Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 290 in total

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  1. Chu J, Maharajan MK, Rajiah K
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2024 Mar 06;32(2):146-155.
    PMID: 38071745 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad087
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate patterns of extended pharmacy services (EPS) provided by Malaysian community pharmacists and their willingness to provide value-added services (VAS) in addition to EPS. Additionally, this study examined the barriers to the effective implementation of these two services.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among community pharmacists in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Convenience sampling was done, and descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed.

    RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-six pharmacists participated. The most rendered EPS were nutritional supplements, hypertension management, and diabetic management, while chronic kidney disease management, smoking cessation, and mental health services were the least rendered. Pharmacists were willing to provide medication waste management and vaccination as VAS but were less inclined towards therapeutic drug monitoring and sterile compounding. Barriers included limited access to medical records of patients, lack of designated counselling areas, and concerns about remuneration. High sales pressure and busy workloads were additional barriers to providing VAS. Continuous professional development (CPD) positively influenced pharmacists' engagement in EPS and VAS.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights service provision trends and areas for improvement. Addressing identified barriers, such as enhancing access to patient records and establishing designated counselling areas, can improve service delivery. Remuneration models and workload management strategies should be considered to alleviate barriers related to sales pressure and time constraints. Promoting CPD opportunities is crucial for enhancing pharmacist engagement and optimizing EPS and VAS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  2. Lim AS, Ling YL, Wilby KJ, Mak V
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2024 Mar;16(3):212-220.
    PMID: 38171979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.12.028
    BACKGROUND: Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) remain an integral part of pharmacy education. This study aimed to characterize key researchers, areas, and themes in pharmacy education OSCEs using a bibliometric review with content analysis.

    METHODS: A bibliometric review was conducted on literature from over 23 years from January 2000 to May 2023. Articles focusing on any type of OSCE research in pharmacy education in both undergraduate and postgraduate sectors were included. Articles were excluded if they were not original articles or not published in English. A summative content analysis was also conducted to identify key topics.

    RESULTS: A total of 192 articles were included in the analysis. There were 242 institutions that contributed to the OSCE literature in pharmacy education, with the leading country being Canada. Most OSCE research came from developed countries and were descriptive studies based on single institution data. The top themes emerging from content analysis were student perceptions on OSCE station styles (n = 98), staff perception (n = 19), grade assessment of OSCEs (n = 145), interprofessional education (n = 11), standardized patients (n = 12), and rubric development and standard setting (n = 8).

    IMPLICATIONS: There has been a growth in virtual OSCEs, interprofessional OSCEs, and artificial intelligence OSCEs. Communication rubrics and minimizing assessor variability are still trending research areas. There is scope to conduct more research on evaluating specific types of OSCEs, when best to hold an OSCE, and comparing OSCEs to other assessments.

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*
  3. Ramachandram DS, Tan CH, Selvaraj A, Appalasamy JR, Kow CS
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2024 Feb 15;32(1):100-103.
    PMID: 38029419 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad085
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of pharmacy automation on the workload and satisfaction of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants in an inpatient setting.

    METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional survey using a convenience sampling method conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) In-Patient Pharmacy. A validated online questionnaire assessed user satisfaction and task duration.

    RESULTS: A total of 21 pharmacists and 18 pharmacy assistants participated in the survey. Most pharmacists (n = 17/21) were confident in the system, and both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants perceived it to be beneficial for patients (n = 33/39) and for reducing medication errors (n = 32/39). Pharmacy assistants spent approximately 5.34 hours on traditional work including filling medication orders (1.44 hours) after automated tablet dispensing and packaging system (ATDPS) implementation. Pharmacists spent 1.19 hours filling medication orders and 1.71 hours checking/verifying them, in contrast.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists focused mainly on clinical duties with healthcare colleagues, while pharmacy assistants handled various medication orders. Nevertheless, ATDPS reduced pharmacy staff workload in medication handling, achieving user satisfaction.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacists; Pharmacy*; Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  4. Liew JES, Chong Cheng Y, Tai NL, Pereira A, Manivannan V, Khoo SL, et al.
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2024 Feb 15;32(1):83-90.
    PMID: 38289996 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad083
    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.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy*
  5. Caliph SM, Lee CY
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2024 Feb;16(2):119-123.
    PMID: 38158334 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.12.017
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pharmacy students' perception of the effectiveness of remote online learning experienced during the pandemic, and their learning expectations post-pandemic were unknown. The main purpose of this study was to examine students' perceived effectiveness of online teaching and learning activities developed for active learning and pharmacy professional skills development, and the feasibility of online assessments.

    EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: A cross-sectional online survey involving second-year pharmacy students of Monash Malaysia (MA) and Monash Australia (PA) campuses was conducted. The survey consisted of 15 Likert-scale multiple-choice questions and an open-ended question. Data were analysed statistically.

    FINDINGS: Students at both MA and PA campuses were satisfied with the remote online learning experienced during the pandemic but indicated a preference for a blended learning approach. Students at the MA campus felt that on-campus face-to-face classes were more engaging and advantageous for their learning and skills development (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  6. Lim A, Krishnan SS, Blebil AQ, Malone D
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2023 Dec 19;31(6):646-649.
    PMID: 37410964 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad048
    OBJECTIVES: To describe the implementation and assess whether an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a viable assessment tool for testing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) principles.

    METHODS: A three-station OSCE set in a hospital and community pharmacy was designed and mapped to the World Health Organisation's AMS intervention practical guide. This OSCE comprised 39 unique cases and was implemented across two campuses (Malaysia and Australia) at one institute. Stations were 8 min long and consisted of problem-solving and applying AMS principles to drug therapy management (Station 1), counselling on key antimicrobials (Station 2) or managing infectious diseases in primary care (Station 3). Primary outcome measure to assess viability was the proportion of students who were able to pass each case.

    KEY FINDINGS: Other than three cases with pass rates of 50, 52.8 and 66. 7%, all cases had pass rates of 75% or more. Students were most confident with referral to medical practitioner cases and switching from intravenous to oral or empirical to directed therapy.

    CONCLUSIONS: An AMS-based OSCE is a viable assessment tool in pharmacy education. Further research should explore whether similar assessments can help improve students' confidence at recognising opportunities for AMS intervention in the workplace.

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*
  7. Wong WP, Saw PS, Jomthanachai S, Wang LS, Ong HF, Lim CP
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 15;13(1):22287.
    PMID: 38097696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49606-z
    One major issue in pharmaceutical supply chain management is the supply shortage, and determining the root causes of medicine shortages necessitates an in-depth investigation. The concept of risk management is proposed in this study to identify significant risk factors in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Fuzzy failure mode and effect analysis and data envelopment analysis were used to evaluate the risks of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Based on a case study on the Malaysian pharmaceutical supply chain, it reveals that the pharmacy node is the riskiest link. The unavailability of medicine due to unexpected demand, as well as the scarcity of specialty or substitute drugs, pose the most significant risk factors. These risks could be mitigated by digital technology. We propose an appropriate digital technology platform consisting of big data analytics and blockchain technologies to undertake these challenges of supply shortage. By addressing risk factors through the implementation of a digitalized supply chain, organizations can fortify their supply networks, fostering resilience and efficiency, and thereby playing a pivotal role in advancing the Pharma 4.0 era.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy*
  8. Hamid H, Zulkifli K, Naimat F, Che Yaacob NL, Ng KW
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2023 Dec;15(12):1017-1025.
    PMID: 37923639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.10.001
    INTRODUCTION: With the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is imperative to investigate its influence on education and the resulting impact on student learning outcomes. This includes exploring the potential application of AI in process-driven problem-based learning (PDPBL). This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of students towards the use of ChatGPT) build on GPT-3.5 in PDPBL in the Bachelor of Pharmacy program.

    METHODS: Eighteen students with prior experience in traditional PDPBL processes participated in the study, divided into three groups to perform PDPBL sessions with various triggers from pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy fields, while utilizing chat AI provided by ChatGPT to assist with data searching and problem-solving. Questionnaires were used to collect data on the impact of ChatGPT on students' satisfaction, engagement, participation, and learning experience during the PBL sessions.

    RESULTS: The survey revealed that ChatGPT improved group collaboration and engagement during PDPBL, while increasing motivation and encouraging more questions. Nevertheless, some students encountered difficulties understanding ChatGPT's information and questioned its reliability and credibility. Despite these challenges, most students saw ChatGPT's potential to eventually replace traditional information-seeking methods.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that ChatGPT has the potential to enhance PDPBL in pharmacy education. However, further research is needed to examine the validity and reliability of the information provided by ChatGPT, and its impact on a larger sample size.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  9. Kho BP, Chua WCW, Liu WTE, Lim SC, Leong HHL, Chai YA
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2023 Sep 30;31(5):496-503.
    PMID: 37435970 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad043
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors contributing to burnout among public sector pharmacy staff in Sarawak, Malaysia, two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Impact of burnout on their lives and their coping strategies were also examined.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among all pharmacy staff in public healthcare facilities throughout Sarawak. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Multiple logistic regression analysed demographic and work characteristics associated with burnout. Open-ended replies on burnout causes, impact, coping strategies and employer's role were coded and thematically analysed.

