: gestão técnica do medicamento e gestão do cuidado. O estudo de avaliabilidade mostrou-se fundamental por possibilitar organizar a construção do modelo do serviço farmacêutico com base em seus pressupostos.

It was aimed to describe the stages development of the evaluability assessment of Pharmaceutical Services in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. Documentary research, with interviews performed to identify the objectives, goals and stakeholders of the Pharmaceutical Service. The latter subsidized the construction of the Logical Model of the intervention. The Logical Model has prioritized the development of activities aimed at care over individual users and communities, by considering two operating cells: technical management of medicine and management care. The evaluability assessment was fundamental for enabling to organize the construction of the Pharmaceutical Services of Logical Model based on their assumptions.

Mexican pharmacies: benefits and risks for border residents in the United States of America and Mexico / Farmacias mexicanas: beneficios y riesgos para los residentes de la frontera entre Estados Unidos de América y México

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits and risks of using Mexican pharmacies by better understanding the sociodemographics and medication needs of pharmacy clients in Ciudad Juárez; and to ascertain the role and expertise of pharmacy clerks and their impact on medication use. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 32 pharmacies in Ciudad Juárez conducted in August 2007-January 2008. Medical professionals interviewed 230 pharmacy clients and 25 pharmacy owners and clerks, and observed 152 clerk-client interactions. The cost of the most frequently-purchased medications was compared with pricing at pharmacies in El Paso, Texas, United States. RESULTS: Of the 311 medications purchased, the most frequent were: antibiotics (54), analgesics (49), fixed drug combinations (29), and blood pressure medications (26). Only 38% were purchased with a prescription; 62% of the prescription drugs bought without a prescription were self-prescribed. Many products purchased were of limited therapeutic value, and others could be harmful when used inappropriately. Pharmacy clerks were poorly trained and did not offer appropriate information on drug use; contraindications were never discussed. Contrary to popular perception, some generic drugs were cheaper in the United States than in Mexico. Conflicts of interest were identified that could be leading to over-medication. CONCLUSIONS: While the risks are evident, some uninsured, chronically-ill United States residents may benefit from access to medications previously recommended by a physician, without obtaining a new prescription. The authors suggest five steps for reducing the risks and improving pharmaceutical utilization in the border area.

OBJETIVO: Determinar los beneficios y riesgos que supone acudir a farmacias mexicanas mediante una mejor comprensión de los datos sociodemográficos de los clientes de las farmacias de Ciudad Juárez y sus necesidades de medicamentos; y evaluar la función y pericia de los auxiliares administrativos de farmacia y su repercusión sobre el uso de los medicamentos. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal de una muestra de conveniencia de 32 farmacias de Ciudad Juárez entre agosto del 2007 y enero del 2008. Los profesionales médicos entrevistaron a 230 clientes y 25 propietarios y auxiliares administrativos de las farmacias, y observaron 152 interacciones entre los auxiliares administrativos y los clientes. Se compararon los precios de los medicamentos adquiridos con mayor frecuencia con los de las farmacias de El Paso, Texas, Estados Unidos. RESULTADOS: De los 311 medicamentos adquiridos, los más frecuentes fueron antibióticos (54), analgésicos (49), asociaciones de medicamentos a dosis fijas (29) y antihipertensivos (26). Solo 38% de los medicamentos se compraron con receta; 62% de los medicamentos de venta con receta que se adquirieron sin ella eran automedicados. Muchos de los productos comprados tenían un valor terapéutico limitado y otros podían ser nocivos si se utilizaban de forma inadecuada. Los auxiliares administrativos de farmacia estaban mal capacitados y no ofrecían información adecuada sobre el consumo de medicamentos; nunca abordaban las contraindicaciones. Contrariamente a la percepción popular, algunos medicamentos genéricos resultaron ser más baratos en los Estados Unidos que en México. Se identificaron conflictos de intereses que podrían estar dando lugar a la sobremedicación. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque los riesgos son evidentes, algunos residentes de los Estados Unidos que padecen enfermedades crónicas y carecen de seguro médico pueden beneficiarse del acceso a medicamentos prescritos previamente por un médico, sin obtener una receta nueva. Los autores proponen cinco pasos para reducir los riesgos y mejorar la utilización de las farmacias en la zona fronteriza.

Pharmacist Barriers to Handling Patients with Adverse Drug Events at Community Pharmacies / 医薬品情報学

<b>Objective: </b>To clarify the barriers pharmacists face in handling patients with adverse drug events at community pharmacies and to propose solutions.<br><b>Design: </b>Cross-sectional study.<br><b>Methods: </b>One hundred-twenty-one pharmacists, who worked and experienced to work at community pharmacies (76.0%), hospitals (22.3%), or elsewhere, participated in this study.  All of them were divided into 12 groups and asked to note the barriers, and abstract and structure them through discussion in each group according to the KJ-method.  On the other hand, workers at community pharmacies including people with experience were also asked to fill out a prepared questionnaire on barriers.<br><b>Results: </b>Six groups structured the barriers from the perspective of professional flow as pharmacists and the other groups structured them from the perspective of a medical care team.  The barriers emerging from both structures were (a) difficulty in identifying adverse drug reaction and assessing its grade at community pharmacies, (b) lack of standardized protocols for informing physicians from community pharmacies, (c) not being informed about a physician’s assessment of suspicious adverse drug reactions, and (d) difficulty in explaining adverse events to patients and their families.  Those barriers were reported by a high percentage of respondents to the questionnaire.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>The barriers are all crucial in order to avoid health damage caused by medication at community pharmacies and should be urgently solved.