scholarly journals T.E.A.M.S.Work: Leveraging Technicians to Enhance ABM Med Sync in Community Pharmacies

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamera D. Hughes ◽  
Lana M. Minshew ◽  
Stacey Cutrell ◽  
Stefanie P. Ferreri
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Prescription Volume

The expansion of pharmacy technicians’ roles in community pharmacies allows pharmacists the opportunity to focus on providing clinical services to patients. This study explores the tasks pharmacy technicians’ perform to support Med Sync programs in community pharmacies. Pharmacy staff members at North Carolina pharmacies with more than fifty percent of their prescription volume being dispensed as part of a Med Sync program were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Inductive coding and summary analysis were used to analyze the interview data. Study participants described pharmacy technicians’ roles in identifying patients for marketing and enrollment, reviewing patients’ medications list, choosing alignment dates based on patient preference, contacting patients in preparation for dispensing and, lastly, engaging in pickup or delivery of medications. This study highlights technicians’ vital role in completing tasks that support Med Sync programs in community pharmacies.

scholarly journals Australian Community Pharmacy Harm-Minimisation Services: Scope for Service Expansion to Improve Healthcare Access

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Sara S. McMillan ◽  
Hidy Chan ◽  
Laetitia H. Hattingh
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Harm Minimisation ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Education Support

Community pharmacies are well positioned to participate in harm-minimisation services to reduce harms caused by both licit and illicit substances. Considering developments in pharmacist practices and the introduction of new professional pharmacy services, we identified a need to explore the contemporary role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the opinions of stakeholders, pharmacy staff, and clients about the role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation, including provision of current services, experiences, and expectations. Participants (n = 28) included 5 stakeholders, 9 consumers, and 14 staff members from seven community pharmacies. Three over-arching themes were identified across the three participants groups: (i) scope and provision, (ii) complexity, and (iii) importance of person-centred advice and support in relation to community pharmacy harm minimisation services. Community pharmacies are valuable healthcare destinations for delivery of harm minimisation services, with scope for service expansion. Further education, support, and remuneration are needed, as well as linkage to other sector providers, in order to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy staff are well equipped to provide a range of harm minimisation services.

scholarly journals Challenges to the implementation of a nationwide electronic prescribing network in primary care: a qualitative study of users’ perceptions

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 838-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aude Motulsky ◽  
Claude Sicotte ◽  
Marie-Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Julie Payne-Gagnon ◽  
Julie-Alexandra Langué-Dubé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Electronic Prescribing ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Standard Drug ◽  
Primary Care Clinics ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Dispensing Data

Abstract Background and objective The objective of this study was to identify physicians’ and pharmacists’ perceptions of the challenges and benefits to implementing a nationwide electronic prescribing network linking medical clinics and community pharmacies in Quebec, Canada. Methods Forty-nine people (12 general practitioners, 2 managers, 33 community pharmacists, and 2 pharmacy staff members) from 40 points of care (10 primary care clinics (42% of all the connected sites) and 30 community pharmacies (44%)) were interviewed in 2013. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results A low level of network use was observed. Most pharmacists processed e-prescriptions by manual entry instead of importing electronically. They reported concerns about potential errors generated by importing e-prescriptions, mainly due to the instruction field. Paper prescriptions were still perceived as the best means for safe and effective processing of prescriptions in pharmacies. Speed issues when validating e-prescription messages were seen as an irritant by physicians, and resulted in several of them abandoning transmission. Displaying the medications based on the dispensing data was identified as the main obstacle to meaningful use of medication histories. Conclusions Numerous challenges impeded realization of the benefits of this network. Standards for e-prescription messages, as well as rules for message validation, need to be improved to increase the potential benefits of e-prescriptions. Standard drug terminology including the concept of clinical medication should be developed, and the implementation of rules in local applications to allow for the classification and reconciliation of medication lists from dispensing data should be made a priority.

