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European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy :... Sep 2023To evaluate patients' and community pharmacies' satisfaction towards the Medicines Delivery Proximity Programme (PEMProxi), including patients' level of satisfaction...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate patients' and community pharmacies' satisfaction towards the Medicines Delivery Proximity Programme (PEMProxi), including patients' level of satisfaction with pharmaceutical services, medication dispensing and delivery, cost, and time saved, community pharmacies' satisfaction with PEMProxi-related information and procedures, contact with the patients, and timings. Additionally, to evaluate patients' and community pharmacies' perception of PEMProxi's advantages and disadvantages.
METHODS
Patients and the community pharmacies included in PEMProxi were contacted by telephone to answer a survey. The patient survey included questions regarding their satisfaction level towards PEMProxi, medication dispensing and delivery, and cost and time saved. Patients were also asked to point out the advantages and disadvantages of PEMProxi and give improvement suggestions. The community pharmacy survey included questions regarding satisfaction with entering PEMProxi, related information, procedures, contact with the patients on PEMProxi, and timings. Programme-related advantages, disadvantages and improvement suggestions were also solicited.
RESULTS
A total of 101 patients and 49 community pharmacies were included in the analysis. A large majority of patients were very satisfied with PEMProxi (93.1%). The Programme allowed each patient to save on average 30€ and 8 hours per month. More than 95% of the patients reported medication delivery in adequate conditions (n=100), in a timely manner (n=95) and according to the prescription (n=95). Most pharmacies were satisfied or very satisfied with their participation in PEMProxi (63.3%). Nearly half (53.1%) were surprised by its implementation and 98% would be available to participate with more patients if the Programme was extended.
CONCLUSIONS
The PEMProxi programme contributed to more convenient and equitable access to medications by chronic patients, thus avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital, saving them precious time and money.
Topics: Humans; Community Pharmacy Services; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pharmacies
PubMed: 34750248
DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2021-002893 -
Disaster Medicine and Public Health... Feb 2020The aim of this study was to analyze pharmacy functionality, or the volume of operational pharmacies, among areas in North Carolina and South Carolina affected by...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze pharmacy functionality, or the volume of operational pharmacies, among areas in North Carolina and South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence.
METHODS
Using geographic information system software and data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Healthcare Ready, we computed, mapped, and analyzed pharmacy functionality measures for the period of September 12, 2018, through September 20, 2018, among counties in North Carolina and South Carolina to examine health-care-related disaster readiness for and response to Hurricane Florence.
RESULTS
In the Hurricane Florence-impacted region, counties located along the coast had the most suboptimal pharmacy functionality, whereas counties located more centrally within North Carolina and South Carolina had more optimal pharmacy functionality throughout the disaster. Generally, functionality was high at Hurricane Florence's landfall on September 14, 2018, for which operating pharmacy capacity was reported at 85% in North Carolina and 88% in South Carolina. Both states had the lowest functionality on September 16, 2018, at 71% for North Carolina and 62% for South Carolina.
CONCLUSIONS
During the Hurricane Florence event, suboptimal pharmacy functionality was detected for coastal areas and during the disaster response period. Hurricane readiness plans and infrastructure strengthening should be emphasized for community pharmacies in hurricane-prone areas.
Topics: Cyclonic Storms; Humans; North Carolina; Pharmacies; South Carolina; Surge Capacity
PubMed: 31791439
DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2019.114 -
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Apr 2022Different countries have employed a variety of methods for their populace to access medical cannabis. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the... (Review)
Review
Different countries have employed a variety of methods for their populace to access medical cannabis. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the international literature on pharmacists' beliefs and attitudes towards medical cannabis. This literature review summarized the various countries that utilize pharmacies and pharmacists to dispense medical cannabis. The countries included in this review were: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, USA, and Uruguay. The pharmacist perspective has been of key importance within the medical landscape, as they are the ones who not only dispense medication but also counsel and monitor patients and it is this perspective that is lacking. Overall, this review found that even though pharmacists are generally comfortable with dispensing medical cannabis; they still require further education to do so as safely and effectively as possible.
