Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 104 in total

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  1. Naqvi AA, Hassali MA, Naqvi SBS, Aftab MT
    Trials, 2019 Aug 09;20(1):488.
    PMID: 31399128 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3540-z
    BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist intervention in improving disease knowledge, adherence to treatment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and direct cost of treatment. The study also documents patient satisfaction with pharmacist counselling as a quality control measure.

    METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, single-blind, two-arm, controlled trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis visiting outpatient rheumatology clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. We will enroll patients with established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis over 3 months. The patients would be randomized through a computer-generated list into the control group, i.e., usual care or into the intervention group, i.e., pharmaceutical care, in a ratio of 1:1, after providing signed written consent. The study will take place in two patient-visits over the course of 3 months. Patients in the intervention group would receive intervention from the pharmacist while those in the control group will receive usual care. Primary outcomes include change in mean score from baseline (week 0) and at follow up (week 12) in disease knowledge, adherence to medications and rehabilitation/physical therapy. The secondary outcomes include change in the mean direct cost of treatment, HRQoL and patient satisfaction with pharmacist counselling.

    DISCUSSION: This is a novel study that evaluates the role of the pharmacist in improving treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results of this trial could set the foundation for future delivery of care for this patient population in Pakistan. The results of this trial would be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03827148 . Registered on February 2019.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  2. Kc B, Alrasheedy AA, Leggat PA, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Christopher CM, Sapkota B, et al.
    Travel Med Infect Dis, 2023;51:102494.
    PMID: 36400319 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102494
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pharmacists have an important role in providing travel health services and medications to travelers. However, given the limited literature on this topic, the aim of this study is to systematically review the types and outcomes of pharmacist-managed travel health services.

    METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in four electronic databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest to identify studies published in English from 1999 to July 2022. The inclusion criteria included the studies that reported an experience of providing dedicated travel health services by pharmacists and reported the outcomes and/or evaluation of these travel health services.

    RESULTS: Nine studies were identified from the literature and included in the review. The pharmacists have provided a wide range of general and specialized travel health services including pre-travel risk assessment, routine and travel-related vaccination service, prescribing or recommending medications for travel-related illnesses, counseling and travel health advice. Overall, 94-100% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with pharmacist-managed travel health services. In addition, a good acceptance rate of pharmacist recommendations for vaccines and travel-related mediations was reported with most studies reporting an overall acceptance rate of ≥75% (acceptance rate range: 48%-94.2%). In addition, high rates of acceptance of other nonpharmacological advices were noted.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists with training in travel medicine have successfully provided a wide range of general and specialized travel health services. Most travelers were highly satisfied with the pharmacy-based travel health services and accepted the pharmacist recommendations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services*
  3. Shim YW, Chua SS, Wong HC, Alwi S
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2018;14:1115-1125.
    PMID: 29942134 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S146218
    Background: The elderly population is the largest consumer of medications as this age group is at high risk for developing chronic diseases. However, medication use among elderly people is complicated by an increased risk of drug-related problems. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of collaborative interventions between pharmacists and physicians on health-related outcomes of elderly patients.
    Patients and methods: This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted on elderly outpatients who sought treatment in the Medical Outpatient Department of a public tertiary hospital in Malaysia and who were taking at least five medications. The participants were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received pharmaceutical care from a pharmacist in collaboration with physicians and was followed-up for 6 months, while the control group received usual care in the outpatient pharmacy.
    Results: A total of 73 participants in the intervention group and 79 participants in the control group completed the study. Participants in the intervention group had significantly better medication adherence (median =7.0 vs 5.0, U=1224.5, p<0.001, r=0.503) and better Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) score (median =8.0 vs 20.0, U=749.5, p<0.001, r=0.639).
    Conclusion: Collaborative interventions between pharmacists and physicians improved medication adherence and MAI scores of the elderly patients. Therefore, such services should be implemented in all hospitals, especially in countries where pharmacists are still not playing a substantial role in patient care.
    Trial registration: NMRR-12-958-13020.
    Study site: Outpatient clinic (MOPD), Duchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  4. Lim MT, Ab Rahman N, Teh XR, Chan CL, Thevendran S, Ahmad Hamdi N, et al.
    Ther Adv Chronic Dis, 2021;12:2040622321990264.
    PMID: 33643600 DOI: 10.1177/2040622321990264
    Background: Medication adherence measures are often dichotomized to classify patients into those with good or poor adherence using a cut-off value ⩾80%, but this cut-off may not be universal across diseases or medication classes. This study aimed to examine the cut-off value that optimally distinguish good and poor adherence by using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and proportion of days covered (PDC) as adherence measures and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as outcome measure among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

