Quality of work life (QWL) of community pharmacists and its association with subjective evaluations of pharmaceutical services.

Background: In Japan, pharmacists' role has drastically changed in recent years. However, previous studies have not performed internal marketing analysis for Japanese community pharmacists so that they improve the quality of work life (QWL) and be satisfied with it. Further, few studies are conducted on Japanese community pharmacists' QWL and its effect on the quality of pharmaceutical services. Objectives: This study aimed to reveal associations between community pharmacists' QWL and their subjective evaluations of pharmaceutical service. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2027 pharmacists, with the cooperation of 20 corporations that run pharmacies. The collected data were subjected to multiple regression analysis, using SPSS 29. Results: Standard multiple regression shows that 27.4% of variance in pharmacists' subjective evaluations of their service was explained by QWL and other control variables, such as age, gender, and employee status (p < .001, R2 = 0.274). This analysis showed that factors behind pharmacists' QWL, "meaning of existence in the workplace" and "pride in work," explained pharmacists' subjective evaluations of pharmaceutical service (ß = 0.307, p < .001, ß = 0.277; p < .001, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows that improving QWL, especially "mental and physical effects on work" and "pride in work," might contribute to improving community pharmacists' services.

Strengths and weaknesses of current and future prospects of artificial intelligence-mounted technologies applied in the development of pharmaceutical products and services.

Starting from drug discovery, through research and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in planning, developing, assessing modelling, and optimization of product attributes. In recent decades, machine-learning algorithms integrated into artificial neural networks, neuro-fuzzy logic and decision trees have been applied to tremendous domains related to drug formulation development. Optimized formulations were transformed from lab to market based on optimized properties derived from AI Technologies. Research and development in pharmaceutical industry rely upon computer-driven equipment and machine learning technology to extract data, perform simulations, modelling, and optimization to get optimum solutions. Merging AI technologies in various steps of pharmaceutical manufacture is a major challenge due to lack of in-house technologies. In silico studies based on artificial intelligence are widely applied as effective tools to screen the market needs of medications and pharmaceutical services through inspecting scientific literature and prioritizing medicines for specific illnesses or a particular patient. Specialized personnel who excel in scientific and data science with analytical knowledge are essential for transformation to smart manufacturing and offering services. However, privacy, cybersecurity, AI-dependent unemployment, and ownership rights of AI technologies require proper regulations to gain the benefits and minimize the drawbacks.

Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at primary healthcare centers under the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of patient satisfaction is a vital metric that enhances stakeholders to take proactive steps in improving the quality of healthcare services within medical care systems. This study assessed patient satisfaction receiving pharmaceutical services from primary health care centers in the Palestinian Ministry of Health (PMoH) governorate directorates in the West Bank. METHODS: A total of 938 patients, all aged 18 years or older, completed a self-administered questionnaire. The assessment of general satisfaction was based on selected questions. Analyses were conducted to explore demographic characteristics. Mean and standard deviation (S.D.) were reported. Likert method was used to average scale satisfaction. To examine statistically significant differences, Chi-square analysis and binary logistic analysis were employed. RESULTS: 56.8% of the survey respondents were women, 57.2% were 40 years or older, and 63.2% had graduated from high school. The general satisfaction score averaged 4.10 ± 0.77 indicating good satisfaction. Patients were satisfied with interpersonal relationships, with a mean score of 4.19 ± 0.70. However, satisfaction with therapy management was lower, with a mean score of 3.99 ± 0.77 indicating moderate satisfaction. A significant factor can affect patient's satisfaction such as the location of the pharmacy (OR = 1.720, P = 0.012), the waiting area (OR = 1.671, P = 0.002) and the cleanness of pharmacy (OR = 2.307, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study underlines the main components of patient satisfaction who receive pharmaceutical services in PMoH. It is highly recommended that PMoH must address patient dissatisfaction points in a total quality management plan.

The effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational model in adult patients with allergic rhinitis: a single-center randomized control trial protocol (AR-PRISE RCT).