Pilot Evaluation of Pharmacists’ and Pharmacy Technicians’ Knowledge and Understanding of a Medication Synchronization Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110483
Author(s):  
Janet N. Pham ◽  
Amy D. Robertson ◽  
Brittany L. Melton ◽  
Brent J. Rohling ◽  
Bradley J. Newell
Keyword(s):  
Final Analysis ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Good Standing ◽  
Video Tutorial ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Previous Training

Background: Medication synchronization (MS) improves adherence by allowing patients to pick up all medications at the same time. Pharmacy staff need training to utilize a MS program effectively. Objective: Evaluate the impact of a video tutorial with decreased extraneous and intrinsic load on pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ knowledge and understanding of a MS program. Study Method: Participants completed a prequestionnaire to assess knowledge and understanding of the MS process. They then watched a step-by-step video tutorial and were reassessed by a postquestionnaire 2 weeks later. Study participants included pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed at 1 of 2 pharmacies in 1 regional division of a large community-based chain pharmacy. Participants were eligible if they were registered and in good standing with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and employed for greater than 30 days since July 1, 2018. Results: Twenty participants were included in the final analysis. The median age was 36 years, 14 (70%) were female, 13 (65%) were pharmacy technicians, and each study site had equal representation. Most participants, 15 (75%), had previously completed the standard MS training. There was a significant improvement in number of correct responses after the intervention with a prequestionnaire score of 61.3% to postquestionnaire score of 70% ( P=.002). Significant improvement in knowledge was seen in participants who completed the previous training as well as first-time learners of the MS process. Conclusion: Optimizing training on MS processes by decreasing extraneous and intrinsic load improved the pharmacy team’s knowledge and understanding of the MS process.

scholarly journals Self-assessment of Polish pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 1354-1363
Author(s):  
Iwona Bojar ◽  
Beata Sarecka-Hujar ◽  
Jakub Owoc ◽  
Adrianna Pawełczak-Barszczowska ◽  
Dorota Raczkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Professional Group ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Scale Reliability ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians

Abstract Background Nowadays, pharmacists are expected to focus not only on dispensing medicines but also on the wellness of the patient. In some developed countries a pharmacist is clearly defined as a health care professional that can make a contribution to improving the general health of the population. Objective To assess the readiness of Polish pharmacy staff to engage in health promotion and educational activities. Setting Community pharmacies in Poland. Method The study group consisted of 308 pharmacy staff (248 pharmacists and 60 pharmacy technicians) employed in Polish pharmacies. The survey questionnaire referred to three domains: systemic solutions for health promotion, readiness of pharmacy staff as a professional group to promote health, personal readiness to promote health. Responses about pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health were scored using a 10-point scale. Scale reliability for all items (overall readiness), and for items within the three domains separately, were tested using Cronbach’s α and average inter-correlation coefficient among the items. Main outcome measure Pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health (the questionnaire containing 32 items). Results The overall readiness of pharmacy staff to promote health was rather low (average of 4.6 ± 1.5 in 1–10 scale). The highest scores were obtained for pharmacy staff’s personal readiness to promote health (average of 5.5 ± 1.8) which was neutral on the scale. The lowest scores were obtained for systemic solutions for health promotion (average of 3.6 ± 1.4). Readiness of pharmacy staff as a professional group was ranked in the middle (average 4.8 ± 1.8). Surveyed pharmacy staff rated their readiness to promote health in the work environment significantly higher than promoting health in the local community. Female and younger pharmacy staff as well as those with job seniority of less than 5 years, or pharmacy technicians assessed their readiness to promote health significantly higher than others. Readiness to promote health was higher among pharmacy staff working in pharmacies employing up to 3 staff members and at pharmacies with over 200 customers daily. Conclusions The overall readiness of pharmacy staff to promote health was low, especially in the domain of systemic solutions in health promotion.

