Enhancement of paediatric oncology pharmacy practices in a low-middle-income country through teaching and training using the My Child Matters Grant.

The development of a successful oncology pharmacy system includes competency training, cost-efficient procurement, proper storage, preparation and administration of chemotherapy, and appropriate waste disposal. Low-middle-income countries such as Pakistan face several challenges within the realm of oncology pharmacy such as the unavailability of training programmes, resources and financial support, and inconsistencies in the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) is among the pioneers of oncology pharmacy practices in Pakistan, with a well-established Oncology Pharmacy Team and chemotherapy preparation in accordance with the United States Pharmacopeia 797 and 800 safety guidelines. The My Child Matters Grant was awarded by the Sanofi Espoir Foundation to the Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology at IHHN for holistic improvement in childhood cancer care through teaching, training and capacity building. Partnerships were formed with five public-sector paediatric oncology units nationwide. Initiatives were taken to improve oncology pharmacy practices including teaching and training courses, in-person assessment visits, and mentorship and liaison efforts. Despite prevailing challenges, promising improvements were noted at each centre. However, Pakistan needs to establish a national plan for childhood cancer with the creation of regional organisations for the training and monitoring of oncology pharmacists. Centralisation of pharmacy operations within hospitals is essential to maintain the availability, storage, preparation and administration standards of chemotherapy.

Hospital pharmacists' experiences of participating in a partnered pharmacist medication charting credentialing program: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related errors are one of the most frequently reported incidents in hospitals. With the aim of reducing the medication error rate, a Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) model was trialled in seven Australian hospitals from 2016 to 2017. Participating pharmacists completed a credentialing program to equip them with skills to participate in the trial as a medication-charting pharmacist. Skills included obtaining a comprehensive medication history to chart pre-admission medications in collaboration with an admitting medical officer. The program involved both theoretical and practical components to assess the competency of pharmacists. METHODS: A qualitative evaluation of the multi-site PPMC implementation trial was undertaken. Pharmacists and key informants involved in the trial participated in an interview or focus group session to share their experiences and attitudes regarding the PPMC credentialing program. An interview schedule was used to guide sessions. Transcripts were analysed using a pragmatic inductive-deductive thematic approach. RESULTS: A total of 125 participants were involved in interviews or focus groups during early and late implementation data collection periods. Three themes pertaining to the PPMC credentialing program were identified: (1) credentialing as an upskilling opportunity, (2) identifying the essential components of credentialing, and (3) implementing and sustaining the PPMC credentialing program. CONCLUSIONS: The PPMC credentialing program provided pharmacists with an opportunity to expand their scope of practice and consolidate clinical knowledge. Local adaptations to the PPMC credentialing program enabled pharmacists to meet the varying needs and capacities of hospitals, including the policies and procedures of different clinical settings. These findings highlight key issues to consider when implementation a credentialing program for pharmacists in the hospital setting.

Game-based training to improve the compliance of hospital pharmacy operators with handwashing guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Good hand hygiene techniques (HHTs), like those of the World Health Organization (WHO), prevent microbial contamination of aseptic preparations. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a game-based training (GBT) tool (the Handtastic Box) to improve the compliance of hospital pharmacy operators (HPOs) with handwashing guidelines. METHODS: A camera recorded handwashing by HPOs for 1 month before the training day, for 1 month after the training day (M1), and between month 1 and month 3 (M2&3). Movements were scored as fully executed, partially executed or not executed. Compliance rates of each HPO with HHTs were compared between observation periods. During 1-h training sessions, pairs of HPO trainees watched handwashing videos and noted which of five guideline steps was missing. They examined wooden hands with areas stained with fluorescein under ultraviolet light to find the hand showing the matching contamination. RESULTS: The mean compliance score for nine HPOs increased from 44.6% (before training, N=32 videos) to 86.7% (M1, N=40) to 82.5% (M2&3, N=45). Compliance with every step improved from before training to M1 and generally stabilized in M2&3, except for the fingertip washing step which dropped significantly in M2&3. DISCUSSION: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficacy of a GBT tool to improve HPO compliance with the WHO HHTs. The tool improved handwashing scores significantly, and maintained them at the same level for 3 months after training. The separate results for each step highlight the need to train every movement. CONCLUSION: This GBT tool successfully improved compliance with the WHO HHTs for 3 months. This training could be used for other healthcare professionals.