    Method: We used pharmacy dispensing data of 1461 eligible T2DM patients from public primary care clinics in Malaysia treated with oral antidiabetic drugs between January 2018 and May 2019. Adherence rates were calculated during the period preceding the HbA1c measurement. Adherence cut-off values for the following conditions were compared: adherence measure (MPR versus PDC), assessment period (90-day versus 180-day), and HbA1c target (⩽7.0% versus ⩽8.0%).

    Results: The optimal adherence cut-offs for MPR and PDC in predicting HbA1c ⩽7.0% ranged between 86.1% and 98.3% across the two assessment periods. In predicting HbA1c ⩽8.0%, the optimal adherence cut-offs ranged from 86.1% to 92.8%. The cut-off value was notably higher with PDC as the adherence measure, shorter assessment period, and a stricter HbA1c target (⩽7.0%) as outcome.

    Conclusion: We found that optimal adherence cut-off appeared to be slightly higher than the conventional value of 80%. The adherence thresholds may vary depending on the length of assessment period and outcome definition but a reasonably wise cut-off to distinguish good versus poor medication adherence to be clinically meaningful should be at 90%.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  5. HORNE DE
    Pharm J, 1946 Oct 26;103(4330):265 passim.
    PMID: 21002932
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services*
  6. Sarriff A, Abdul Razzaq HA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Jan;20(1):69-75.
    PMID: 23785257 MyJurnal
    Muslim consumers have special needs in medical treatment that differ from non-Muslim consumers. In particular, there is a growing demand among Muslim consumers for Halal medications. This descriptive exploratory study aims to determine the Halal status of selected cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory medications stored in an out-patient pharmacy in a Malaysian governmental hospital. Sources of active ingredients and excipients for each product were assessed for Halal status based on available information obtained from product leaflets, the Medical Information Management System (MIMS) website, or manufacturers. Halal status was based on the products' sources and categorized into Halal, Mushbooh, or Haram. The proportions of Halal, Mushbooh, and Haram products were at 19.1%, 57.1%, and 23.8%, respectively. The percentage of active ingredients for cardiovascular/endocrine products that were assessed as Haram was 5.3%; for respiratory medications, it was only 1.1%. For excipients, 1.7% and 4.8% fall under the category of Haram for cardiovascular/endocrine products and respiratory products, respectively. Ethanol and magnesium stearate were found to be the common substances that were categorized as Haram and Mushbooh.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  7. Gill MS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):171-176.
    PMID: 33958971 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.16
    Pharmacy practice is the discipline concerning the roles of pharmacists in the healthcare setting. Healthcare in Malaysia encompasses numerous sectors, such as academics, community, enforcement, hospital, industrial, jurisprudence, military, regulatory and research and development. In addressing the crisis brought on by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, pharmacists and technicians have been highly involved in the delivery of healthcare services. Malaysia has a distinct two-tier healthcare system and within this context, it is essential to integrate services during a crisis to maximise the available but limited medical resources. Often, the focus is on realistic and logical public-private partnerships. However, integrating different ministries offering healthcare facilities is also important and inter-agency pharmacy practice coordination must be optimised. The Malaysian Armed Forces Health Services can be primed to enhance the nation's healthcare capacity and capability. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip the nation and cause an unprecedented number of Malaysians to become very ill, pharmacists must be resilient in leading, adapting and integrating well-rounded strategies in their respective fields to ensure good pharmacy practice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  8. Chua GN, Yee LJ, Sim BA, Tan KH, Sin NK, Hassali MA, et al.
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2014 Aug;22(4):265-74.
    PMID: 25121161
    The aims of the study were to assess job satisfaction and organisational commitment among pharmacists working in the public sector and its influence on their likelihood to stay within the public workforce.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services/manpower; Pharmaceutical Services/organization & administration*
  9. Jamshed SQ
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2014 Jun;22(3):234-5.
    PMID: 24825117 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12072
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services/ethics*
