Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 119 in total

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  1. Subramaniam K, Low WY, Chinna K, Chin KF, Krishnaswamy S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Aug;24(4):64-73.
    PMID: 28951691 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.4.8
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) among Malaysian adults.
    METHOD: The Malay version of the DEBQ instrument was administered to 398 outpatients (269 women and 129 men) at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to study the construct validity of the instrument. Composite reliability coefficient, Raykov's rho, was used to determine the internal consistency.
    RESULTS: The proposed three-factor structure for the DEBQ instrument was appropriate, although three items (Items 21, 14 and 27) showed problematic loadings with inappropriate model fit and were removed. The modified version had an appropriate model fit χ(2)/df = 2.129, TLI = 0.908, CFI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.053 (90%CI = 0.048-0.058), close-fit P-value = 0.136 and satisfactory internal consistency of 0.914 for emotional eating scale, 0.819 for external eating scale and 0.856 for restrained eating scale.
    DISCUSSION: The Malay version of the DEBQ is a valid instrument to study eating behaviour traits among Malaysian adults. Further research is warranted to determine if Items 14 and 27 are appropriate for the Malaysian population.
    Study site: Pharmacy, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  2. Inoue Y, Morita Y, Takikawa M, Takao K, Kanamoto I, Sugibayashi K
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2015 May-Jun;11(3):448-58.
    PMID: 25443642 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2014.08.007
    It is important to share information about other countries' pharmacists to optimize cross-border medical cooperation. This paper examines the dispensing systems and the work done by pharmacists in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Thailand, and Malaysia so as to compare these countries' medical practices and develop a cohesive vision for the future of Japanese pharmacists. All five of the countries have dispensing assistants. Pharmacists in Japan have duties of inventory control, drug dispensing, and providing medication advice. In contrast, assistants working in other countries are responsible for some aspects of dispensing and inventory control, allowing the pharmacists to spend their time and competency in instructing patients on how to take their medication. Because of this, pharmacists were actively involved with health promotion intervention in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. It is hoped that work done by Japanese pharmacists would transition from primarily dispensing drugs to patient care, advice, and counseling to enrich overall health promotion and health/nutrition counseling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/organization & administration
  3. Hassali MA, Mohamad Yahaya AH, Shafie AA, Saleem F, Chua GN, Aljadhey H
    PLoS One, 2013;8(4):e59231.
    PMID: 23573195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059231
    The study aims to evaluate the predictors of non-prescription medicine purchasing patterns among pharmacy patrons in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/statistics & numerical data*
  4. Hill S
    PLoS Med, 2007 Mar 27;4(3):e149.
    PMID: 17388686
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/economics
  5. Babar ZU, Ibrahim MI, Singh H, Bukahri NI, Creese A
    PLoS Med, 2007 Mar 27;4(3):e82.
    PMID: 17388660
    Malaysia's stable health care system is facing challenges with increasing medicine costs. To investigate these issues a survey was carried out to evaluate medicine prices, availability, affordability, and the structure of price components.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/economics
  6. Saleh K, Ibrahim MI
    Pharm World Sci, 2005 Dec;27(6):442-6.
    PMID: 16341951 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-005-1318-8
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the pharmaceutical sector to know whether people have access to essential medicines.

    SETTING: The study was conducted in 20 public health clinics, five public district drug stores and 20 private retail pharmacies selected randomly in five different areas randomly selected (four states and a federal territory).

    METHOD: The methodology used was adopted from the World Health Organization study protocol. The degree of attainment of the strategic pharmaceutical objectives of improved access is measured by a list of tested indicators. Access is measured in terms of the availability and affordability of essential medicines, especially to the poor and in the public sector. The first survey in the public health clinics and public district drug stores gathered information about current availability of essential medicines, prevalence of stock-outs and affordability of treatment (except drug stores). The second survey assessed affordability of treatment in public health clinics and private retail pharmacies.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Availability, stock-out duration, percent of medicines dispensed, accessibility and affordability of key medicines.

