Navigating the journey as a peer reviewer: a roadmap to success.

Peer review is an essential step in scientific progress and clinical improvement, providing opportunity for research to be critically evaluated and improved by one's colleagues. Pharmacists from all job settings are called to serve as peer reviewers in the ever-growing publication landscape of the profession. Despite challenges to engagement such as time and compensation, peer review provides considerable professional development for both authors and reviewers alike. This article will serve as a practical guide for peer reviewers, discussing best practices as well as the handling of different situations that may arise during the process.

Metastasis of small cell lung cancer to bilateral extraocular muscles: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Orbital metastasis is a possible complication of small cell lung cancer and a pattern of bilateral invasion of the extraocular muscles has rarely been reported in literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old white male with a past medical history of smoking and stage IV small cell lung carcinoma presented with loss of vision and pain in the left eye. Examination revealed bilateral proptosis and left afferent pupillary defect, and visual acuity was hand motion on the left eye and 4/10 on the right eye. An orbital computed tomography scan showed a compression of the left optic nerve between the extraocular muscles at the apex, and a lateral canthotomy was performed for a new-onset compressive optic neuropathy, with residual visual improvement. There was also significant enlargement of the extraocular muscles in the right orbit. The patient was maintained in palliative treatment with both chemotherapy and local medical and surgical (amniotic membrane cover for exposure keratopathy) ophthalmological treatments until he eventually died 5 months after. CONCLUSION: Bilateral metastasis to the extraocular muscles is a very rare manifestation of small cell lung cancer and the palliative treatment in these cases is challenging.

Giant Conjunctival Cyst of the Orbit in a Patient with Previous Enucleation.

Introduction: Conjunctival cysts of the orbit development are a rare complication in enucleated patients. They result from the entrapment of conjunctival epithelium within the orbit. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old man with a history of enucleation for a retinoblastoma of the right eye who presented with difficulty in fitting his eye prothesis. On his past medical records, there was no reference to the placement of any orbital implant at the time of the surgery. Biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed a thickened bulbar conjunctiva, an inferior symblepharon, and a translucid central area with vascularization. Imaging was remarkable for a cystic cavity filling the whole right orbit. Biopsy revealed the diagnosis of a conjunctival cyst, and drainage was performed, alleviating the patient's symptoms. Conclusion: Orbital conjunctival cysts may pose a clinical problem, and treatment modalities include surgical excision, absolute alcohol injection, and trichloroacetic acid injection.

Documentation and classification of hospital pharmacist interventions: A scoping review.

The practice of documenting pharmacist interventions (PIs) has been endorsed by many hospital pharmacists' societies and organizations worldwide. Current systems for recording PIs have been developed to generate data on better patient and healthcare outcomes, but harmonization and transferability are apparently minimal. The present work aims to provide a descriptive and comprehensive overview of the currently utilized PI documentation and classification tools contributing to increased evidence systematization. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Studies from 2008, after the release of the Basel Statements, were included if interventions were made by hospital or clinical pharmacists in a global hospital setting. Publications quality assessment was accomplished using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 26 studies were included. Three studies did not refer to the documentation/classification method, 10 used an in-house developed documentation/classification method, seven used externally developed documentation/classification tools and six described method validation or translation. Evidence confirmed that most documentation/classification systems are designed in-house, but external development and validation of PI systems to be used in hospital practice is gradually increasing. Reports on validated PI documentation/classification tools that are being used in hospital clinical practice are limited, including in countries with advanced hospital pharmacy practice. Needs and gaps in practice were identified. Further research should be conducted to understand why using validated documentation/classification methods is not a disseminated practice, knowing patients' and organizational advantages.

Pigment deposits in the retrolental space of Berger: a rare feature of pigment dispersion syndrome? / Depósitos de pigmento no espaço de Berger: uma característica rara de síndrome de dispersão pigmentar?