  10. Mak VS, March G, Clark A, Gilbert AL
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2014 Oct;22(5):366-72.
    PMID: 24428202 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12090
    OBJECTIVE: To explore South Australian (SA) pharmacy interns' values, beliefs and motivations to study pharmacy and their assessment of how well their pharmacy education has prepared them for activities required of all health professionals under Australia's health care reforms.
    METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all 136 SA pharmacy interns enrolled in SA intern training programmes in February 2010 (second month of the intern training programme).
    KEY FINDINGS: Sixty (44%) of SA pharmacy interns responded; 75% selected pharmacy as a career because of an interest in health-related sciences and 65% valued working with patients. Respondents believed their pharmacy education prepared them for patient care (80%), providing medicine information (72%) and primary health care delivery (68%), but 51% indicated that they were not prepared for multidisciplinary team care.
    CONCLUSIONS: The positive values, beliefs and motivations expressed by respondents are significant behavioural precursors to meet the requirements of health professionals in Australia's health care reforms. Respondents indicated that their pharmacy education provided appropriate training in a number of relevant professional areas.
    KEYWORDS: behaviour; career choice; education; pharmacy interns; preparedness
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services/organization & administration*
  11. Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Jamshed S, Ibrahim MI, Awaisu A
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2009 Apr;17(2):79-88.
    PMID: 20214255
    OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on consumers' knowledge, attitudes and opinions of the use of generic medicines.
    METHOD: A narrative review of studies conducted from 1970 to 2008 on consumers perceptions and views towards generic medicines was performed. An extensive literature search was undertaken using indexing services available at the authors' institution library. The following keywords were used for the search: brand, generic, multisource, medications, medicines, drugs, pharmaceuticals and consumers, customers, and patients. Electronic databases searched were Medline, Inside Web, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, Springer Link, JSTOR, Proquest, Ebsco Host and Google Scholar. These electronic databases were searched for full text papers published in English from 1970 to October 2008.
    KEY FINDINGS: Twenty studies were identified. Eleven were from the USA, four were from Europe, two were from Canada and one each was from Australia, Brazil and Malaysia. In general, consumers showed mixed reactions towards the use of generic medicines. This was evident from the divergence of views observed by country development level, consumers' socioeconomic characteristics, drug product characteristics, pharmaceutical reimbursement system, policy environment, contact with health care professionals, past experience with medications, and knowledge of the seriousness of a medical condition.
    CONCLUSIONS: Patient confidence and knowledge pertaining to generic medicines use have increased over the past four decades, especially in developed countries. Mass educational efforts, financial incentives, and greater communication among patients and health care professionals were seen as major drivers to the uptake of generic medicines among consumers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services/economics
  12. Winit-Watjana W
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2016 Dec;24(6):428-436.
    PMID: 27339891 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12281
    OBJECTIVE: Pharmacy practice has gradually evolved with the paradigm shifted towards patient-focused practice or medicines optimisation. The advancement of pharmacy-related research has contributed to this progression, but the philosophy of research remained unexplored. This review was thus aimed to outline the succinct concept of research philosophy and its application in pharmacy practice research.

    KEY FINDINGS: Research philosophy has been introduced to offer an alternative way to think about problem-driven research that is normally conducted. To clarify the research philosophy, four research paradigms, i.e. positivism (or empiricism), postpositivism (or realism), interpretivism (or constructivism) and pragmatism, are investigated according to philosophical realms, i.e. ontology, epistemology, axiology and logic of inquiry. With the application of research philosophy, some examples of quantitative and qualitative research were elaborated along with the conventional research approach. Understanding research philosophy is crucial for pharmacy researchers and pharmacists, as it underpins the choice of methodology and data collection.

