Conciliação medicamentosa na admissão de pacientes transplantados renais em um hospital universitário / Medication reconciliation in the admission of kidney transplant patients to a university hospital

Introdução:O presente estudo considerou conciliações medicamentosas realizadas na admissão hospitalar de pacientes transplantados renais e intervenções farmacêuticas decorrentes desse processo.Métodos:Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no período de julho de 2018 a julho de 2019 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Foram coletadas as características dos pacientes, as conciliações medicamentosas realizadas pelo farmacêutico clínico, as discrepâncias identificadas pelo mesmo (intencionais e não intencionais) e o resultado das intervenções. Os medicamentos foram classificados de acordo com a Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC).Resultados:Dos 719 pacientes acompanhados pelo farmacêutico clínico, 175 tiveram a conciliação medicamentosa de admissão realizada, desses, 56 apresentaram discrepâncias não intencionais. Encontramos a média de 2,2 medicamentos omissos por prescrição com desvio padrão de 1,3 medicamentos. No total, foram realizadas 122 intervenções farmacêuticas, sendo que em 61,5% houve adesão por parte da equipe médica. A classe terapêutica com maior ocorrência (43,4%) de discrepâncias não intencionais foi a que atuava sobre o aparelho cardiovascular. As variáveis observadas foram sexo, número de medicamentos nas intervenções (ambas com associação significativa com a adesão médica), idade, tempo de internação, número de medicamentos na internação e número de medicamentos de uso prévio (estas últimas sem associação significativa com a adesão médica). Conclusões:A conciliação medicamentosa previne possíveis erros de medicação, uma vez que a identificação das discrepâncias não intencionais na prescrição médica gera sinalizações que são levadas pelo farmacêutico clínico à equipe assistente, a fim garantir o uso seguro e correto dos medicamentos durante a internação hospitalar.

Introduction:This study considered medication reconciliations performed on hospital admission of kidney transplant patients and pharmaceutical interventions resulting from this process.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study carried out from July 2018 to July 2019 at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The characteristics of the patients, the medication reconciliations performed by the clinical pharmacist, the discrepancies identified by the same (intentional and unintentional) and the result of the interventions were collected. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC). Results:Of the 719 patients monitored by the clinical pharmacist, 175 had medication reconciliation on admission performed, of which 56 had unintentional discrepancies. We found an average of 2.2 missing medications per prescription with a standard deviation of 1.3 medications. In total, 122 pharmaceutical interventions were performed, and in 61.5% there was adherence by the medical team. The therapeutic class with the highest occurrence (43.4%) of unintentional discrepancies was that which acted on the cardiovascular system. The variables observed were gender, number of medications in interventions (both with a significant association with medical adherence), age, length of stay, number of medications in hospitalization and number of medications previously used (the latter without a significant association with medical adherence).Conclusions:Medication reconciliation prevents possible medication errors, since the identification of unintentional discrepancies in the medical prescription generates signals that are taken by the clinical pharmacist to the assistant team, in order to guarantee the safe and correct use of medications during hospitalization.

Patients' satisfaction with outpatient pharmacy services and associated factors in Debre Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: By measuring patients' satisfaction, providers can gain insight into several elements of health care services, including the effectiveness of their care and the level of empathy they exhibit. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services and associated factors in public hospitals located in Northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was used. The study was carried out in an outpatient pharmacy from January 1-June 30, 2021. Participants were selected by a systematic sampling technique. The IBM SPSS statistical package (version 23) was used to enter and analyze the collected data. The findings were presented using descriptive statistical methods. To find factors linked to satisfaction, binary logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The final analysis included a total of 401 samples. More than half of the participants (229, or 55.1%) were female. The overall mean score of satisfaction was 30.6 out of a maximum of 100 scores. By taking this mean score as a cut-off point, 204 (50.9%) of the study participants had satisfaction with the outpatient pharmacists' service. Participants' responses scored on the uncomfortable and inconvenient waiting areas [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI, (0.13, 0.49)] were found to be negatively associated with the level of patients' satisfaction. Also, the unavailability of medications [AOR = 0.12; 95%CI, (0.02, 0.37)] was negatively associated with the respondent satisfaction. Uncomfortable and inconvenient private counseling areas [AOR = 1.37; 95%CI, (0.79, 4.42)] showed a negative association with their satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Patients' satisfaction levels with pharmacy service were found to be greater than 50%. The socio-demographic characteristics of patients have no association with their level of satisfaction, but their perception of uncomfortable private counseling areas and waiting areas was negatively associated with their satisfaction.

