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Journal of the American Pharmacists... 2022
Topics: Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacies; Pharmacy; Pharmacy Residencies
PubMed: 35798508
DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.04.020 -
American Journal of Pharmaceutical... Mar 2023Currently, there is no set of accreditation standards for integrating the dangers of illegal online pharmacies into Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula. As a result,...
Currently, there is no set of accreditation standards for integrating the dangers of illegal online pharmacies into Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula. As a result, many pharmacists are unable to recognize the differences between a legal and illegal online pharmacy or educate patients on the dangers of online pharmacies. The objectives of this study were to assess gaps in student pharmacists' knowledge and to assess the impact of adding education regarding online pharmacies into PharmD programs. A pre- and postsurvey design was developed. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire distributed to second-year pharmacy (P2) students to evaluate student knowledge gaps at baseline and after education on illegal online pharmacies. A total of 102 students responded to the presurvey, with 93 (91%) consenting to participate. Out of 100 respondents to the postsurvey, 84 (84%) students consented. Approximately 87% (81/93) of respondents indicated some awareness of prescription medications being purchased online. Most students (89%, 77/86) stated that they do not believe the university has provided adequate curriculum on illegal online pharmacies and counterfeit medications. After receiving education on the relevant topics, 64% (55/85) stated they now felt their education was adequate. Although pharmacy students were aware of the existence of illegal online pharmacies, they were not aware of the significance of this patient safety issue or how to accurately identify suspicious websites. It is imperative that PharmD programs incorporate formal education on the risks that illegal online pharmacies pose to patient and medication safety.
Topics: Humans; Pharmaceutical Services, Online; Education, Pharmacy; Pharmacists; Students, Pharmacy; Pharmacies
PubMed: 35296458
DOI: 10.5688/ajpe8933 -
Journal of Primary Care & Community... 2023The effects of climate change are seen with a rise of extreme weather and climate events (EWCEs) which lead to the closures of many healthcare facilities, such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The effects of climate change are seen with a rise of extreme weather and climate events (EWCEs) which lead to the closures of many healthcare facilities, such as community pharmacies. Pharmacists in community pharmacies are seen as the most accessible healthcare professional to the public and are responsible for the continued delivery of care to patients. However, amid closures due to EWCEs and the emergence of pharmacy deserts, there is decreased access to pharmacies and a disruption of care.
OBJECTIVE
It is important to address the preparedness and accessibility of pharmacies post-EWCEs to guide future research and policy. Additionally, to tackle health disparities that arise due to pharmacy deserts, the populations most affected by a decreased access to pharmacies should be identified. We conducted a scoping review to assess the preparedness and accessibility of pharmacies post-EWCEs and to identify populations most affected by pharmacy deserts.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2022 and included all English-language, peer-reviewed primary literature that examined the preparedness and accessibility of community pharmacies in the United States post-EWCEs and addressed disparities within pharmacy deserts. Studies meeting these criteria were screened of their titles and abstracts by the first author and discrepancies were resolved with co-authors. We used Covidence for data extraction.
RESULTS
A total of 472 studies were identified (196 duplicates removed) and after screening, 53 studies were assessed for eligibility. The results of included publications (N = 26) showed that pharmacists and pharmacies are not equipped with the necessary emergency protocols which could lead to decreased access of pharmacies in the wake of EWCEs. Pharmacy deserts disproportionately affect residents living in rural, lower income, and Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods. The lack of preparedness of pharmacies post-EWCEs could worsen medication access.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review addresses challenges impacting pharmacies and patients post-EWCEs and within pharmacy deserts. In times of increased need, these challenges implicate the well-being of communities affected by EWCEs by breaking the continuum of care and access to medications. Here we offer suggestions for future research and directions for policy change.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; Extreme Weather; Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacists
PubMed: 37431885
DOI: 10.1177/21501319231186497 -
Journal of Patient Safety Sep 2021The aims of the study were to characterize handoffs in community pharmacies and to examine factors that contribute to perceived handoff quality.
