scholarly journals Pharmacy Technicians’ Contribution to Counselling at Community Pharmacies in Denmark

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira El-Souri ◽  
Rikke Nørgaard Hansen ◽  
Ann Moon Raagaard ◽  
Birthe Søndergaard ◽  
Charlotte Rossing
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Prescription Medication ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Drug Related Problems ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians

(1) Background: pharmacy technicians are the largest group of staff at Danish community pharmacies and play a vital role in counselling customers on prescription medication, over-the-counter (OTC) medication and non-medical products. This is the first study carried out to specifically analyse how they contribute to counselling and identification of drug-related problems (DRPs) at Danish community pharmacies. (2) Methods: seventy-six pharmacy technicians from 38 community pharmacies registered data on all of their customer visits for five days, over a four-week period, between January and March 2019. Data were analysed in SPSS version 24. (3) Results: 58.9% of all registered customers (n = 10,417) received counselling. They identified DRPs for 15.8% of all registered customers (n = 2800). Counselling by pharmacy technicians solved, or partially solved, problems for 70.4% of customers with DRPs. Pharmacy technicians estimated that 25.2% of customers receiving counselling (n = 2621) were saved a visit to the general practitioner (GP). (4) Conclusions: as community pharmacists get more involved in complex services, it would be necessary to expand the roles of pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians contribute to medication safety via counselling, and identifying and handling DRPs for all customers. This study documents the role of pharmacy technicians in customer counselling at Danish community pharmacies. It provides evidence to researchers and policy makers to support discussions on the future role of pharmacy technicians at community pharmacies.

scholarly journals Exploring the independent prescribing role of the community pharmacists in Wales

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i35-i35
Author(s):  
S S Alghamdi ◽  
R Deslandes ◽  
S White ◽  
K Hodson ◽  
A Mackridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Committee Report ◽  
Independent Prescribing ◽  
General Practices ◽  
The Government ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Since 2019, the role of independent pharmacist prescribers (IPPs) in primary care has extended to community pharmacies in Wales [1]. This was in response to a Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee report in 2019 that outlined a plan to include an IPP in each community pharmacy in Wales by 2030. This aimed to relieve pressure on general practices, enhance patient care and reduce referral and admission rates to secondary care [2]. As funding was provided by the Government, the number of community pharmacists completing the independent prescribing course increased and many have implemented their prescribing role. Aim To explore the views of community IPPs regarding their prescribing role within community pharmacies in Wales. Methods Semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with community IPPs from all seven health boards (HBs) in Wales. Ethical approval was obtained from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University and the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering at Keele University. Purposive sampling was used to identify potential participants. Gatekeepers (HB community pharmacy leads and directors of IPP courses in Wales) sent invitation emails, participant information sheet and consent form to potential participants. Written consent was obtained. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed ad verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Thirteen community IPPs across Wales participated. Six themes were identified, including the utilisation of their role as community IPPs, their experiences with their independent prescribing training, motivation to obtain their prescribing qualification and utilise it, the impact, barriers and facilitators to implement and utilise their role. Participants practised as IPPs in the management of minor ailments and some other conditions, such as respiratory and sexual health. The course and training for community IPPs was helpful, but there was a need to focus more on therapeutic and clinical examination skills. The main impact of the role was that it helped to improve communication between community pharmacies and general practices and relieved some pressure on general practices. The main barriers were the lack of appropriate funding by the Government to develop the role, lack of access to patients’ medical records, lack of support and high workload. “One of the areas identified as high risk is for pharmacy prescribers is the lack of access to clinical records. How can you [as community IPPs] make any sensible decisions with half the information?” IPP6 Facilitators included that some services were already in place and the drive from the 2030 vision. Conclusion This is the first study that explored the views of community IPPs regarding their prescribing role in community pharmacies in Wales. It provided an insight into this new role that can be considered by the Welsh Government to achieve the 2030 vision for this role. A limitation to this study was that the role is still new in community pharmacies, which may affect the views of the community IPPs. Many of them have obtained their prescribing qualification but have not started to utilise it yet. Further work is needed to explore a wider population of community IPPs’ experiences as the role develops. References 1. Wickware, C. 2019. All community pharmacies in Wales to have an independent prescriber as part of long-term plan for Welsh pharmacy. Available at: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/all-community-pharmacies. 2. Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee. 2019. Pharmacy: Delivering a Healthier Wales. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%2.