ABSTRACT Pigment dispersion syndrome is associated with clinical features such as Krukenberg's spindles, trabecular pigmentation, Scheie's stripe and Zentmayer's ring. Another less common feature of this syndrome is retrolental pigment deposits due to anterior hyaloid detachment or a defect in the Wieger's ligament. We present two cases of pigment deposits on the posterior lens capsule. In both cases, there is bilateral dispersion of pigment throughout the anterior segment. The retrolental deposits are unilateral in the first case and bilateral in the second. Both patients report a history of ocular trauma. This is a possible important clinical sign of pigment dispersion syndrome, rarely described.

RESUMO A síndrome de dispersão pigmentar associa-se a sinais clínicos característicos como fuso de Krukenberg, hiperpigmentação da malha trabecular, linha de Scheie e anel de Zentmeyer. Um sinal menos comum dessa síndrome é o depósito de pigmento posterior ao cristalino, que ocorre por um descolamento da hialoide anterior ou um defeito no ligamento de Wieger. Apresentamos dois casos de depósitos de pigmento posterior à cápsula posterior do cristalino. Em ambos os casos, existia dispersão bilateral de pigmento por todo o segmento anterior. No primeiro caso, os depósitos eram unilaterais e, no segundo, estavam presentes em ambos os olhos. Este pode corresponder a um sinal potencialmente importante da síndrome de dispersão pigmentar, raramente descrito.

Atypical hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium manifesting as the first sign of familial adenomatous polyposis.

A female patient in her 20s presented to a routine ophthalmology appointment. Medical history was unremarkable. Family history was notable for intestinal cancer of a second-degree relative, diagnosed in her late 60s. Fundus examination revealed bilateral, multiple, flat, oval, pigmented lesions with an irregular halo of atrophy. The patient was diagnosed with atypical congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigmented epithelium. Investigation of extraocular associations was performed, including upper and lower endoscopy, which revealed 500-1000 colonic polyps with a maximum size 25 mm. Pathology did not reveal submucosal invasion. Genetic testing detected an adenomatous polyposis coli mutation (heterozygotic variant c.3183_3187delACAAA p.(Gln1062*)).

Older people, medication usage and long-term care pharmacists: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the presence of a pharmacist on medication usage in long-term care facilities. METHODS: The study followed a retrospective cohort design, with a sample of patients aged ≥65 years admitted to three long-term care facilities over 30 months. Data on age, gender, type of stay, the presence or absence of a pharmacist and pharmacotherapeutic profile at admission and discharge were obtained for study patients. Variations in the number of medicines, anticholinergic burden and potentially inappropriate medications at admission and discharge were assessed as outcome variables. Anticholinergic burden and potentially inappropriate medications were assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale and the EU(7)-PIM List, respectively. One-sample t-tests were used to compare the mean values of the outcome variables. A four-way ANOVA was used to test the association between background and outcome variables. Partial eta squared (η2) was used to measure the effect size. RESULTS: A total of 1366 patients were studied. All outcome variables showed a statistically significant increase at discharge compared with admission. The presence of a pharmacist was statistically significant in improving the number of medicines (p<0.001) and the anticholinergic burden score (p<0.001), while no statistically significant value was reached on potentially inappropriate medications (p=0.642). Small effect size values were obtained for the impact of the pharmacist on the number of medicines and anticholinergic burden scores (η2=0.021 and η2=0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the presence of a long-term care pharmacist can positively impact the use of medication associated with poor health outcomes. An integrated interprofessional approach is needed to address potentially inappropriate medications, anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy in long-term care settings, particularly at the time of discharge.

Defining and supporting a professional role for pharmacists associated with traditional and complementary medicines: a cross-country survey of pharmacists.

