Competências gerais, específicas e dificuldades para a atuação dos farmacêuticos como preceptores: revisão integrativa / General and specific competencies and difficulties for pharmacists to act as preceptors: an integrative review / Competencias generales y especificas y dificultades del farmacéutico para el trabajo como preceptor: una revisión integrativa

O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar as competências gerais, específicas e as dificuldades para a atuação dos farmacêuticos como preceptores. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Web of Science, Embase e Scopus, utilizando artigos publicados sobre competências gerais e específicas dos preceptores farmacêuticos. A busca inicial identificou 355 artigos, dentre os quais 14 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Foram encontradas como principais competências gerais: habilidade de comunicação, conhecimento, resolução de problemas, desenvolvimento de pensamento crítico e profissionalismo; como específicas: feedbacks, relacionamento interpessoal, atividades baseadas nas necessidades dos alunos, planejamento, expectativa compartilhada e liderança; e foram vistas como principais dificuldades: necessidade de maior qualificação dos preceptores e falta de tempo para exercer as atividades da preceptoria. O conhecimento dessas competências e dificuldades pode contribuir para uma melhor força de trabalho na educação acadêmica e experiencial em farmácia

The present study aimed aimed at describing and analyzing the general and specific skills and difficulties for pharmacists to act as preceptors. To this end, a literature review was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus, for articles published on general and specific competencies of pharmaceutical preceptors. The initial search identified 355 articles and 14 using articles published met the inclusion criteria. The main general competencies were found to be: communication skills, knowledge, problem solving, development of critical thinking and professionalism; as specific: feedback, interpersonal relationships, activities based on student needs, planning, shared expectations and leadership; and the main difficulties were seen as: need for greater qualification of preceptors and lack of time to carry out preceptorship activities. Knowledge of these skills and difficulties can contribute to a better workforce in academic and experiential pharmacy education

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir y analizar las competencias generales y específicas y las dificultades para la actuación de los farmacéuticos como preceptores. Para ello, se realizó una revisión de literatura en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed, Web of Science, Embase y Scopus, usando artículos publicados sobre competencias generales y específicas de los preceptores farmacéuticos. La búsqueda inicial identificó 355 artículos, dentro de los quales 14 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se encontraron como principales competencias generales: habilidad de comunicación, conocimiento, resolución de problemas, desarrollo de pensamiento crítico y profesionalismo; como específicas: retroalimentación, relaciones interpersonales, actividades basadas en las necesidades de los alumnos, planificación, expectativa compartida y liderazgo; y fueron vistas como principales dificultades: necesidad de más cualificación de los preceptores y falta de tiempo para ejercer las actividades de la preceptoría. El conocimiento de estas competencias y dificultades puede contribuir a una mejor fuerza laboral en la educación académica y experiencial en farmacia

Application and evaluation of management mode for the use of antimicrobial drugs in county-level medical communities led by anti-infective clinical pharmacists / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for improving the rational use of antimicrobial drugs in primary township medical institutions. METHODS Based on the county prescription pre-review center， a team led by anti-infective clinical pharmacists constructed the management mode for the use of antimicrobial drugs in county-level medical communities with clinical pharmacists as the main team by finding out the main problems in the use of antimicrobial drugs in primary township medical institutions， providing feedback on the problems， organizing relevant training for the problems， improving the customization rules of the prescription pre-review software， implementing the automatic interception and pharmacist online prescription review and other measures. Data on the use of antimicrobial drugs were collected and compared in the 15 primary township medical institutions between January-June in 2022 （before the implementation of the mode） and January-June in 2023 （after the implementation of the mode）. RESULTS Compared with before the implementation of the mode， the utilization rate of antimicrobial drugs in outpatients of primary township medical institutions decreased from 24.97% before the implementation of the mode to 19.39% after the implementation of the mode； the utilization rate of antimicrobial injection in outpatients decreased from 66.10% to 46.80%； the utilization rate of intravenous drip of antimicrobial drugs in outpatients decreased from 52.33% to 40.35%； the rates of combined use of antimicrobial drugs in outpatients decreased from 12.70% to 8.19%； the reasonable rate of antimicrobial prescribing in outpatients increased from 55.28% to 73.93%. After the implementation of the mode， the proportion of antimicrobial prescriptions for each diagnosis was basically the same as before； the defined daily dose system （DDDs） and proportion of a few antimicrobial drugs changed compared with before according to the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification of drugs， among which DDDs of lincomycin， gentamicin and other drugs declined significantly； DDDs of antimicrobial drugs for each classification was basically the same as before according to AWaRe classification. CONCLUSIONS The management mode of the use of antimicrobial drugs led by anti-infective clinical pharmacists is constructed in the prescription pre-reviewing center of county-level medical communities， which can effectively improve the rational use of antimicrobial drugs in the primary township medical institutions.

