Competitive tenders on analogue hospital pharmaceuticals in Denmark 2017 –2020
ConclusionsThis study finds analogue tenders to be similar in effect and mechanism to competitive tenders in markets for generic medicine and biosimilars. It supports the increasing number of empirical findings that competitive tendering has a high potential to generate substantial savings on healthcare budgets. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 22, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Evaluating the impact of price regulation (Drug Price Control Order 2013) on antibiotic sales in India: a quasi-experimental analysis, 2008 –2018
ConclusionsThe impact of DPCO 2013 in terms of the overall increase in the utilization of antibiotics under price regulation was limited but there was a switch from non-price controlled antibiotics to price regulated antibiotics (notified under DPCO 2013). We argue that policies on price control need to be complemented with continuous monitoring of market behavior to have a measurable and long-term impact. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 22, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Mental health outcomes and workplace quality of life among South African pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the mental health of South African pharmacists. Interventions to support the psychological well-being and improve QoWL of pharmacists are needed. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 18, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Attitude and perception of pharmacists and healthcare professionals about the criteria used in drug formulary selection in the United Arab Emirates
ConclusionsThe study revealed that pharmacists and Healthcare professionals had a good attitude about the criteria used in drug formulary selection in the United Arab Emirates. This study purposed to provide Emirate pharmacy and therapeutics policy makers with a clear criterion of best practice related to methodological recommendations to help in increasing the utilization and implementation of pharmacoeconomic evidence in the drug formulary selection process. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 18, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Cost-effectiveness analysis of current non-mandatory hepatitis B vaccination coverage vs expanding coverage among healthcare workers in Ethiopia
ConclusionsExpanded vaccination coverage (to 80%) was found the most cost-effective strategy in Ethiopian HCWs compared to the current non-mandatory vaccine coverage (14%). In addition, the results of one-way and two-way sensitivity analysis reveal the robustness of our model conclusion. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 17, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Assessment of prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals
ConclusionThe findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of prescribing errors in Gondar, Ethiopia. Drug selection was the most prescribed error, followed by errors of commission. Stakeholders should design interventions such as training, integrating prescribers with clinical pharmacists and supervising interns by seniors. Large-scale studies that include potential factors of prescribing problems are recommended for future researchers. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 15, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Vaccination process evaluation at COVID-19 vaccination centers in Lebanon: a national study
ConclusionAn optimization of the immunization process should be performed to ensure that the practice is within international standards. This can be done by conducting periodic vaccination center visits, implementing clear guidelines, training staff involved in the vaccination process, and ensuring continuous support of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 15, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Potential of UK and US newspapers for shaping patients' knowledge and perceptions about antidiabetic medicines: a content analysis
ConclusionsThis study has revealed that antidiabetic medicines are indeed reported on by UK and US newspapers. As media portrayal has the potential to negatively or positively influence patients ’ views of their medication for diabetes, healthcare professionals should check on patients’ beliefs and knowledge about their medication and proactively provide objective and balanced information (including promotion of medication adherence). (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 15, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Adherence to metformin in adults with type 2 diabetes: a combined method approach
ConclusionsA significant proportion of participating patients were not fully adherent with their therapy. DBS sampling together with the use of a published PopPK model was a useful, novel, direct, objective approach to estimate levels of adherence in adult patients with type 2 diabetes (61.2%). (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 12, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Assessment of compliance to packaging and labeling regulatory requirements of locally manufactured alcohol-based hand sanitizers marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
ConclusionsEven though most of the selected products were able to comply with the majority of packaging, product description and manufacturer-related requirements, gaps were observed in essential labeling information requirements. Considering the extensive use of ABHS products among diverse population groups and the potential risks associated with inappropriate use of the products, improving regulatory law enforcement practices, strengthening continuing education of manufacturing personnel and raising public awareness is very timely. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 10, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Parental COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among parents of children aged 5 –18 years in Thailand: a cross-sectional survey study
ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccination hesitancy was commonly found among Thai parents. The factors of the hesitancy were multifaceted. Different experiences regarding COVID-19 vaccination for themselves and any vaccinations for their children were associated with different PVhs. The attitudes especially AC, AV, and PC statistically influenced PVh. These findings should be exploited for national and local policy planning as well as public campaigns. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 6, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Health supply chain system in Uganda: assessment of status and of performance of health facilities
ConclusionsThe findings from this study show that the performance of health facilities in different supply chain processes and functions was defective. To improve the supply chain performance of health facilities, it is important to invest in infrastructure development, provide computer hardware and internet connection and strengthen   the capacity key personnel. This is key for ensuring full functionality of the supply chain and availability of quality medicines and health supplies to the end-user. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - October 5, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Non-prescribed antibiotic use for children at community levels in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
ConclusionsWe found that nearly half of the antibiotics used for children in community settings were without prescriptions. For these unsafe practices, caregivers accessed antibiotics mainly from drug outlets. Hence, context-specific educational and regulatory interventions at these outlets and the community levels are the first steps to improving antibiotic usage for children in low- and middle-income countries.Trial registration number: CRD42021288971 (PROSPERO).  https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021288971. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - September 30, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Drug classification for patients with comorbidities
(Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - September 22, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Exploration of facilitators and barriers to the regulatory frameworks of dietary and herbal supplements: a scoping review
ConclusionThe present scoping review identified facilitators and barriers to DHS regulation across different countries. We highlight that safety assessments of DHSs continue to be inadequate, and emerging technologies could potentially play a significant role in establishing common reference standards of herbal materials and products between regulatory agencies. Regulatory harmonization, increased scientific research, and collaboration could improve regulations globally through appropriate categorization and safe application of DHSs. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - September 5, 2022 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research