Análise de intervenções farmacêuticas utilizando um instrumento de acompanhamento farmacêutico em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica / Analysis of pharmaceutical interventions using a pharmaceutical monitoring instrument in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introdução: A pediatria apresenta um cenário bastante específico devido ao uso de medicamentos off-label e carência de estudos científicos direcionados à utilização de medicamentos por essa população. Assim, o farmacêutico clínico pode contribuir na identificação e prevenção de problemas relacionados a medicamentos.Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo realizado em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica de um hospital universitário do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram analisadas as intervenções farmacêuticas realizadas entre março de 2016 a julho de 2018 por farmacêuticos clínicos. Tais intervenções foram reclassificadas conforme os critérios de um instrumento de acompanhamento farmacêutico (bundle) utilizado na rotina. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva das variáveis estudadas.Resultados: Das 582 intervenções farmacêuticas analisadas, as categorias mais prevalentes foram dose (n = 97; 16,7%), necessidade (n = 92; 15,8%) e forma farmacêutica (n = 56; 9,6%). Após reclassificação das intervenções farmacêuticas utilizando o bundle, os critérios mais prevalentes foram: critério 1 (revisão da farmacoterapia; n = 285; 49%), critério 4 (analgesia; n = 78; 13,4%) e critério 10 (antimicrobianos; n = 65; 11,2%). As classes de medicamentos mais frequentes foram os do sistema nervoso (n = 213; 36,6%) e os anti-infecciosos gerais para uso sistêmico (n = 115; 19,8%). A taxa de adesão das intervenções farmacêuticas pela equipe médica foi de 85,1%.Conclusão: A classificação das intervenções farmacêuticas utilizando o bundle pode contribuir no aperfeiçoamento do instrumento tornando-o mais viável para uso na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica e direcionar o trabalho do farmacêutico clínico nas situações que geram mais problemas relacionados a medicamentos.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical interventions in the pediatric setting are highly peculiar due to the use of off-label drugs associated with the lack of scientific studies on the use of drug therapies in this population. Thus, clinical pharmacists may help identify and prevent drug-related problems.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the pediatric intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Pharmaceutical interventions conducted between March 2016 and July 2018 were analyzed by clinical pharmacists. These interventions were reclassified according to the criteria of a routine pharmaceutical monitoring instrument (care bundle). We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of study variables.Results: Of 582 pharmaceutical interventions analyzed, the most prevalent categories were dose adjustment (n = 97; 16.7%), need for drug therapy (n = 92; 15.8%), and dosage forms (n = 56; 9.6%). After reclassification of pharmaceutical interventions, the most prevalent criteria were criterion 1 (review of drug therapy; n = 285; 49%), criterion 4 (analgesia; n = 78; 13.4%), and criterion 10 (antimicrobials; n = 65; 11.2%). The most common drug classes were nervous system agents (n = 213; 36.6%) and anti-infectives for systemic use (n = 115; 19.8%). The rate of adherence to pharmaceutical interventions by the medical team was 85.1%.Conclusions: The classification of pharmaceutical interventions according to the pharmaceutical care bundle may help improve the instrument, allowing its use in the pediatric intensive care unit and guiding clinical pharmacists in situations causing drug-related problems.

Descrição do seguimento farmacoterapêutico de pacientes com hanseníase em município hiperendêmico do estado de Mato Grosso / Pharmacotherapy follow-up of patients with leprosy in a hyperendemic city in the state of Mato Grosso

Introdução: A hanseníase é uma doença crônica, infectocontagiosa e considerada um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o seguimento farmacoterapêutico de pacientes com diagnóstico de hanseníase. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, com pacientes com hanseníase multibacilar do município de Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. O seguimento farmacoterapêutico foi realizado a partir de uma versão adaptada do Método Dáder. Para análise de dados aplicou-se a estatística descritiva e o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson.Resultados: Uma frequência de 95,6% dos participantes apresentou problemas relacionados aos medicamentos, 59,1% apresentaram 3 ou mais problemas, os mais frequentes foram administração errada do medicamento e interação medicamento/nutriente. A inefetividade não quantitativa foi o resultado negativo associado ao medicamento mais evidenciado. Os indivíduos acompanhados em um serviço especializado apresentaram menor número de problemas relacionados aos medicamentos quando comparados àqueles da Estratégia Saúde da Família (p = 0,027).Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes acompanhados apresentou problemas relacionados ao uso de medicamentos. O método Dáder possibilitou realizar o seguimento farmacoterapêutico de indivíduos com hanseníase.

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic, infectious, and contagious disease considered a public health problem in Brazil. The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacotherapy follow-up of patients diagnosed with leprosy. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study of patients with multibacillary leprosy in the city of Rondonópolis, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Pharmacotherapy follow-up was conducted based on an adapted version of the Dáder method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test. Results: Drug-related problems (DRP) were reported in 95.6% of patients, among whom 59.1% had 3 or more problems DRPs. The most common DRPs were incorrect drug administration and drug-nutrient interaction. Nonquantitative ineffectiveness was the most common drug-related negative outcome. Patients monitored in a leprosy treatment center had fewer DRPs than those monitored by a Family Health Strategy team (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Most patients had DRPs. The Dáder method allowed pharmacotherapy follow-up of patients with leprosy.

