Use of Mobile Phones for Monitoring Adverse Drug Reaction in Pharmacy and Drug Stores in Ishaka, Uganda - a Pilot Assessment of Willingness to Report.

Aim: We investigated reporting of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) following use of drugs purchased from open system pharmacy (OSP) and drug stores, and the effectiveness of mobile phones for reporting drug reactions and detection of drug interactions. Study Design: The study was descriptive and inceptional. Place and Duration of Study: Selected Pharmacies and drug stores in Ishaka Municipality, Bushenyi, Uganda, between January and April 2012. Methodology: A total of 190 participants purchasing prescription and non prescription drugs in the drug outlets were enrolled and drug purchases documented. Structured interviews were used to assess any existing system of ADR tracking. Possible interactions were assessed using electronic checkers software on drug combinations prescribed or purchased. Mobile phone calls were used to monitor the reporting potential, use of medication and events or reactions following drug use for ADRs. Results: No formalized pre-study system was found for tracking ADR in the OSP and drug stores studied. Participants purchased 420 different medications with 55.8% without prescription. Antibiotics, analgesics and antimalarials ranked most purchased medications. All participants carried at least a functional mobile phone and demonstrated interest to report ADRs. Mean Effective Mobile Phone Contact Ratio (MEMPCR) for ADR monitoring was 0.91+0.2 and follow-up was 96% (n=183) and 89.5% on days 0 and 4 respectively. Interactions predicted were in 24.8% (31). Significant reporting of at least one of 404 reactions occurred within 72hr compared to 96-120hr (P=0.003). Two participants had reaction leading to discontinued use of Cotrimoxazole. Conclusion: Use of mobile phones and drug interaction checker software may avail early detection of ADR and reporting. Facilitated toll free- call service may be an effective means of extending the scope of ADR tracking in addition to Yellow Card scheme, and augment involvement of pharmacists and consumers in safe use of drugs.

Implement GSP to Enhance Chain Drug Stores'Core Competitiveness / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the pathways to enhance core competitiveness by the implementation of the Good Supply Practice(GSP)management in Medicine Chain Drug Stores.METHODS:To analysis from sequentiae several aspects: consummate the quality system,create the brand value and conversion the management philosophy in drug retail trade.RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:Through the implementation of the GSP to create efficiency with management,create brands with quality and offer best after-sale service and customer service so as to enhance enterprises' core competitiveness.

Modes of Services Provided by Retail Pharmacies in China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference to the service improvement of Chinese drug store. METHODS: The service in drugstores was classified into basic service, pharmaceutical service, medical service and health information service. Each category was analyzed specifically. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: Based on the practice, the drug store should choose the proper combination of service category, which are beneficial to drugstores to shape up their own competitive edge and promote sustainable development.