    RESULTS: The average availability of key medicines in the public health clinics for the country was 95.4%. The average stock-out duration of key medicines was 6.5 days. However, average availability of key medicines in the public district drug stores was 89.2%; with an average stock-out duration of 32.4 days. Medicines prescribed were 100% dispensed to the patients. Average affordability for public health clinics was 1.5 weeks salary and for the private pharmacies, 3.7 weeks salary.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present pharmaceutical situation in the context of essential medicines list implementation reflected that the majority of the population in Malaysia had access to affordable essential medicines. If medicines need to be obtained from the private sector, they are hardly affordable. Although the average availability of essential medicines in Malaysia was high being more than 95.0%, in certain areas in Sabah availability was less than 80.0% and still a problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies*
  7. Godman B, Haque M, Islam S, Iqbal S, Urmi UL, Kamal ZM, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:585832.
    PMID: 33381485 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.585832
    Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), with some countries adopting preventative strategies earlier than others. However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments. This includes hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation lead to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages have also been seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic effects on patients where there are high co-payment levels and issues of affordability. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further. Objective: Assess changes in the availability, utilization and prices of relevant medicines and PPE during the pandemic among a range of Asian countries. Our approach: Narrative literature review combined with interviews among community pharmacists to assess changes in consumption, prices and shortages of medicines and PPE from the beginning of March 2020 until end of May 2020. In addition, suggestions on ways to reduce misinformation. Results: 308 pharmacists took part from five Asian countries. There was an appreciable increase in the utilization of antimicrobials in Pakistan (in over 88% of pharmacies), with lower increases or no change in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Vietnam. Encouragingly, there was increased use of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE across the countries, as well as limited price rises for antimicrobials in India, Malaysia and Vietnam, although greater price rises seen for analgesics and vitamin C/immune boosters. Appreciable price increases were also seen for PPE across some countries. Conclusion: Encouraging to see increases in utilization of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE. However, increases in the utilization and prices of antimicrobials is a concern that needs addressing alongside misinformation and any unintended consequences from the pandemic. Community pharmacists can play a key role in providing evidence-based advice, helping to moderate prices, as well as helping address some of the unintended consequences of the pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies/supply & distribution
  8. Mahmoud MA, Alsowaida Y, Alshammari T, Khan TM, Alrasheedy A, Hassali MA, et al.
    Saudi Pharm J, 2014 11;22(5):411-8.
    PMID: 25473329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2013.07.005
    OBJECTIVE: To assess community pharmacists' knowledge, behaviors and experiences relating to Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting in Saudi Arabia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sample of 147 community pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    RESULTS: The questionnaire was distributed to 147 pharmacists, of whom 104 responded to the survey, a 70.7% response rate. The mean age of participants was 29 years. The majority (n = 101, 98.1%) had graduated with a bachelorette degree and worked in chain pharmacies (n = 68, 66.7%). Only 23 (22.1%) said they were familiar with the ADR reporting process, and only 21 (20.2%) knew that pharmacists can submit ADR reports online. The majority of the participants (n = 90, 86.5%) had never reported ADRs. Reasons for not reporting ADRs most importantly included lack of awareness about the method of reporting (n = 22, 45.9%), misconception that reporting ADRs is the duty of physician and hospital pharmacist (n = 8, 16.6%) and ADRs in community pharmacies are simple and should not be reported (n = 8, 16.6%). The most common approach perceived by community pharmacists for managing patients suffering from ADRs was to refer him/her to a physician (n = 80, 76.9%).

    CONCLUSION: The majority of community pharmacists in Riyadh have poor knowledge of the ADR reporting process. Pharmacovigilance authorities should take necessary steps to urgently design interventional programs in order to increase the knowledge and awareness of pharmacists regarding the ADR reporting process.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  9. Sharma S, Kc B, Alrasheedy AA, Kaundinnyayana A, Khanal A
    Australas Med J, 2014;7(7):304-13.
    PMID: 25157270 DOI: 10.4066/AMJ.2014.2133
    BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the feasibility and impact of community pharmacy-based educational interventions on the management of chronic diseases in developing countries.

    AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility, and to investigate the impact, of community pharmacy-based educational intervention on knowledge, practice, and disease management of patients with hypertension in Western Nepal.