Accessibility of Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraceptives in Utah.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacy participation in and accessibility of pharmacist-prescribed contraception after legislation effective in the state of Utah in 2019. METHODS: A secret-shopper telephone survey was used to assess participation in pharmacist-prescribed contraception. Geospatial analysis was used to map the distribution of participating pharmacies by population characteristics. RESULTS: Of all operating Class A retail pharmacies in Utah, 127 (27%) were providing pharmacist-prescribed contraception 1 year after implementation of the Utah standing order. Oral contraceptive pills were widely accessible (100%); however, other allowed methods were not (vaginal ring 14%; contraceptive patch 2%). Consultation fees and medication costs varied widely. Participating pharmacies were mainly concentrated in population centers. Assuming access to a personal vehicle, urban areas with a high percentage of Hispanic people (Utah's largest minority race or ethnicity group) have access to a participating pharmacy within a 20-minute driving distance. However, access in rural areas with a high percentage Hispanic or other minority were limited. We identified 235 (40%) census tracts with a high proportion of Utah's residents living below the poverty line or of minority race or ethnicity who also had low access to pharmacist-prescribed contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Although the pharmacy-based model is intended to increase access to contraception, practical availability 1 year after the authorization of pharmacist-prescribed contraception in Utah suggests that this service does not adequately serve rural areas, particularly rural areas with a high proportion of minorities and those living below the federal poverty line.

Pharmaceuticals wastage and pharmaceuticals waste management in public health facilities of Dessie town, North East Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceuticals wastes are drugs and medicines that can no longer be used. The improper disposal of unused medicines is a growing problem throughout the world. This study assessed the pharmaceutical wastage rate and pharmaceutical waste management for the year 2015 to 2017 in the public health facility of Dessie, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-section study design was used to review logistic data retrospectively from health commodity management information systems and manual records in 8 health facilities. Health professionals' (135) pharmaceutical waste management practices were assessed using the world health organization waste management checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were made using a statistical package for social sciences version 20. RESULT: Supplies were the leading class of pharmaceuticals with an overall wastage rate of 37.1%. Tablet and injectable constituted the highest class of pharmaceuticals dosage form with the overall wastage rate of 20.78% and 16.49%. The overall pharmaceutical wastage rate was 3.68% amounting to USD 159,762.66 and expiry (92.05%) was the major reason for wastage. The pharmaceutical wastage rate of health centers was nearly twofold higher than hospitals. Pharmaceutical waste management was practiced by 105 (77%; 95% CI; 69.9%, 84.9%) health professionals. Determinants of pharmaceutical waste management were being male (P value = 0.08, AOR = 3.72), receiving training (P value = 0.01, AOR = 4.34), writing label (P value = 0.02, AOR = 5.04), storage of segregated waste in dispensing unit (P value = 0.01, AOR = 0.72) and the presence of disposal plan (P value = 0.002, AOR = 16.93). CONCLUSIONS: Supplies and tablets constituted the highest wastage class of pharmaceuticals and dosage form. The pharmaceutical wastage rate was higher than the standard and increasing in successive years. Pharmaceutical waste management was not fully practiced. Appropriate inventory control and waste management are recommended.

Effects of a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation outpatient clinic in Taiwan: evaluation of patient knowledge, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the improvement of patient knowledge of warfarin use, satisfaction with pharmacists, and the quality of international normalized ratio (INR) control after the implementation of an anticoagulant clinic (ACC) service.Methods: This was a prospective single-group pre- and post-comparison study. Patients who were at least 20 years of age and participated in a pharmacist-managed ACC service were enrolled from February 2012 to September 2015. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire before and after the ACC service to evaluate changes in warfarin knowledge. Another questionnaire was distributed after the ACC to evaluate participants' satisfaction with the pharmacist service in the ACC. The INR levels before and after the ACC intervention were obtained to calculate the proportion of time spent in the therapeutic INR range (time in therapeutic range, TTR). Paired t-tests were used to compare changes in participants' knowledge related to warfarin use. Multiple linear regressions were performed to explore the predictors associated with the participants' knowledge scores and TTR after the ACC intervention.Results: One hundred and forty-eight participants were enrolled in this study. A significant improvement (31.5%,p<0.001) in the knowledge of warfarin use was observed at the end of the ACC intervention. The interaction between warfarin and food was the most confusing factor for participants in warfarin use. More than 95% of the participants perceived a positive value of the pharmacist-managed ACC service. However, the consultation fee was the least satisfactory of the ACC service. The average TTR increased from 51.0±34.3% to 78.6±24.5% (p<0.001) after the ACC service was implemented. Participants' education levels and baseline knowledge scores were significant determinants associated with the knowledge improvement in the appropriate warfarin use (p<0.001).Conclusions: A pharmacist-managed ACC improved patient knowledge of warfarin use and INR control, and led to high satisfaction with the pharmacist service in the ACC in Taiwan. Pharmacists should focus on patients with lower education levels to facilitate their understanding of the appropriate warfarin use for better health outcomes.