Psychodermatology – a case for sensitization of pharmacists in Mumbai, India

Background: Though studies have looked at the attitudes of dermatologists towards psychodermatology, few have highlighted the attitudes of pharmacists towards these conditions. Objectives: To study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacists towards the prescription of psychotropic medications to dermatology patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 80 pharmacists from Mumbai, India. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect information from pharmacists on their demographics, psychotropic medications in dermatological patients, knowledge about psychocutaneous conditions and comfort about dispensing these medications. Results: In our study, 37 (46%) of pharmacists received prescriptions of psychotropic drugs from dermatologists; however, 24 (30%) were not comfortable dispensing them. Sixty (75%) pharmacists felt that only psychiatrists should prescribe psychotropic drugs and 37 (46%) felt that they had a right to refuse to dispense prescribed medication; of these, 15 (19%) had actually refused to give medications to patients. Pharmacists who disagreed with the statement that 'the state of mind is associated with medical conditions', were more likely to discourage psychotropic prescription from dermatologists (29% vs 11%, P = 0.04). Pharmacists with experience of more than five years were significantly more likely to refuse to dispense medications (odds ratio: 5.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 25.83; P = 0.047). Limitations: We did not have a list of all pharmacists in Mumbai; thus, no sampling frame could be applied. Conclusion: Pharmacists do comment on doctors’ prescriptions, discourage certain medications and even refuse to dispense them based on their personal opinions. Since they are the last stop for patients between the doctor and the medication, their inclusion (in addition to dermatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists) in integrated awareness, training and care programs would improve the quality of care of patients with psychocutaneous disorders

As múltiplas violências vivenciadas por farmacêuticas no ambiente laboral / The multiple violences experienced by pharmacist women in the workplace / Las múltiples violencias experimentadas por las farmacéuticas en el entorno laboral

Resumo A divisão sexual do trabalho ocasiona iniquidade entre gêneros, bem como situações de violência direcionadas às mulheres no ambiente laboral. Na área farmacêutica, a maioria feminina e a inserção em múltiplos cenários, que envolvem contato com público e parcerias profissionais diferenciadas, potencializam a exposição à violência. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar situações de violência vivenciadas por farmacêuticas no ambiente laboral. Para tal, utilizou-se método qualitativo, com análise de conteúdo, realizada no software NVivo®, de uma survey on line, respondida por farmacêuticas (n=381) registradas no Conselho Regional de Farmácia de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Como resultado, identificou-se quatro categorias: 'Convivendo com o desrespeito, ameaças e vulnerabilidade', 'O sexismo e o machismo estrutural que cala, diminui e atordoa', 'A discriminação contra a mulher como obstáculo à equidade' e 'Assédio sexual e objetificação da mulher'. Emergiram diversas expressões de violências no ambiente laboral provenientes de múltiplos agressores. Farmacêuticas reconheceram prejuízo profissional e pouco reconhecimento pela capacidade técnica. Conclui-se que os relatos expuseram a falta de proteção da integridade farmacêutica no ambiente de trabalho. Espera-se que esses resultados tragam à luz a desigualdade de gênero no trabalho farmacêutico, com destaque para situações de violência, ampliando a discussão e proporcionando evolução dessa profissão majoritariamente feminina.