scholarly journals Public perception of community pharmacists in South Africa: a preliminary study

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Bornman ◽  
Ilse Truter ◽  
Daniel JL Venter
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Preliminary Study

This survey forms part of a study undertaken to identify and quantify the community pharmacist’s involvement in the use of non-prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) medicine/self-medication in community pharmacies throughout South Africa. Opsomming Hierdie opname vorm deel van ‘n studie wat onderneem word om die gemeenskapsapteker se betrokkenheid in die gebruik van nie-voorskrif/oor-die-toonbank medikasie/ selfmedikasie in gemeenskapsapteke in Suid Afrika te identifiseer en te kwantifiseer. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Bridging the digital divide

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Vahid Aqili ◽  
Alireza Isfandyari Moghaddam
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Points Of View

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the digital divide has become a common metaphor originating from now nearly obsolete phrases such as “information have and have nots” and “information rich and information poor”. The article aims to focus on several dimensions of the digital divide that pertain to service as well as the responsibilities of libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis article places emphasis on the role of librarians and information professionals in bridging the digital divide by indicating some aspects related to it as evidenced in the literature including its definition, aspects, factors affecting, and internet users.FindingsLibraries are treated as one of the major social tools which can solve the information divide rooted in the digital divide and contribute to the realization of democratic society.Research limitations/implicationsThis article revolves around the authors' points of view. So, further studies, especially comparative research between developed and developing countries which vary in terms of digital divide rate, can help to understand the real role librarians and information professionals play.Practical implicationsRethinking the digital divide, librarians must redesign and redefine their service menu for their customers through thinking functionally. They also need to review the various IT devices and information services available and examine which can be employed to present a more effective library service. In addition, policy‐makers should consider the vital role that librarians can play in the realization of knowledge‐based society and sustainable development.Originality/valueThis paper provides a theoretical basis for librarians to be more active and sedulous and policy‐makers to be vigilant and place much value for information sector and its professionals, particularly librarians working in various libraries.

scholarly journals Historical and Contemporary Laws Related to Forest and Environment with the Perspective of the Role of the Indian Media in Environmental Conservation: A review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Kapil Kumar Joshi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Colonial Rule ◽  
Political Issue ◽  
Environmental Laws ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Media ◽  
Regulatory Measures

This paper attempts to highlight all the forest, wildlife and environmental laws prevailing in India with their brief introduction and the genesis. It portrays a consolidated picture of all such regulatory measures being implemented since the colonial rule in India. Under today’s circumstances, media also plays a vital role in shaping the public opinion over any social, economic and political issue. Media is supposed to be the fourth and a strong pillar of the society and is entrusted with the responsibility of bringing real facts and figures before the public in general and the policy makers and implementers in particular. This paper also aims in educating the media with the prevailing rules, regulations, acts, guidelines and policies related to natural resource management in India and analyzing a symbiotic relationship with the implementers for a wider cause of conservation and sustainable development.

scholarly journals Attitudes of Iraqi society towards the role of community pharmacists

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inas R. Ibrahim ◽  
Haydar F. Al Tukmagi ◽  
Abdulrasoul Wayyes
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Objectives: The main aims of this study were to assess society's use of community pharmacies; evaluate attitudes towards the role of the community pharmacist; and describe required pharmacist characteristics and future services. Study design: A cross-sectional survey with a stratified sampling technique. Methods: A self-administered, validated, questionnaire was distributed to 500 consumers in attendance at 50 community pharmacies in Baghdad, Iraq. Data were gathered from January to April 2012. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to test for statistical differences among the study variables. Further analysis through the Chi-square test and logistic regression was completed to assess the predictors of society's attitudes. Results: Twenty-six percent of respondents visited their community pharmacies at least once per week and an additional 65% reported visiting their pharmacy at least once per month. Fifty-five percent of respondents listed the community pharmacist as the first person they would contact in case of any drug-related problem. However, the pharmacist's role was under-appreciated by the majority of respondents (79.8%). These attitudes varied significantly with regard to the demographic characteristics of respondents. Logistic regression analysis showed that gender and age were the influential predictors of favourable versus non-favourable attitudes towards the role of pharmacist. Conclusions: The use of community pharmacies in Iraq was characterized by frequent visits to purchase medicines. Selection of the pharmacy primarily depended on its location. Overall, an under-appreciation of the professional performance of pharmacists was predominant. Raising public awareness towards the important role of community pharmacists in providing public health is warranted.   Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Documenting the process of developing the Victorian voluntary assisted dying legislation