Medical abortion offered in pharmacy versus clinic-based settings.

BACKGROUND: Medical abortion is usually offered in a clinic or hospital, but could potentially be offered in other settings such as pharmacies. In many countries, pharmacies are a common first point of access for women seeking reproductive health information and services. Offering medical abortion through pharmacies is a potential strategy to improve access to abortion. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and safety of medical abortion offered in pharmacy settings with clinic-based medical abortion. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, two trials registries and grey literature websites in November 2020. We also handsearched key references and contacted authors to locate unpublished studies or studies not identified in the database searches. SELECTION CRITERIA: We identified studies that compared women receiving the same regimen of medical abortion or post-abortion care in either a clinic or pharmacy setting. Studies published in any language employing the following designs were included: randomized trials and non-randomized studies including a comparative group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently reviewed both retrieved abstracts and full-text publications. A third author was consulted in case of disagreement. We intended to use the Cochrane risk of bias tool, RoB 2, for randomized studies and used the ROBINS-I tool (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) to assess risk of bias in non-randomized studies. GRADE methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. The primary outcomes were completion of abortion without additional intervention, need for blood transfusion, and presence of uterine or systemic infection within 30 days of medical abortion. MAIN RESULTS: Our search yielded 2030 records. We assessed a total of 89 full-text articles for eligibility. One prospective cohort study met our inclusion criteria. The included study collected data on outcomes from 605 women who obtained a medical abortion in Nepal from either a clinic or pharmacy setting. Both sites of care were staffed by the same auxiliary nurse midwives. Over all domains, the risk of bias was judged to be low for our primary outcome. During the pre-intervention period, the study's investigators identified a priori appropriate confounders, which were clearly measured and adjusted for in the final analysis. For women who received medical abortion in a pharmacy setting, compared to a clinic setting, there may be little or no difference in complete abortion rates (adjusted risk difference (RD)) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.8 to 3.8; 1 study, 600 participants; low certainty evidence). The study reported no cases of blood transfusion, and a composite outcome, comprised mainly of infection complications, showed there may be little or no difference between settings (adjusted RD 0.8, 95% CI -1.0 to 2.8; 1 study, 600 participants; very low certainty evidence). The study reported no events for hospital admission for an abortion-related event or need for surgical intervention, and there may be no difference in women reporting being highly satisfied with the facility where they were seen (38% pharmacy versus 34% clinic, P = 0.87; 1 study, 600 participants; low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of pharmacy provision of medical abortion are limited by the lack of comparative studies. One study, judged to provide low certainty evidence, suggests that the effectiveness of medical abortion may not be different between the pharmacy and clinic settings. However, evidence for safety is insufficient to draw any conclusions, and more research on factors contributing to potential differences in quality of care is needed. It is important to note that this study included a care model where a clinician provided services in a pharmacy, not direct provision of care by pharmacists or pharmacy staff. Three ongoing studies are potentially eligible for inclusion in review updates. More research is needed because pharmacy provision could expand timely access to medical abortion, especially in settings where clinic services may be more difficult to obtain. Evidence is particularly limited on the patient experience and how the care process and quality of services may differ across different types of settings.

[Sickle cell disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: what are the barriers to treatment using hydroxyurea?] / Drépanocytose en République Démocratique du Congo: quels sont les obstacles à un traitement par hydroxyurée?

INTRODUCTION: hydroxyurea is the unique medication that has been proven to prevent complications in patients with sickle cell disease and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This medication requires a prescription to be dispensed, it must be available and at an affordable price. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability and market price of hydroxyurea in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to make a comparison between these two aspects in a small city, such as Mbujimayi, and in a big city, such as Lubumbashi. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study in the context of a face-to-face survey involving 188 Congolese pharmacies from 1st April to 1st September 2017. RESULTS: hydroxyurea was available at 41/188 (22%) participating pharmacies, but more frequently at those of a big city than at those of a small city (34/96 versus 7/92). Most patients got a prescription (36/41; 88%). The average price of hydroxyurea was $15 (from $10 to $35 a blister packs of 25 capsules), which was higher than the purchasing power of the majority of sickle cell patients. Hydroxyurea is still an imported product from Europe, the United States or Asia. CONCLUSIONS: hydroxyurea is one of the main treatments to slow down disease progression in sickle cell patients. Nevertheless, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its availability could be improved, in particular in small cities, and its price is still too high.

