International journal of clinical pharmacy
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Background Pharmacists are increasingly being included as members of general practice primary care teams. To date, there have been few published studies describing the competencies of general practice (GP) pharmacists and establishing their subsequent educational needs. Aim of the review The aim of this literature review is to establish the activities of pharmacists in general practice to inform the development of a comprehensive role description and competency map. ⋯ No roles were mapped to competencies relating to re-imbursement for medicines, procurement, or medication production. All areas of professional and personal competence were relevant to the GP pharmacist role. Conclusion A comprehensive role description and competency map for GP pharmacists is described and may be used to inform future research into the education of GP pharmacists.
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Background Codeine is the most commonly used opioid worldwide, and is available over-the-counter (OTC) in many countries. There is continual debate regarding the risk:benefit profile for OTC codeine. In Australia, codeine containing analgesics became 'prescription only medicine' from February 2018. ⋯ Perceived advantages for codeine upscheduling included: increased pharmacist/patient engagement, and less codeine use leading to better overall risk:benefit outcome; while disadvantages included: fewer analgesic options, and increased burden for patients, General Practitioners, and the health system. Conclusion This study showed that the current views on the recent codeine upscheduling are quite mixed, with both advantages and disadvantages perceived. Improving education and up-skilling in this space is essential.
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Background Opioid substitution therapy involves prescribing of medical substitutes like methadone and buprenorphine to patients who are addicted to opioids. The majority of opioid substitution therapy dispensing in the UK is done by community pharmacists and they often see the patients on daily basis. It is unknown to what extent community pharmacists implement the policy to prevent overdose in patients receiving such treatment. ⋯ Participants' ability to act in risk situations was affected by their knowledge, confidence in intervening in such situation, as well as the support they receive in providing the service. Conclusion Participants reported large differences in how 'opioid substitution therapy' services are provided in community pharmacy. Lack of knowledge among some pharmacists and lack of support in providing the service resulted in some patients at high risk not having their risks acted upon.
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Background Coeliac disease affects 1% of the population, but 75% remain undiagnosed. Objective To conduct a case finding feasibility and efficacy study for the detection of coeliac disease in community pharmacies. Setting Six community pharmacies across Sheffield, UK. ⋯ Conclusion It was feasible to use the C-test as a case finding tool in pharmacies. There was good uptake for the C-test, although the case detection rate and the test specificity were low. Based on this, the C-test has a limited role in case finding in a community pharmacy setting.
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Background Whether Chinese community pharmacists in chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies provide the same type and quality of pharmaceutical care has not been fully investigated. Objective This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists' understanding, attitude, practice and perceived barriers of pharmaceutical care at chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies in China. Setting Community pharmacies in China. ⋯ Conclusion Chinese community pharmacists' understanding and practice of pharmaceutical care in China needs improvement. Compared with pharmacists at chain pharmacies, pharmacists at independent pharmacies face more challenges in providing pharmaceutical care. Specific efforts should be made to improve pharmacist competence, increase patient acceptance and shape a better operative environment for community pharmacies, especially for independent pharmacies.