    CONCLUSIONS: The review provides the overview of research philosophy and its application in pharmacy practice research. Further discussion on this vital issue is warranted to help generate quality evidence for pharmacy practice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services/trends*
  13. Tiong JJ, Mai CW, Gan PW, Johnson J, Mak VS
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2016 Aug;24(4):302-5.
    PMID: 26777986 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12244
    This article serves as an update to the work by Shafie et al. (2012) which previously reviewed the benefits of policies separating prescribing and dispensing in various countries to advocate its implementation in Malaysia. This article seeks to strengthen the argument by highlighting not only the weaknesses of the Malaysian health care system from the historical, professional and economic viewpoints but also the shortcomings of both medical and pharmacy professions in the absence of separation of dispensing. It also provides a detailed insight into the ongoing initiatives taken to consolidate the role of pharmacists in the health care system in the advent of separation of dispensing. Under the two tier system in Malaysia at present, the separation of prescribing and dispensing is implemented only in government hospitals. The absence of this separation in the private practices has led to possible profit-oriented medical and pharmacy practices which hinder safe and cost-effective delivery of health services. The call for separation of dispensing has gained traction over the years despite various hurdles ranging from the formidable resistance from the medical fraternity to the public's scepticism towards the new policy. With historical testament and present evidence pointing towards the merits of a system in which doctors prescribe and pharmacists dispense, the implementation of this health care model is justified.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services/economics; Pharmaceutical Services/legislation & jurisprudence; Pharmaceutical Services/organization & administration*
  14. Rayes IK, Hassali MA, Abduelkarem AR
    Saudi Pharm J, 2015 Oct;23(5):470-4.
    PMID: 26594111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2014.02.004
    Pharmacy practice has passed several rounds of advancements over the past few years. It had changed the traditional positioning criteria of pharmacists as business people into patient-centered healthcare professionals. This worldwide shift is increasingly accumulating pressure on UAE pharmacists to turn up into better level of service providing accompanied with higher demand of inter-personal skills and intellectual capabilities. This can be accomplished through stressing the significance of continuing pharmacy education in basic sciences as well as social and administrative pharmacy techniques and its collaboration in elevating the quality of pharmacy practice in the UAE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  15. Rayes IK, Hassali MA, Abduelkarem AR
    Saudi Pharm J, 2015 Jul;23(3):235-40.
    PMID: 26106271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2014.11.016
    The new paradigm to pharmacy profession has changed the focus of pharmacists from product-centered to patient-oriented. This change has brought new set of beliefs and assumptions on the way services should be delivered to pharmacy clients. The main aim of this study was to explore the perception of community pharmacists on their current professional role in Dubai. Key findings show that community pharmacists are more directed toward business than patients. They almost dispense all categories of medicines over-the-counter without the need of prescriptions. However, a new trend of pharmacists in Dubai is to provide enhanced pharmacy services such as consultation to patients upon request.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  16. Haseeb A, Faidah HS, Al-Gethamy M, Iqbal MS, Alhifany AA, Ali M, et al.
    Saudi Pharm J, 2020 Oct;28(10):1166-1171.
    PMID: 33132709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.08.005
    Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial use in healthcare institutions through evidence-based quality improvement strategies. The general administration of pharmaceutical care in the Saudi ministry of health (MOH) is putting outstanding efforts in implementing antimicrobial stewardship in Saudi health care settings. Several surveys have been conducted globally and reported many types of antimicrobial stewardship strategies in health institutions and their effectiveness. This study aims to identify ASPs in Makkah region hospitals and their perceived level of success. We administered a regional survey to explore current progress and issues related to the implementation of ASPs in Makkah region hospitals at the pharmacy level (n = 25). Among responding hospitals, 19 (76%) hospitals, the most commonly reported ASP were as following: formulary restrictions (90%) for broad-spectrum antimicrobials and use of prospective feedback on antimicrobial prescribing (68%), use of clinical guidelines and pathways (100%), and use of automatic stop orders (68%) to limit inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The study outcomes will also be of pivotal importance to devise policies and strategies for antimicrobial stewardship implementation in other non-MOH settings in the Makkah region. Based on our results, all reported institutions have at least one antimicrobial stewardship program in a process with a high success rate. A multidisciplinary ASP approach, active involvement of drug & therapeutic committee, formulary restrictions, and availability of education & training of pharmacists and physicians on ASP are the primary elements for perceived successful antimicrobial stewardship programs in the Makkah region hospitals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  17. Shrestha S, Jha N, Palaian S, Shankar PR
    SAGE Open Med, 2020;8:2050312120974513.
    PMID: 33282309 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120974513
    Good knowledge, awareness and preparedness regarding coronavirus disease 2019, among community pharmacy practitioners (CPPs), will enable them to provide correct information and support to patients, convey instructions from the public health authorities and protect their own health.