Patient Outcomes Associated With Utilization of Education, Case Management, and Advanced Practice Pharmacy Services by American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples With Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The burden of diabetes is exceptionally high among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples. The Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health programs provide education, case management, and advanced practice pharmacy (ECP) services for AI/ANs with diabetes to improve their health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes associated with ECP use by AI/AN adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN: This observational study included the analysis of IHS data for fiscal years (FY) 2011-2013. Using propensity score models, we assessed FY2013 patient outcomes associated with FY2012 ECP use, controlling for FY2011 baseline characteristics. SUBJECTS: AI/AN adults with diabetes who used IHS and Tribal health services (n=28,578). MEASURES: We compared health status and hospital utilization outcomes for ECP users and nonusers. RESULTS: Among adults with diabetes, ECP users, compared with nonusers, had lower odds of high systolic blood pressure [odds ratio (OR)=0.85, P<0.001] and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR=0.89, P<0.01). Among adults with diabetes absent cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, 3 or more ECP visits, compared with no visits, was associated with lower odds of CVD onset (OR=0.79, P<0.05). Among adults with diabetes and CVD, any ECP use was associated with lower odds of end-stage renal disease onset (OR=0.60, P<0.05). ECP users had lower odds of 1 or more hospitalizations (OR=0.80, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings on positive patient outcomes associated with ECP use by adults with diabetes may inform IHS and Tribal policies, funding, and enhancements to ECP services to reduce disparities between AI/ANs and other populations in diabetes-related morbidity and mortality.

Use of prescription drug samples in the US and implications for pharmacoepidemiologic research: a systematic search of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Free drug samples are not captured in the pharmacy claims databases used in many pharmacoepidemiologic studies, which could lead to misclassification of drug exposure status and thus bias study results. AREAS COVERED: We systematically searched the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from database inception to August 2020 for studies assessing the magnitude of exposure misclassification in pharmacy claims data associated with uncaptured drug sample utilization. Our review identified five US-based studies with substantially different characteristics, contexts, methods, and results. Taken together, these studies suggest that the risk of sample-related bias may be higher for (1) studies of newly approved, patented brand-only drugs in specific classes and contexts; (2) studies of populations where sample use is common and the unexposed cohort is small; and (3) studies where the outcomes of interest are expected to be early-onset or acute, with non-constant hazards. EXPERT OPINION: In light of declining overall trends in sample use, future research on sample-related exposure misclassification should focus on delineating bias across those modern contexts where sample use remains high and optimizing bias quantification methods to create a more standardized approach. Additionally, further assessment is warranted for other sources of misclassified exposure status in claims-based pharmacoepidemiology research.

Pharmacists' nonprescription syringe dispensing perceptions and behaviors: A three-state descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: One approach to increasing the reach of syringe programs in rural areas could be through provision of syringes at community pharmacies. This study evaluated relationships between state-specific syringe policies, pharmacy, and pharmacist characteristics and pharmacists' nonprescription syringe dispensing behaviors in a 3- state Appalachian region at high risk for HIV and HCV transmission. METHODS: We conducted a telephone census of community pharmacies in the Appalachian counties of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia from April-June 2018. Behaviors studied included having ever sold syringes without a prescription, quantity of individuals to whom nonprescription syringes were dispensed in the past 30 days, having ever denied a request for nonprescription syringes, and past 30-day denial of nonprescription syringe requests. Behavioral intention and perceptions of legality were elicited. RESULTS: A response rate of 52.3 % was achieved (N = 391). North Carolina pharmacists reported increased past 30-day dispensing, less denial of nonprescription syringe requests, and decreased justification for syringe dispensing (proof of medical need) as compared to Tennessee and Virginia pharmacists. Behavioral intention to dispense did not vary by state but did vary by political affiliation. Perceptions of syringe dispensing legality in NC were significantly different from those in TN and VA. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in pharmacists' perceptions and behaviors were noted across state lines with North Carolina pharmacists reporting more engagement in syringe dispensing as compared to pharmacists in Tennessee and Virginia. Policy allowing pharmacists to dispense syringes to people who inject drugs appears to foster some but not all pharmacist engagement in this harm reduction intervention.

Nationwide survey on attitudes and perceived barriers toward provision of pharmaceutical care among final year undergraduate pharmacy students in the United Arab Emirates.

