Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 290 in total

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  1. Lee A
    Med J Malaya, 1965 Dec;20(2):98-100.
    PMID: 4221978
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy*
  2. 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*
  3. Ahmad Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Ooi GS, Wong ZY
    DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-801714-2.00002-2 ISBN: 978-0-12-801714-2
    Citation: Ahmad Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Ooi GS, Wong ZY. Chapter 2. Pharmacy Practice in Malaysia. In: Fathelrahman AI, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Wertheimer AI (editors). Pharmacy Practice in Developing Countries: Achievements and Challenges. Amsterdam: Academic Press, Elsevier, 2016

    The professional roles of pharmacists have evolved in many parts of the world in the recent years, including Malaysia. Malaysia is a developing country with a two-tier healthcare system consisting of the public and private sectors. Pharmacy service in Malaysia came into existence in 1951 with the enactment of three main legislations governing its profession namely, the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951, Poison Act 1952, and Dangerous Drug Act 1952. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 registered pharmacists in Malaysia, with 33% working in the private sector. Clinical pharmacy services at public hospitals have expanded the traditional dispensing role of the pharmacist to a profession that provides pharmaceutical care to patients and drug information to both public and professionals. However, the practice of dispensing private general practitioners has limited the community pharmacist's professional roles to optimize their clinical knowledge and to deliver pharmaceutical care. Transformation of the healthcare system is essential in order to improve pharmacy practice in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy
  4. Hassali MA, Li VMS, Ooi GS
    DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1024
    Background. The pharmacists’ roles have been expanding around the globe in the recent years. In Malaysia, healthcare system is a two-tier system consisting of the public and private sectors. Pharmacy service in Malaysia came into existence in 1951 with the enactment of three main legislations governing its profession, namely, the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951, Poison Act 1952 and Dangerous Drug Act 1952. However, the absence of dispensing right has limited the community pharmacists’ professional roles to deliver pharmaceutical care, optimise their clinical knowledge and utilise their skill. Aims. To describe the overview of pharmacy practice in Malaysia, by discussing on the history, challenges and future of this profession. Methods. Electronic databases MEDLINE and PUBMED were searched for articles published in English. The keywords community pharmacy, pharmacy practice, Malaysia and pharmaceutical care were used with each database. The articles were independently identified by each researcher. Results. A total of 8 full papers and 9 government reports were retrieved and critically summarised for this review. Conclusions. There is a need of transformation to bring improvement in pharmacy practice. Besides the policy makers, community pharmacists play a pivotal role to transform the current practice to a more comprehensive, clinically inclined and quality practice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy
  5. Tan CK
    Family Practitioner, 1986;9:61-62.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy
  6. Mamat NH, Nadarajah VD, Er HM, Ramamurthy S, Pook PCK
    Med Teach, 2021 Jul;43(sup1):S25-S32.
    PMID: 31491355 DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1654089
    BACKGROUND: Student evaluation of the learning environment is important to enhance learning experiences. Programs such as Pharmacy use feedback from the evaluation to identify teaching-learning issues and use it to improve the quality of the learning experiences. The article aims to explore the general observations from the evaluation; to identify how the feedback is used to improve the learning environment and to identify lessons for educators in managing and using the feedback.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional data analysis of Pharmacy students' learning environment from 2011-2015 based on data from module, faculty, IMU-REEM and Student Barometer Survey was applied. Feedback obtained from the data was triangulated to establish commonalities/differences of the issues.

    RESULTS: Based on the analysis, issues affecting Pharmacy student learning experiences were identified. The identified issues included teaching by subject matter experts, pedagogical delivery and physical learning environment. Seven lessons were presented for educators to assess the practicality of the feedback.

    CONCLUSIONS: The feedback serves as a means to improve the Pharmacy program. Nonetheless, the challenges lie between the ideal and realistic expectations of students in optimizing the learning experiences. Lessons acquired from the evaluation of the learning environment are essential for educators in managing and using the information.