Development of hospital pharmacy services at transition of care points: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Several hospital pharmacy services exist, which take place at different interfaces of patient care. Although they are an important tool for improving medication safety, they are not yet sufficiently implemented in hospitals around the world. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to summarise different hospital pharmacy services at transition of care (TOC) points in order to identify development trends and practice patterns in high-income countries over the past decade. METHODS: A literature search of four databases (PubMed, PubPharm, Cochrane Library (Ovid) and ScienceDirect) since 2011 was conducted. A detailed search strategy was developed and refined with the help of a research librarian. Title, abstract and full-text selection was carried out by two researchers independently. The study was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR items to ensure quality standard reporting. Only studies originating from developed countries and published in the English language were included. The data obtained were extracted and summarised using a data extraction form developed to meet the research aims of the study. RESULTS: Of the 5456 search results, 65 studies met the inclusion criteria. These originated from Europe (n=29), North America/Canada (n=28), Australia (n=7) and Asia (n=1). Individual TOC services such as medication reconciliation and medication review on admission and at discharge were the main focus of published literature practice patterns between 2011 and 2016, after which a more holistic TOC service started to emerge that follows patients across all TOC points during their hospital stay. Facilitators and barriers were consistently dependent on resources and infrastructure. Clinical and economic outcomes show a mixed picture. CONCLUSION: During the past decade pharmaceutical services have developed more holistic TOC services. Large-scale high-quality studies are needed to reliably determine clinical and economic benefit.

Economic impact of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: This review of the literature aimed to evaluate the economic impact of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector. METHODS: The review followed the PRISMA recommendations. A bibliographic search was conducted on 23 June 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. All articles in French or English with economic data on clinical pharmacy activities in orthopaedics were included. Articles not mentioning the term 'orthopaedics' and those published prior to 1990 were excluded. Data from the studies were compiled in an Excel table. A bias analysis using the ROBINS-I Cochrane tool was performed. The methodology of the studies was compared and weighted using the CHEERS and STROBE checklists. RESULTS: Among 529 articles initially identified, 10 were included in the review. The cost-benefit ratio of a clinical pharmacist in orthopaedics ranged from 0.47:1 to 28:1. The maximum savings reached US$73 410 /year in the American study and €1 42 356 /year in the French study. For three studies, the cost of a clinical pharmacist was not evaluated. Eight studies showed a positive economic impact. The Dutch study showed a balance and the Danish study showed a negative economic impact of €3442/month. CONCLUSIONS: This literature review has shown an economic benefit of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector despite several biases and methodological limitations. The two studies that did not confirm this benefit only evaluated a limited number of expected benefits. Nevertheless, the economic impact of the clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector seems positive and undervalued.

Investigating the capabilities of advanced large language models in generating patient instructions and patient educational material.

OBJECTIVES: Large language models (LLMs) with advanced language generation capabilities have the potential to enhance patient interactions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ChatGPT 4.0 and Gemini 1.0 Pro in providing patient instructions and creating patient educational material (PEM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study employed ChatGPT 4.0 and Gemini 1.0 Pro across six medical scenarios using simple and detailed prompts. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Print materials (PEMAT-P) evaluated the understandability, actionability, and readability of the outputs. RESULTS: LLMs provided consistent responses, especially regarding drug information, therapeutic goals, administration, common side effects, and interactions. However, they lacked guidance on expiration dates and proper medication disposal. Detailed prompts yielded comprehensible outputs for the average adult. ChatGPT 4.0 had mean understandability and actionability scores of 80% and 60%, respectively, compared with 67% and 60% for Gemini 1.0 Pro. ChatGPT 4.0 produced longer outputs, achieving 85% readability with detailed prompts, while Gemini 1.0 Pro maintained consistent readability. Simple prompts resulted in ChatGPT 4.0 outputs at a 10th-grade reading level, while Gemini 1.0 Pro outputs were at a 7th-grade level. Both LLMs produced outputs at a 6th-grade level with detailed prompts. CONCLUSION: LLMs show promise in generating patient instructions and PEM. However, healthcare professional oversight and patient education on LLM use are essential for effective implementation.

