Displaying all 8 publications

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  1. Shaukat Ali R, Gnanasan S, Farooqui M
    Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2018 Feb;30:109-115.
    PMID: 29389469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.12.009
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore pregnant and postpartum women's understanding of the meaning of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and how that may affect their T&CM use.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Data collected from 374 women were analysed and represented via descriptive statistics.

    RESULTS: Out of the 374 participants, 285 (76.2%) reported using at least one type of T&CM to conceive, during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. The majority of the participants identified that T&CM is all about plants or natural products without chemicals or drugs (n = 267, 71.4%, p 

  2. Md Khairi LNH, Gnanasan S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2023 Aug;30(4):33-47.
    PMID: 37655143 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.4.4
    The arrival of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 adversely affected every aspect of human life, including the management of asthma. The pandemic has forced clinicians to revisit the application of high-risk aerosol-generating procedures in asthma management, including spirometry and nebuliser therapy. The use of commercial spacers with pressurised metered-dose inhalers to replace nebulisation is limited by the high cost and pandemic-induced stock unavailability of these inhalers. The need for social distancing, healthcare reserves reallocation, and scarce personal protective equipment has promote increased telemedicine uptake for patients' asthma control and monitoring. Malaysian pharmacists have been providing long-term care of asthma through the introduction of the respiratory Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC) to empower patients' general health literacy, train and regularly evaluate their inhalation technique, and reinforce the importance of medication compliance. To minimise the use of unplanned healthcare resources and avoidable COVID-19 infection exposure, Malaysian pharmacists need to better support asthma self-management via increased uptake of written Asthma Action Plans (AAPs). Pharmacist-led asthma treatment step-down to attain the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has become increasingly relevant during the pandemic, as its prolonged use carries risk of numerous side effects and possible hospitalisation. Telepharmacy offers a promising model for exploration and an alternative to the traditional service delivery of asthma education. Despite not being authorised as vaccinators, Malaysian pharmacists hold strong positions in COVID-19 immunisation programmes for pharmacovigilance and advocacy. The pandemic demands an increased role for pharmacists within medication management to prevent patients from the stockpiling that can cause adverse effects on pharmaceutical supply chain. This review intends to summarise the impact of COVID-19 on asthma management, with a focus on the transitional roles of Malaysian pharmacists before and after the pandemic era.
  3. Ahmad A, Gnanasan S, Karuppannan M
    PLoS One, 2024;19(8):e0307897.
    PMID: 39190679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307897
    The expansion of information technologies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has notably increased the use of remote services, including telehealth. Telepharmacy, a subset of telehealth, offers remote pharmaceutical care services, benefiting patients by providing advice and consultations without the need for physical pharmacy visits. This study aimed to assess public perceptions and awareness of telepharmacy in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Nov 2022 to May 2023, involving 387 Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. Data collection utilised Google Forms distributed via social medias, covering demographics, technological readiness, awareness, perceptions, and willingness related to telepharmacy. The study demonstrated high digital readiness among respondents, owning smartphones and being adept in utilising various digital features. However, there was a lack of awareness regarding the concept of telepharmacy. Despite predominantly positive perceptions of its potential, only 48.1% of respondents showed willingness to utilise telepharmacy services. While respondents exhibited readiness for digital engagement, there was a notable deficit in understanding telepharmacy. Though perceptions were positive, willingness to embrace telepharmacy was moderate. Addressing the knowledge gap through targeted education initiatives might enhance acceptance. Future research should focus on integrating telepharmacy into healthcare systems considering public preferences, thereby evaluating its actual implementation and outcomes among diverse demographics.
  4. Syed Mohammad Salleh SN, Farooqui M, Gnanasan S, Karuppannan M
    J Complement Integr Med, 2021 Apr 05;18(4):805-812.
    PMID: 33818034 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0205
    OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy-related side effects (CRSE) are among the most distressing events cancer patients face. Some patients seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), increasing the risk of undesirable drug- CAM interactions. This study aims to identify the prevalence and type of CAM used for CRSE among cancer patients and patient's disclosure of CAM use to their prescribers.

    METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. Data was collected from cancer patients attending to three departments: surgical, medical and gynaecology at a local hospital in Malaysia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Research Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

    RESULTS: A total of 273 patients were recruited. Prevalence of CAM used for CRSE management was 166 (60.8%). Of the CAM users, 144 (86.7%) were female, 102 (61.4%) were employed and 123 (74.1%) were married. Breast cancer patients were found to be the highest users of CAM (n=76; 45.8%). The top three CAM used by patients in managing CRSE were dietary supplements (n=166; 100%); herbal products (n=154; 92.8%) and traditional Malay therapy (n=147; 88.6%). About 83% (n=137) patients disclosed CAM use to their prescribers. Among these, 58 (42.3%) reported that their doctors encouraged the use, whereas 89 (65.0%) patients claimed their doctors disagreed the use of CAM.

    CONCLUSIONS: Prescribers still have doubt in combining chemotherapy with CAM, hence patients use CAM discreetly. Increasing the awareness and understanding of CAM use are mandatory to distinguish its possible synergistic or adverse reactions with cancer patients.

  5. Gnanasan S, Ting KN, Wong KT, Mohd Ali S, Muttalif AR, Anderson C
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Feb;33(1):44-52.
    PMID: 21365392 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-010-9452-3
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of providing a pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care service to patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus.

    SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods Action research methodology was used.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pharmaceutical care issues.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients was 15% (53/352). Out of 53 patients identified, 35 participated in the study. Patients' ages ranged between 29 and 73 years (mean of 52 ± 10 years). The male: female ratio was 1.7:1. Pharmaceutical care issues identified by pharmacists were nonadherence, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, adverse drug reactions and individual patient's medication related problems. Pharmacists were able to intervene and resolve some of the pharmaceutical care issues.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists played an important role in integrating the provision of care for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus by providing individualised pharmaceutical care management. There still remains a need to address logistic barriers that impinged on the ability to conduct the pharmaceutical care service to its full potential.

  6. Md Hussin NS, Karuppannan M, Gopalan Y, Tan KM, Gnanasan S
    Singapore Med J, 2023 Aug;64(8):497-502.
    PMID: 34600449 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021125
    INTRODUCTION: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are considered integral parts of dementia. While pharmacotherapy is reserved for severe symptoms of BPSD, the associated adverse effects can be detrimental. Therefore, non-pharmacological intervention is recommended as the first line of treatment in the management of BPSD. This study aimed to explore the non-pharmacological approaches for the management of BPSD and the strategies and barriers to implementing them in secondary care facilities in Malaysia.

    METHODS: A qualitative study design was employed. Data were collected through observations and semi-structured interviews of 12 caregivers and 11 people with dementia (PWD) at seven secondary care facilities. Observations were written in the field notes, and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. All data were subjected to thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Some personalised non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical exercise, music therapy, reminiscence therapy and pet therapy, were conducted in several nursing care centres. Collaborative care from the care providers and family members was found to be an important facilitating factor. The lack of family support led to care providers carrying additional workload beyond their job scope. Other barriers to non-pharmacological interventions were cultural and language differences between the care providers and PWD, inadequate staff numbers and training, and time constraints.

    CONCLUSION: Although non-pharmacological approaches have been used to some extent in Malaysia, continuous education and training of healthcare providers and the family members of PWD is needed to overcome the challenges to their successful implementation.

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