    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*; Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  7. Abd Wahab MS, Wan Ismail WNS, Ali AA, Ibrahim N, Othman N, Mohd Nor Hazalin NA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 01;19(17).
    PMID: 36078618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710901
    Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students' practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students' participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students' readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  8. Lim AS, Lee SWH, Karunaratne N, Caliph S
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2020 Nov;84(11):7920.
    PMID: 34283749 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7920
    Objective. To examine pharmacy students' performance on and perceptions regarding the use of an interactive online tool for practicing to take objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).Methods. The Monash OSCE Virtual Experience (MOVE), an online module consisting of 20 pharmacy case scenarios with virtual patients, was piloted with final-year pharmacy students at Monash University campuses in Australia and Malaysia. A mixed methods approach that included reviewing user attempts and comparing grades, collecting student-administered questionnaires, and holding focus groups was used to examine students' perception and performance.Results. More than 99% of all students attempted at least one online case scenario in preparation for their final in-person OSCE, and 81% attempted all 20 scenarios two or more times. Ninety percent of students at the Malaysia campus and 70% of students at the Australia campus reported that MOVE was a helpful study tool for their OSCE preparation. However, a raw comparison of user attempts and OSCE grades did not find a direct correlation between online module attempts and assessment grades. Self-administered questionnaire and focus group results indicated that MOVE prepared students for targeted and time-restricted history-taking and problem-solving skills. Overall, students perceived MOVE to be a useful learning tool and a less overwhelming learning experience than were face-to-face sessions. Nevertheless, students still preferred face-to-face OSCE practice with simulated patients over online practice with virtual patients.Conclusion. The Monash OSCE Virtual Experience was perceived by our students as a flexible and useful online learning aid in preparing for their final-year OSCE However, there was no direct correlation between online practice attempts and students' exam grades.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  9. 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*
  10. Yeo YL, Chang CT, Chew CC, Rama S
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2021 05;17(5):1021-1023.
    PMID: 33234450 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.11.011
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacies*; Pharmacy*; Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  11. Ng YK, Shah NM, Loong LS, Pee LT, Chong WW
    J Eval Clin Pract, 2020 Dec;26(6):1638-1647.
    PMID: 31908087 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13346
    RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Patient-centred care (PCC) has been increasingly recognized as the standard in current health care, especially when it comes to health communication between patients and health care professionals. The evidence suggests that PCC could potentially improve medication-related outcomes such as medication adherence, disease self-management, and patient-provider relationships. Pharmacists are strategically positioned in the health care system to provide medication management to patients. However, there is a paucity of research regarding PCC in pharmacist-patient consultations. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of pharmacists and patients on the important aspects of a PCC consultation.

    METHODS: A semistructured interview study was conducted among 17 patients and 18 pharmacists in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were developed using a constant comparison approach and thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Five main themes emerged from the data, namely, achieving mutual understanding, recognizing individuality, communication style, information giving, and medication decision making. For both pharmacists and patients, a PCC consultation should promote mutual understanding and non-judgmental discussions. Communication was an important element to bridge the gap between patients' and pharmacists' expectations. Patients emphasized the importance of emotional aspects of the consultation, while pharmacists emphasized the importance of evidence-based information to support patient engagement and information needs.

    CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of pharmacists' and patients' views provided insight towards important aspects of PCC in pharmacist-patient consultations. It was suggested that PCC is not a one-sided approach but rather a patient-provider collaboration to optimize the consultation. Further research can be done to improve the integration of PCC in the local health care context, including pharmacist consultations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*; Pharmacists; Pharmacy*
  12. Saadah LM, Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Bashiti IA
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2021 Sep 08;21(1):937.
    PMID: 34496856 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06966-4
    BACKGROUND: Clinical pharmacy interventions (CPI) usually require prior medical authorization. Physicians approve 80% of CPI and reject 20%. If pharmacists show that physicians should authorize all 100% CPI, the profession will step closer to a fully independent prescriber status. This study used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to determine whether clinical pharmacy (CP) may improve outcomes associated with rejected CPI.

    METHOD: This is a non-interventional, retrospective analysis of documented CPI in a 100-bed, acute-care private hospital in Amman, Jordan. Study consisted of 542 patients, 574 admissions, and 1694 CPI. Team collected demographic and clinical data using a standardized tool. Input consisted of 54 variables with some taking merely repetitive values for each CPI in each patient whereas others varying with every CPI. Therefore, CPI was consolidated to one rejected and/or one accepted per patient per admission. Groups of accepted and rejected CPI were compared in terms of matched and unmatched variables. ANN were, subsequently, trained and internally as well as cross validated for outcomes of interest. Outcomes were length of hospital and intensive care stay after the index CPI (LOSTA & LOSICUA, respectively), readmissions, mortality, and cost of hospitalization. Best models were finally used to compare the two scenarios of approving 80% versus 100% of CPI. Variable impacts (VI) automatically generated by the ANN were compared to evaluate the effect of rejecting CPI. Main outcome measure was Lengths of hospital stay after the index CPI (LOSTA).

    RESULTS: ANN configurations converged within 18 s and 300 trials. All models showed a significant reduction in LOSTA with 100% versus 80% accepted CPI of about 0.4 days (2.6 ± 3.4, median (range) of 2 (0-28) versus 3.0 ± 3.8, 2 (0-30), P-value = 0.022). Average savings with acceptance of those rejected CPI was 55 JD (~ 78 US dollars) and could help hire about 1.3 extra clinical pharmacist full-time equivalents.

    CONCLUSIONS: Maximizing acceptance of CPI reduced the length of hospital stay in this model. Practicing Clinical Pharmacists may qualify for further privileges including promotion to a fully independent prescriber status.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacists; Pharmacy*; Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  13. Ooi GS, Ong SC, Kwan SM
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2021 Oct 18;29(5):515-520.
    PMID: 34302464 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab045
    OBJECTIVE: In Malaysia, due to provisional registered pharmacist (PRP) training places in government hospitals being oversubscribed, pharmacy graduates wait for about a year before starting their training. Therefore, a policy was implemented to allow pharmacy graduates to select their preferred areas of PRP training. This study was conducted to explore the perception and preferences of final year pharmacy students on the current PRP training system.