Abstract The sexual division of labor causes inequality between genders, as well as situations of violence directed to women in the workplace. In the pharmaceutical area, the majority of women and insertion in multiple scenarios, involving contact with public and differentiated professional partnerships, enhance exposure to violence. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze situations of violence experienced by pharmacists in the workplace. For this, a qualitative method was used, with content analysis, performed in the NVivo® software, of an online survey, answered by pharmacists (n=381) registered in the Regional Pharmacy Council of Minas Gerais, Brazil. As a result, four categories were identified: 'Living with disrespect, threats and vulnerability,' 'Sexism and structural chauvinism that shuts down, diminishes and torments,' 'Discrimination against women as an obstacle to equity' and 'Sexual harassment and objectification of women.' Several expressions of violence in the labor environment emerged from multiple aggressors. Pharmacists recognized professional impairment and little recognition for technical capacity. We concluded that the reports exposed the lack of protection of pharmaceutical integrity in the workplace. It is expected that these results bring to light the gender inequality in pharmaceutical work, with emphasis on situations of violence, expanding the discussion and providing evolution of this mostly female profession.

Resumen La división sexual del trabajo ocasiona iniquidad entre los géneros, así como situaciones de violencia dirigidas a las mujeres en el entorno laboral. En el ámbito farmacéutico, la mayoría de las mujeres y la inserción en múltiples escenarios, que implican contacto con el público y asociaciones profesionales diferenciadas, potencian la exposición a la violencia. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las situaciones de violencia experimentadas por las farmacéuticas en el entorno laboral. Para esto, se utilizó un método cualitativo, con análisis de contenido, realizado en el software NVivo®, de una encuesta en línea, respondida por farmacéuticas (n=381) registradas en el Consejo Regional de Farmacia de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A consecuencia, se identificaron cuatro categorías: 'Conviviendo con falta de respeto, amenazas y vulnerabilidad', 'el sexismo y el machismo estructural que cala, disminuye y atormentó', 'la discriminación contra la mujer como obstáculo a la equidad' y 'el acoso sexual y la objeción de la mujer'. Han surgido varias expresiones de violencia en el entorno laboral procedentes de múltiples agresores. Los productos farmacéuticos han reconocido el daño profesional y el escaso reconocimiento de la capacidad técnica. Se concluye que los informes haciendo hincapié de manifiesto la falta de protección de la integridad farmacéutica en el entorno laboral. Se espera que estos resultados traigan a la luz la desigualdad de género en el trabajo farmacéutico, haciendo hincapié en las situaciones de violencia, ampliando el debate y dando lugar a la evolución de esa profesión principalmente femenina.

The practice of clinical pharmacists participating in the management of prophylactic antibiotics during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the role of clinical pharmacists participating in the management of prophylactic antibiotics during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery, and to evaluate the effects after participating in the practice.Methods:The use of antimicrobials during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery in Wenjiang Hospital of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital in August 2019 (pre-practice) was retrospectively analyzed. The existing problems were summarized, and the possible causes of the existing problems were analyzed. The improvement measures were jointly developed by clinical pharmacists and physicians. Clinical pharmacists continued to manage the use of antimicrobials by means of medication order reviews, ward rounds for pharmacy service, and medication training. The use of prophylactic antibiotics during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery was compared between August 2019 (pre-practice group) and December 2019 (post-practice group) and the practical effect was evaluated.Results:Clinical pharmacists reviewed perioperative patients' medication orders once a day, ward rounds for pharmacy service twice a week, and medication training once a month. Twenty-two patients were enrolled before practice, and 26 patients were enrolled after practice. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body weight, operative time, type of surgical incision, and preventive use of antibiotics between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In the post-practice group, the appropriate time for preoperative administration was 100.0%, which was significantly higher than 88.2% in the pre-practice group. The reasonable rate of preoperative preventive drug selection was 100.0%, which was significantly higher than 44.4% in the pre-practice group ( χ2 = 17.50, P < 0.001). In the post-practice group, the duration of preventive medication was (1.82 ± 0.59) days, which was significantly shorter than (7.54 ± 3.25) days in the pre-practice group ( t = 11.97, P < 0.001). In the post-practice group, the cost of antibacterial drugs was 316.00(237.00,454.25) yuan, which was significantly lower than 1 136.00(391.81 , 2 184.65) yuan in the pre-practice group ( Z = -2.78, P < 0.05). The defined daily dose of antibiotics among inpatients was 2.67(2.00,3.42), which was significantly lower than 8.88(3.92 , 19.18) in the pre-practice group ( Z = -3.26, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection and total length of hospital stay between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:Clinical pharmacists participating in the management practice of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics in thoracic surgery can effectively promote the rational application of perioperative antibiotics, markedly improve the reasonable rate of prophylactic drug delivery, shorten the course of prophylactic drugs, reduce the cost of antibiotics, decrease the defined daily dose of antibiotics, without increasing the risk of postoperative pulmonary infection and the total length of hospital stay.