OBJECTIVES
The aims of the study were to characterize handoffs in community pharmacies and to examine factors that contribute to perceived handoff quality.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists in a Midwest State of the United States. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on participant and practice setting characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
A total of 445 completed surveys were returned (response rate, 82%). In almost half of the time, handoffs that occur in a community pharmacy setting were inaccurate or incomplete. Nearly half of the time handoffs occur in environments full of interruptions and distractions. More than 90% of the respondents indicated that they have undergone no formal training on proper ways of handing off information. Nearly 40% of respondents reported that their pharmacy dispensing technology does not have adequate functionality to support handing off information and that at least 50% of the time, poor handoffs result in additional work to the pharmacist because of the need for complete information before providing patient care. Multivariate analysis showed that being very familiar with patients, lower daily prescription volume, not having a 24-hour operation, and larger percentage of handoffs occurring in a synchronous fashion are all associated with better handoff quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Handoffs occur frequently and are problematic in community pharmacies. Current pharmacy environments offer limited support to conduct good handoffs, and as a result, pharmacists report loss of information. This could present as a significant patient safety hazard. Future interventions should target facilitating better communication during shift changes.
Topics: Community Pharmacy Services; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Patient Handoff; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; United States
PubMed: 28452917
DOI: 10.1097/PTS.0000000000000382 -
BMJ Open Dec 2022Increasing collaborative and integrated working between General practice (GP) and Community pharmacy (CP) is a key priority of the UK National Health Service and has...
INTRODUCTION
Increasing collaborative and integrated working between General practice (GP) and Community pharmacy (CP) is a key priority of the UK National Health Service and has been proposed as a solution to reducing health system fragmentation, improving synergies and coordination of care. However, there is limited understanding regarding how and under which circumstances collaborative and integrated working between GP and CP can be achieved in practice and how regulatory, organisational and systemic barriers can be overcome.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The aim of our review is to understand how, when and why working arrangements between GP and CP can provide the conditions necessary for optimal communication, decision-making, and collaborative and integrated working. A realist review approach will be used to synthesise the evidence to make sense of the complexities inherent in the working relationships between GP and CP. Our review will follow Pawson's five iterative stages: (1) finding existing theories; (2) searching for evidence (our main searches were conducted in April 2022); (3) article selection; (4) data extraction and (5) synthesising evidence and drawing conclusions. We will synthesise evidence from grey literature, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research. The research team will work closely with key stakeholders and include patient and public involvement and engagement throughout the review process to refine the focus of the review and the programme theory. Collectively, our refined programme theory will explain how collaborative and integrated working between GP and CP works (or not), for whom, how and under which circumstances.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Formal ethical approval is not required for this review as it draws on secondary data from published articles and grey literature. Findings will be widely disseminated through: publication in peer-reviewed journals, seminars, international conference presentations, patients' association channels, social media, symposia and user-friendly summaries.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022314280.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; State Medicine; General Practice; Family Practice; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 36581431
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067034 -
The American Journal of Managed Care Aug 2021After years of anticipation about Amazon's rumored entry into pharmacy, Amazon Pharmacy launched in November 2020. What is yet to be understood is whether this new...
After years of anticipation about Amazon's rumored entry into pharmacy, Amazon Pharmacy launched in November 2020. What is yet to be understood is whether this new Amazon offering is a true market disruption capable of upending the pharmacy industry. This commentary describes the epic rise of Amazon from bookseller to retail giant, leading to its entry into the retail pharmacy space. Amazon Pharmacy's business model is described and its potential for industry disruption discussed.
Topics: Commerce; Drug Industry; Humans; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacies; Pharmacy
PubMed: 34460178
DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2021.88719 -
Journal of the American Pharmacists... 2021As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, shifts in traditional contraception access points have presented new challenges, leading people to seek...