Embedding cultural competency and cultural humility in undergraduate pharmacist initial education and training: a qualitative exploration of pharmacy student perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Emphasis has been placed upon embedding equity, diversity and inclusion within the initial education and training of healthcare professionals, like pharmacists. Yet, there remains limited understanding of how best to integrate cultural competency and cultural humility into undergraduate pharmacy student training. AIM: This qualitative study explored the views of pharmacy students to understand perspectives on, and identify recommendations for, embedding cultural competency and cultural humility within pharmacy education and training. METHOD: Undergraduate pharmacy students from one UK-based School of Pharmacy were invited to participate in an in-person, semi-structured interview to discuss cultural competency in the pharmacy curriculum. Interviews were conducted between November 2022 and February 2023 and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Newcastle University Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Twelve undergraduate pharmacist students, across all years of undergraduate training, were interviewed. Three themes were developed from the data, centring on: (1) recognising and reflecting on cultural competency and cultural humility; (2) gaining exposure and growing in confidence; and (3) thinking forward as a culturally competent pharmacist of the future. CONCLUSION: These findings offer actionable recommendations to align with the updated Initial Education and Training standards from the United Kingdom (UK) pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council; specifically, how and when cultural competency teaching should be embedded within the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. Future research should further explore teaching content, learning environments, and methods of assessing cultural competency.

A cross-sectional study examining the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education can prepare the workforce for collaborative practice in complex health and social care systems. AIM: To examine the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom. METHOD: An online questionnaire was developed using systems theory, published literature and input from an interprofessional expert panel; it included closed and open-ended questions and a demographic section. Following piloting, it was distributed to 31 schools of pharmacy. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and a content analysis approach for qualitative data. RESULTS: Ten schools of pharmacy responded. All reported delivering compulsory interprofessional education. Most (80%) reported an interprofessional steering group overseeing development. Formative and/or summative assessment varied depending on year of study. Mechanism and purpose of evaluation varied with respondents reporting Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model Levels 1-3 (100%; 80%; 70%). Two themes were identified: "Variation in Interprofessional Education Approaches and Opportunities" and "Factors Influencing Development and Implementation of Interprofessional Education". Formal teaching was mainly integrated into other modules; various pedagogic approaches and topics were used for campus-based activities. Respondents referred to planned interprofessional education during practice-based placements; some still at pilot stage. Overall, respondents agreed that practice-based placements offered opportunistic interprofessional education, but a more focused approach is needed to maximise student pharmacists' learning potential. CONCLUSION: Most interprofessional education offered in undergraduate pharmacy curricula in the United Kingdom is campus-based; the nature and extent of which varies between programmes. Very few examples of practice-based activities were reported. Results may inform future interprofessional education curricular development.

Integrating real-world skills and diabetes lifestyle coach training into a revised health promotion and communications course.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Effective communication skills are essential for all pharmacists, regardless of practice setting. An implicit need in pharmacy education is to emphasize direct application of these skills to future healthcare practice prior to experiential rotations. The aim of this article is to describe how we revised a required first professional year (P1) doctor of pharmacy course to achieve two main goals: 1) improve the course relevance by connecting content to real-world skills; and 2) qualify all pharmacy students at our institution as certified National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle coaches upon course completion. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Lifestyle coach training approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was integrated into a P1 communications course consisting of 14 modules that include: review of diabetes pathophysiology, group facilitation skills, social determinants of health, food tracking, action planning, participant retention and program administration. This content serves as a direct application of pre-existing course objectives related to knowledge (evidence-based theory) and skills (technical and counseling) required for effective communication with patients, families, and health professionals. FINDINGS: Between 2019 and 2022, the redesigned course was offered to 373 P1 students. Course evaluations during this time were consistently positive. The average evaluation score since DPP activities were integrated into the course was 3.41 (on a 4-point scale). Based upon course evaluations, students appreciated three main benefits of incorporating lifestyle coach certification into the pharmacy curriculum: 1) a certified skill that can differentiate them in the job market; 2) practice of skills on real patients under faculty supervision in the community setting; 3) early exposure to pharmacy patient care topics, thus contributing to professional identity. SUMMARY: Integration of lifestyle coach training into an existing core P1 pharmacy course increased application and assessment of communications skills and allowed wider availability of trained coaches to deliver DPP in the community.