Investigation and study on pharmaceutical care ability of retail chain pharmacies and licensed pharmacists in Guangdong province / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for strengthening the quality of pharmaceutical care in retail chain pharmacies and the professional capabilities of licensed pharmacists， and to meet the public’s pharmaceutical care needs. METHODS A combination of questionnaire survey and informant interview was used to investigate the general information of licensed pharmacists in retail chain pharmacies in Guangdong province， the implementation of pharmaceutical care， the competence and knowledge status of the surveyed licensed pharmacists， and the factors affecting the development of pharmaceutical care. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 444 questionnaires were sent out and 326 effective questionnaires were collected， with an effective recovery rate of 73.42%. Among 326 surveyed licensed pharmacists， a college degree or higher accounted for 40.18%， and the pharmacy major or related accounted for 79.75%. A total of 185 （56.75%） of the surveyed licensed pharmacists indicated that the retail chain pharmacies where they worked had established specified areas of pharmaceutical care； 320 （98.16%）， 137 （42.02%） and 181 （55.52%） of the surveyed licensed pharmacists indicated that the retail chain pharmacies where they worked could provide services such as rational medication guidance for patients， decocting traditional Chinese medicines and establishing health records， etc. The self-assessment scores of the surveyed licensed pharmacists were significantly higher than 3 （median） for competence and knowledge level， but the self-assessment scores for medication therapy management competence and pharmaceutical care practice were relatively low. The surveyed licensed pharmacists believed that the main factors affecting the development of pharmaceutical care in retail chain pharmacies included patients’ lack of trust or cooperation （196， 60.12%）， sales performance requirements （170， 52.15%）， and heavy daily workload （165， 50.61%）. It is recommended that relevant authorities expedite the legislative process of the Pharmacist Law， optimize the continuing education system for licensed pharmacists， and implement a star-rating evaluation system for pharmaceutical care capabilities in pharmacies， so as to encourage retail chain pharmacies and licensed pharmacists to pursue a more specialized development path. At the same time， pharmaceutical retail chain enterprises should shift their business mindset， increase investment in pharmaceutical care， enhance the professional atmosphere in the pharmacies， optimize the compensation structure for licensed pharmacists， and elevate the pharmaceutical care capabilities of both the pharmacies and licensed pharmacists to fulfill the pharmaceutical care needs of the public.

Applying the Social Cognitive Theory: Relationship between Knowledge, Organizational-Environmental, and Self-Efficacy to Community Pharmacists Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols

@#Introduction: The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationships between pharmacists knowledge, work environment, and self-efficacy to their compliance level with the COVID-19 health protocols. Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed with descriptive correlational data collection using a questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose the participants who are pharmacists from the Special Region of Yogyakarta’s Province. The demographic characteristics of the respondent were presented descriptively. The demographic characteristics of the respondent were presented descriptively. A statistical test was used to assess the correlation between compliance level vs each of the three factors from the Social Cognitive Theory. Results: A total of 262 pharmacists were selected with data collection using a questionnaire. Most of them were in a medium level of compliance (65.6%), while only 19.1% in a high level, and the 15,3% in a low level. Correlation values of 0.463 and 0.409 between variables measuring the organization’s environment and self-effciacy were found to be statistically significant at the p value <0.05. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant relationship between knowledge and compliance (p>0.05) with correlation value was 0.054. There is good compliance to the COVID-19 health protocols among community pharmacists in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Conclusion: These findings indicate that improving factors from pharmacy organization-environmental and self-efficacy of pharmacists may improve community pharmacists level of compliance to COVID-19 health protocols in pandemic era.