Introduction: An estimated 80% of the world's population use traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) products as part of their healthcare, with many accessed through pharmacy. This cross-cultural study posed a set of professional practice responsibilities and actions to pharmacists related to T&CM products, with a view toward developing consensus, safeguarding, and promoting the health of the public. Methods: Data were collected from 2,810 pharmacists across nine countries during 2022 via a cross-sectional online survey reported in accordance with the guidelines of STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Results: Of the 2,810 participants from nine countries, 2,341 completed all sections of the survey. Of these, most agreed (69%) that T&CM product use was common in the community they served, but most did not have adequate training to support consumer needs. Over 75% acknowledged that there were known and unknown safety risks associated with T&CM use. Of 18 professional responsibilities posed, 92% agreed that pharmacists should be able to inform consumers about potential risks, including T&CM side effects and drug-herb interactions. The provision of accurate scientific information on the effectiveness of T&CM products, skills to guide consumers in making informed decisions, and communication with other healthcare professionals to support appropriate and safe T&CM product use were all ranked with high levels of agreement. In order to effectively fulfill these responsibilities, pharmacists agreed that regulatory reforms, development of T&CM education and training, and access to quality products supported by high-quality evidence were needed. Conclusion: General agreement from across nine countries on eighteen professional responsibilities and several stakeholder actions serve as a foundation for the discussion and development of international T&CM guidelines for pharmacists.

ACUTE MACULAR NEURORETINOPATHY FOLLOWING SARS-CoV-2 VACCINATION.

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: An otherwise healthy 28-year-old white woman presented to an ophthalmology department with complaints of black paracentral vision scotomata on both eyes that appeared 2 days after receiving the first dose of Vaxzevria vaccine. Fundus examination revealed bilateral red brown petaloid lesions around the fovea. On spectral domain optical coherence tomography, a hyperreflective plaque between the outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers along with disruption of ellipsoid zone/interdigitation zone was observed. A diagnosis of AMN was made. CONCLUSION: AMN may be an extremely rare adverse event of SARS-COV-2 vaccination, especially in patients with other risk factors. SYNOPSIS: An otherwise healthy 28-year-old white woman was diagnosed with AMN 2 days after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Application of optical coherence tomography angiography for microvascular changes in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Retinal toxicity with long-term hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment is a major concern. This systematic review aims to assess the application of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to detect microvascular alterations in patients under HCQ. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until January 14, 2023. Studies using OCTA as a primary diagnostic method to evaluate the macular microvasculature of HCQ users were included. Primary outcomes were macular vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) at the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of 211 screened abstracts, 13 were found eligible, enrolling 989 eyes from 778 patients. High-risk patients due to longer duration of treatment presented lower VD in the retinal microvasculature than those with low-risk in SCP (P = 0.02 in fovea; P = 0.004 in parafovea) and in DCP (P = 0.007 in fovea; P = 0.01 in parafovea). When compared with healthy controls, HCQ users had lower VD in both plexus-no quantitative synthesis was presented. CONCLUSIONS: Microvascular changes were found in autoimmune patients under HCQ treatment without any documented retinopathy. However, the evidence produced so far does not allow to draw conclusion concerning the effect of drug as studies were not controlled for disease duration.

Impact of door in-door out time on total ischemia time and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requiring inter-hospital transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) often have delays in reperfusion. The door in-door out (DIDO) time is recommended to be less than 30 min. OBJECTIVES: To assess the DIDO time of hospitals that transfer patients with STEMI to a PCI center and to assess its impact on total ischemia time and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 523 patients with STEMI transferred to a PCI center for primary PCI between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2017. RESULTS: Median DIDO time was 82 min (interquartile range, 61-132 min). Only seven patients (1.3%) were transferred in ≤30 min. Patients with DIDO times over 60 min had significantly longer system delays (207.3 min vs. 112.7 min; p<0.001) and total ischemia time (344.2 min vs. 222 min; p<0.001) than patients transferred in ≤60 min. Observed in-hospital mortality was significantly higher among patients with DIDO times >60 min vs. ≤60 min (5.1% vs. 0%; p=0.006; adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality, 1.27 [95% CI 1.062-1.432]). By the end of follow-up, patients belonging to the >60 min group had a higher mortality (p=0.016), and survival time was significantly shorter (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: A DIDO time ≤30 min was observed in only a small proportion of patients transferred for primary PCI. DIDO times of ≤60 min were associated with shorter delays in reperfusion, lower in-hospital mortality and longer survival times.

