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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 (Nā=ā26) 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2016Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy was established in front of Gifu University Hospital (GUH) as a pharmacy attached to the university, the first in Japan in 1998.... (Review)
Review
Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy was established in front of Gifu University Hospital (GUH) as a pharmacy attached to the university, the first in Japan in 1998. When GUH moved in 2004, Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy was built in its current location. One of the priorities of the design of the new facility was easy access to those with disabilities. For example, ramps, wheelchair accessible restrooms, and handicap-friendly waiting-room chairs were installed. In cooperation with GUH, we introduced a two-dimensional bar code system for prescriptions. This promoted the efficiency of compounding medicines. In addition, starting in 2006, we introduced digital drug-history records at Gifu Pharmaceutical University Pharmacy. We also increased the staff of the affiliated pharmacy in 2006. We designed the system of the affiliated pharmacy for long-term pharmacy practice. Currently, we accept pharmacy students visiting pharmacy of early exposure and long-term pharmacy practice. Today, the pharmacy fills an average of 80 prescriptions a day, primarily from GUH. Our staff consists of six pharmacists, one full-time office manager, and three part-time office assistants. In keeping with our role as a community pharmacy, we hold regular lectures and an education forum for pharmacists. We also carry out clinical studies.
Topics: Community Pharmacy Services; Drug Compounding; Education, Pharmacy; Electronic Data Processing; Health Facilities; Humans; Japan; Pharmacies; Prescriptions; Schools, Pharmacy; Universities; Workforce
PubMed: 27150929
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.15-00276-4 -
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 -
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