Analysis and enlightenment on the current situation of pharmacist team construction in Japanese hospitals / 中华医院管理杂志

With the acceleration of China′s economic and social development and aging process, the construction of the pharmacist team was increasingly valued.By combing and analyzing the status of pharmacist allocation in Japanese medical institutions, the path of pharmacist career development, and the content of pharmaceutical services and the training mode, the author proposed that China should learn from relevant mature experience to further strengthen the allocation of pharmacists in medical institutions, improve the Professional certification system of clinical pharmacists, establish a standardized pharmacist training mode, so as to provide a reference for building a standardized, professional and sustainable team of pharmacists in medical institutions.

Analysis of the current performance of pharmacy outpatient services at grassroots medical institutions at home and abroad / 中华医院管理杂志

Pharmacy services in grassroots medical institutions provide professional pharmacy services for patients. This service not only expanded the scope of primary care delivery, but also meets the residents′need for appropriate medication. At present, the majority of grassroots medical institutions in China provide outpatient pharmacy services by means of pharmacy service alliance, and foreign grassroots medical institutions mainly provide pharmaceutical outpatient services with drug treatment management as the core for patients by granting pharmacists partial prescription rights.In recent years, pharmaceutical outpatient services in grassroots medical institutions had achieved good results in improving patient clinical outcomes, enhancing medication rationality, and enhancing patient compliance. However, there were many unresolved issues, including low public awareness, shortage of pharmaceutical talents, and imperfect guarantee systems. The author suggestted that efforts should be made to increase the publicity of pharmaceutical outpatient services, improve the training mechanism for pharmacists, strengthen cooperation between pharmacists and clinical physicians, include pharmacists in the contracted service team of family doctors, and improve various guarantee systems, in order to provide reference for promoting the sustainable development of pharmaceutical outpatient services in grassroots medical institutions in China.

Clinical pharmaceutical practice of constructing mind map by clinical pharmacists for the consultation of pulmonary nocardiosis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the construction of mind map by clinical pharmacists for the consultation of pulmonary nocardiosis and its application in clinical practice， and to provide reference for promoting the correct selection of nocardiosis treatment drugs in clinical practice and ensuring drug safety and efficacy. METHODS A total of 7 patients with Nocardia pulmonary infection from January 2017 to April 2022 in our hospital were collected. Based on evidence-based medicine， a consultation mind map （mainly including understanding the medical history， identifying infectious bacteria， identifying risk factors， developing treatment plans， and conducting evaluations） was constructed to address the difficulties of large differences in drug sensitivity among different strains of Nocardia and numerous adverse reactions of Compound sulfamethoxazole as a first-line drug. The treatment plan was developed for 7 patients with pulmonary nocardiosis， and whole-process pharmaceutical care was provided. RESULTS Combined with the mind map， different antibiotic combination regimens were given according to the drug sensitivity results of Nocardia， the different species of Nocardia， and the patient’s allergy history. Among them， 4 cases were treated with imipenem cilastatin， the patients receiving Compound sulfamethoxazole and linezolid for a long time were given full pharmaceutical care， and the adverse drug reactions were timely treated.CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists apply the consultation mind map of pulmonary nocardiosis to the treatment of inpatients， take advantage of pharmacy， participate in clinical drug therapy， and really play a role in the clinical treatment team so as to promote rational drug use.

Practice of pediatric pharmacists providing internet medication consultation services based on the platform of “Our Pharmacists” / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of pharmaceutical practice of pediatric pharmacists providing internet medication consultation services. METHODS A total of 8 356 children’s medication cases through the “Our Pharmacists” online medication consultation platform （hereinafter referred to as “Our Pharmacists”） were collected from July 2020 to June 2022. The general information， disease type and irrational drug use were analyzed statistically. RESULTS Among 8 356 cases， 4 234 were male and 4 122 were female； the age of children was mainly from 12 months to 3 years old； the consulting diseases were mainly respiratory diseases （46.56%）， followed by digestive system diseases （18.41%） and skin system diseases （12.71%）. Among respiratory diseases， the proportion of irrational drug use was 92.30%， mainly including the use of antibiotics without indication （83.59%）， inappropriate selection of Chinese patent medicines （61.14%） and compound cold medicines （49.77%）， etc. Among digestive system diseases， the proportion of irrational drug use was 71.15%， mainly including not using oral rehydration salts （48.85%）， inappropriate use of probiotics （31.19%）， the use of antibiotics without indication （26.89%）， etc. A total of 4 273 evaluations of pharmacist services were received from child guardians， with a five-star rating of 99.88%. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists provide pediatric medication consultation services through “Our Pharmacists”， providing individualized evidence-based medication suggestions， increasing the safety of drug use and satisfaction with pharmaceutical care， and ensuring the safety of children medication.