Study of therapeutic patient education practices in French renal transplantation centres.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic patient education (TPE) plays a critical role in the management of kidney transplant recipients. However, discrepancies exist in the guidance provided regarding the usage of immunosuppressants across different kidney transplant centres in France. METHODS: To assess the current landscape of TPE practices in this patient population, an online questionnaire consisting of 51 questions was distributed to 32 French renal transplantation centres. RESULTS: The participation rate in our survey was 96.9%, (31 of the 32 centres contacted). The respondents had diverse professions: they were nurses (15/31), physicians (9/31) and pharmacists (7/31). Virtually all institutions have implemented TPE initiatives, with an implementation rate of 93.5% (29/31). The topic of anti-rejection medication was consistently addressed, with only one centre not providing support at the conclusion of these sessions. However, the content of the sessions varied significantly from one centre to another, particularly regarding the proper management of anti-rejection medications. Only 19.4% (6/31) of the centres provided the correct recommendation regarding fasting when taking tacrolimus. Dietary guidance was a topic covered in 89.7% (26/29) of the centres, but significant divergences were also observed. TPE teams primarily consisted of nurses, with pharmacists present in only 51.6% (16/31) of the centres. We also observed limited involvement of patient partners, with just 9.7% (3/31) of the centres including them in their programme. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight considerable variability in the approach towards TPE among kidney transplant centres. Addressing counselling variability and increasing pharmacist and patient partner involvement is an essential step to improving the quality and effectiveness of TPE. By establishing a standardised and comprehensive approach to patient education, healthcare providers can ensure that kidney transplant recipients receive information that will ultimately help them improve their health and well-being.

Comparative analysis of the prevalence 3-HIT concept in people living with HIV and seronegative patients with chronic conditions. Cross-3HIT Project.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess and compare the occurrence of 3-HIT in people living with HIV (PLWH) and seronegative patients. Additionally, the study investigated whether HIV infection could serve as a predictor of the presence of 3-HIT. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 to compare PLWH with a group of seronegative patients with chronic diseases attending an outpatient hospital pharmacy service. The 3-HIT concept encompasses the simultaneous presence of non-adherence to concomitant treatment (NAC), drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and high pharmacotherapeutic complexity in polymedicated patients. The assessment of 3-HIT compliance included NAC, evaluated using both the Morisky-Green questionnaire and electronic pharmacy dispensing records. DDIs were analysed using the Liverpool University and Micromedex databases. Pharmacotherapeutic complexity was measured using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors related to 3-HIT. Additionally, an explanatory logistic model was created to investigate whether HIV infection, along with other adjustment variables, could predict compliance with the 3-HIT concept. RESULTS: The study included 145 patients: 75 PLWH and 70 seronegative patients. The median age was 40 versus 39 years, respectively (p=0.22). Seronegative patients exhibited a higher prevalence of NAC (p<0.01). HIV infection was identified as a protective factor in the context of DDIs (p<0.01). Male sex (p<0.01) and age (p=0.01) were identified as being associated with an MRCI ≥11.25 points. A higher prevalence of 3-HIT was observed in seronegative patients (18.7% vs 48.6%, p<0.01). However, the developed regression model identified HIV infection as a risk factor associated with an increased likelihood of 3-HIT (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.88 to 8.52, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-HIT concept exhibited a high prevalence among seronegative patients with chronic diseases, with HIV infection identified as a predicted risk factor for NAC and the development of 3-HIT.

Results of EAHP's 2023 shortages survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP)'s 2023 shortages survey was to collect data on causes and mitigation strategies of shortages of medicines and medical devices and their impact on patient care. The survey targeted hospital pharmacists (HPs), physicians (PHYs), nurses (NRS) and other healthcare professionals (OHCPs). A separate set of questions addressed patients (PTNs). METHODS: A 49-question survey was carried out by a team at EAHP, collecting information from European HPs, PTNs, NRS, PHYs and OTHCs on shortages of medicines and medical devices in their respective countries. The survey ran from 27 February to 19 May 2023. The results were analysed by EAHP. RESULTS: There were 1497 HP responses to the 2023 survey. While 95% (n=1429) of HPs and 86% (n=127) of OHCPs consider medicine shortages an ongoing problem, 84% (n=48) of PHYs and 68% (n=15) of NRS also agreed. Shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients (77%, n=1148), manufacturing (67%, n=1007) and supply chain problems (50%, n=752) are major causes of shortages according to HPs as well as NRS and OHCPs; PHYs (49%, n=18) consider pricing to be the driver. More than 60% (n=765) of HPs, 55% (n=11) of NRS, 57% (n=30) of PHYs and 46% (n=56) of OHCPs experienced shortages of medical devices in 2022. Antimicrobials were most affected, according to all respondent groups, followed by analgesics, anaesthetics, cardiovascular and paediatric medicines. HPs (59%, n=269), NRS (57%, n=4), OHCPs (56%, n=37) and PHYs (54%, n=14) consider delays in care as the main consequence of medication shortages. CONCLUSIONS: Shortages of medicines and medical devices affect healthcare services and patient care. Increased transparency and access to information regarding ongoing and emerging shortages as well as better preparedness of healthcare professionals is crucial to their effective management.

