Downsizing of health-system pharmacist positions.

The effects of downsizing on institutional pharmacists were studied. A national mail survey was sent to a random sample of 533 members of ASHP in January 1997. The questionnaire was designed to determine (1) the influence of selected factors on the downsizing of pharmacist positions and (2) pharmacists' attitudes about downsizing. A total of 256 usable questionnaires were received, for a net response rate of 48%. Forty-four pharmacists, or 17%, had personally been affected by downsizing. Sixty-one percent of the pharmacists affected by downsizing had had administrative positions. After downsizing, only 32% of the pharmacists had an administrative position. Most of the pharmacists were currently employed. Thirty-five (79%) described their current job responsibilities as substantially changed. Two thirds made the same salaries or higher salaries. Pharmacists who had been downsized rated mergers, the impact of managed care, and the profit motive as the most influential causes of downsizing of pharmacist positions. The three most common negative comments about the impact of downsizing cited reduction in the quality of patient care, increased stress, and lowered morale. Most of the pharmacists believed that communication skills, education, cross-training, and clinical skills are keys to surviving downsizing. Most pharmacists whose positions were downsized said they went on to jobs with similar or higher salaries and substantially different responsibilities.

Knowledge, beliefs, and use of prescribed antibiotic medications among low-socioeconomic African Americans.

This study examined knowledge, beliefs, and use of prescribed oral antibiotics of 163 low-socioeconomic African-American adults in a large midwestern city. The effects of age, education, and gender on knowledge and use of antibiotics were examined. Slightly more than 65% of the subjects in this study preferred using brand-name antibiotics. Females were more likely to report using all of their prescribed antibiotics, while males and those in the older age category were more likely to report using antibiotics only until the problem stopped. Twenty-three percent of the males and 18% of the females reported sharing their antibiotics with someone. Less than half of the respondents reported using physicians (and other health professionals) as a major source of information on prescribed antibiotics. Respondents often incorrectly identified painkillers and other medications as antibiotics. Based on these results, it appears that more education is needed to improve patients' understanding of antibiotic regimens.

Prescribing authority: an examination of Ohio pharmacists' opinions.

This study was conducted to determine the opinions of Ohio pharmacists about possible implementation of prescribing authority for pharmacists in the state. Questionnaires designed to determine pharmacists' opinions were mailed to a random sample of Ohio Pharmacists Association members. The overall net response rate was 44%. A majority of respondents preferred dependent prescribing authority under physician supervision. Respondents favored charging a fee for prescribing, although they did not expect the fee to be large enough to increase income substantially. A majority agreed that pharmacists should pass a qualifying exam and receive formal training to prescribe medications. A large number of respondents agreed that prescribing authority will lead to greater use of generic drugs and lower health care costs. For prescribing authority to succeed, it is suggested that appropriate protocols be developed in consideration of state requirements.

Maslach Burnout Inventory: factor structures for pharmacists in health maintenance organizations and comparison with normative data for USA pharmacists.

This study compared the factor structure and burnout scores obtained on the Maslach Burnout Inventory from 84 pharmacists in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) with the normative data for USA pharmacists. Results provided empirical support for the reliability and validity of the inventory to measure burnout within the profession of pharmacy. Values of Cronbach coefficient alpha for subscales of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment were similar to those obtained with the normative sample. Factor analysis was conducted to yield the best three-factor solution. Derived factor loadings matched the three hypothesized subscales. On Personal Accomplishment the mean subscale score for HMO pharmacists was significantly higher than the normative score. Given limitations of the small sample, research is indicated to substantiate use of the inventory among HMO pharmacists.