scholarly journals The Implementation of the Professional Role of the Community Pharmacist in the Immunization Practices in Italy to Counteract Vaccine Hesitancy

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Rosagemma Ciliberti ◽  
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi ◽  
Alessandro Bonsignore
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Professional Role ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
The Public ◽  
Ease Of Access

In Italy, the National Vaccinal Prevention Plan has renewed the commitment of the Italian government to promote a culture of vaccination practices in the general population and especially among healthcare professionals, considering it as a strategic goal. The search for useful tools and techniques to promote a layered and widespread information network capable of restoring a climate of trust and confidence towards vaccination, leads us to reflect on the possibility, already adopted in numerous countries, of enlisting community pharmacies in immunization campaigns also in Italy, positively implementing the professional role of the community pharmacist in immunization. The pharmacist is often the first point of contact with both the patients and the public, both for the relationship of trust and confidence that binds him to the citizens, and for the ease of access in relation to the widespread distribution of community pharmacies in the territory, the availability of prolonged operating hours, the absence of need for appointments and positions near/outside of healthcare facilities. Currently, in Italy the role of the community pharmacist is limited to counseling and providing advice and information regarding the benefits and/or any risks of vaccination practices, but does not imply a direct engagement in immunization programs, rather a collaboration to avoid straining and overwhelming the vaccination centers. Some recent questionnaire-based studies have shown that Italian community pharmacists have attitudes that are favorable to vaccinations, even though their knowledge is rather limited. Together with expanding the engagement of community pharmacists in immunization programs, their educational gap should be addressed in order to significantly improve and enhance the protection of the public health.

scholarly journals Dispensing of Banned Phenolphthalein and Ketoconazole: Simulated Patients Method

2021 ◽  
pp. 46-50
Author(s):  
Mohammed Alshakka ◽  
Wafa Badulla ◽  
Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Safety ◽  
The Public ◽  
Ease Of Access

Introduction: Banned and harmful medicines can affect patient’s health, safety and life.                    There are two medicines available in Aden community pharmacies (phenolphthalein (PP) and ketoconazole (KZ)) that are globally banned. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability and dispensing of banned phenolphthalein and ketoconazole by community pharmacists. Methods: A preliminary cross-sectional simulated patients method was carried out. The study gathered data on dispensing behavior. Simulated patients were trained to access the availability of banned drugs existing in the community pharmacies. The availability of these two banned drugs was observed and recorded. The pharmacists were asked about the availability of a PP laxative for treating constipation called in Yemen a khat laxative (Sharbat Alkhat) and KZ for fungal infections in 50 convenient samples of community pharmacies that were selected based on ease of access by the simulated patients. Results: PP was found in 3/50 (6%) pharmacies, while 31/50 (62%) pharmacies kept KZ in the premise.  Conclusion: The availability of these drugs in Yemeni pharmacies is worrisome.  It can affect the safety of the public.

scholarly journals Patients’ Perception of a Community Pharmacist-Managed Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Program in Peru: A Public Health Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean O'Brien ◽  
Jacy Downey
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Mdr Tb

Objectives: The primary objective is to investigate the public’s perception about the role of the community pharmacist in Peru’s directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) program. The secondary objective is to assess perceived barriers that would prevent the public from utilizing community pharmacists in order to identify future opportunities for community pharmacists to increase adherence to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) therapy. Design: Qualitative study comprised of an 8 close-ended survey questionnaire. Setting: Healthcare clinics established by a medical mission group in Lima and surrounding communities, Peru, from July 13 to July 27, 2015. Participants: Patients 15 years of age and over who sought healthcare at the clinics. Main outcome measures: Public’s perception about the role of the community pharmacist in Peru and barriers that would prevent the public from seeking a community pharmacist. Results: Out of the 445 patients approached, 438 patients completed the survey, resulting in a 98% response rate. More than half (52%) of the respondents were likely to seek a community pharmacist to assist them in completing a MDR-TB medication regimen. Almost half (48%) of the respondents felt comfortable with assistance of a community pharmacist in completing an MDR-TB regimen. The physician was the first health care professional that was contacted for all medical situations, including drug-related questions (61%). Lack of privacy in the pharmacy (53%) and busyness of the pharmacists (52%) were the top perceived barriers for asking community pharmacists questions. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for pharmacist participation in Peru’s DOTS program. Furthermore, this investigation has identified several issues of concern related to current community pharmacy practice in Peru. Therefore, future efforts may be necessary to address these identified areas of opportunity to promote the community pharmacist’s role in health screening, drug therapy monitoring, and counseling to decrease the public health burden of MDR-TB. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents or royalties.   Type: Original Research

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 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 The Impact of Narrative Strategy on Promoting HPV Vaccination among College Students in Korea: The Role of Anticipated Regret

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarim Kim
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Anticipated Regret ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hpv Vaccine Uptake

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy contributes to unsatisfactory vaccination coverage in Korea despite its high efficacy in preventing various diseases including cervical cancer. To enhance HPV vaccine uptake, effective communication with the public is key. To develop effective health promotion messages, this study examined the effects of message format on attitudes and intentions toward HPV vaccination, specifically focusing on anticipated action and inaction regrets. It employed a randomized experimental message design format (narrative versus didactic messages). A total of 222 Korean undergraduate students who had not received the HPV shot participated in the experiment. The results showed that didactic messages produce greater anticipated inaction regret, which further influences HPV vaccination attitudes and behaviors. Anticipated regret could potentially explain mixed narrative effects across health behaviors as described in existing literature.

scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy: Role of the allergist/immunologist in promotion of vaccine acceptance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Bellanti
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Present Report ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Many ◽  
Do So

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has been defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, despite the availability ofvaccine services. In the past, despite an impressive record of vaccine effectiveness in the United States, several factors havecontributed to a decreased acceptance of vaccines that has resulted in outbreaks of infectious diseases, e.g., measles. More recently, vaccine hesitancy has spread to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. There are many causes of vaccine hesitancy, such as misinformation, fallacies, and myths, that have contributed to vaccine hesitancy.Objective: The purpose of the present report is to address the many causes of vaccine hesitancy and to suggest ways that the allergist/immunologist can be involved in the promotion of vaccine acceptance.Methods: The current COVID-19 vaccines were reviewed, together with their mechanisms(s) of action and adverse reactions to them.Results: The many causes of vaccine hesitancy include many doubts and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccines as well asa diminished level of confidence and trust by segments of the public in the nation's leaders in government, medical, and business communities, that those groups once enjoyed.Conclusion: Vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines is the only way that COVID-19 will be eliminated or at least controlled today, and vaccine hesitancy is the potential nemesis. The present report describes how the allergist/immunologist not only plays a major role in the delivery of specialized therapy of COVID-19 but also in educating the public with regard to the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, in dispelling misinformation, and in promoting trust for vaccine acceptance but must be informed with the most accurate and current information to do so.

Barriers in the public health role of community pharmacists: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chijioke O. Agomo ◽  
Jane Portlock ◽  
James Ogunleye
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
The Public
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document