Clinical Communication Within Hospital Pharmacy Practice: Exploring Pharmaceutical Oncological Consultations.

This exploratory study aimed to identify communication trends typical of pharmacists' clinical communication in the context of hospital consultations. A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the pharmacist-patient exchange, applying the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Communication variables and RIAS composites were assessed, including therapeutic information complexity, estimated through the ad-hoc score CTICS (Cancer Therapy Information Complexity Score). The study comprised 13 consultations of cancer patients with one female pharmacist, of which 6 included a patient family member, lasting on average 22.74 minutes and presenting repeated or overlapping consultation phases. The pharmacist's talk dominance reached 53.49%, slightly higher in dyadic consultations (U = 6.0, p = .032), and with an overall predominance of closed-ended questioning (W = 81.0, p = .013). Patients' questioning on biomedical issues was higher in dyadic consultations. The level of the pharmacist's rapport-building with the relative was higher when the patient's age was ≥80 years. Several strong correlations, both positive and negative, were found between composites, including between patient positive rapport-building and relative lifestyle/psychosocial information giving (Rho = -0.971, p = .001). Pharmaceutical consultations seem to be lengthier than other hospital practitioners' interviews, indicating a lack of  clear organization and flow, thus challenging their efficiency regarding therapy management. Still, several positive communication features were found regarding the pharmaceutical care of older cancer patients. Further studies are needed, involving larger samples and other hospital consultation settings.

Long-Term Care medicines formularies: any reasons for pharmacists' concern?

Abstract This study aimed to characterize and compare medicines formularies (MFs) used in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities in Portugal, and to identify the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medicines (PIMs). A systematic contact with LTC facilities was undertaken in December 2021. MFs were systematized according to the Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical classification system (ATC), followed by descriptive content analysis. A structured comparison between MFs developed by public organizations and private LTC facilities was performed. After duplicate removal and exclusion of medicines not for systemic use, two explicit criteria - the Algorithm of medication review in frail older people and the EU(7)-PIM list - were employed for PIMs identification. Five MFs were obtained and assessed. The three MFs developed by private institutions covered 23% of the national LTC facilities and approximately 34% of the national total of beds. Heterogeneity was particularly high for the Alimentary tract and metabolism, Blood and blood-forming organs, Musculoskeletal system, and Respiratory system ATC groups. A PIM prevalence of 29,4% was identified. Medicines distribution between the MFs suggests the need to develop national guidelines towards harmonizing medicines usage in LTC. The prevalence of PIMs found highlights the importance of a particular optimized use of this health technology in aged sub-populations

Assessment of Functional Outcome Predictors in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery: A Single-Centre Analysis.

Introduction Lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical modality performed in selected patients with low back and radicular pain not responding to medical therapy. We aim to evaluate the main predictors of functional outcome, assessed through Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), in patients submitted to a lumbar interbody fusion. Methods A sample of 33 patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion at a neurosurgery department between 2017 and 2020 was selected. In order to assess functional status, ODI was applied before and after surgery. Data related to patients' medical history, current disease, and surgery performed were collected from the clinical process. Results In our cohort, functional improvement (pre-surgery ODI - post-surgery ODI) averaged 34.4 ± 23 points, suggesting robust surgical efficacy. We find patients with severe disability or worse to display relevant amelioration of their functional scores (p<0.0001), suggesting that these can benefit from lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The female gender (p=0.007) predicts a better outcome, which was surprising as no sex differences in lumbar fusion outcomes have been reported. Conversely, early symptom recurrence (p=0.015) and need for revision surgery (p=0.032) were found to be negative predictors of post-surgical functional outcome. Rapid return to the activities of daily living (p=0.001) and to work (p=0.002) was associated with post-surgical functional improvement. The underlying diagnosis that led to surgical referral and surgical modality did not affect the functional outcome in our patient cohort. Importantly, patients with previous lumbar surgeries had similar improvements to those who had never been operated on. Conclusions Severely disabled patients submitted to lumbar interbody fusion showed significant functional improvement, regardless of the referral diagnosis or the existence of previous lumbar surgeries. Additionally, sustained functional improvement resulted in a return to an active life.