    METHODS: This qualitative interview study was conducted among final year pharmacy students. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling until data saturation (i.e., when additional interviews didn't lead to any new themes). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and evaluated by thematic analysis.

    KEY FINDINGS: Twenty-two final year pharmacy students were interviewed. Fifteen of them preferred the government sector as their choice training, three chose the community sector, two preferred private hospitals and another two preferred the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of the students gave positive feedback towards the liberalization of PRP training sites. Most of them chose clinical pharmacy as their preferred training site despite knowing of the saturation issue in government hospitals. This was mainly due to the opportunity to gain clinical experience and knowledge from the government sector. A small number of students preferred the pharmaceutical industry based on their personal interests and opportunities for career advancement.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacy students generally chose their PRP training site based on personal interest, future career advancement and working environment. A better understanding of career pathways and opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry by the students is required.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmacy Service, Hospital*; Students, Pharmacy*
  14. Timsina S, K C B, Adhikari D, Alrasheedy AA, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Kaundinnyayana A
    PMID: 28811395 DOI: 10.3352/jeehp.2017.14.18
    Community pharmacies in Nepal and other South Asian countries are in a mediocre state due to poor regulation and the fact that many pharmacies are run by people with insufficient training in dispensing. This has led to the inappropriate use of medicines. The problems due to poor regulation and the mediocre state of community pharmacies in South Asia encompass both academia and clinical practice. In this paper, a 2-week community pharmacy internship programme completed by 2 graduating pharmacy students of Pokhara University (a Nepalese public university) at Sankalpa Pharmacy, Pokhara, Nepal is illustrated. During the internship, they were systematically trained on store management, pharmaceutical care, counselling skills, the use of medical devices, pharmaceutical business plans, medicine information sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting. An orientation, observations and hands-on training, case presentation, discussion, and feedback from 2 senior pharmacists were used as the training method. A proper community pharmacy internship format, good pharmacy practice standards, and a better work environment for pharmacists may improve the quality of community pharmacies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services/organization & administration*; Pharmacy Residencies/organization & administration*
  15. Hassali MA, Ahmadi K, Yong GC
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2013 Aug 12;77(6):112.
    PMID: 23966715 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe776112
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy/standards*; Students, Pharmacy*
  16. Lee SWH, Saw PS
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2021 Sep;85(8):8464.
    PMID: 34615624 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe8464
    Objective. To conduct an innovative workshop activity using plastic building blocks to create a student-centric environment that encouraged development of creative thinking skills and self-reflection in undergraduate pharmacy students.Methods. Students were randomly allocated into small groups of four and assigned the role of either architect or team builder and tasked with creating a LEGO robot. Students were not allowed to speak during the activity. The architect was tasked with providing instructions to team builders on how to build the robot using nonverbal communication. After completion of the task, each group was asked to reflect on the exercise and share what they learned with the entire class. These discussions were video recorded and thematically analyzed.Results. The metaphorical models that students built served as a basis for discussion, problem-solving, and decision-making. Students described how this activity enabled them to mentally and visually link abstract concepts, such as decision-making and problem-solving, to actual practice. Three themes were identified from the qualitative study: thinking with hands, listening with eyes; linking theory to practice; and learning through reflection.Conclusion. This activity offered a non-confrontational way to support communication and the learning process. The use of an interactive game can be a useful teaching strategy to create an active-learning environment, helping pharmacy students improve their social and cognitive skills, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  17. 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*
  18. Jamshed SQ, Shamsudin SH
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2014 Feb;22(1):101-2.
    PMID: 24404933 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12036
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Pharmacy/methods*
  19. Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Ahmed SI
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2009 Nov 12;73(7):136.
    PMID: 19960093
    OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a new course on public health into the bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) curriculum in Malaysia.

    DESIGN: A required 2-credit-hour course was designed to provide an overview of public health pharmacy roles and the behavioral aspects of human healthcare issues. Graded activities included nursing home visits, in-class quizzes, mini-projects, and poster sessions, and a comprehensive final examination.

    ASSESSMENT: The majority of the students performed well on the class activities and 93 (71.5%) of the 130 students enrolled received a grade of B or higher. A Web-based survey was administered at the end of the semester and 90% of students indicated that they had benefited from the course and were glad that it was offered. The majority of students agreed that the course made an impact in preparing them for their future role as pharmacists and expanded their understanding of the public health roles of a pharmacist.

    CONCLUSIONS: A public health pharmacy course was successfully designed and implemented in the BPharm curriculum. This study highlighted the feasibilities of introducing courses that are of global relevance into a Malaysian pharmacy curriculum. The findings from the students' evaluation suggest the needs to incorporate a similar course in all pharmacy schools in the country and will be used as a guide to improve the contents and methods of delivery of the course at our school.

    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*; Education, Pharmacy*; Schools, Pharmacy*; Students, Pharmacy*
  20. Saleem F, Hassali MA
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2016 Jan-Feb;12(1):173-4.
    PMID: 26342241 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2015.08.005
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services*
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