scholarly journals Dispensing and Variabilities in Pricing of Headache OTC Medicines by Community Pharmacies in a German Big City: A Simulated Patient Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 843-851
Author(s):  
Christian Kunow ◽  
Bernhard Langer
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Big City ◽  
Otc Medicines

scholarly journals Practice of dispensing antimicrobial medicines from community pharmacies

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Amirkhanyan ◽  
L Vardanyan ◽  
A Sevikyan ◽  
I Kazaryan ◽  
M Melikyan
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Professional Knowledge ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Rational Use ◽  
Rational Use Of Medicines ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Otc Medicines

Abstract Background Inappropriate use of antimicrobial medicines is one of the main causes of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objective of this work was to study the situation on dispensing antimicrobials from pharmacy outlets in Armenia. Methods The study was implemented in 30 community pharmacies from different regions of Yerevan. Medicines dispensed to 900 patients/caregivers (30 visitors in each pharmacy outlet) were analyzed. The following indicators were calculated: the percentage of antimicrobials prescribed by physicians, the percentage of visitors, who got antimicrobials without providing a prescription and so on. Results Antimicribials (n = 171) consisted 11.3% of all the dispensed medicines (N = 1513). Only 25 (14.6%) antimicrobials were dispensed to visitors who had prescriptions. Only 19 (12.6%) of 151 medicines provided without prescription were OTC-medicines, other 132 (87.4%) were prescription only medicines. According to information received from visitors, 58.5% of all dispensed antimicrobials were selected by physicians, 10.5% of antimicrobials were advised by pharmacists and almost one third was selected by patients, family members, etc. More than 90% of the total number of visitors, whom antimicrobials were dispensed, got them without providing a prescription. 13 patients received 2 and more antimicrobials. Conclusions Many prescription only antimicrobials are dispensed from community pharmacies without prescription and some medicines are not prescribed by physicians. That means many antimicrobials are used inappropriately. There is need in strategy that could prevent dispensing antimicrobials without prescription. Key messages Dispensing prescription only antimicrobials without prescription can compromise rational use of medicines. Professional knowledge and public awareness about AMR should be improved.

scholarly journals An assessment of counseling quality provided by community pharmacies to type 2 diabetic adult patients for oral therapy: a simulated patient study from Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Majid Aziz ◽  
Shimin Yang ◽  
Imran Masood ◽  
Shan Zhu ◽  
Muhammad Ali Raza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Therapy ◽  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Patient Study ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

scholarly journals The Quality of Counselling for Oral Emergency Contraceptive Pills—A Simulated Patient Study in German Community Pharmacies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6720
Author(s):  
Bernhard Langer ◽  
Sophia Grimm ◽  
Gwenda Lungfiel ◽  
Franca Mandlmeier ◽  
Vanessa Wenig
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Guideline Recommendation ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Patient Study ◽  
Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive

Background: In Germany, there are two different active substances, levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA), available as emergency contraception (the “morning after pill”) with UPA still effective even 72 to 120 h after unprotected sexual intercourse, unlike LNG. Emergency contraceptive pills have been available without a medical prescription since March 2015 but are still only dispensed by community pharmacies. The aim of this study was to determine the counselling and dispensing behaviour of pharmacy staff and the factors that may influence this behaviour in a scenario that intends that only the emergency contraceptive pill containing the active substance UPA is dispensed (appropriate outcome). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the form of a covert simulated patient study in a random sample of community pharmacies stratified by location in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and reported in accordance with the STROBE statement. Each pharmacy was visited once at random by one of four trained test buyers. They simulated a product-based request for an emergency contraceptive pill, stating contraceptive failure 3.5 days prior as the reason. The test scenario and the evaluation forms are based on the recommended actions, including the checklist from the Federal Chamber of Pharmacies. Results: All 199 planned pharmacy visits were carried out. The appropriate outcome (dispensing of UPA) was achieved in 78.9% of the test purchases (157/199). A significant correlation was identified between the use of the counselling room and the use of a checklist (p < 0.001). The use of a checklist led to a significantly higher questioning score (p < 0.001). In a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, a higher questioning score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.22–1.63; p < 0.001) and a time between 12:01 and 4:00 p.m. (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.13–5.73; p = 0.024) compared to 8:00 to 12:00 a.m. were significantly associated with achieving the appropriate outcome. Conclusions: In a little over one-fifth of all test purchases, the required dispensing of UPA did not occur. The use of a counselling room and a checklist, the use of a checklist and the questioning score as well as the questioning score and achieving the appropriate outcome are all significantly correlated. A target regulation for the use of a counselling room, an explicit guideline recommendation about the use of a checklist, an obligation for keeping UPA in stock and appropriate mandatory continuing education programmes should be considered.