Pharmaceutical care (PC) practice is still limited in the United Arab Emirates. It is crucial to understand pharmacy students' attitudes and their perceived barriers towards PC provision, to evaluate the effectiveness of theoretical and practical curricula in creating positive attitudes toward PC. This study aims to assess attitudes of final year undergraduate pharmacy students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the barriers perceived by them to practice PC. A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in February and March, 2020, involving colleges in UAE offering undergraduate pharmacy programs and having students in their final year. Participants filled a questionnaire covering attitudes' items, based on the Pharmaceutical Care Attitudes Survey (PCAS), and several perceived barriers. A stratified sample of 193 students participated from six universities, 85% were females, 92.2% and 64.8% completed or engaged in community and hospital pharmacy training respectively, at the time of the study. Attitudes' items receiving the highest agreement were PC will improve patient health (95.3%), all pharmacists should perform PC (93.3%) and PC would benefit pharmacists (92.7%). However, 44.6% agreed PC is not worth the additional workload. Females showed higher attitudes' total scores, median (IQR): 55 (51-58) and 52 (49-55.5) for females and males respectively, P = 0.032. Having incomplete courses was also associated with lower scores, median (IQR): 55 (51-58) and 52 (48.5-55.5) for "No" and "Yes" respectively, P = 0.048. Poor image of the pharmacist's role and lack of private counseling area or inappropriate pharmacy layout were the most perceived barriers, with around 78% agreement. In conclusion, final year undergraduate pharmacy students in the UAE have positive attitudes towards pharmaceutical care. The current curricula may be satisfactory in fostering positive attitudes among students. Poor image of the pharmacist's role and lack of counseling area or inappropriate pharmacy layout were the main barriers identified, among other barriers.

Development and validation of a drug adherence index for COPD.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled medications are the mainstay of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite their importance, adherence to these medications is low. Low adherence is linked to increased exacerbation rates, mortality rates, health care utilization, and, ultimately, increased costs. A drug adherence index (DAI) is a predictive modeling tool that identifies patients most likely to change adherence status so that they can be targeted for support programs. Optum has previously developed DAI tools for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. In this study, a COPD-specific DAI was developed. This DAI tool could be used to better target medication adherence support in patients with COPD, aiming to increase adherence. OBJECTIVES: To develop a COPD-specific DAI using (a) enrollment, medical, and pharmacy variables and (b) only enrollment and pharmacy variables for potential application to pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacy plans. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study using health care claims among Medicare Advantage with Part D beneficiaries with COPD in the United States. Potential predictors of adherence were measured during a 1-year baseline period. The adherence outcome was measured during a subsequent 1-year at-risk period. Adherence to long-acting bronchodilators was defined as a proportion of days covered (PDC) ≥80%. Nonadherence was defined as a PDC of <80%. Patients were stratified according to their adherence status at baseline, and logistic regression models were developed separately for each set of patients. Separate models were also developed using enrollment, medical, and pharmacy variables (primary objective) or using enrollment and pharmacy variables only (secondary objective). RESULTS: A total of 61,507 patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the primary objective, at baseline, 31,142 patients were adherent and 30,365 patients were nonadherent. The final DAI model used to predict future nonadherence included 30 covariates, with 7 predictors from medical claims. The validated model c-statistic was 0.752. The final DAI model used to predict future adherence included 29 covariates; only 4 predictors were from medical claims. The validated model c-statistic was 0.691. Findings were similar for the secondary objective using only enrollment and pharmacy variables. CONCLUSIONS: This DAI was developed and validated specifically to predict future adherence status to long-acting bronchodilator medications among patients with COPD. The DAI models performed better for predicting nonadherence than predicting adherence. Both organizations with medical and pharmacy data and organizations with only pharmacy data could utilize the DAI tool to target patients for adherence programs, as results were similar with and without the use of medical variables. DISCLOSURES: This study was sponsored and funded by GlaxoSmithKline (HO-16-17938). The study sponsor participated in the conception and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of the data, and drafting and critical revision of the report and approved submission of the manuscript. All authors had access to the results of the analyses, reviewed and edited the manuscript, approved the final draft, and were involved in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The data contained in the Optum database contain proprietary elements owned by Optum and, therefore, cannot be broadly disclosed or made publicly available at this time. The disclosure of these data to third parties assumes certain data security and privacy protocols are in place and that the third party has executed a license agreement that includes restrictive agreements governing the use of the data. Bengtson, Buikema, and Bankcroft are employees at Optum, and Schilling is a former employee of Optum; their employment was not contingent on this work. Optum was funded by GlaxoSmithKline to conduct the study. Stanford was an employee of GlaxoSmithKline at the time of this study and holds stock in GlaxoSmithKline.