    KEY FINDINGS: A total of 329 responses were received. The prevalence of personal, work and patient-related burnout was 54.7, 47.1 and 35.3%, respectively. Respondents facing problems with child support were 8.26 and 3.62 times more likely to suffer from personal and work-related burnout. Working in areas with potential exposure to COVID-19 patients increased the odds of patient and work-related burnout by 2.80 and 1.86 times, respectively. Burnout symptoms affected their quality of life; nevertheless, self-reported coping strategies were mostly positive. Respondents emphasised the need for organisational interventions, including increased resource allocation, better workload distribution and promotion of work-life balance, to mitigate burnout.

    CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of public sector pharmacy staff continue to experience burnout two years into the pandemic. Regular well-being assessments and supportive policies are recommended to help them cope with increased stress. Additional training for supervisors may be necessary to effectively manage staff and workload during a pandemic.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy*
  10. Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, Humaid Alnuaimi GR, Zyoud SH, Jairoun M
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2023 Jul;19(7):975-976.
    PMID: 37061346 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.03.012
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Services*; Pharmacies*; Pharmacy*
  11. El-Dahiyat F, Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, Hassan N, Jairoun S, et al.
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2023 Jun 30;31(4):387-395.
    PMID: 37116892 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad027
    OBJECTIVES: Deprescribing is a novel strategy whereby medical professionals aim to optimize a patient's prescription program by removing redundant medications. Few studies have looked at the viewpoints of community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on deprescribing in daily practice. This study's objectives included evaluating community pharmacists' deprescribing knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as identifying the obstacles to and enablers of deprescribing in daily practice.

    METHODS: Five pharmacy students in the last year of their studies polled employees of neighbourhood pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates from April 2022 to July 2022. The study's questionnaire was divided into two sections: questions that inquired about the respondents' demographic data and questions that evaluated the respondents' understanding and usage of the deprescribing of potentially harmful medications for patients. The original Bloom's cutoff points were revised and modified to assess the general knowledge and deprescribing practices of United Arab Emirates (UAE) community pharmacists. Multivariate logistic regression identified the variables influencing respondents' deprescribing knowledge and practice.

    KEY FINDINGS: The average age of the participants was 30.8 ± 6.4 SD. Of the total, 255 (37.7%) were male and 422 (62.3%) were female. Pharmacists from independent pharmacies constituted 52.9% of the study sample and 47.1% were from Chain pharmacies. Among the participants, 58.8% (n = 398) had 1-5 years of experience and 41.2% (n = 279) had more than 5 years. Nearly three-quarters of the pharmacists (72.1%, 488) graduated from local universities and 27.9% (n = 189) graduated from regional/international universities. The vast majority of the study sample (84.8%, 574) were bachelor's degree holders and 88.3% (n = 598) were pharmacists in charge. Of the total, 69.3% (n = 469) received deprescribing training to treat patients with multimorbid diseases. The knowledge and practice score was 71.3% with a 95% confidence interval [70.2%, 72.4%]. Of the total participants, 113 (16.7%) had poor knowledge and practice about deprescribing, 393 (58.1%) had moderate knowledge and practice and 171 (25.3%) had good knowledge and practice.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the level of understanding of community pharmacists about deprescribing in the UAE. Although most of the respondents in this study received training on deprescribing, less than half of the community pharmacists were unaware of certain classes (long-acting sulfonylureas, anti-diabetic, antihyperlipidemic and psychotropic drugs) of drugs that are candidates for potential deprescribing. This finding indicates that their knowledge about deprescribing was insufficient. Several barriers community pharmacists face in deprescribing were also identified, with patients' resistance and insufficience being the most prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for improved deprescribing practices to ensure drug safety.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  12. Loh P, Lee JW, Karuppannan M, Chua SS
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2023 Jun 20;23(1):657.
    PMID: 37340333 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09642-x
    BACKGROUND: Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patient-oriented. However, due to the absence of separation between prescribing and dispensing in Malaysia, community pharmacists may have limited roles in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, the main functions of community pharmacists in Malaysia are related to self-medication requests for minor ailments and the supply of non-prescription medications. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia in response to self-medication requests for a cough.