Artificial intelligence in academic writing and clinical pharmacy education: consequences and opportunities.

The current academic debate on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and teaching has been ongoing since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. It mainly focuses on ethical considerations, academic integrity, authorship and the need for new legal frameworks. Time efficiencies may allow for more critical thinking, while ease of pattern recognition across large amounts of data may promote drug discovery, better clinical decision making and guideline development with resultant consequences for patient safety. AI is also prompting a re-evaluation of the nature of learning and the purpose of education worldwide. It challenges traditional pedagogies, forcing a shift from rote learning to more critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills. Despite this opportunity to re-think education concepts for pharmacy curricula several universities around the world have banned its use. This commentary summarizes the existing debate and identifies the consequences and opportunities for clinical pharmacy research and education.

Investigation of the hospital pharmacy profession in Europe.

OBJECTIVE: From 1995, the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has regularly investigated the progress of the hospital pharmacy profession in Europe, and identified key barriers and drivers of this. The most recent 'Investigation of the Hospital Pharmacy Profession in Europe' was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. METHODS: The online questionnaire was sent to all hospital pharmacies in EAHP member countries. The investigation was drafted using the same questions as the 2015 baseline survey. Where possible and relevant, responses were compared with the data from previous surveys that monitored the implementation of the EAHP statements. Keele University, Centre for Medicines Optimisation, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, UK analysed the data. RESULTS: The overall number of responses was 653, with a better response rate of 19% compared with 14% in 2018 statements survey. The findings indicated that participating hospital pharmacies have similar characteristics to previous surveys. Section 1 (Introductory statements and governance), section 2 (Selection, procurement and distribution), section 3 (Production and compounding), section 5 (Patient safety and quality assurance) questions were generally answered positively, with results ranging from 52% to 90%. However, results for section 4 (Clinical pharmacy services) returned lower levels of positivity, with responses from 8 of the 15 questions being less than 60%. When asked what is preventing hospital pharmacists from achieving implementation of these activities, most answers were limited capacity, not considered to be a priority by managers, or other healthcare professionals do this. The last section focused on self-assessment and action planning, with fewer than 50% of positive responses; COVID-19 preparedness and vaccines with mixed positive and negative responses. Furthermore, implementation of the falsified medicines directive impacted the medication handling processes in 50% or more of the answers. Regarding sustainability, the majority (59%) of respondents felt a greater focus should be on sustainability from an organisational or management perspective. CONCLUSION: Results offer valuable insights into the hospital pharmacy profession throughout Europe. While there have been improvements in certain areas, challenges remain, particularly in implementing clinical pharmacy services. The findings provide a foundation for further dialogue, advocacy, and strategic planning to advance the role of hospital pharmacists and enhance patient care in Europe's healthcare systems.

Influence of baseline characteristics and stratification level of patients living with HIV on pharmaceutical interventions developed according to the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years the therapeutic approach to patients with HIV has gone from being multidisciplinary to multidimensional, being vital to know the different aspects that define patients in order to outline the best care interventions for each patient. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the individual characteristics (demographic and clinical, pharmacotherapeutic and HIV infection control data) of patients with HIV being followed up using the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology on the pharmaceutical interventions performed. METHODS: A single-centre prospective observational study was conducted between February 2019 and January 2020. Patients with HIV aged ≥18 years on antiretroviral treatment and who were receiving pharmaceutical care based on the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology were included. Demographic, clinical and pharmaceutical variables and HIV infection control data were registered at baseline. To identify the independent variables associated with pharmaceutical interventions, a univariate logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included in the study. A total of 129 pharmaceutical care consultations were performed and 909 pharmaceutical interventions were carried out: 503/909 (55.3%) capacity interventions, 381/909 (41.9%) motivation interventions, 25/909 (2.8%) opportunity interventions. The educational level had a significant influence on the opportunity (p=0.025) and transversal training interventions performed (p=0.001). A relationship was found between the antiretroviral therapy received and the development of safety interventions (p=0.037). The presence of polypharmacy significantly influenced concomitant review and validation (p=0.030) and motivation interventions (p=0.041). Adherence of ≥95% had a significant influence on the motivation interventions carried out (p=0.038). Stratification significantly influenced adherence interventions (p=0.033). The sex and age of the patients, as well as their toxic habits, presence of comorbidities, CD4+ cell count and HIV viral load, did not significantly influence the pharmaceutical interventions performed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has elucidated the pharmaceutical interventions carried out in a pharmaceutical care consultation for patients with HIV based on the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity model and ascertained the individual characteristics (demographic and clinical, pharmacotherapeutic and HIV infection control data) that may have conditioned them.