Exploring the use of cognitive enhancement substances among Portuguese university students.

Background: Prescription drug use and the consumption of substances to enhance college students' cognitive performance, described as pharmacological cognitive enhancement (PCE), is a known phenomenon potentially impacting individuals' health. University and college students are two specific subpopulations noted to use PCE (up to 17%, on average). To our knowledge, no data have been published on the use of PCE drugs among university students at a national level in Portugal and the factors that might be associated with this usage. Objective: The main objective was to estimate the prevalence of PCE use by Portuguese university students and to identify the PCE substances commonly used by university students, i.e., those classified as prescription drugs and other legal and nonprescribed substances, including food supplements. Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional exploratory, descriptive design and pursued a convenience sample of students from Portuguese public and private universities (22 higher education institutions). Results: From a sample of 745 university students, 32% indicated the use of prescribed and nonprescribed substances. The most consumed substances were food supplements with CNS stimulants being the most frequent prescription-only drugs but not necessarily accessed through a medical prescription. A significant statistical association was found between substance consumption and the field of study. Health science students reported more food supplements and drug intake, allegedly under prescribed regimens, compared to humanities and exact sciences students. The study discusses the need to better understand the competitive societies that produce and support young students' outputs and the perceived 'need' for performance-enhancing substances. Conclusions: One-third of the university students aimed to improve their performance by pharmacological cognitive enhancement, with a preference for food supplements dispensed in pharmacies. PCE substance consumption in higher education is thus non-negligible. The study suggests the need to improve regulations on potential inequalities in academic rankings and success and an observant attitude concerning implications that negatively affect health in the long run.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Primary Retinal Detachments.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation characteristics, timings, and surgical decisions for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: A historical cohort including all patients who presented to the Surgical Retina Section at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), over a 2-year period, was recruited and divided into 2 groups: pre-COVID and COVID groups. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was recorded as starting on March 18, 2020, the same day the first pandemic-related lockdown came to effect in Portugal. RESULTS: This study enrolled 449 eyes of 443 patients: 272 in the pre-COVID group and 177 in the COVID one. Of the patients, 63.6% were male, and the mean ± SD age was 63.0 ± 13.2 years (range 13-92 years). Of the eyes, 55.5% (n = 151) presented with macular detachment in the pre-COVID group compared with 66.9% (n = 119) in the COVID group (odds ratio [OR] 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-3.86; p = 0.016). The time from symptom onset to hospital admission (p = 0.021) and from admission to surgery (p < 0.001) was longer in the COVID era. In the COVID period, silicone oil (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.09-3.79, p = 0.025) and C3F8 gas (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.57-3.71, p < 0.001) were used more often. No differences in anatomical success or final visual acuity were found. CONCLUSIONS: The lockdown due to COVID pandemic affected the epidemiology of RRD. The services must adapt to the novel reality and produce backup plans for similar events. Despite the contingencies, the final results were not different between groups.

Profession Driven Improvement of the Quality of Pharmacy Practice-Implementation of Community Pharmacy Services Quality Guidelines in Estonia.

Constant improvement of the quality of community pharmacy services is important in the development of contemporary patient care. A national and voluntary Community Pharmacy Services Quality Guidelines (CPSQG) was developed to formulate the principles of contemporary pharmacy services, including quality criteria for service provision. The purpose of this study was to identify the implementation of the CPSQG as a profession-driven initiative towards improving and harmonizing community pharmacy services in Estonia. Three cross-sectional electronic surveys were conducted among community pharmacies in Estonia in 2014 (N = 478 pharmacies), 2016 (N = 493), and 2019 (N = 494), and the CPSQG indicators were used for evaluation of the service quality. In this study, the aggregated data, collected in three study years were used to identify the implementation of guidelines into practice. For data analysis, the One-Way ANOVA test and Post-hoc multiple comparisons were used. The results demonstrated slow implementation of the CPSQG, but guidelines-based evaluation enabled a detailed overview of the community pharmacy activities and provided services. In order to develop community pharmacy services more efficiently, the use of implementation science principles, continuous introduction of the CPSQG to the pharmacists, and more active involvement of the state could be considered in the future.