    METHODS: This study utilised a simulated client method. A research assistant, acting as a simulated client, visited community pharmacies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia to consult the pharmacists on the treatment of a cough experienced by his father. Upon leaving the pharmacy premise, the simulated client entered the pharmacist's responses in a data collection form which was structured based on pharmacy mnemonics for the response to symptoms, OBRA'90 on counselling elements, the five practice principles of pharmaceutical care by the American Pharmacists Association and literature review. Visits to the community pharmacies were conducted from September to October 2018.

    RESULTS: The simulated client visited a total of 100 community pharmacies. None of these community pharmacists practised adequate patients' data collection, with only a low proportion who practised all the components studied under medication information evaluation (13%), formulating a drug therapy plan (15%) and monitoring and modifying the plan (3%). Of the 100 community pharmacists, 98 recommended treatment but none of them provided all the counselling elements studied in implementing the drug therapy plan.

    CONCLUSION: The present study showed that community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia were not providing adequate pharmaceutical care services to patients seeking self-medication for a cough. Such practice may compromise patient safety if inappropriate medicines or advice are given.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  13. Lee JK, Collins B, Pepper E, Alvarez NA, Warholak T
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2023 Jun;87(6):100063.
    PMID: 37316138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100063
    OBJECTIVE: Leadership development is necessary for student pharmacists to become pharmacist leaders, but no readily usable standard measurement of student attitudes toward and beliefs about leadership exists. To assess the reliability and validity evidence for using the Leadership Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (LABS-III), originally developed and validated in Malaysia, for use with student pharmacists in the United States.

    METHODS: The 2-unit leadership course was piloted among second- and third-year students in a public college of pharmacy with a 4-year doctor of pharmacy curriculum. The participating students completed the LABS-III during the first and last classes as part of a quality improvement measure for course enhancement. Rasch analysis was then used to assess the reliability and validity evidence for the LABS-III.

    RESULTS: A total of 24 students participated in the pilot course. The pre and postcourse surveys had 100% and 92% response rates, respectively. After Rasch analysis model fit was achieved, the item separation for the 14 nonextreme items was 2.19 with an item reliability of 0.83. The person separation index was 2.16 with a person reliability of 0.82.

    CONCLUSION: The Rasch analysis revealed that the number of LABS-III items should be decreased and that the 3-point response scale should be used to improve functionality and use in classroom settings for PharmD students in the United States. Further research is needed to augment the reliability and validity evidence of the modified instrument for use at other United States colleges of pharmacy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*
  14. Dujaili J, Ong WK, Kc B, Vordenberg SE, Mattingly AN, Lee RFS
    Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 2023 Jun;15(6):624-632.
    PMID: 37357124 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.06.012
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Due to COVID-19 movement restrictions, institutes of higher learning had to deliver pharmacy curricula remotely. One major challenge was teaching practical lab skills, such as extemporaneous compounding, remotely due to the need for hands-on learning and its associated logistical requirements.

    EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: We present the approach to remote extemporaneous compounding teaching taken by three pharmacy schools: Monash University Malaysia, University of Michigan, and University of Maryland. Prior to delivery, students were either supplied with or asked to procure a set of easily accessible ingredients and equipment to conduct the extemporaneous practicals from home. We conducted lessons remotely using both synchronous and asynchronous delivery, and demonstrated, taught, and assessed practical lab skills using video conferencing modalities.

    FINDINGS: We successfully conducted remote teaching of extemporaneous compounding, where similar learning outcomes to the face-to-face implementation were achieved. At Monash University Malaysia, > 90% of students responding to the post-activity surveys found the remote extemporaneous sessions useful for their learning, and qualitative comments supported these views. Mean scores from the remote extemporaneous labs in 2021 were similar to those when conducted physically in 2019, supporting the effectiveness of the approach. The different approaches attempted by the three institutions highlighted the flexibility in implementation that can be considered to achieve similar outcomes.

    SUMMARY: Combining technology-based approaches with synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning methods can successfully deliver extemporaneous compounding skills remotely.

    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy*
  15. Nathan AD, Shankar PR, Sreeramareddy CT
    BMC Prim Care, 2023 May 25;24(1):119.
    PMID: 37231354 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02071-z
    BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are commonly available in community pharmacies and are used in skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis among others. Problems such as overuse, use of potent steroids and steroid phobia have been identified in the use of TCS in the literature. The aim of the study was to obtain community pharmacists (CPs) views regarding factors influencing their counselling of patients about TCS; challenges associated, important problems, the counselling process, shared care with other healthcare professionals, and explore further the findings from the questionnaire-based study.