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic respiratory disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL) and work performance. Pharmacists are recognized as suitable professionals to provide patient education and pharmaceutical care for managing allergic rhinitis patients. However, local clinical practice guidelines, particularly regarding pharmaceutical care in public healthcare institutions, are lacking. This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational model (AR-PRISE Model) in managing allergic rhinitis in adult patients compared to standard pharmaceutical care. The AR-PRISE model delivers patient educational material and a pharmaceutical care algorithm. METHOD: This is a 6-month, single-center, prospective, randomized, two-arm, and parallel-group controlled trial. The trial recruits patients attending the otorhinolaryngology clinics of a tertiary referral hospital. Participants are randomized into control or intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio using permuted block randomization. The total number of participants estimated is 154, with each group requiring 77 participants. The control group receives standard pharmaceutical care, while the intervention group receives pharmacist-led education according to the AR-PRISE model. Both groups are assessed for middle turbinate endoscopy findings, disease severity, knowledge level, symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL at baseline and the end-of-study follow-up (day 180 ± 7). Depending on feasibility, intermediate follow-ups are conducted on days 60 ± 7 and 120 ± 7, either virtually or face-to-face. During intermediate follow-ups, participants are assessed for symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL. The intention-to-treat analysis includes all participants assigned to each group. An independent T-test compares the mean difference in knowledge level between the two groups. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA analysis is employed to determine between-group differences for scores of symptom control, adherence rate, and QoL. A P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION: This study protocol will provide a framework for conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education intervention in managing allergic rhinitis within public healthcare settings. The parameters measured in this trial will quantify outcomes associated with improvements in symptoms and QoL. By systematically assessing these outcomes, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the role of pharmacist-led interventions in enhancing the management of allergic rhinitis in public healthcare settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06027736 . Registered on 9 July 2023-retrospectively registered.

Risk Factors for Non-Adherence to Pharmacist or Non-Pharmacist Explanations on Preoperative Medication Discontinuation: A Retrospective Japanese Study.

Purpose: The risk factors for non-adherence to pharmacist or non-pharmacist explanations of preoperative medication discontinuation are unknown. The primary outcome of this study was to determine whether the final explainer's occupation was a risk factor for non-adherence. The secondary outcomes were to determine the risk factors for non-adherence after limiting the departments or adjusting for age. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively examined the data (including patient age, sex, prescription medications, comorbidities, presence of roommate, and number of days between receiving explanation and surgery) of 1132 patients on medications that could affect surgery at a Japanese university hospital between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was whether the occupation of the last person explaining medication discontinuation to the patient was an independent risk factor for non-adherence (age ≥65 years vs <65 years). Secondary endpoints included subgroup analyses in urological, gastrointestinal, and otolaryngological areas, as well as a sensitivity analysis (age as a continuous variable) to confirm the validity of the primary endpoint results. A multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent non-adherence risk factors. Results: The main analysis showed that discontinuing two or more medications was a risk factor for non-adherence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-2.47; p = 0.01). However, in analyses coordinated by department (urological, gastrointestinal, and otolaryngological), ≥65 (versus <65) years of age was determined as a risk factor for increased nonadherence (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.11-4.63; p=0.024). Age-adjusted analysis (continuous variables) showed similar results to the primary endpoint (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14-2.49, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Two or more medications, and not the final explainer's occupation, were associated with pre-surgery medication non-adherence. To prevent non-adherence, pharmacists and non-pharmacists should educate patients about preoperative medication discontinuation. These findings could help identify high-risk non-adherence patients.