    METHOD: A single-cohort pre-/post-intervention study was conducted from August 2012 to April 2013. The participants included in the study were patients diagnosed with hypertension attending a pharmacist-led hypertension clinic. The educational intervention was conducted by pharmacists, was individualised, and consisted of three counselling sessions over a period of six months. The patients' knowledge of hypertension, their practice of lifestyle modification and non-pharmacological approaches concerning hypertension management, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and again after nine months by using a pre-validated questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Fifty patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. The median (IQR) knowledge score changed from 6 (4) to 13 (0) after the intervention (p<0.01) with the median (IQR) practice score changing from 7 (4) to 16 (2) (p<0.01). The mean (SD) systolic BP changed from 150.1 (7.8) to 137.7 (9.9) (p<0.01) and the mean (SD) diastolic BP from 104 (9.5) to 94.5 (7.8) after the intervention (p< 0.01).

    CONCLUSION: A simple, educational intervention by community pharmacists had improved patients' disease knowledge, practice, and management of their hypertension. Evidence suggests Nepalese community pharmacists need could play an important role in the management of chronic diseases like hypertension through simple interventions such as providing educational support for patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  10. Chan HK, Hassali MA
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2014 Oct;36(5):904-13.
    PMID: 25135804 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-014-0003-1
    BACKGROUND: Inability to read instructions on drug labels has been identified among the Malaysian population since 1990's.
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of font-enlarged and pictogram-incorporated labels used for long-term medications on patients' adherence, comprehension and preferences.
    SETTING: Outpatient pharmacy in one of the major general hospitals across Northern Malaysia.
    METHOD: This was a three-arm, randomized controlled trial. Outpatients with refill prescriptions of selected oral antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications were screened for eligibility. They were randomly allocated with standard (n = 35), font-enlarged (n = 40) or pictogram-incorporated (n = 35) labels. Assessment of baseline adherence scores using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, comprehension scores using a structured questionnaire and preferences was conducted upon recruitment. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted after 4 weeks.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The changes of patients' adherence and comprehension scores and their preferences.
    RESULTS: Within-group comparisons demonstrated an increase of total adherence scores after 4 weeks in all three groups (mean changes 0.35, 0.58 and 0.67; p = 0.029, 0.013 and 0.011, respectively). The repeatedly measured total comprehension score of pictogram-incorporated label group was significantly higher than baseline (mean change 0.37, p = 0.010). Two intervention groups obtained significantly higher scores for few items in both adherence and comprehension measurements after 4 weeks as compared with baselines. As indicated by F tests, three groups did not significantly differ in the changes of both total adherence and comprehension scores (p = 0.573 and 0.069, respectively) with the subjects' age adjusted. Elderlies and those with a higher number of morbidity preferred pictogram-incorporated label over font-enlarged label.
    CONCLUSION: We did not find a significant change of both adherence and comprehension levels after the introduction of modified medication labels. However, on the basis of within-group comparisons, they may have positive influences on certain aspects of patients' adherence and comprehension. Variations in preferences may reflect the unique need of different subgroups in receiving written medication instructions.
    Study site: Outpatient pharmacy, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  11. Alabid AH, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA
    J Clin Diagn Res, 2014 Jan;8(1):119-23.
    PMID: 24596741 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/6199.3923
    BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, doctors in private clinics (often called dispensing doctors) are permitted to dispense medicines. This potentially may compromise rational dispensing of medicines in general and antibiotics in particular.
    AIM: This study explored, assessed and compared dispensing of antibiotics between Community Pharmacist (CP) and General Practitioners (GPs) regarding symptomatic diagnosis, antibiotic categories, adherence to therapeutic doses and promotion of generic antibiotics.
    METHOD: The study used trained Simulated Patients (SPs), who used a scenario of common cold symptoms at GP private clinics and community pharmacies to observe and explore the practice of antibiotics dispensing. The study was conducted within the period of May to September 2011 in Penang, Malaysia. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests at alpha level of 0.05.
    RESULTS: GPs dispensed more antibiotics than CPs (p= 0.001) for common cold symptoms. They dispensed more Amoxicillin (n = 14, 35%) than CPs (n = 11, 11%) (p < 0.001) and more Tetracycline (n = 3, 7.5%) while no CP dispensed this category (p = 0.022). On the other hand, CPs (n = 11, 11%) suggested brand antibiotics where as GPs dispensed only generic antibiotics (p < 0.001). Generally GPs comply better with the symptomatic diagnosis standard e.g. when asking SPs about the symptoms they had, all GPs (n = 40, 100%) complied better with this standard. Despite that, they dispensed more antibiotics (n = 26, 65%) than CPs (n = 29, 29%) (p = 0.001). GPs (n = 22, 55%) also are better than CPs (n = 16, 16%) in adherence to therapeutic doses (p< 0.001).