    Objective: The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, awareness and preparedness regarding coronavirus disease 2019 among CPPs working in Kathmandu, Nepal.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method from 10 February to 25 March 2020. Data were analysed descriptively, and one-sample independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare scores among different subgroups of respondents (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  18. Goswami N, Dahal P, Shrestha S, Kc B, Mallik SK
    Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2020;13:1513-1522.
    PMID: 32982509 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S264192
    Background: Community pharmacies are easily accessible outlets providing medicines to the general public in Nepal, but it is known that irrational dispensing of antibiotics from such outlets contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

    Objective: To assess the understanding of community pharmacy personnel around antibiotic-dispensing in Eastern Nepal and the relationship between this understanding and their personal characteristics.

    Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 312 pharmacy personnel working in community pharmacies of three districts within Eastern Nepal using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participants' characteristics and their understanding of antibiotic dispensing. The relationships between their understanding of antibiotic dispensing and their characteristics were determined using Chi-square tests.

    Results: Most of the pharmacy personnel considered that dispensing antibiotics without a valid prescription is a problem (76.9%), and that it would not be legal to do so (86.9%). In the survey, 34.9% of participants agreed that they had dispensed antibiotics without prescription, and 26.9% disagreed with the assertion that inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics could promote antimicrobial resistance. Most (94.5%) reported that they would advise patients to follow their antibiotic dosage regimen, but 34.3% reported that they believed antibiotics to reduce pain and inflammation. Bivariate analysis showed that the level of understanding about antibiotic indication was significantly associated with age (p<0.001), work experience (p<0.001) and qualifications (p=0.017) of the pharmacy personnel. Work experience and qualifications also had significant but independent relationships with the level of understanding that irrational dispensing of antibiotics promotes antimicrobial resistance (p=0.018 and p=0.004) and is on the need for patient follow-up after dispensing antibiotics (p<0.001 and p=0.042).

    Conclusion: The understanding of community pharmacy personnel about antibiotic dispensing in Eastern Nepal requires significant improvement. Degree of understanding of some aspects of antibiotic dispensing was influenced by age, work experience and qualifications.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
  19. Alrasheedy AA, Abdulsalim S, Farooqui M, Alsahali S, Godman B
    Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2021;14:729-741.
    PMID: 33654441 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S292354
    Background: Individuals' knowledge, attitude and practice towards preventive and precautionary measures of COVID-19 are essential to control the spread of the disease. Consequently, the aims of the study were to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacy students towards the pandemic and to assess its psychological impact on them to provide future guidance.

    Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted via a web-based survey in May 2020. All pharmacy students enrolled at Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, were invited to take part in the study.

    Results: A total of 232 out of 460 students took part in the study, giving a response rate of 50.43%. The mean total knowledge score was 9.87 ± 2.04 (maximum attainable score, 12). The majority of the participants (n=163; 70.3%) believed COVID-19 is a health threat to their community in the early months of the pandemic. Moreover, the majority (93%) also believed that the lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic was necessary to contain the pandemic. Encouragingly, 86.6% reported that they did not go to any crowded places during the pandemic with more female students avoiding crowded places compared to male students (91.6% versus 78.7%, respectively, P = 0.005). The majority (91%) also reported that they were following the strategies recommended by the authorities to prevent the spread of the virus. Encouragingly, 54.3% reported that the pandemic either had no effect or just a limited effect on their studies. However, 38.5% reported that they always felt or frequently felt nervous or anxious during the pandemic.

    Conclusion: The study showed that pharmacy students had good knowledge as well as positive attitudes and good practices towards COVID-19 and the preventive measures. However, during the early months, the pandemic did have a negative psychological impact on a number of students. Consequently, proactive psychological and social support services to the students should be considered during the current and future pandemics. In addition, it is important to consider and proactively address key issues that could cause stress and anxiety among students when shifting to distance learning and assessments.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services
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