A before-after study to evaluate the effect of pharmacy workflow redesign to improve pharmacy waiting time and reduce medication near misses in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of workflow redesign (eaST system) on pharmacy waiting time and near-missed events. We also investigated other factors that may potentially affect these study outcomes. METHODS: A quasi-experimental (before-after) study design was adopted. Pre-intervention data were collected over 7 months (January-July 2017). Subsequently, the workflow redesign (eaST system) was implemented and the effect of the intervention (August 2017-February 2018) was evaluated. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention of pharmacy waiting time and near-missed events. Significant factors affecting study outcomes were analysed using linear regression analysis. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 210,530 prescriptions were analysed. The eaST system significantly increases the percentage of prescriptions dispensed within 30 min per day (median = 68 (interquartile range (IQR) = 41) vs. median = 93 (IQR = 33), P < 0.001) and reduced the mean percentage of near-missed events (mean = 50.71 (standard deviation (SD) = 23.95) vs. mean = 27.87 (SD = 12.23), P < 0.001). However, the eaST system's effects on related outcomes were conditional on a three-way interaction effect. The eaST system's effects on pharmacy waiting time were influenced by the number of prescriptions received and the number of PhIS server disruptions. Conversely, the eaST system's effects on near-missed events were influenced by the number of pharmacy personnel and number of controlled medications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the eaST system improved the pharmacy waiting time and reduced near-missed events.

Artificial intelligence application in hospital pharmaceutical service：a bibliometric analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the current status and trend in the application of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical service in China and globally. METHODS The research literature on the application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of hospital pharmaceutical service from database establishment to June 16， 2023， was searched in Web of Science and CNKI. The authors， countries/regions， institutions and the co-occurrence， clustering， and emergence of keywords were visually processed and analyzed using tools including Endnote， CiteSpace， and Python. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Overall， 1 190 global literature and 178 Chinese literature were included. The number of publications issued in China and globally is increasing year by year， yet a gap remains in the quantity and quality of Chinese research compared with global research. Europe and the United States have built a close cooperation network in this field， while China’s regional development in this field remains imbalanced. Global research hotspots mainly focus on the development and application of high-end technologies such as machine learning， natural language processing, and deep learning； Chinese research concentrates more on actual medical services and medical policies， especially in promoting rational drug use， prescription review， and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Assessment of the Prescribing Pharmacist's Role in Supporting Access to Prescription-Only Medicines-Metadata Analysis in Poland.

In 2020, pharmacists in Poland received additional authority to prescribe drugs. In this study, we analyzed prescribing after the implementation of this new responsibility. We assessed how the new regulation works in practice and what it means for the healthcare system in the area of access to prescription-only medicines. Data analysis included information on the prescriptions written, the type of substance according to the ATC classification, and data on the prescribing pharmacists. The study used over 2.994 million e-prescriptions written by pharmacists in Poland, which were made available by the e-Health Center. The largest group of drugs prescribed were drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 25% of all prescribed medications during the time of the analysis. The next prescription groups were for drugs used in gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders, and those acting on the central nervous system, the respiratory system, and the musculoskeletal system. Among pharmaceutical prescriptions, 73% were pharmaceutical prescriptions issued in pharmacies at full price to the patient. The results indicate that pharmacists are eager to use their permission to prescribe drugs in authority situations. Almost three million records showed improved patient access to medicines in the healthcare system (approximately 5% of repeat prescriptions for all patients during the study period). These data confirm the possibility of cooperation between physicians and pharmacists in strengthening the efficiency of the patient healthcare system. An important conclusion from this work is the need to create the possibility for the pharmacist to access the information resources of the implemented Internet Patient Account system, including therapeutic indications for the drugs used.