BACKGROUND
As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, shifts in traditional contraception access points have presented new challenges, leading people to seek alternative sources of contraception care, including pharmacies. Pharmacists in one-fourth of U.S. states are able to prescribe hormonal contraception, a model known as pharmacy access. Pharmacy access became available in California in 2016 and in Colorado in 2017.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize how access to contraception products and services in pharmacies changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including pharmacist prescribing practices and innovations in service delivery.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among California and Colorado pharmacists from September to October 2020. Survey questions included pharmacist and pharmacy practice site characteristics, prescribing practices, pharmacist perspectives, and pharmacy services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESULTS
A total of 128 pharmacists participated in the study, with 38% (n = 49) from California and 62% (n = 79) from Colorado. Among participants, 41% (n = 53) prescribed contraception, of which 94% (n = 50) continued, 4% (n = 2) started, and 2% (n = 1) suspended during the pandemic. Most participants reported interest (79%) and effort (75%) in prescribing contraception to be about the same during the pandemic. Community need for contraceptive services was perceived to be slightly or much higher (45%) or about the same (47%). Patient interest in pharmacy access was perceived to be slightly or much higher by 26% and about the same by 57% of the participants. When distributing contraception prescriptions, pharmacies increased curbside (from 12% to 52%), home delivery (from 40% to 60%), and mailing options (from 41% to 71%) during the pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraception who participated in this study remained committed to providing this service during the pandemic. Some perceived increased community need for contraception and patient interest in direct pharmacy access. There was an increase in options for patients to receive contraception prescriptions with minimal contact.
Topics: COVID-19; Contraception; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Pandemics; Pharmacies; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34452840
DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.08.002 -
Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2022The recent worldwide pandemic has prompted several companies to turn to the online market. The pharmaceutical industry is one such significant and crucial in India.... (Review)
Review
The recent worldwide pandemic has prompted several companies to turn to the online market. The pharmaceutical industry is one such significant and crucial in India. There has been an upsurge in online pharmacies throughout the Indian subcontinent over the last 3-5 years. This unique development of online or "E-pharmacy" field has been carefully examined and presented in this article. The distinction between online and offline pharmacies, the advantages and challenges faced by E-pharmacies, the driving forces that led to the growth of the E-pharmacy sector in India, and the various emerging Indian E-pharmacy companies are covered. A comprehensive review of the legal system under which the E-pharmacy industry operates is also briefed. The reader will also learn about the various initiatives implemented by the Government in support of the E-pharmacy sector in India.
Topics: Drug Industry; India; Pharmaceutical Services, Online; Pharmacies; Pharmacy
PubMed: 36204812
DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_445_21 -
Journal of Managed Care & Specialty... Nov 2022Patients receiving specialty medications have conditions that are often complex, high cost, and high need. Prompt treatment initiation is essential for the appropriate...
Patients receiving specialty medications have conditions that are often complex, high cost, and high need. Prompt treatment initiation is essential for the appropriate management of many conditions treated by specialty products. Improving the turnaround time (TAT) of specialty pharmacy prescriptions helps ensure patients receive the medication they need in the necessary time frame to optimize health outcomes. Despite a clinical justification for improved TAT, there is a gap in the literature describing what factors impact these times. To determine factors that may influence specialty pharmacy TATs and to identify good practices that specialty pharmacies use to improve TAT. This qualitative study used 4 focus groups with specialty pharmacy subject matter experts. Each focus group represented different specialty pharmacy types, including health system, payer-associated, retail chain, and independent specialty pharmacies. Attitudes, beliefs, and experiences regarding specialty pharmacy TAT were captured. Open-ended questions and prompts eliciting impediments, facilitators, and good practices associated with specialty pharmacy TAT were asked of participants. Data were analyzed thematically. Fifteen individuals participated across 4 focus groups: payer-associated (n = 4), independent (n = 3), health system (n = 5), and retail chain (n = 3) specialty pharmacies. Average TATs varied across specialty pharmacy type and by prescription type (clean vs intervention). Several interconnected themes were identified, including barriers with health benefits formulary management, prior authorization delays, differences in requirements between managed care organizations, and miscommunication with physicians, among others. Five subthemes were identified during the discussion of factors influencing TAT, including patient characteristics, pharmacy characteristics, provider characteristics, clinical situations, and health benefit design and formulary considerations. Pharmacy workflow improvements through technology integration are thought to improve TAT. In addition, participants noted facilitators including specialization among pharmacists and technicians in certain diseases, particularly hepatitis C and cancer. Some good practices included using patient financial advocates, technology integration, and a structured patient onboarding process, which were found to minimize delays caused by prior authorization, communication, and formularies. A multitude of factors impacting specialty pharmacy prescription TAT were identified. Multidisciplinary coordination between pharmacies, physicians, and managed care organizations is essential to ensure patients receive medications in the necessary time frame to optimize health outcomes. This study was conducted with support from Pfizer.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacies; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacy; Pharmacists; Medicine
PubMed: 36282928
DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.11.1244 -
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