    CONCLUSION: Findings showed poor adherence to rational dispensing of antibiotics by both providers. Although, GPs adhere better to symptomatic diagnosis and therapeutic dosing of antibiotics than CPs, they unnecessarily prescribe and dispense more antibiotics for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. Establishing prescription guidance and regulatory actions, especially for URTIs treatment, and separating of medication dispensing are seemed to be crucial steps for the reform.
    KEYWORDS: Community pharmacists; Dispensing doctors; Dispensing separation; General practitioners; Simulated patients ligament
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  12. Khan TM, Hassali MA, Rasool ST
    Saudi Pharm J, 2013 Oct;21(4):375-8.
    PMID: 24227957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2012.11.002
    The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of different teaching methods adopted for the practical session of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR training is one of the compulsory modules of the Public Health Pharmacy (PHP) course at Universiti Sains Malaysia. CPR training comprises of 10% of total marks of the PHP course. To test the effectiveness of the different teaching strategies, three groups were defined using a two-stage cohort distribution-i.e. based on grade point average (GPA) and different teaching modalities. Group One was instructed using images and PowerPoint lecture slides. Group Two was instructed using videos and PowerPoint lecture slides. Group Three was instructed using PowerPoint slides with white boards and videos. Students in Group Three were not provided with a hard/soft copy of the PowerPoint slides and were encouraged to write down all the information on their personal notebooks. A 20-item questionnaire was used to assess the students' understanding toward the CPR session. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Students, SPSS version 13®. Based on the response attained, the comparison of the final score among the groups was undertaken using one way ANOVA. Twenty-seven students have participated in this study. Final evaluation using the questionnaire revealed that student's in Group Three had a better understanding of CPR (18.1 ± 1.5, p <0.001) than the other two. Students' note taking during the lecture and use of traditional chalkboard teaching were found significant to improve the students' understanding and learning in the CPR session.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  13. Lim KK, Teh CC
    South Med Rev, 2012 Dec;5(2):26-33.
    PMID: 23532680
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess public knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic utilization in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among public attending a local hospital. The four-part questionnaire collected responses on demographic characteristics, recent use of antibiotics, knowledge and attitude statements. Cronbach's alpha for knowledge and attitude statements were 0.68 and 0.74 respectively. Only questionnaires with complete responses were analysed. General linear modelling was used to identify demographic characteristics which contributed significantly to knowledge and attitude. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratios of obtaining an inappropriate response for each knowledge and attitude statement. The relationship between antibiotic knowledge and attitude was examined using Pearson's correlation and correlation between related statements was performed using the Chi-square test. In all statistical analyses, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
    RESULTS: There was positive correlation (p<0.001) between mean knowledge (6.07±2.52) and attitude scores (5.59±1.67). Highest education level (p<0.001) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.001) contributed significantly to knowledge. Gender (p=0.010), race (p=0.005), highest education level (p<0.001), employment status (p=0.016) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.005) contributed significantly to attitude. The differences in score between demographic groups were small. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on both bacterial and viral infections were reported. Approximately three quarters of respondents expected antibiotics for treatment of coughs and colds. Close to two thirds (60%) believed that taking antibiotics would improve recovery. Several demographic groups were identified as 'high risk' with respect to gaps in knowledge and attitude.
    CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified important knowledge and attitude gaps as well as people 'at risk'. These findings would be useful in strategizing targeted antibiotic awareness campaigns and patient counselling.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; antibiotic; attitude; knowledge; public; survey
    Study site: outpatient pharmacy department of Putrajaya Hospital, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  14. Alfadl AA, Hassali MA, Ibrahim MI
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2013 May-Jun;9(3):302-10.
    PMID: 22835708 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2012.05.002
    The counterfeit drug trade has become widespread and has developed into a substantial threat to both the public's health and the pharmaceutical industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  15. Ahmad A, Khan MU, Moorthy J, Jamshed SQ, Patel I
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2015 03 15;13(1):523.
    PMID: 25883690
    BACKGROUND: There is limited research on pharmacy specialization based differences with regards to usage of antibiotics.