Measuring the Assessment and Counseling Provided with the Supply of Nonprescription Asthma Reliever Medication: A Simulated Patient Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 1512-1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl R Schneider ◽  
Alan W Everett ◽  
Elizabeth Geelhoed ◽  
Peter A Kendall ◽  
Rhonda M Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Patient Assessment ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Medication Counseling ◽  
Reliever Medication ◽  
Pharmacy Setting

Background: Over one quarter of asthma reliever medications are provided without prescription by community pharmacies in Australia. Evidence that community pharmacies provide these medications with sufficient patient assessment and medication counseling to ensure compliance with the government's Quality Use of Medicines principles is currently tacking. Objective: To assess current practice when asthma reliever medication is provided in the community pharmacy setting and to identify factors that correlate with assessment of asthma control. Methods: Researchers posing as patients visited a sample of Perth metropolitan community pharmacies in May 2007. During the visit, the simulated patient enacted a standardized scenario of someone with moderately controlled asthma who wished to purchase a salbutamol (albuterol) inhaler without prescription. Results of the encounter were recorded immediately after the visit. Regression analysis was performed, with medication use frequency (a marker of asthma control) as the dependent variable. Results: One hundred sixty community pharmacies in the Perth metropolitan area were visited in May 2007. Pharmacists and/or pharmacy assistants provided some form of assessment in 84% of the visits. Counseling was provided to the simulated patients in 24% of the visits. Only 4 pharmacy staff members asked whether the simulated patient knew how to use the inhaler. Significant correlation was found between assessment and/or counseling of reliever use frequency and 3 independent variables: visit length (p < 0.001), number of assessment questions asked (p < 0.001), and the simulated patient who conducted the visit (p < 0.02). Conclusions: Both patient assessment and medication counseling were suboptimal compared with recommended practice when nonprescription asthma reliever medication was supplied in the community pharmacy setting. Pharmacy and pharmacist demographic variables do not appear to affect assessment of asthma control. This research indicates the need for substantial improvements in practice in order to provide reliever medication in line with Quality Use of Medication principles of ensuring safe and effective use of medication.

scholarly journals The competency of Indonesian pharmacy students in handling a self-medication request for a cough: a simulated patient study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 2269
Author(s):  
Cecilia Brata ◽  
Steven V. Halim ◽  
Eko Setiawan ◽  
Bobby Presley ◽  
Yosi I. Wibowo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Chronic Cough ◽  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Cough is a common symptom for which people frequently present to community pharmacies. Previous articles from developing countries have shown that the provision of self-medication consultation for cough in community pharmacies were suboptimal, with knowledge deficiency being a contributing factor. However, little is known regarding the ability of pharmacy students in handling self-medication consultations in developing countries. Objectives: To measure the competency of Indonesian pharmacy students in providing self-medication consultations for patients with chronic cough and to identify factors associated with the provision of appropriate advice. Method: This study is a cross-sectional study. A simulated patient method using a product and a symptom-based request of chronic cough was used in students from a pharmacy school in Indonesia. The nature and amount of information gathered and advice provided by pharmacy students were noted and audio-recorded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the provision of appropriate advice. Results: The information gathered by participating students was not comprehensive. The most common types of information gathered were related to the nature and duration of the cough. Information relating to accompanying symptoms, medications, and allergies was gathered in less than 60% of the participating students for both product and symptom based scenarios. The appropriate advice of direct medical referral was provided in 54% and 56% of the 183 participating students for the product and symptom-based request scenarios respectively. Asking about symptom duration and prior medical conditions were positively associated with the provision of appropriate advice in the symptom and product based requests respectively. Conclusion: Student competency in self-medication consultation for chronic cough needs to be improved. Appropriate information-gathering is a predictor of appropriate advice. Further qualitative research identifying factors affecting students’ competence in providing self-medication consultation is required, so that suitable interventions are developed and implemented.