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 Patients’, Pharmacy Staff Members’, and Pharmacy Researchers’ Perceptions of Central Elements in Prescription Encounters at the Pharmacy Counter

Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Kaae ◽  
Lotte Stig Nørgaard ◽  
Sofia Kälvemark Sporrong ◽  
Anna Birna Almarsdottir ◽  
Mette Kofoed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Multiple Cues ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Central Elements ◽  
Group Interviews

Background: Studies suggest that the way pharmacy counselling takes place does not fully support patients in obtaining optimal medicine use. To understand the basis of current challenges in pharmacy counselling, we investigated which selected related cues, i.e., objects, sounds, or circumstances in prescription encounters, patients, and pharmacy staff notice, and how they interpret these cues. Pharmacy practice researchers’ cue orientation was also investigated to explore possible differences to those of staff and patients. Methods: Twelve focus group interviews representing 5 community pharmacies (staff and patients) and 2 universities (researchers) were conducted during 2017–2018 in Denmark. A total of 20 patients, 22 pharmacy staff, and 6 pharmacy researchers participated. A theoretical analysis based on cue orientation and social appraisal was conducted. Results: Pharmacy staff, patients and researchers noticed different selected related cues in prescription encounters. Staff particularly noticed ‘types of patients’. Patients were more divided and grouped into three overall categories: ‘types of staff’, medical content, and the situation around the encounter. Pharmacy researchers noticed multiple cues. Different emotions were integrated in the construction of the cues. Conclusion: Differences in the cue orientation between all three groups were identified. The identified types of cues and emotions can explain an underlying dissatisfaction with the encounters. Patients lack, in particular, more personal contact. Staff need to consider these aspects to provide relevant counselling.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

scholarly journals Characterizations of preschool technology education: analyses of seven individual preschool teachers’ and childcare attendants’ descriptions of their teaching

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernilla Sundqvist
Keyword(s):  
Technology Education ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Learning Objective ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children's Play ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Preschool Staff

AbstractIn recent decades the preschool has leaned more towards a learning-oriented pedagogy, where the subject of technology has been given a more prominent place. Still, studies on how individual preschool staff members perceive and teach technology is scarce. This study shows how seven preschool staff in Sweden describe their work with the subject of technology and how technology education is characterized in these descriptions. The data was produced by means of semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire and analyzed with narrative analysis. The results show very diverse practices of technology education, implying the learning possibilities for children in different preschools are not equal. Some of the staff describe a clear and conscious teaching of technology, while others describe teaching what can be viewed as a limited and/or shallow technology education, where technology is sometimes used as means for learning other subjects or contents rather than being the learning objective. Six ways to characterize technology education was found, namely: technology education (1) concerns technological objects and systems in children’s environment, (2) concerns learning to handle technological objects, (3) is doing experiments, (4) involves developing abilities, (5) is naturally included in children’s play and (6) departs from digital technology.

scholarly journals Patients’ expectations on medicines information

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Sevikyan ◽  
I Kazaryan
Keyword(s):  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Medicine Price ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Medicines Information ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Effective Use

Abstract Background Medicines information is important for patients as it assists them in achieving more safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. Many patients seek information from community pharmacies' staff. The objectives of this study were to identify specific topics of medicines information which patients expect to receive at community pharmacies. Methods Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1059 visitors of community pharmacies in Armenia. Previously developed questionnaire was used for interviewing patients. Data were analysed with the SPSS statistical software. Results Most of participants acknowledged importance of receiving from community pharmacies' staff information on therapeutic indications of medicines (91.1%), dosage and method of administration (90.8%), the duration of treatment (86.3%), expiry date (85.7%), adverse reactions (85.0%), contraindications (84.6%), storage conditions (77.5%) and type of activity (76.0%). Importance of receiving information on some specific topics depends on patients' age. Participants' acknowledgement of information on interaction with other medicines, certain categories of users, and potential effects on the ability to drive is decreasing with patients' age increasing (p < 0.001). The opposite trend was observed with attitude to receiving information on medicine price that was mostly valued by elderly patients (p = 0.046). The number of patients who trust the information provided was higher among those who more often received comprehensive responses from pharmacists and pharmacy assistants (p < 0.001). Conclusions Receiving medicines information from the staff of community pharmacies is important for patients, and the majority of them trust to information received. Patients are mainly provided with comprehensive responses to their questions about medicines, and there was dependence between a frequency of receiving comprehensive responses and a level of patients' trust the information provided by pharmacy staff. Key messages Increasing patients’ awareness on their right to get medicines information can be beneficial. Comprehensive responses increase patients trust medicines information provided by pharmacists.

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