Pharm World Sci
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Comparative Study
A self-reported work-sampling study in community pharmacy practice: a 2009 update.
Using a self-reported work sampling methodology this study investigated how community pharmacists utilised their time, and quantified how much time pharmacists devoted to specific activities. ⋯ Pharmacists in this study are spending more time checking prescriptions (essential component of pharmaceutical care) and are still managing to spend only 20% of their time on non-professional activities. However, there had been relatively little change in the way in which pharmacists in this sample spent their time compared to a previous study.
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To identify changes in prescribing patterns of antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean delivery after introduction of local clinical guidelines. To identify changes in outcomes of prescribing antibiotics following the implementation of local clinical guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis. ⋯ In an attempt to ensure cost-effective prophylactic use of antibiotics in caesarean delivery, local clinical guidelines were introduced. They resulted in changes in prescribing patterns of antibiotics. There was a significant decrease in use of 'third' generation of cephalosporin's whereas the use of "older" antibiotics with proven efficacy and safety increased. In contrast, there was no significant change in treatment outcomes such as wound infection and average hospital stay.
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To evaluate the nature, type and prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in prescriptions dispensed in community pharmacies in Thessaloniki, Greece. Secondary objectives included the classification of DDIs as per pharmacotherapeutic class of the medications and the investigation of the relationship between medical specialties and the frequency of potential DDIs, as well as the relationship between DDIs and prescription size. Setting DDIs are a common cause of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among patients using multiple drug therapy. In Greece a reliable computerized surveillance system for monitoring potential DDIs is not yet fully established. As a result, the prevalence of such DDIs in prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacies in Greece is unknown. ⋯ Our results indicate that patients in Greece are at risk of ADRs caused by medications due to potential DDIs. An appropriate surveillance system for monitoring such interactions should be implemented and physicians should be more aware of potentially harmful DDIs. Pharmacists can contribute to the detection and prevention of drug-related injuries, especially of clinically meaningful DDIs that pose a potential risk to patient safety.
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To explore how New Zealanders aged 65 years and older manage their medicines in their own homes, and determine the problems and concerns they might have with taking them. ⋯ The people 65 years and over in this study felt that they could access, afford and manage their medicines well. Although many participants had experienced adverse effects, their beliefs about medicines were mainly positive. Practical problems and concerns should be routinely inquired about and addressed, and prescribing and monitoring optimised to minimise adverse effects, in order to assist older people take their medicines.
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To pilot test the validity and reliability of the English version of the Children's Medicines Questionnaire (CMUQ) and to explore the attitudes of Australian caregivers towards the use of medicines in children. ⋯ The CMUQ is a valid and reliable tool to measure parents' medicine use for their children in an Australian sample. Although small modifications should be made, this instrument will be valuable in informing the development of medicines information for this cohort in the future.