Do junior doctors make more prescribing errors than experienced doctors when prescribing electronically using a computerised physician order entry system combined with a clinical decision support system? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Prescribing errors can lead to inconvenience, morbidity and mortality. It is therefore crucial to educate doctors to prescribe safely, efficiently and effectively. To create an effective educational programme, it is essential to understand which errors are made and by whom. The aim of this study is to explore if the experience level of the doctor influences how many and which prescribing errors are made in a European academic teaching hospital, where a computerised physician order entry system (CPOE) with a clinical decision support system (CDSS) is exclusively used. METHODS: Prescriptions for all inpatients in an academic teaching hospital were collected in June 2021. All prescriptions with an alert generated by the CDSS which could not be handled by a pharmacy technician according to local protocol were checked for errors. Identified errors were categorised by type and severity. RESULTS: A total of 130 538 prescriptions were newly made or altered by doctors. Of these prescriptions, 1914 (1.5%) were retained for a check by the pharmacist. These contained 430 prescribing errors (0.3% of total prescriptions). Doctors not in specialty training and those in specialty training made more prescribing errors than consultants (0.5% and 0.5% vs 0.1%; p<0.001). Doctors in specialty training made relatively more drug-drug interaction errors than consultants (n=31 (16%) vs n=3 (3%), p<0.05). No significant difference was found regarding the severity of the errors. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors not in specialty training and doctors in specialty training, who are the less experienced doctors, make more prescribing errors than consultants, even with the use of a CPOE combined with CDSS. The type of errors differ between doctors of different experience levels. This finding provides a solid basis for specific additional education to medical students, doctors not in specialty training and doctors in specialty training.

Game-based training to promote handwashing, handrub and gloving for hospital pharmacy operators.

OBJECTIVES: Adherence to handwashing, handrub and gloving procedures is mandatory for safe, aseptic drug compounding in hospital pharmacies. This study measured participants' satisfaction and effectiveness of a game-based training tool (Handtastic Box) developed to improve adherence. METHODS: Handtastic Boxes were played by pairs of pharmacy operators (introductory video, 1 min study of guidelines, game). In module 1, players watched videos of somebody handwashing and had to find the missing step. They examined wooden models of hands under ultraviolet (UV) light, with some areas stained with fluorescein, to find the hand showing contamination. In module 2, players used a fluorescein hydroalcoholic solution and placed their hands under UV light to highlight missing areas. In module 3, players identified major errors that could compromise glove sterility and linked them to a problem explanation. Then, they applied paint to their fingertips and donned gloves-the paint had to stay inside them. Satisfaction about the training was assessed with a 10-question survey; knowledge about procedures was assessed using a before-and-after questionnaire of nine questions, a 100-point confidence score (modules 1 and 2), and the number of before-and-after errors made during donning gloves (module 3). RESULTS: Operators were very satisfied and felt more competent after training. Average knowledge score increased from 56.3% (SD 18.2%) to 93.7% (SD 9.5%), and confidence in answers increased from 66.4% (SD 18.7%) to 95.7% (SD 5.52%) (n=14, both modules 1 and 2). The mean error score for gloving procedure decreased from 1.7 (SD 0.8%) to 0.3 (SD 0.5%) (n=10, module 3). CONCLUSION: Handtastic Boxes proved to be a highly effective training method for improving knowledge of handwashing, handrub and gloving.

Development and evaluation of a blended learning training programme for pharmacy technicians' continuing education.