Pharmaceutical care reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cardiovascular health of hypertensive and diabetic patients / O cuidado farmacêutico na redução do impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde cardiovascular de pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the provision of health services to patients with chronic dis-eases, and the Medication Therapy Management, an integral part of pharmaceutical care can lead to an improvement in clinical parameters impacted by the pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical impact of MTM-PC on systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in comparison with the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the primary healthcare scope. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental, single-arm, be-fore-and-after study, with data collection from July 1, 2019 to October 31, 2022. Data from patients at the pharmaceutical services, of the teaching-Pharmacy of UFJF, were included in the study and were divided into pre-pandemic and pandemic period, considering baseline data and the data related to the reintroduction of face-to-face care in the office as an endpoint.. Data were collected on blood pressure, lipidic profile, glycemia, use of statins and acetylsalicylic acid, cardiovascular risk, and psychosocial data, consequences of social isolation on mental health, medication prescription and life habits. Data were analyzed using the MINITAB v19 software, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: During the pandemic without MTM-PC it was found that blood pressure and HDL increased comparing the pre-pandemic with the pandemic without MTM-PC, respectively, SBP 117.5±8.86 and 134.75±12.43; DBP 71.25±3.54 and 83.25±11.65; HDL 45.25±7.80 and 52.38±12.52. Comparatively, it was verified that the blood pressure values were maintained and, the MTM-PC changed parameters like HbA1c 7.890±1.798, [p=0.028] and 7.325±1.30; HDL48.00±6.00 and 59.00±10.56, [p=0.020]. There was a change in both mean of cardiovascular risk, the global scale 13.69±8.08 to 22.38±7.28 and the optimized scale 8.35±6.71 to 16.10±5.83, [p=0.38], with a break in the trend of increased risk with the MTM-PC. The therapeutic load of drugs used for hypertension and diabetes remained below the limit value of 75%. Conclusion: There was evidence that the pandemic changed parameters such as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the MTM-PC may be able to reduce the impact of the pandemic on glycated hemoglobin, improve HDL cholesterol levels and break a trend of increased cardiovascular risk (AU).

Introdução: A pandemia de COVID-19 impactou na prestação de serviços à saúde aos pacientes portadores de doenças crônicas e o Medication Therapy Management (MTM-PC), parte integrante do cuidado farmacêutico, pode acarretar melhora dos parâmetros clínicos impactados pela pandemia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto clínico do cuidado farmacêutico na hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes mellitus (DM) diante às mudanças impostas pela pandemia de COVID-19 no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, single arm, do tipo antes e depois, com a coleta de dados de 01 julho de 2019 a 31 de outubro de 2022. Foram incluídos no estudo dados de pacientes do consultório farmacêutico da Farmácia Uni-versitária - UFJF que foram divididos em pré-pandemia e pandemia, considerando o baseline e os dados relativos à reintrodução do atendimento presencial no consultório como endpoint. Foram coletados dados de pressão arterial, perfil lipídico, glicemia capilar, uso de estatinas e ácido acetilsalicílico, risco cardiovascular e dados psicossociais, consequências do isolamento social na saúde mental, prescrição de medicamentos e hábitos de vida. Os dados foram analisados no software MINITAB v19, considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Durante a pan-demia sem o MTM-PC verificou-se que a pressão arterial e o HDL aumentaram, PAS 117,5±8,86 e 134,75±12,43; PAD 71,25±3,54 e 83,25±11,65; HDL 45,25± 7,80 e 52,38±12,52. Comparativamente, verificou-se que os valores de pressão arterial se mantiveram e os parâmetros de hemoglobina glicada e HDL melhoraram com o MTM-PC, HbA1c 7,890±1,798, [p=0,028] e 7,325±1,30; HDL 48,00±6,00 e 59,00±10,56, [p=0,020]. Consequentemente, refletiu-se no aumento do risco cardiovascular pela pandemia, tanto na escala global 13,69±8,08 para 22,38±7,28, quanto otimizada, 8,35± 6,71 para 16,10±5,83, [p=0,38], havendo a quebra de tendência no aumento do risco com o MTM-PC. A carga terapêutica dos medicamentos utilizados para hipertensão e diabetes se manteve abaixo do valor limite de 75%. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que a pandemia modificou parâmetros como pressão arterial e risco cardiovascular. E que o MTM-PC foi capaz de reduzir o impacto da pandemia na hemoglobina glicada, melhorar os níveis de colesterol HDL e quebrar uma tendência do aumento do risco cardiovascular (AU).

