Pharm World Sci
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Suboptimal drug use in asthma patients is a common problem. Meeting the needs of patients and improving communication between healthcare professionals and patients are likely to induce better compliance to treatment. The contribution of community pharmacists, as healthcare professionals, to asthma care is often ignored. The objective of this study was to assess community pharmacists' understanding of asthma and to determine the perception of their role in asthma care in Turkey. ⋯ This national survey provides insight into community pharmacists' perceptions by emphasizing their belief that they have a vital role in asthma care as both community leader and pharmacist. It also documents the need for further education and training. Improved communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals and pharmacists may contribute to improved asthma care.
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According to a report published by the federation of Dutch patients' associations, patients would like to see a pharmacist, who acts more as a personal adviser. This raised the question, how often Dutch community pharmacists have personal consultations with their patients in daily practice, on which factors this depends, and what kind of topics are discussed during these meetings. ⋯ The frequency of pharmaceutical consultations in private is low, but may be improved by reorganisation of the pharmacist's activities. The possibility of personal consultations by e-mail is not yet well-developed. Further research is needed to assess the patient's view of pharmaceutical consultations in private.
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In contrast to paediatrics patients, data concerning the extent of off-label prescribing for adult patients are limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of off-label drug use for adult patients in a French general hospital. ⋯ Off-label prescriptions occur frequently in the hospital and often alternatives with the proper marketing authorizations are available. An increased involvement of hospital pharmacists should reduce the incidence of off-label prescribing and thus contribute to patient safety and possibly cost reduction.
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To determine the prevalence of inappropriate prescribing, defined by applying modified Beers' criteria, and to examine the influence of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Australia's national scheme for subsidising medicines, on inappropriate prescribing. ⋯ Increases in the level of PBS restriction were associated with decreases in the prevalence of inappropriate prescribing, The targeting of drug subsidies to reduce inappropriate prescribing warrants further investigation.
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A clinical tool to examine prescribing in cancer pain management may provide a means to help establish acceptable standards of adherence to treatment guidelines. The study aim was to design and validate a Medication Assessment Tool for Cancer Pain Management (MAT-CP). ⋯ A clinical tool to examine prescribing in cancer pain management has been designed. Face and content validity have been informed by field-testing. The tool requires further study among palliative care specialists as part of the validation required before it can be recommended for clinical use.