    OBJECTIVE: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students about usage and resistance of antibiotics in Southern India.

    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving final year BPharm and PharmD students studying in two private institutions located in Andra Pradesh, India. The study was conducted for the period of 3 months. The questionnaire was divided into 5 components: demographics, knowledge about antibiotic use, attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance, self-antibiotic usage, and possible causes of antibiotic resistance. The study questionnaire was assessed for reliability. Data were analysed by employing Mann Whitney and chi square tests using SPSS version 19.

    RESULTS: The sample size comprised of 137 students. The response rate was 76.11% for the study. There was a significant difference in the knowledge of antibiotic use in BPharm and PharmD students (Mean score: 5.09 vs 6.18, p<0.001). The overall attitude of PharmD students about antibiotic use and resistance was positive compared to BPharm students (Mean score: 3.05 vs 2.23, p<0.05). The self-antibiotic practices was higher in BPharm students than PharmD students (36.4% vs 20%, p<0.05). A significantly high number of PharmD students believed that empirical antibiotic therapy led to antibiotic resistance (19.5% versus 48%, P<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: PharmD students were more knowledgeable about antibiotic usage and resistance compared to BPharm students who did not have accurate and the much needed information about the same. Future interventions should be targeted towards educating the BPharm students so that they can implement the acquired knowledge in their practice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  16. Mai CW, Tan JSH, Koay GWL, Lim LYX
    Pharmacy (Basel), 2020 Sep 13;8(3).
    PMID: 32933158 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8030170
    Dietary supplementation is increasingly sought after by consumers looking to meet the demands of a modern lifestyle. Effective supplementation requires knowledge of the purpose and proper use of nutritional supplements. Unverified or inadequate guidance on supplementation can propagate misconceptions and increase undue fears of side effects. Community pharmacists are best placed to guide consumers on nutritional supplement use. In this review, a panel comprised of community pharmacists, pharmacy academia, and dietitians (n = 6) convened to provide an experience- and evidence-based guidance on rational drug use, patient education, and integrated and personalized nutrition care in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. A novel framework to guide community pharmacist-led consultations on supplementation is proposed. The four-step CARE (Categorize, Assess, Recommend, Empower) guide was developed to facilitate and optimize outcomes of pharmacist-led nutritional supplement consultation. Telehealth advancements in the form of digital health applications and personalized nutrigenomic DNA testing support Integrative Nutrition Care, and will further promote appropriate supplementation use to improve overall well-being in the community. Practical implementation of the CARE guide is necessary to ascertain its applicability for optimizing outcomes of pharmacist-led consultation and the recommendation of nutritional supplements.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  17. Jairoun A, Hassan N, Ali A, Jairoun O, Shahwan M, Hassali M
    Int J Gen Med, 2019;12:235-246.
    PMID: 31388309 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S200641
    Purpose: Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most fatal health crises. Medical students are the antibiotic prescribers of tomorrow, so better understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) pertaining to antibiotic use is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the KAP of antibiotics and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among a random sample of undergraduate students from Ajman University in the UAE. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on students' demographics and their KAP regarding antibiotic use. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.2. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study showed that university students have a high rate of antibiotic self-medication. The average KAP score was 56% (95% CI 55%-57%). Statistical modeling showed that major, study year, age, and sex were strong determinants of KAP regarding antibiotic use. Conclusion: There is a need to develop an effective and comprehensive antibiotic-stewardship program as part of undergraduate education. Moreover, reinforcing antibiotic-use policies, involving pharmacies, drug supply, distribution, and sale, are also urgently needed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  18. Al-Tameemi NK, Sarriff A
    PMID: 30652009 DOI: 10.1186/s40780-019-0131-9
    Background: Medication therapy management (MTM) service provides set of clinical activities to optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients. It requires the collaboration between patient, pharmacist and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective use of medicines. The objective of the current study was to assess Hospital Pulau Pinang pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice on MTM service.

    Methods: A self-administrated validated survey was carried out among all pharmacists working at Hospital Pulau Pinang.