Topics: Attitude; Germany; Humans; Medical Marijuana; Pharmacies; Pharmacists
PubMed: 33998897
DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0144 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Dec 2021To assess pharmacy participation in and accessibility of pharmacist-prescribed contraception after legislation effective in the state of Utah in 2019.
OBJECTIVE
To assess pharmacy participation in and accessibility of pharmacist-prescribed contraception after legislation effective in the state of Utah in 2019.
METHODS
A secret-shopper telephone survey was used to assess participation in pharmacist-prescribed contraception. Geospatial analysis was used to map the distribution of participating pharmacies by population characteristics.
RESULTS
Of all operating Class A retail pharmacies in Utah, 127 (27%) were providing pharmacist-prescribed contraception 1 year after implementation of the Utah standing order. Oral contraceptive pills were widely accessible (100%); however, other allowed methods were not (vaginal ring 14%; contraceptive patch 2%). Consultation fees and medication costs varied widely. Participating pharmacies were mainly concentrated in population centers. Assuming access to a personal vehicle, urban areas with a high percentage of Hispanic people (Utah's largest minority race or ethnicity group) have access to a participating pharmacy within a 20-minute driving distance. However, access in rural areas with a high percentage Hispanic or other minority were limited. We identified 235 (40%) census tracts with a high proportion of Utah's residents living below the poverty line or of minority race or ethnicity who also had low access to pharmacist-prescribed contraception.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the pharmacy-based model is intended to increase access to contraception, practical availability 1 year after the authorization of pharmacist-prescribed contraception in Utah suggests that this service does not adequately serve rural areas, particularly rural areas with a high proportion of minorities and those living below the federal poverty line.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Contraception; Drug Costs; Female; Health Plan Implementation; Health Services Accessibility; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; Pharmacy; Poverty; Referral and Consultation; Rural Population; Utah; Young Adult
PubMed: 34735383
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004594 -
Journal of the American Medical... Dec 2023Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) were implemented in community pharmacies over 40 years ago. However, unlike CDSS studies in other health settings, few studies... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) were implemented in community pharmacies over 40 years ago. However, unlike CDSS studies in other health settings, few studies have been undertaken to evaluate and improve their use in community pharmacies, where billions of prescriptions are filled every year. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize what research has been done surrounding CDSS in community pharmacies and call for rigorous research in this area.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six databases were searched using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords relating to community pharmacy and CDSS. After deduplicating the initial search results, 2 independent reviewers conducted title/abstract screening and full-text review. Then, the selected studies were synthesized in terms of investigational/clinical focuses.
RESULTS
The selected 21 studies investigated the perception of and response to CDSS alerts (n = 7), the impact of CDSS alerts (n = 7), and drug-drug interaction (DDI) alerts (n = 8). Three causes of the failures to prevent DDIs of clinical importance have been noted: the perception of and response to a high volume of DDI alerts, a suboptimal performance of CDSS, and a dearth of sociotechnical considerations for managing workload and workflow. Additionally, 7 studies emphasized the importance of utilizing CDSS for a specific clinical focus, ie, antibiotics, diabetes, opioids, and vaccinations.
CONCLUSION
Despite the range of topics dealt in the last 30 years, this scoping review confirms that research on CDSS in community pharmacies is limited and disjointed, lacking a comprehensive approach to highlight areas for improvement and ways to optimize CDSS utilization.
Topics: Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Pharmacies; Drug Interactions; Workload; Prescriptions
PubMed: 37875066
DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad208 -
Farmacia Hospitalaria : Organo Oficial... Nov 2021
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; Pharmacy; Pharmacy Service, Hospital
PubMed: 34806576
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Health Forum Nov 2023Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play a major role in the provision of pharmacy services by acting as intermediaries between pharmacies, plan sponsors (insurance...
IMPORTANCE
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play a major role in the provision of pharmacy services by acting as intermediaries between pharmacies, plan sponsors (insurance companies and employers), pharmaceutical manufacturers, and drug wholesalers. As their role and visibility have increased, PBMs have come under increased scrutiny from policymakers. However, no prior literature has systematically described the history, business practices, and policymaking of PBMs.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the PBM industry, including its history, the evolution of services provided by PBMs, an assessment of the current policy landscape, and analysis of how proposed policies could affect PBM practices and patient care.