scholarly journals Quality of Community Pharmacy Practice in Antibiotic Self-Medication Encounters: A Simulated Patient Study in Upper Egypt

Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Abdelaziz ◽  
Abdelrahman Tawfik ◽  
Khaled Rabie ◽  
Mohamad Omran ◽  
Mustafa Hussein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Patient Simulation ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Simulated Patient ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

Antibiotic misuse, either by patients or healthcare professionals, is one of the major contributing factors to antimicrobial resistance. In many Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, there are no strict regulations regarding antibiotic dispensing by community pharmacies. In this study, we examined antibiotic dispensing patterns in Egyptian community pharmacies. About 150 community pharmacies were randomly chosen using convenience sampling from the five most populous urban districts of Minia Governorate in Egypt. Two simulated patient (SP) scenarios of viral respiratory tract infection requiring no antibiotic treatment were used to assess the actual antibiotics dispensing practice of. Face-to-face interviews were then conducted to assess the intended dispensing practice. Descriptive statistics were calculated to report the main study outcomes. In 238 visits of both scenarios, 98.3% of service providers dispensed amoxicillin. Although stated otherwise in interviews, most pharmacy providers (63%) dispensed amoxicillin without collecting relevant information from presenting SPs. Findings showed high rates of antibiotic misuse in community pharmacies. Discrepancies between interviews and patient simulation results also suggest a practice‒knowledge gap. Corrective actions, whether legislation, enforcement, education, or awareness campaigns about antibiotic misuse, are urgently needed to improve antibiotic dispensing practices in Egyptian community pharmacies.

scholarly journals The Practice of Counseling by Community Pharmacists in Bisha Health Directorate, Saudi Arabia – Simulated Patient Visit

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Mohammed Al Qarni ◽  
Tahani Alrahbeni ◽  
Ayidh M AlQarni ◽  
Abdullah Alqarni
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Patient Simulation ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Simulated Patient ◽  
World Health ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Patient Visit ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Directorate

Abstract Background Many organizations have suggested a minimum standard of counseling for patients, which includes information about the name of the drug, description, indication, how to use it, the method of treatment, precautions, adverse reactions, and any contraindications. Correspondingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended spending at least 3 minutes with each patient to undertake counseling. The present study aimed to evaluate the practice of counseling by community pharmacists for both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-only medicines in Bisha Health Directorate, Saudi Arabia. Method This was a cross-sectional study designed to be a simulation patient visit to community pharmacies at Bisha area. The simulated patient visit were include 73 pharmacies. Two scenarios were used in the simulated patient visit. The first scenario was for a prescription-only medicine and the second scenario was for an OTC medicine. The time recorded for every visit to evaluate counsling period. Results A total of 105 visits were conducted to the community pharmacies as follows: scenario 1 = 73 and scenario 2 = 32. The average time for the simulation was 110 seconds in scenario 1 and 73.4 seconds in scenario 2. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the period it took for the simulation scenario and the time of visit during the day (rho = −0.396, p = 0.001) in the patient simulation. Conclusion It that the service in community pharmacies is selling medicines and patient needs to be given a greaterin these community pharmacies.

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