    METHODS: Seven licensed practicing community pharmacists (from the Klang Valley, Malaysia) were interviewed between 23rd September to 14th November 2021. These were CPs participating in the questionnaire study who agreed to be interviewed. NVIVO 11 software was used for data analysis. Codes and themes were generated and agreed on by the researchers.

    RESULTS: The major themes identified related to the process mentioned of providing information to patients, the issues addressed by CPs during the counselling (including steroid phobia, overuse of TCS, patients asking for a specific preparation by name), less counselling support material, language barriers, lesser knowledge about certain conditions, information sources used by CPs (material provided by Ministry of Health and Malaysian Pharmacists Association, MIMS) and suggestions to strengthen the quality of counselling (specialization in skin diseases, webinars, shared care models). For patients requesting a particular preparation by name, the pharmacist will decide whether the preparation requested is suitable or suggest an alternative. Steroid phobia was seen more commonly among parents of young children and young patients. MIMS was available as a smartphone application making it easier to use. Advanced training for CPs in the management of skin conditions like that provided for diabetes mellitus can be considered.

    CONCLUSIONS: Counselling was conducted while dispensing TCS in the open area of the pharmacy. Challenges to counselling were lack of time, limited counselling materials, and language barriers. Steroid phobia requires attention. Initiatives to strengthen counselling were mentioned by respondents and appear feasible. Further research covering the entire country is required.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  16. Muhaimin M, Habibi A, Riady Y, Alqahtani TM, Chaerunisaa AY, Wijaya TT, et al.
    BMC Med Educ, 2023 May 23;23(1):367.
    PMID: 37221539 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04346-6
    The Covid-19 outbreak necessitated the implementation of social distancing mechanisms, such as the enforcement of lockdowns in numerous nations. The lockdown has disrupted many parts of everyday life, but this unusual event has particularly affected education. The temporary closure of educational institutions ushered in dozens of new reforms, including a shift into the distance and online learning. This study investigates the transition from traditional education in physical classrooms to online and distance and online learning in pharmacy education during Covid-19, especially about the challenges and benefits of distance and online learning. We did Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for literature sources between 2020 and 2022 (n.14). The study elaborates on how the transition has influenced teachers and students of pharmacy education. The research also summarizes several recommendations, which may assist in minimizing the adverse impacts of lockdown and encourage streamlined processes to distance and online learning, particularly in pharmacy education.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*
  17. Low BY, Ting KN, Lee MK
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2023 Apr 10;31(2):261-265.
    PMID: 36534990 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac101
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacists (CP) towards household pharmaceutical waste disposal.

    METHODS: All pharmacists attending the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild event held in-person were invited to self-administer a web-based survey.

    KEY FINDINGS: The response rate was 61% (168/276). Overall, community pharmacists have mixed knowledge (mean ± SD: 5.89 ± 1.38) and positive attitude (mean ± SD: 9.58 ± 0.81) towards household pharmaceutical waste disposal. However, few community pharmacists (18/168, 10.7%) have promotional materials encouraging safe medication disposal in their pharmacies.

    CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacists do not proactively promote safe household pharmaceutical waste disposal to mitigate pharmaceutical pollutants entering the environment although they have satisfactory knowledge and attitude.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
  18. Wong YJ, Thum CC, Ng KY, Lee SWH
    Prim Health Care Res Dev, 2023 Mar 22;24:e21.
    PMID: 36946302 DOI: 10.1017/S1463423623000105
    AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing community pharmacy-based tuberculosis-directly observed treatment (TB-DOT) in Malaysia.

    BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) eradication is one of the top priorities in the public health agenda in Malaysia. While public-private mix (PPM) initiatives have been launched, community pharmacists remain undervalued assets in TB management.

    METHODS: A two-phase mixed-methods study targeting community pharmacists was conducted in Malaysia between March and October 2021. The first phase was an online self-administered survey developed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The second phase was a semi-structured interview to allow deeper understanding on the quantitative results. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with a semi-inductive approach. The data were triangulated to enhance comprehensiveness and credibility of the findings.

    FINDINGS: The survey was completed by 388 community pharmacists, and 23 pharmacists participated in the interview. Most community pharmacists indicated their willingness to serve as TB-DOT supervisors (70.1%). Qualitative results supported the findings. Community pharmacy-based TB-DOT service was perceived as an avenue to improve TB management and outcomes and to enhance the professional role of pharmacists in TB service at primary care settings. This was also perceived as a feasible intervention with the potential to strengthen the National TB Control programme. This initiative needs be reinforced with adequate support from the public healthcare sector for a strong partnership in ensuring success.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
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