    Results: A total of 93 pharmacists out of 130 (71.5%) were included in the study (61.3% between the age of 20-30 years old, 74.2% female, 68.8% Chinese, 88.2% holding bachelor's degree and 48.4% working in medication therapy adherence clinic and outpatient pharmacy). Majority of pharmacists had a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding MTM service. All pharmacists agreed that MTM service could improve the quality of health services and most pharmacists were interested in providing MTM service (92.5%). Moreover, 95.7% were interested in acquiring more information about MTM service. About the barriers that might affect MTM service implementation, the most common barriers identified by pharmacists were lack of training (88.2%), need of high budget to implement MTM service (51.6%) and lack of time (46.2%).

    Conclusions: Overall, the research findings provide some insights about the Hospital Pulau Pinang pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding MTM service. Majority of pharmacists agreed and showed their interest towards the implementation of MTM service.

    Study site: pharmacists working at Hospital Pulau Pinang.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  19. Lee, Soik Fun, Chew, Wei Yee, Malar, Louise Santana, Nor Azrizan Hashim
    Q Bulletin, 2019;1(28):4-16.
    MyJurnal
    Medication Stockpiling (MS), in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, resulted in the disposal of MYR 2 million worth of expired or spoilt medicines between 2014 and 2016. MS is an alarming issue that causes healthcare resources wastage and potentially harmful and toxic to patients. This study aimed to reduce MS in Hospital Selama, beginning with the medical wards within one year.
    A situational analysis from the year 2013 to 2014 showed a 9.4% increase in MS. A four-month pre-intervention study from November 2014 to February 2015 revealed a 28% MS. The standard of the study was set based on the team members’ consensus. The aim was to reduce 50% of MS after four-month of intervention. The cause-effect analysis identified the main contributing factors of MS. The questionnaire was distributed to nurses in the wards and pharmacists to pinpoint the MS antecedent. The results indicated a lack of routine ward audit by the clinical pharmacists, over-indent by ward nurses and oversupply by the pharmacy unit. A flow-chart of the good care process comprises the steps of medications indent and supply was developed. It involved assigning the nightshift nurses for checking and indenting the wards’ medication stock, developing the ward stock indent (WSI) form, ensuring the pharmacy staff supply sufficient medication and enforcing a monthly ward audit by the clinical pharmacists and cross-audit by other pharmacists. Each indicator in the model of good care was then measured.
    The post-intervention period successfully achieved a 3.5% MS; an 87.5% reduction (exceeded the target). Additionally, a cost reduction in the medication wastage from MYR 1,273.97 to MYR 654.44 was noted. The study successfully achieved less than 6% of MS from 2015 to 2018.
    In conclusion, the study facilitated a successful collaboration among the hospital different units towards MS reduction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
  20. Cheah, Meng Fei
    MyJurnal
    Pharmacists play an important role in healthcare delivery. Over the years, their role has shifted from product-oriented to patient-oriented. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of the public towards the role of pharmacists and the willingness of the public to pay for pharmacist-provided dispensing services in Sabah. This was a questionnairebased, cross-sectional study conducted from September 2014 to June 2015 in three major cities in Sabah, namely, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. The respondents were conveniently selected and interviewed based on a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of the role of pharmacists. A contingent valuation interview was then conducted to assess the respondents’ willingness to pay. A total of 647 respondents were interviewed. Of the respondents, 61.4% agreed that pharmacists knew more about their medications and side effects and how to use the medications than their doctors. However, more than half of the respondents (54.4%) perceived that the pharmacists’ role was only to supply medications and 66.6% of the respondents perceived that the pharmacist’s role was to follow doctors’ directions. Of the respondents, 89.0% appreciated and adhered to the counselling points provided by their pharmacists; 85.0% of the respondents hoped that pharmacists could play a greater role in healthcare in the future. Forty percent of the respondents agreed that community pharmacists were simply business people who sold products in their pharmacies. Finally, 55.3% of the respondents were willing to pay for pharmacist-provided dispensing services. The median (interquartile ranges [IQR]) amount that they were willing to pay was RM5.00 (IQR RM5.00). Respondents in this study showed variations in their views of the pharmacy profession. Nevertheless, more than half of the respondents valued pharmacist-provided dispensing services and were willing to pay RM5.00 for the services. To improve pharmacy practice, efforts should be undertaken to address the respondents’ misunderstandings about the pharmacy profession and to promote the roles of pharmacists to the general public.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies
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