Utilisation of pharmacy-based sexual and reproductive health services: a quantitative retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the utilisation of pharmacy-based sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) in order to optimise delivery and identify barriers to access. METHODS: The health provider Umbrella offers six SRHS from over 120 pharmacies in Birmingham (England). In this retrospective study, data collected between August 2015 and August 2018 were used to analyse uptake, user characteristics and attendance patterns according to day of the week. RESULTS: A total of 60 498 requests for a pharmacy service were included in the analysis. Emergency contraception (50.4%), condoms (33.1%) and STI self-sampling kits (9.6%) accounted for more than 90% of all requests. A lower uptake of services was observed for the contraceptive injection (0.6%), oral contraception (5.4%) and chlamydia treatment (1.0%). Services were most likely to be requested by those self-identifying as female (85.6%), and those aged 16-24 years (53.8%). Based on available ethnicity data (n=54 668), most requests for a service were made by White/White British individuals (43.4%) and Asian/Asian British people (23.1%). The largest number of services were delivered on Mondays (20.9%) and the lowest on Sundays (5.0%). A high proportion of requests for services on Saturdays (57.0%), Sundays (67.6%) and Mondays (54.4%) were made by females presenting for emergency contraception. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of healthcare utilisation is important to help refine and optimise the delivery of services. However, information relating to pharmacy-based SRHS is scarce and often limited to a single type of service provision. Overall, a wide range of pharmacy-based services were accessed by a diverse range of people, suggesting that pharmacies are a suitable provider of many SRHS. However, the routinely collected data analysed in the study had several limitations restricting the analysis. Sexual health providers should ensure they collect data which are as comprehensive as is possible in order to help understand the utilisation of services.

Structural and operational redesigning of patient-centered ambulatory care pharmacy services and its effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The newly emerged coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has collapsed the entire global health care system. Due to these settings, a lot of strategic changes are adopted by healthcare facilities to ensure continuity in patient-centered services. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structural and operational changes made in ambulatory care pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was conducted to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of patient-centered interventions and consequent access to medication management care within Johns Hopkins Aramco Health Care ambulatory care pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing patient-centered key performance indicators before and during COVID-19 pandemic for a total of 4 months. RESULTS: As a result of the structural and operational changes made in patient-centered ambulatory care pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 48% prescriptions requests and 90% prescriptions fills are increased through online health portal application. A three-fold increase in the pharmacy call center utilization resulted in around 10% abandoned calls. In the number of physical visits to ambulatory care pharmacies, a 37% reduction was also noted. The decrease in staff schedule efficiency and an increase in average prescription waiting time were also noticed. The prescription collection through remote area pick up locations, and medication home delivery services were successful during COVID-19 pandemic as supported by statistical data. CONCLUSION: The access to ambulatory care pharmacy services during COVID-19 pandemic has been successfully maintained via medication home delivery, remote area pickup locations, pharmacy call-center consultations and refill requests, online health portal application services, and other measures, while reducing the number of physical visits to the JHAH hospital/clinic to ensure compliance with infection control and prevention measures.

Fontes de acesso e utilização de medicamentos na zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2016: estudo transversal de base populacional / Fuentes de acceso y uso de medicamentos en la zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2016: estudio transversal de base poblacional / Sources of access to medication and its use in the rural area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016: a cross-sectional population-based study

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência do uso de medicamentos, fontes de acesso e fatores associados, em residentes da zona rural de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com adultos ≥18 anos, realizado em 2016. Questionou-se o uso e fontes de acesso aos medicamentos no mês anterior à entrevista. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Dos 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7;60,5) utilizaram algum medicamento e 3,3% (IC95% 2,4;4,5) deixaram de utilizar medicamento necessário. Exibiram maiores prevalências de utilização: mulheres (RP=1,23 - IC95% 1,12;1,34), idosos (RP=2,36 - IC95% 2,05;2,73), pessoas com pior autopercepção de saúde (RP=1,29 - IC95% 1,14;1,46), com maior número de doenças (RP=2,37 - IC95% 2,03;2,77). Obtiveram medicamentos exclusivamente pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4), com prevalências maiores entre pessoas de cor da pele autodeclarada não branca e classificação econômica inferior. Conclusão: Pequena parcela deixou de usar medicamentos de que necessitava. A obtenção gratuita de medicamentos foi maior nos grupos de menor poder aquisitivo.

Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia del uso de medicamentos, las fuentes de acceso y los factores asociados en habitantes rurales de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con adultos ≥18 años, en 2016. Se preguntó sobre el uso y fuentes de acceso a los medicamentos en el mes anterior a la entrevista. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: De los 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7; 60,5) usó algún medicamento y 3,3% (IC95% 2,4; 4,5) dejó de usar un medicamento necesario. Las prevalencias de uso fueron mayores en mujeres (RP=1,23 - IC95% 1,12;1,34), adultos mayores (RP=2,36 - IC95% 2,05;2,73), personas con peor autopercepción de salud (RP=1,29 - IC95% 1,14;1,46) y con más enfermedades (RP=2,37 - IC95% 2,03;2,77). En total, 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4) obtuvo medicamentos exclusivamente por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y la prevalencia fue mayor en los de color de piel no blanca (autodeclarada) y clase económica más baja. Conclusión: Pequeña parcela indicó que dejó de usar medicamentos necesarios. La obtención gratuita fue mayor en grupos de menor poder adquisitivo.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of medication use, sources of access, and associated factors among rural residents in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 with adults ≥18 years old. Participants reported on medication use and sources of access to medication in the month prior to the interview. Poisson regression was used. Results: Among the 1,519 respondents, 54.7% (95%CI 48.7;60.5) used some form of medication and 3.3% (95%CI 2.4;4.5) stopped taking necessary medication. Higher prevalence of use occurred in: women (PR=1.23 - 95%CI 1.12;1.34), the elderly (PR=2.36 - 95%CI 2.05;2.73), people with poorer self-perceived health (PR=1.29 - 95%CI 1.14;1.46) and people with a higher number of diseases (PR=2.37 - 95%CI 2.03;2.77). A total of 14.0% (95%CI 11.2;17.4) obtained medication exclusively from the Brazilian National Health System, prevalence of which was higher among those who self-reported themselves to be non-white and from lower economic classification. Conclusion: A low number stopped taking medication they needed to take. Use of free-of-charge medication was greater in groups with lower income.

Acompanhamento clínico farmacêutico no cuidado ao paciente adulto-cirúrgico em um hospital universitário de Porto Alegre / Clinical pharmacist follow-up in adult surgical patient care in a university hospital of Porto Alegre

Introdução: O farmacêutico clínico já está bem estabelecido em algumas instituições e muitos serviços de saúde contam com este profissional em suas equipes, entretanto, poucos conseguem sistematizar o seu trabalho e mapear os dados das atividades desenvolvidas, demonstrando a relevância do profissional na equipe de saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acompanhamento clínico-farmacêutico em uma unidade de internação adulto-cirúrgica em um hospital universitário de Porto Alegre. Métodos: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo que quantificou as principais atividades do farmacêutico clínico em uma unidade de internação adulto-cirúrgica no período de janeiro a maio de 2019. Este projeto foi aprovado no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da referida instituição. Resultados: 859 pacientes foram admitidos na unidade cirúrgica avaliada, dos quais 490 foram revisados pelo farmacêutico na admissão hospitalar, correspondendo à taxa média de 57,27%. A taxa média de conciliação medicamentosa realizada foi de 14,83%, totalizando 73 pacientes conciliados por entrevista. 361 intervenções farmacêuticas foram realizadas no período estudado, sendo 54 relacionadas a conciliação medicamentosa, com o número total de adesões de 232. As principais especialidades cirúrgicas que internam pacientes na unidade em questão foram a Ortopedia, Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Urologia e Cirurgia Vascular. Conclusões: Foi possível avaliar o acompanhamento clínico farmacêutico em uma unidade de internação adulto-cirúrgica em um hospital universitário de Porto Alegre, através da quantificação das taxas de pacientes revisados e de conciliação medicamentosa, do número de intervenções farmacêuticas e suas adesões, além de caracterizar as principais especialidades médicas cirúrgicas envolvidas. (AU)

Introduction: Clinical pharmacists are already well established in some institutions, and many health services have these professionals in their teams. However, few are able to systematize their work and map data from the developed activities, demonstrating the relevance of these professionals in the health team. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical pharmacist follow-up in an adult surgical inpatient unit in a university hospital in Porto Alegre. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study that quantified the main activities of the clinical pharmacist in an adult surgical inpatient unit from January to May 2019. This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution. Results: Of 859 patients admitted to the s rgical unit, 490 were reviewed by the pharmacist on hospital admission, corresponding to an average rate of 57.27%. The average medication reconciliation rate was 14.83%, totaling 73 patients reconciled per interview. Of 361 pharmaceutical interventions performed during the study period, 54 were related to medication reconciliation, and the total number of adhesions was 232. The main surgical specialties associated with admission to the study unit were Orthopedics, Digestive System Surgery, Urology, and Vascular Surgery. Conclusions: It was possible to evaluate the clinical pharmacist follow-up in an adult surgical inpatient unit in a university hospital in Porto Alegre by quantifying the rates of reviewed patients and medication reconciliations as well as the number of pharmaceutical interventions and their adherences, in addition to characterizing the main medical-surgical specialties involved. (AU)