Practice and experience of clinical pharmacists participating in pharmaceutical care for patients after heart valve replacement / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the starting point of pharmaceutical care by clinical pharmacists for patients after heart valve replacement. Methods Combined with typical cases, the content, focus and effects of pharmaceutical care for patients after heart valve replacement were summarized. Results Clinical pharmacists provided pharmaceutical services such as anticoagulant care and warfarin dosage adjustment, infection monitoring and rational use and care of antibacterial, perioperative airway management, stress ulcer (SU) prevention and pharmaceutical care, and warfarin medication education for patients, which had promoted the rational use of drugs and improved the treatment results of patients. Conclusion Pharmaceutical care by clinical pharmacists could be helpful to improve the safety and efficacy of drug treatment for patients after heart valve replacement.

Exploration of pharmaceutical service model in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in children / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmaceutical service model in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment （MDT） of rare diseases in children. METHODS Clinical pharmacists of West China Second University Hospital （hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”） participated in the process of MDT of children’s rare diseases. Clinical pharmacists took part in the entire diagnosis and treatment process of children and established the MDT pharmaceutical service model of children’s rare diseases by formulating drug treatment plans based on evidence-based practice， improving the accessibility of drugs， pharmaceutical monitoring and drug treatment management. RESULTS From January 2021 to April 2022， clinical pharmacists of our hospital had participated in a total of 39 cases of rare diseases MDT in children， including 21 hospitalized children with rare diseases and 18 outpatient com children with rare diseases， involving a total of 23 rare diseases. Clinical pharmacists completed 45 pharmaceutical zhanglingli@scu.edu.cn rounds and 26 pharmaceutical consultations for rare diseases inpatients， 25 outpatients’ MDT and 5 pharmaceutical outpatient service for outpatients with rare diseases， 38 medication educations for inpatients and outpatients with rare diseases and 25 follow-up services for out-of-hospital patients. There were 24 cases （61.54%） of off-label drug use， involving 13 rare diseases and 16 therapeutic drugs， among which off-label drug use registration of 11 drugs had been completed or was in progress. The temporary purchase evaluations of 3 drugs had been completed； 268 cases of medical insurance drug and high-value drug prescription had been reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Our hospital have primarily established a loop pharmaceutical service model of MDT for children with rare diseases， which covers inpatients and outpatients. The model improves the availability and standardization of clinical application of therapeutic drugs， and diagnosis and treatment level for children with rare diseases in our hospital.

Discussion on the concept of collaboration between clinical pharmacists and physicians in China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To make up the research gap of the concept of collaboration between clinical pharmacists and physicians in China， and to provide a theoretical basis for further improving the collaboration. METHODS Literature analysis was used to sort out the existing concepts of collaboration. Combined with the current practice and development trend of the collaboration between clinical pharmacists and physicians in China， the basic elements of the concept were deconstructed and the connotation of each component of the concept was explained in detail. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Based on the above theoretical research and practical analysis， the concept of collaboration between clinical pharmacists and physicians in the context of China was defined， that is， clinical pharmacists and physicians adhere to the patient-centered and rational drug use as the core in clinical drug therapy， and make joint decisions on drug management and drug therapy on the basis of communication， respect， trust and sharing， so as to ensure the effectiveness， safety and economy of clinical pharmaceutical care， and improve the coordination and cooperation process of comprehensive disease treatment system.