EVIDENCE
This work reviews historical events; previous and current industry practices and publications; prior academic literature, existing statutes, regulations, and court cases; and recent legislative reforms and agency actions regarding PBMs.
FINDINGS
Pharmacy benefit managers evolved in parallel with the pharmaceutical manufacturing and health insurance industries. The evolution of the PBM industry has been characterized by horizontal and vertical integration and market concentration. The PBM provides 5 key functions: formulary design, utilization management, price negotiation, pharmacy network formation, and mail order pharmacy services. Criticism of the PBM industry centers around the lack of competition, pricing, agency problems, and lack of transparency. Legislation to address these concerns has been introduced at the state and federal levels, but the potential for these policies to address concerns about PBMs is unknown and may be eclipsed by private sector responses.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Pharmacy benefit managers are intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and perform multiple roles in the management and distribution of pharmaceuticals to patients. When regulating PBMs, it is important to adopt policies that address market failure problems by improving PBM competition as opposed to policies designed to serve the narrow financial interests of other market participants (eg, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers) without meeting the needs of consumers.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmaceutical Services; Policy; Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 37921745
DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3804 -
Pharmaceutical Research Jun 2020Dossiers on approved pharmaceutical products must be kept updated and current during the products' life cycles. The coalition, merger and acquisition along with... (Review)
Review
Dossiers on approved pharmaceutical products must be kept updated and current during the products' life cycles. The coalition, merger and acquisition along with corporate strategy that pursues efficiency and profitability of pharmaceutical companies have led to the globalization of supply chains for pharmaceutical ingredients and instruments in the post-marketing phase, and progress in manufacturing technologies can improve manufacturing processes during this phase. Regulatory requirements for post-marketing management of pharmaceutical products sometimes differ among countries around the world depending on national/regional policies or situations, even though the basic concepts of each regulation are the same. Therefore, an understanding of up-to-date region specific regulatory management frameworks is important for the optimal provision of pharmaceutical products by pharmaceutical industries. The amendment of the Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (Act No. 63 of 2019) was promulgated in December 2019, and will be enforced from September 2020 onwards. The amended Act sets out regulatory frameworks for post-marketing management systems, including inspection for good manufacturing practice of drugs, quasi-drugs, and gene-, cell-, and tissue-based products; and post-approval change-management protocols. Here, we review these new Japanese post-marketing management frameworks.
Topics: Drug Industry; Equipment and Supplies; Government Agencies; Health Policy; Humans; Japan; Marketing; Pharmacies; Total Quality Management
PubMed: 32514811
DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02845-5 -
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy Aug 2022
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; Pharmacists
PubMed: 34978215
DOI: 10.1177/10600280211061757 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Nov 2022Primary care is often the first point of contact for people living with mental disorders. Community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students are increasingly being... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary care is often the first point of contact for people living with mental disorders. Community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students are increasingly being trained to deliver mental health care. However, there is still a gap in the literature exploring the characteristics of all available mental health training programs and their components and their influence on pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students' outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To summarize the evidence evaluating mental health training programs completed by community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students. More specifically, to explore the components of mental health training programs and identify those that facilitate significant improvements in outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane handbook and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A search for published literature was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in July 2021. Eligible studies were included if they described and evaluated the impact of mental health training programs delivered to community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and pharmacy students regardless of design or comparator. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using both the NIH quality assessment, to evaluate studies with an uncontrolled pre-post design, and the Cochrane EPOC risk of bias assessment, to evaluate studies with a controlled (randomized and non-randomized) study design.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were included. Most of the identified mental health training programs contained knowledge-based components and active learning activities. Changes in participants' attitudes, stigma, knowledge, confidence and skills were frequently assessed. An extensive range of self-assessment and observational instruments used to evaluate the impact of the training programs were identified. Positive improvements in participants' attitudes, knowledge and stigma were frequently identified following participation in training programs.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review highlights the importance of mental health training programs in increasing pharmacists', pharmacy staff and pharmacy students' skills and confidence to deliver mental health care in community pharmacy. Future research should build upon this basis and further focus on finding the most efficient measures to evaluate these training programs and assess their long-term effectiveness, allowing comparison between programs.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy; Education, Pharmacy; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35778317
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.006