Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Sep 2017
Towards the implementation of breastfeeding-related health services in community pharmacies: Pharmacists' perspectives.
The scope of community pharmacy practice has expanded over the years. Pharmacists are now involved in the provision of a range of professional services. Pharmacists have regular contact with breastfeeding women, and are perceived as easily accessible, trusted health advisors. There is limited information on factors needed to be considered when implementing breastfeeding-related services in pharmacies to meet the needs of this population group. ⋯ Based on the needs and demand, appropriate training and continuing development is warranted so that pharmacists are well-equipped with knowledge regarding the use of medicines in breastfeeding, and breastfeeding in general. There appear to be opportunities for pharmacists to expand their professional services and contribute towards improved care and support of breastfeeding women at primary care level.
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Jul 2017
Discharge medication complexity and 30-day heart failure readmissions.
Limited research exists regarding Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) and its utility in identifying patients at risk for hospital readmission. ⋯ The computerized MRCI score was moderately correlated with manual MRCI score. A significant association was found between computerized MRCI and 30-day HF readmission. Such predictive tools may allow pharmacists to prioritize patient care and optimize patient outcomes through medication therapy management.
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Jul 2017
Correlates of caregivers' involvement in the management of older adults' medications.
Family caregivers are actively involved in medication management, yet little is known about factors associated with caregivers' involvement in this role and how that information can be utilized to engage caregivers in the healthcare system. ⋯ Different demographic and caregiving factors were associated with caregiver involvement in various medication management activities. Recurring factors included race/ethnicity, certain care-recipient disease states, and caregiver involvement in IADLs and medically-related activities. Healthcare providers can play a proactive role in engaging caregivers in discussion about medication management and these findings can help practitioners more effectively target caregivers for education and support.
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Jul 2017
ReviewThe knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and their healthcare professionals around oral dosage form modification: A systematic review of the qualitative literature.
The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of adult patients, healthcare professionals and carers about oral dosage form modification. ⋯ This systematic review has highlighted the key factors influencing the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and healthcare professionals about oral dosage form modifications. The findings suggest that in order to optimise oral medicine modification practices the needs of individual patients should be routinely and systematically assessed and decision-making should be supported by evidence based recommendations with multidisciplinary input. Further research is needed to optimise oral dosage form modification practices and the factors identified in this review should be considered in the development of future interventions.
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Jul 2017
Pharmacy and primary care perspectives on e-prescribing in a rural community: A focused ethnography.
Electronic prescribing (ERx) is the ability for prescriber to send a digital prescription directly to a pharmacist through a dedicated secure network. A number of federally funded incentives such as the health information technology for economic and clinical health (HITECH) and Meaningful Use standards have led to ERx implementation. ERx is an integral part of primary care practice and today most community pharmacies are enabled to accept e-prescriptions. Little is known about the experience of rural pharmacists, primary care providers and patients regarding e-prescribing. This paper reports on the results of ERx from their perspectives. The findings are a portion of a larger qualitative descriptive study focused on the meaning of Meaningful Use in remote rural communities. One remote rural community in the Pacific Northwest was used for this research endeavor. ⋯ The structural, technological and communication dimensions are essential in understanding e-prescribing across settings and addressing digital divides in our health care system. Implications for interprofessional pharmacy education were addressed. Understanding the rural context and the need for role adaptability has implications for health care policy. Additional research is needed on the role of the rural pharmacist and how best to interact with primary care providers and patients.