Development of a European competency framework for health and other professionals to support behaviour change in persons self-managing chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare and other professionals are expected to support behaviour change in people living with chronic disease. However, effective behaviour change interventions are largely absent in routine encounters. The Train4Health project, a European strategic partnership for higher education, sought to address this problem. The primary aim of this study, which is part of an early work package, was to develop an interprofessional competency framework for health and other professions to support behaviour change for the self-management of chronic disease at a European level. A secondary aim was to derive a set of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) from an established taxonomy to link with framework competencies. METHODS: The study comprised two interlinked parts. Part 1 involved a two-round e-Delphi study with an interprofessional panel of 48 experts across 12 European countries to develop the behaviour change competency framework. Preparatory work included drafting a list of competency statements based on seven existing frameworks. Part 2 involved an expert panel of six behavioural psychologists deriving a set of BCTs to link with framework competencies. Their feedback was based on preparatory work, which focused on seven high priority chronic diseases for self-management, identified through European projects on self-management and identifying five relevant target behaviours from key clinical guidelines. A literature search yielded 29 effective BCTs for the target behaviours in the selected chronic diseases. RESULTS: Twenty-seven competency statements, were presented in Round 1 to the Delphi panel. Consensus was achieved for all statements. Based on comments, two statements were removed, one was added, and 14 were modified. All 15 statements subjected to Round 2 were consensus-approved, yielding a total of 12 foundational competencies for behaviour change in self-management of chronic disease and 14 behaviour change competencies. Four behaviour change competencies related to BCTs. Behavioural psychologists' feedback led to a core set of 21 BCTs deemed applicable to the five target behaviours across the seven chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: A behaviour change competency framework comprising 26 statements for European health and other professionals to support self-management of chronic disease was developed, linked with a core set of 21 BCTs from an established taxonomy.

Influence of The Segregation Phenomenon on Structural Efficiency of Lightweight Aggregate Concretes.

Lightweight aggregate concretes (LWAC) are versatile and interesting materials for projects that require greater structural efficiency. Due to the difference that exists between the densities of the materials used in these types of concrete, during transport and mainly compaction, their aggregates tend to separate from the mortar matrix, floating towards the surface, a phenomenon called segregation. Segregation in LWAC can affect its durability properties, its density, and directly affect its structural efficiency. In this work, different concrete densities (1700 kg/m3 and 1900 kg/m3) manufactured with different dosages (two different lightweight aggregates) and compaction methods (one or two layers) were analyzed to verify the impact of segregation on its structural efficiency. For this purpose, the segregation index of the LWAC was obtained by means of the image analysis technique. In addition, to obtain their structural efficiency, the density and compressive strength were obtained at different heights of the tested specimens. The results show the vibration of the samples in two layers leads to a more efficient elimination of trapped air, a reduction in the risk of segregation, and better structural efficiency.

The COPHELA (Cooperation in Quality Assurance for Pharmacy Education and Training between Europe and Latin America) Project.

COPHELA (Cooperation in Quality Assurance for Pharmacy Education and Training between Europe and Latin America), a collaborative project between the European Union (EU) and Latin America, will produce on-line courses for the master degree in pharmacy. The program runs from 2019 through 2021. It is funded by the Erasmus+ program of the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission. The partners are EU and Latin American universities. These are accompanied by associated partners from EU and Latin American universities, as well as from governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as pharmacy chambers and educational associations. The project is coordinated by the University of Granada, Spain (first author of this paper). It will produce distance learning master degree courses in a dozen fields of specialized pharmaceutical science education and practice, ranging from patient care to industrial pharmacy. This paper describes the design of the project and is intended to evoke constructive comments. It also represents a call for the recruitment of additional associated partners.