Pharmacy services in Mongolia: Historical background and current situation

Over a long history, the pharmacy was developed in close connection with Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) as one part of it. TMM was Mongolia's only available healthcare method before Western medicine was introduced in the 19th century. The pharmaceutical sector, founded in 1923, played an essential role in the health system of Mongolia over the last hundred years. During the socialist time, the pharmaceutical sector was state-owned, and privatization started in 1990 when Mongolia transitioned to a market economy from a centrally planned economy. Mongolian current pharmaceutical sector is fully privatized except for public hospital pharmacies, and as of the end of 2021, 2822 pharmaceutical facilities were operating in Mongolia. Before the transition to the market economy, the functions of the pharmaceutical sector were mainly focused on the production, supply, compounding, and dispensing of drugs. Still, since 1990, the scope of pharmaceutical care services has changed. The pharmaceutical care service has been transferring from product-oriented to patient-centered care since the mid-1990s (AU)

Patients' experience with a community pharmacy fall prevention service.

Background: Pharmacists can contribute to fall prevention, by offering services such as fall risk screenings, counselling, and medication reviews. Patient acceptance of the role of pharmacists in fall prevention is crucial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore patients' experience with a community pharmacy fall prevention service. Methods: Interviews were conducted with patients one month after they participated in a pharmacy fall prevention service, in the Netherlands. Patient inclusion criteria for the service were: age ≥ 70 years, use of ≥5 drugs including ≥1 fall risk-increasing drug. The service included a fall risk screening followed by counselling and a medication review. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the consolidated framework for implementation research and included the following topics: outcomes, patient's motivation, and contact with the pharmacy technician. Results: Of the 91 participants of the fall prevention service, 87 patients were interviewed with a median age of 78.0 years (first quartile [Q1] - third quartile [Q3]: 74.0-84.75) and 46.3% were female. Many patients expressed positive feedback about receiving a medication review. Most patients whose medication was deprescribed expressed to be positive about this. Others were reassured about the appropriateness of their medication use. Patients reported that the service enhanced their awareness about fall prevention. Only a few patients were motivated to adapt their lifestyle. Patients appreciated the attention and contact. Conclusions: Patients see a potential benefit for a community pharmacy falls prevention service, including a medication review. Patient education appeared to enhance their fall risk awareness.

Implementation effect of a hierarchical pharmaceutical service pattern in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of implementing a hierarchical pharmaceutical service pattern based on the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) intervention theory on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly divided into an intervention or control group. Pharmaceutical service classification criteria were formulated and used to provide patients with differing levels of pharmaceutical services. The classification scores and KAP levels of patients before and at various time points after the intervention were analyzed. The rates of acute attacks and adverse reactions, related clinical test indices, and disease activity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: After 9 months of intervention, the proportions of first- and second-level services in the intervention group declined by 14.43% and 3.94%, respectively, compared with the control group, and the rates of acute attacks and adverse reactions declined by 18.26% and 12.43%, respectively. The KAP level, clinical test indices, and disease activity were significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Providing patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with pertinent hierarchical pharmaceutical services based on the KAP theory was instrumental in changing patients' behavior and contributed to facilitating disease self-management, thus improving the quality of pharmaceutical services.

Identifying health outcomes of pharmaceutical clinical services in patients with cancer: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major public health problem that imposes limitations on patients being treated. One of the strategies to improve health outcomes in cancer patients and promote the safety of their treatment is the provision of pharmaceutical clinical services (PCS). However, there is no evidence of health outcomes that are influenced by such services. OBJECTIVE: Identify the health outcomes influenced by PCS in cancer patients. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in the following databases: Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, and using the PRISMA Statement In addition to the search, we analyzed the references of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The descriptors used were defined by the MeSH keywords "neoplasms," "pharmacists," and "pharmaceutical services". We analyzed the studies with an observational design published until March 2018 that used PCS and related them with the health outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, and full texts according to the eligibility criteria, and then extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS: A total of 658 articles were found in the initial search, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Six studies evaluated clinical outcomes: four assessed adverse reactions, one identified six barriers that prevented patients' adherence to medication and solved three of these barriers, and two evaluated PCS related to drug-related problems (DRP) in identification and resolution. Four studies identified a humanistic outcome: two evaluated the quality of life of patients on cancer treatment associated with improvement of symptoms, two investigated pain, and two performed a patient satisfaction survey on PCS. This systematic review identified only one study with an economic outcome, addressing the reduction of medical expenses related to the treatment of neutropenia that affects cancer patients. Most of the studies showed good methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review identified health outcomes associated with PCS in cancer patients: clinical (adverse drug reaction, DRP resolution, adherence, and pain), humanistic (quality of life and satisfaction), and economic outcomes (reduction of treatment costs for cancer).