Effects of intensive pharmaceutical intervention led by clinical pharmacists on the risk of ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of intensive pharmaceutical intervention led by clinical pharmacists on hypertension patients with medium and high risk of ischemic stroke. METHODS The hypertension outpatients with medium and high risk of ischemic stroke， who were assessed by the modified Framingham stroke scale in Zhengzhou People’s Hospital from Oct. 2019 to Apr. 2020， were randomly divided into control group and intervention group， with 200 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received conventional treatment without pharmaceutical intervention； on the basis of conventional treatment， patients in the intervention group received 12-month intensive pharmaceutical intervention （grading management of compliance+ regular follow-up， involving medication education and guidance， blood glucose， blood pressure， blood lipid management and healthy life guidance） provided by clinical pharmacists. The blood glucose indexes， blood lipid indexes， blood pressure compliance rate， medication compliance， 10-year stroke risk and stroke incidence were compared between two groups at baseline and 12 months after enrollment. RESULTS After 12 months of enrollment， the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） in intervention group was significantly lower than that in the same group at baseline， and the levels of fasting blood glucose， glycosylated hemoglobin， total cholesterol and LDL-C in intervention group were significantly lower than those in control group at the same time points （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The compliance rate of blood pressure and medication compliance in intervention group were significantly higher or better than those in control group （P＜0.01）. There were 12 and 15 patients in control group and intervention group turned into low-risk ones respectively， and the proportion of high-risk patients in intervention group was significantly lower than that in control group（P＜0.01）， while the proportion of medium-risk patients was significantly higher than that in control group（P＜0.05）； the incidence of stroke in intervention group was significantly lower than that in control group （1.0% vs. 4.5%， P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The pharmaceutical intensive intervention led by clinical pharmacists can reduce blood glucose and blood lipid levels of hypertensive outpatients， improve their blood pressure compliance rate and medication compliance， and help reduce the risk of stroke.

The Medical Economic Effects of Two Pharmacists Checking Patient Medications Brought to Hospitals by Part of Inpatient Pharmaceutical Services / 医薬品情報学

Objective: Pharmacists in inpatient pharmaceutical services are required to evaluate the medications that patients bring with them to the hospital when admitted and to make recommendations to physicians about these medications' proper use. Many hospitals perform such inpatient pharmaceutical services. Studies have found that pharmacists with insufficient years of experience are often put in charge of this practice. This has resulted in patients continuing to take inappropriate medications. We hypothesized that the involvement of another pharmacist in checking outpatient medications brought to the hospital might lower the rate of inappropriate use. We initiated the rechecking of medications brought to the hospital by the drug information (DI) pharmacist, based on the need for cooperation between the DI pharmacist and ward pharmacists.Methods: We initiated rechecks by DI pharmacists of medications brought to the hospital and first checked by ward pharmacists, and estimated the medical economic impact of pharmaceutical intervention between 1 May 2019 and 30 April 2020.Results: Within one year, the DI pharmacist suggested 15 interventions, including four interventions related to digitalis products and three related to direct oral anticoagulants. The medical economic impact was estimated to be 10,175,000 yen.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that checking by another pharmacist of outpatient medications brought to the hospital is a useful addition to the check by ward pharmacists.

An Approach for Providing Drug Information to Primary Care Physicians of Patients Undergoing Nephrectomy Using Information Forms Created by Urologists and Pharmacists / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital uses an information form created by doctors and pharmacists to provide postoperative information to patients who undergo nephrectomy at the Department of Urology. The form recommends that patients' physicians change prescriptions and adjust medication doses considering post-nephrectomy deterioration of renal function in patients with a single remaining kidney. Of the 7 patients who used this information form, prescription changes were made in 4 patients. An information form jointly created by a physician and pharmacist may affect prescription changes.