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret M. O'Connor ◽  
Roger W. Hunt ◽  
Julian Gardner ◽  
Mary Draper ◽  
Ian Maddocks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Australian State ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Legislative Changes

Many countries across the world have legislated for their constituents to have control over their death. Commonalities and differences can be found in the regulations surrounding the shape and practices of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and euthanasia, including an individual’s eligibility and access, role of health professions and the reporting. In Australia there have been perennial debates across the country to attempt legislative change in assisting a terminally ill person to control the ending of their life. In 2017, Victoria became the first state to successfully legislate for VAD. In describing the Victorian process that led to the passage of legislation for VAD, this paper examines the social change process. The particular focus of the paper is on the vital role played by a multidisciplinary ministerial advisory panel to develop recommendations for the successful legislation, and is written from their perspective. What is known about the topic? VAD has not been legal in an Australian state until legislation passed in Victoria in 2017. What does this paper add? This paper describes how the legislation was developed, as well as the significant consultative and democratic processes required to get the bill to parliament. What are the implications for practitioners? In documenting this process, policy makers and others will have an understanding of the complexities in developing legislation. This information will be useful for other Australian jurisdictions considering similar legislative changes.

Societal perspectives on the role of community pharmacists and over-the-counter drugs in Jordan

2008 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 884-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayyada Wazaify ◽  
Abla Al-Bsoul-Younes ◽  
Eman Abu-Gharbieh ◽  
Linda Tahaineh
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Over The Counter

Relevant or Not? Literature, Literary Research and Literary Researchers in Troubled Times

Diogenes ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Ross Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Soap Operas ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Folk Tales ◽  
Literary Research

This article notes the significance of the contribution that literary researchers - who must see themselves as `researchers-as-artists' - make in the area of policy and politics. The `researcher-as-artist' chooses words aesthetically to tell stories that construct new stages for debate and discussion, and that inspire governments and policy-makers, They push intellectual boundaries; they challenge; they stimulate and confer visibility on creative ideas; they provoke - artistically, educationally and morally; and make connections. They encourage new ways of looking and seeing. Thus, for example, they can contribute to discussions of soap operas and connect them to folk-tales - tales of the folk, endlessly repeated variations on common themes. Using a literary optic in this way demonstrates not only the evolutionary powers of literature, but the vital role of literary researchers and of the stories they tell.

scholarly journals Governing TVET in Federal Nepal: Centralized or Decentralized Management ?

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 21-34
Author(s):  
Thakur Prasad Bhatta
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Sustainable Operation ◽  
Federal Constitution ◽  
Federal Governance ◽  
Operation And Management

With the increasing recognition of the need for skilled human resources in developing countries, the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has been an important part of the education system. However, in spite of such a vital role of TVET, challenges exist in designing, planning and implementing it while governing effectively. Such context has raised the issue of governing TVET among educationists, policy makers and all stakeholders to achieve its intended goals. The TVET governing issue has been of serious concern to its stakeholders in Nepal with the introduction of the federal structure in 2015. Hence this paper aims to explore the governing issue of TVET in the context of federal governance of Nepal. For this, this paper employs qualitative research approach in analyzing policy and practice of TVET in Nepal. This paper explores that the process of governing TVET in Nepal has remained highly centralized in spite of rhetoric of decentralization as the main agenda of governing development over the decades. Arguably, there is a reluctant tendency in devolving TVET as per the new structure of federal governance. Instead, conflicts among three levels of governments – federal, provincial and local – are emerging in the case of TVET similar to other development sectors. Hence, for sustainable operation and management of TVET this paper argues that the policy and practice of the TVET need to be guided by the concept of multilevel governance with collaboration among the three levels of government as envisaged by the new federal constitution. 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document