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.

Practice and effect of construction of rational drug use mode of PIVAS by the activities of quality control circle / 药学实践杂志

Objective To establish a rational drug use model of PIVAS and promote the rational drug use in clinical practices by enhancing the quality of prescription review by pharmacists. Methods The PIVAS physician orders received from 2014 to 2021 were extracted through the hospital information management (HIS) system. The types of irrational physician orders were statistically analyzed, the improvements were made by the method of quality control circle (QCC). Results The model of PIVAS rational drug use formed a standardized process. The proficiency of physician order review was improved. From 2014 to 2021, the number and proportion of unreasonable physician orders in PIVAS decreased year by year. Every type of unreasonable physician orders was improved year by year. Conclusion The professional and technical levels of pharmacist for physician order review at our hospital were improved by the model of PIVAS rational drug use. The quality of pharmaceutical service was significantly improved which ensured the safety of patients' medication.

Study on the value of pharmaceutical service related to risdiplam based on follow-up data of DTP pharmacy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the value of providing pharmaceutical service related to risdiplam in direct-to-patient （DTP） pharmacies. METHODS The follow-up data of spinal muscular atrophy （SMA） patients who purchased and used risdiplam from Shangyao Yunjiankang Yiyao Pharmacy （Shanghai） Co.， Ltd. from May 2021 to January 2023 were collected. The medication information， therapeutic efficacy and the occurrence of adverse events were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 42 prescriptions were checked by pharmacists in the DTP pharmacies， and 7 prescriptions were found to be unreasonable （16.7%， 7/42）， which were corrected after the timely intervention. During the follow-up management， pharmacists replied to 4 patients （9.5%， 4/42） regarding medication consultation about medication requirements and adverse events. Two patients with type Ⅰ SMA experienced adverse events： one of them presented with fever and the other presented with skin dryness with darkening. Both of them were grade Ⅰ toxic reactions and generally did not require clinical treatment. Considering that the patient sustained low-grade fever for a long time， the pharmacist suggested symptomatic treatment under the guidance of the doctor. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists in DTP pharmacies conducting follow-up management of risdiplam use for rare disease SMA patients can help promote rational， standardized medication for patients.

Design and application of auxiliary system for drug distribution in outpatient pharmacy / 药学实践杂志

Objective To construct the auxiliary system of outpatient drug distribution, reduce errors and improve the quality of outpatient pharmaceutical service. Methods The bar code technology was used to independently develop outpatient pharmacy dispensing assistant system. The system design and function are introduced. The practical application effect of the system was evaluated on dispensing errors, efficiency and pharmacist evaluation. Results Based on the special network environment of the hospital, the system integrated the functions of drug check, prescription right management, expiration date management and medication instruction. After using the system, the number of dispensing errors decreased from 84 to 25. The waiting time for patients to receive medicine decreased by 151 seconds. All pharmacists surveyed agreed that auxiliary system was helpful to pharmacists’ work. Conclusion The system reduced the medication dispensing error in outpatient pharmacy, improved work efficiency and the quality of pharmaceutical care.

Development of a Protocol Using the Delphi Method for the ad interim Supply of Hormonal Contraceptives in Swiss Pharmacies.