OBJECTIVES: The role of the pharmacy technician (PT) has expanded in recent years, requiring new competencies, better communications skills and high-level knowledge about drugs. The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a blended learning programme for PTs' continuing professional development. METHODS: A blended learning programme designed to enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes was created using a six-step approach to curriculum development for medical education. The first part included three short microlearning videos to improve knowledge; the second consisted of a 1.5 hour 'edutainment' session for groups of 5-6 PTs to deepen their knowledge and practice skills. Impacts on knowledge, degree of certainty and self-perceived competence were evaluated before training (pre-test), after the microlearning (post-test 1) and after the edutainment session (post-test 2). RESULTS: The three microlearnings were entitled 'Communication', 'Cut-crush a tablet/open a capsule' and 'Pharmacy website'. The edutainment session used team-based learning, game-based learning, peer instruction and simulation. Twenty-six PTs of mean±SD age 36±8 years participated. Pre-test and post-test 1 evaluation scores showed significant overall improvements in mean knowledge (9.1/18 vs 12.1/18, p<0.001), mean degree of certainty (3.4/5 vs 4.2/5, p<0.001) and mean self-perceived competence (58.6/100 vs 72.3/100, p<0.001). After post-test 2, mean knowledge (12.1/18 vs 13.1/18, p=0.010) and mean self-perceived competence (72.3/100 vs 81.1/100, p=0.001) scores had improved, but not mean degree of certainty (4.2/5 vs 4.4/5, p=0.105). All participants found the blended learning programme suitable for their continuing professional development. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the positive effects of using our blended learning programme to improve PTs' knowledge, degree of certainty and self-perceived competence, to their great satisfaction. This pedagogical format will be integrated into PTs' continuing professional development and include other educational topics.

Assessing health literacy in transplant patients to better tailor the content of their therapeutic education: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate health literacy in transplant patients to better tailor the content of their continuing therapeutic education. METHODS: A 20-item questionnaire divided into five themes (sport/recreation, dietary measures, hygiene measures, recognition of the signs of graft rejection and medication management) was sent to transplant patient associations. Participants' responses (a score out of 20 points), were analysed according to demographic characteristics, transplanted organ (kidney, liver or heart), type of donor (living or deceased), participation in a therapeutic patient education (TPE) programme, management of end-stage renal disease (with or without dialysis) and the date of transplant. RESULTS: 327 individuals completed the questionnaires (mean age 63.3±12.7 years, mean time post-transplant 13.1±12.1 years). From 2 years after transplantation, the patients' score decreases significantly compared with the score obtained at hospital discharge. Patients who received TPE had significantly higher scores than patients who did not receive it, but only in the first 2 years post-transplant. The scores were different depending on the organs transplanted. Patients' knowledge varied according to the theme; the percentage of errors being higher for questions related to hygienic and dietary rules. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of the role of the clinical pharmacist in maintaining the transplant recipient's health literacy level over time to increase graft life. We show the topics on which pharmacists must acquire solid knowledge to best meet the needs of transplant patients.

Implementing an innovative, patient-centered approach to day case arthroplasty: improving patient outcomes through remote preoperative pharmacist consultations.

OBJECTIVE: Elective surgery suffered significant loss of capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, hip and knee arthroplasties are being conducted as day case procedures. Pre-admission pharmacist consultations were introduced (the intervention) for these patients. This consultation aimed to address perioperative medicines issues, promote patient empowerment, improve prescribing quality and contribute to reduction in length of stay (LoS). METHODS: All patients listed for a total/unicompartmental knee replacement (TKR/UKR) or total hip replacement (THR) at an ambulatory care hospital were identified by a pharmacist prescriber 1-2 weeks before the operation. Pharmacist consultations were conducted remotely with discharge prescriptions written electronically and dispensed before admission. Prescribing data were collected for both pre-intervention (n=80) and post-intervention (n=129) groups along with all interventions undertaken during consultations. Staff opinion was sought via online questionnaire and patient opinion was gathered via post-discharge telephone calls. RESULTS: A total of 115 interventions took place during 129 patient consultations and >75% of interventions were of a significance expected to improve patient care. Prescribing standards were improved in the intervention group compared with patients whose arthroplasty was before the introduction of this service. The pharmacy service would have produced a different prescription in 38.8% of the pre-intervention group. Staff and patient feedback was extremely positive and all patients with previous surgical experience in the health board reported an improved experience. There was a statistically significant reduction in post-discharge healthcare encounters (such as general practitioner (GP) visits) in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: This novel remote preoperative pharmacist consultation improved prescribing standards, enhanced the patient's surgical experience and reduced the burden on post-discharge healthcare systems.