Professional practice of pharmacists in private community pharmacies of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract Considering the wide accessibility of population to private community pharmacies, Pharmaceutical Services must be provided comprehensively in such establishments. This research aims to understand how pharmaceutical practice is developed by pharmacists in private community pharmacies of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Qualitative descriptive research was performed. Data were collected through online questionnaires (n=113) and interviews (n=12) with pharmacists working in such institutions and they were analyzed according to Bardin's Content Analysis, with the contribution of software IRAMUTEQ. Two main categories of analysis were formed: "Professional training of pharmacists and the working conditions in private community pharmacies" and "Pharmaceutical Services in private community pharmacies of Minas Gerais". Pharmacists understood the population's healthcare as the main purpose of their professional practice. However, the routine focused on the technical management of medicines and the lack of private rooms hindered the provision of qualified assistance. Furthermore, commercial strategies were identified as motivators for ethical dilemmas and conflicts among the work team. It is suggested that the growth of the pharmaceutical retail market in Minas Gerais should be accompanied by favorable conditions for the production of care, so that pharmaceutical practice in these institutions can be developed in an ethical and responsible way.

Long-Term Care medicines formularies: any reasons for pharmacists' concern?

Abstract This study aimed to characterize and compare medicines formularies (MFs) used in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities in Portugal, and to identify the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medicines (PIMs). A systematic contact with LTC facilities was undertaken in December 2021. MFs were systematized according to the Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical classification system (ATC), followed by descriptive content analysis. A structured comparison between MFs developed by public organizations and private LTC facilities was performed. After duplicate removal and exclusion of medicines not for systemic use, two explicit criteria - the Algorithm of medication review in frail older people and the EU(7)-PIM list - were employed for PIMs identification. Five MFs were obtained and assessed. The three MFs developed by private institutions covered 23% of the national LTC facilities and approximately 34% of the national total of beds. Heterogeneity was particularly high for the Alimentary tract and metabolism, Blood and blood-forming organs, Musculoskeletal system, and Respiratory system ATC groups. A PIM prevalence of 29,4% was identified. Medicines distribution between the MFs suggests the need to develop national guidelines towards harmonizing medicines usage in LTC. The prevalence of PIMs found highlights the importance of a particular optimized use of this health technology in aged sub-populations

Prescrição farmacêutica: uma revisão sobre percepções e atitudes de pacientes, farmacêuticos e outros interessados / Pharmacist prescribing: a review of perceptions and attitudes of patients, pharmacists and other interested professionals

Resumo A prescrição farmacêutica é uma experiência em expansão em alguns países desenvolvidos, com diferentes sistemas de saúde. Conhecer a contribuição que essa atividade pode desempenhar no processo de assistência à saúde e investigar sua aceitação é de fundamental interesse para os países que a regularam. Este estudo de revisão de literatura, portanto, objetivou desenhar o estado da arte da investigação acadêmica sobre percepção, opiniões e atitudes no contexto da prática da prescrição farmacêutica em países que a adotaram. Para isso, realizou-se investigação nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, SciELO e LILACS, resultando na seleção de 17 estudos. Da análise dos artigos, emergiram três categorias de discussão: "compreensão da prática e benefícios percebidos"; "aceitação e adesão à prática"; "barreiras à prática". Os resultados mostraram aceitação e percepções variáveis nos diferentes públicos, dependendo, entre outras questões, do nível de conhecimento e experiência dos pacientes e dos profissionais de saúde, do perfil do farmacêutico ou da modalidade de prescrição. Este estudo aponta alguns desafios envolvidos na prática da prescrição farmacêutica e seus achados podem ser úteis para sugerir caminhos para o fortalecimento da prática.

Abstract Pharmacist prescribing is a growing reality in some developed counties, with varied health systems. Understanding the contribution that this activity can offer in the healthcare process, and investigating its acceptance is of utmost importance for the countries that implement and regulate this type of system. This literature review aimed to design a state-of-the-art academic investigation on the perception, opinions, and attitudes in the context of pharmacist prescribing practices in countries that have adopted this system. To achieve this, the present study conducted an investigation of the Medline, Scopus, Embase, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, resulting in the selection of 17 studies. From the analysis of the articles, three categories of discussion arose: "understanding of the practice and perceived benefits", "acceptance and adherence to the practice, and "hindrances to the practice". The results showed varied acceptance and perceptions among the different publics, depending, among other questions, on the level of knowledge and experience of the patients and health professionals, on the profile of the pharmacists, or on the prescribing modality. This study highlights some challenges involved in the practice of pharmacist prescribing, and its findings can be useful in suggesting a means through which to strengthen the practice.