(1) Background: Pharmacists are often challenged with situations where women are already on hormonal contraceptives (HC) but have no valid prescription. By Swiss law, pharmacists are allowed to supply prescription-only drugs in exceptional situations without a physician's prescription. Because eligibility for HC can change, women at risk for complications, such as serious side effects, need to be identified. We aimed to develop a protocol to assist pharmacists in clarifying and documenting eligibility for HC. (2) Methods: We conducted a survey using the Delphi method to identify relevant clarifications and develop a protocol for pharmacists. Proposed material was created based on the literature and existing toolkits/protocols aimed at verifying eligibility for HC. A multidisciplinary expert panel, consisting of gynecologists and pharmacists, reviewed the proposed material and provided anonymized feedback over two survey cycles. (3) Results: This Delphi survey revealed items essential to the clarification of eligibility for HC in pharmacies for women who are already using it. This resulted in a protocol that maps "best practices" regarding these ad interim supplies of HC given without a prescription in Switzerland. (4) Conclusions: This survey, made using the Delphi method, allowed us to create a protocol for pharmacists that aims to verify and document eligibility for HC in Switzerland, where HC is frequently supplied without a prescription.

Impact of individualized pharmaceutical care on efficacy and safety of opioid-tolerant outpatients with cancer pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Managing cancer pain is a growing challenge. Individualized pharmaceutical care is particularly important for opioid-tolerant outpatients due to variation in terms of their knowledge about pain, treatment adherence, and risk of experiencing inadequate analgesia and severe adverse events. This study aimed to determine the influence of individualized pharmaceutical care on outcomes in opioid-tolerant outpatients with cancer pain. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study was carried out. Opioid-tolerant outpatients experiencing chronic cancer pain and receiving sustained-release opioids were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group with a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received individualized pharmaceutical care, while the control group received conventional care during 4-week period. The primary endpoint was medication adherence on the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Secondary outcomes included the patients' knowledge of cancer pain and pain medications, pain score, frequency of breakthrough pain, quality of life (QoL) which were assessed on the ITT population. Adverse events were evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) version 4.0 on the per-protocol (PP) population. Results: A total of 118 patients were enrolled, and 102 patients (51 in each group) completed the 30-day follow-up from six oncology centers in China. The proportion of patients adhering to opioid medication increased to similar levels in the two groups during the 4 weeks (P=0.149). The intervention group had a significantly lower pain score at 4 weeks compared to the control group (P=0.015), and the proportion of participants without breakthrough pain was significantly higher at 4 weeks than at baseline in the intervention group (P=0.029), but not in the control group (P=0.322). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of QoL or adverse events. Conclusions: Our results suggest that individualized pharmaceutical care can markedly reduce patient-related problems and significantly improve pain control in opioid-tolerant outpatients. These findings validate the recommendations to include clinical pharmacists in the management of cancer pain. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03439904.

Evaluation of Patient Experiences Regarding Pharmacist-Administrated Vaccination and Attitude towards Future Additional Pharmacy Services in Poland.

In order to increase the number of vaccinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a significant change was introduced in the legislation allowing for the vaccination to also be performed in pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among those who chose a pharmacy as a vaccination point during the pandemic COVID-19. The aim of the study was to determine the overall level of patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccination in pharmacies and to examine patient opinions regarding the further expansion of pharmacy services. A patient survey was conducted immediately after vaccination in the period from January to March 2022. A total of 398 questionnaires were completed. The respondents reported high satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccinations (94.5%). In addition, the majority of consumers felt safe during the vaccination procedure (98.5%), and 88.4% declared they would come for other vaccinations at the pharmacy. The two main reasons for choosing this vaccination place were easy access regarding location (94.2%) and proposed vaccination hours (95.2%). The participants reported high levels of satisfaction concerning the pre-vaccination interview (91.2%), information level before immunization (91.5%), injection technique (96.7%), adjusting the premises to the service (95%) and general care in pharmacy after with vaccination (87.7%). The majority of respondents supported the future expansion of pharmacist-administered services, although the support rate ranged from 52% to 83% depending on the type of service offered. The majority of patients supported the continuation of ongoing prescriptions, blood pressure and blood glucose measurement services by pharmacists. Our findings indicate that the involvement of pharmacies in vaccination programs and other public health services met high levels of patient acceptance.