After morning, phew! A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey related to emergency oral contraception in Thai pharmacists
ConclusionsIn Thai pharmacists, self-rating KAP scores overestimated total KAP scores. The correlation among KAP components was weak. EOC knowledge and attitudes should be promoted, although this may not improve EOC practice in Thai pharmacists. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - August 1, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

The specialized competency framework for industry pharmacists (SCF-IP): validation and pilot assessment
ConclusionsThis study validated the specialized competency framework for Lebanese industry pharmacists. Some domains, specifically those related to industrial development and emergency preparedness, were found to diverge from others. Therefore, it would be recommended to include additional education in the emergency preparedness, research and development fields and to integrate industry-specific skills, courses, and training programs into academic curricula. Furthermore, specialized postgraduate degrees may be necessary to produce practice-ready pharmacists to operate effectively in this vital setting. (Source: Journal of ...
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 31, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Correction: Self-medication practices among  pregnant women in Ethiopia
(Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 27, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Clinical impact of multidisciplinary carbapenem stewardship interventions: a retrospective cohort study
ConclusionAMS interventions do not result in significant adverse clinical impact and mortality risk. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 24, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Exploring public knowledge and perceptions regarding per os OTC pain-relieving medications: the case of paracetamol (acetaminophen)
ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in the Republic of Cyprus on this topic. Paracetamol is frequently consumed by individuals, both in its generic and original forms. However, the study showed that respondents often misperceive NSAIDs and paracetamol-containing medications. In addition, it is identified that there is a lack of education among people about the safe and effective use of paracetamol, namely, indications, potential side effects, maximum daily dose, alcohol consumption, and the potential risks of hepatotoxicity. The study contributed to the current published literature as...
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 20, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

The association between drug pricing and drug shortage in Saudi Arabia: a retrospective database analysis
ConclusionsOur findings indicate an association between drug shortage incidents and higher prices of drugs outside Saudi Arabia. Further studies are needed to explore this causal relationship in different contexts. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 18, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

A national survey of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting among hospital pharmacy practitioners in the United Arab Emirates
ConclusionThe authors concluded professional training courses for practicing pharmacists and educational curriculums related to PV and ADR reporting processes are to be considered for future pharmacists in order to inculcate ADR reporting culture and practices. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 18, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Association between health literacy and medication comprehension; attitudes toward reporting adverse events in adults using over-the-counter medicines
ConclusionsAdults with higher HL had higher comprehension of OTC package inserts, and higher HL was associated with positive attitude toward reporting ADEs to healthcare professionals. These results indicate that optimal self-medication with OTC medicines requires improving HL among the general public through health education and effective health information provision from pharmacists and registered sales clerks at drug stores. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 17, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Prevalence, types and disclosure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in Saudi Arabia
ConclusionThis study reported relatively high use of CAM among CKD patients in Saudi Arabia. The study found that most CKD patients use Acacia gum and spiritual therapies and do not disclose the use of CAM to healthcare professionals, which could lead to adverse drug events. Therefore, the study recommends that healthcare providers should inquire and provide evidence-based counselling about the use of CAM to CKD patients to prevent any adverse drug event or unwanted effect on the renal function of the patients. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 14, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Impact of an educational program on community pharmacist ’s preparedness to conduct pharmacist-led diabetes clinic in Saudi Arabia
ConclusionThe study ’s findings demonstrated a marked improvement in community pharmacist’s knowledge of and attitude toward running pharmacist-led diabetic clinics following a session on diabetes education in collaboration with the Pharmacy College. The study’s findings also emphasized the significance of develo ping a structured programme for diabetes education in Saudi Arabia to address the demands of community pharmacists in terms of professional development. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 13, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Essential medicines concept and health technology assessment approaches to prioritising medicines: selection versus incorporation
(Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 13, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Validation of the specialized competency framework for pharmacists in hospital settings (SCF –PHS): a cross-sectional study
ConclusionsThis study could validate competency frameworks for clinical and hospital pharmacists, with the competencies and their respective behaviors showing an adequate construct analysis. It also identified the domains that require further development, i.e., soft skills and research in emergency settings. Both these domains are timely and needed to overcome the current practice challenges in Lebanon. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 10, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Experience and attitudes of pharmacists towards challenges and adaptive measures to new norm in ward pharmacy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
ConclusionPharmacists faced multiple challenges in the ward pharmacy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in medication history assessment and patient counselling. Pharmacists, especially those with higher levels of education and longer tenure, exhibited a higher level of agreement towards the adaptive measures. The positive attitudes of pharmacists towards various adaptive measures, such as improvement of internet infrastructure and digital health literacy among patients and family members, warrant immediate action plans from health authorities. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 10, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

Delivering the precision oncology paradigm: reduced R & amp;D costs and greater return on investment through a companion diagnostic informed precision oncology medicines approach
ConclusionOur results provide an accurate estimate of the R&D spend required to bring an oncology medicine to market. Deployment of a CDx at the earliest stage substantially lowers the cost associated with oncology medicines development, potentially making them available to more patients, while staying within the cost constraints of cancer health systems. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 5, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research

The impact of pharmacist interventions, follow-up frequency and default on glycemic control in Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic program: a multicenter study in Malaysia
ConclusionGlycemic control improved significantly and sustained up to one year among patients in pharmacists-led DMTAC. However, DMTAC defaulters experienced poorer glycemic control. Considering more frequent visits and targeted interventions by pharmacists at DMTAC resulted in improved HbA1c control, these strategies should be taken into account for future program planning. (Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice - July 5, 2023 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research