Antibiotic prescribing for acute uncomplicated cystitis among community pharmacists in Thailand.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacists toward acute uncomplicated cystitis regarding diagnosis, referral, and conformity to guidelines of the chosen antibiotic and to identify the associated factors with the pharmacist's knowledge. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire. Data was collected from 349 community pharmacies in upper southern Thailand between December 2021 and February 2022. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with an inappropriate diagnosis of acute uncomplicated cystitis. The variables with P-value < 0.2 were included in the multivariate model. The statistically significant level was set as P-value < 0.05. KEY FINDINGS: Three hundred and forty-nine pharmacists from 349 community pharmacies were included. Approximately 65% and 69% of the participants had the knowledge to identify which patients should be considered for cystitis and which patients should be considered for acute uncomplicated cystitis. Ninety eight percentage of pharmacists could select the appropriate antibiotic for uncomplicated cystitis patients. The most prescribed antibiotics were ciprofloxacin (44.7%), norfloxacin (40.7%), and ofloxacin (10.3%). Inappropriate diagnosis was significantly related to age (P = 0.016) and role in the community pharmacy (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The majority of participants had misconceptions about the differential diagnosis between complicated and uncomplicated cystitis. These were related to the community pharmacists' advanced age. Continuous pharmacy education should be established to advocate rational antibiotic use, especially in a country where community pharmacists are legally allowed to dispense antimicrobials without a prescription.

Evaluation of community pharmacy technicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about erectile dysfunction and its predictors in Gondar Town: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Background: Erection Dysfunction, which primarily affects males older than 40 years, is the inability to regularly produce or retain a penile erection that is strong enough to satisfy sexual activity. Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to erectile dysfunction and its predictors among community pharmacy technicians in Gondar, Ethiopia. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study on pharmacy technicians in Gondar from June 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022. The study included 165 respondents and utilized a standardized questionnaire with 42 questions to assess their knowledge (18 items), attitudes (5 items), practices (15 items), and demographic characteristics (4 items) regarding erectile dysfunction. We performed both univariate and multivariate analyses on the collected data. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that greater educational attainment was independently correlated with increased knowledge of erectile dysfunction. For postgraduate pharmacy education, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 0.031 (95 % CI: 0.006-0.170, p < 0.001).Regarding work experience, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were as follows: 6.223E-010 (95 % CI: 9.713E-011-3.987E-009, p < 0.001) for 1-5 years, 7.940E-010 (95 % CI: 1.381E-010-4.566E-009, p < 0.001) for 5-10 years, and 6.134E-010 (95 % CI: 1.333E-010-2.824E-009, p < 0.001) for over 10 years.Additionally, respondents with 5-10 years of work experience had an AOR of 8.129 (95 % CI: 1.476-44.786, p = 0.016), and the gender of the participants had an AOR of 3.399 (95 % CI: 1.239-9.325, p = 0.017), both of which were associated with erectile dysfunction behaviors.The aggregate ratings indicated that the participants had moderate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding erectile dysfunction. The Pearson Correlation Test revealed a significant positive relationship between knowledge of erectile dysfunction and attitude (r = 0.589 and p < 0.001) and practice (r = 0.524 and p < 0.001). Additionally, attitudes and practices showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.321, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study findings showed that pharmacy technicians have a moderate level of understanding, attitudes, and practices regarding erectile dysfunction. The scores for general erectile dysfunction knowledge, attitude, and practice showed a significant positive association (p < 0.001).

Community pharmacy & primary care integration: qualitative study on stakeholders' opinions and interventions.

Background: Health systems worldwide are under pressure. Integration seems a possible solution to improve healthcare systems efficiency. This research aims to gather stakeholders' opinions on integrating community pharmacy and the primary healthcare system and secondly to explore and prioritise interventions for an initial integration plan. Method: Using a constructivist qualitative research approach, a two-phase qualitative study was conducted in the Basque Country, Spain. Thematic analysis using NVivo® was undertaken on data gathered during focus groups and semi-structured interviews (phase 1). During phase 2, a nominal group prioritised potential integration interventions identified in phase 1. Results: The study amalgamated findings from four focus groups and nine interviews, revealing six themes. Stakeholders had a diverse understanding of integration, associating the term mainly with collaboration, communication or cooperation. Community pharmacies were positively perceived; however, their commercial and privately owned nature was of concern. Remuneration methods for pharmacists were controversial, with a suggested shift to service-based remuneration. Information availability and barriers such as interprofessional communication gaps were highlighted. The nominal group prioritised, according to importance and feasibility, bidirectional communication development, coordination in using interprofessional protocols and community pharmacist participation in primary healthcare centre meetings as interventions for integrating community pharmacies and primary healthcare centres. Conclusion: Based on the opinions of stakeholders, three interventions are proposed to initiate the integration process of community pharmacy and primary care. The implementation of these interventions will need to be negotiated with the relevant authorities and evaluated.

Ethical conflicts in patient care situations of community pharmacists: a cross-sectional online survey.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacy practice is rarely considered in ethical research, although various ethical conflicts are known for this setting. Data on the actual frequency and perceived burden of ethical conflicts occurring in the community pharmacy setting are required. AIM: The survey aimed at investigating the frequency and perceived burden of ethical conflicts, reasons for the perceived burden and influences on decision-making in ethical conflicts in German community pharmacists. METHOD: An online survey was conducted among community pharmacists. It contained 15 ethical conflicts in which the ethically required action conflicts with another principle (e.g. law). Basing on these conflicting principles, 12 considerations relevant for decision-making were defined (e.g. solidarity principle). Participants were asked to rate the ethical conflicts in terms of frequency and perceived burden and to rate the influence on decision-making for the considerations. Results were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were evaluated. The participant's median age was 39 (min-max: 20-78) years, 378 (71%) were female. Seven of the 15 predefined ethical conflicts were rated as occurring predominantly at least once a week. "Generic drug is not most suitable" was rated as the most frequent. Three ethical conflicts were rated mainly with a (very) strong burden. "Concerns for an unborn child" was rated as the most burdensome. Three of the 12 predefined decision-making considerations: pharmaceutical knowledge, legal requirements and personal values were rated primarily as having a very strong influence on decision-making. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists in community pharmacies are frequently affected by burdensome ethical conflicts in patient care situations.

Factors Influencing Drug Shortages and Their Resolution in South Korean Community Pharmacies.

Purpose: Drug shortages directly affect the final stage in the pharmaceutical supply chain, prescription fulfillment in community pharmacies (CPs). This study investigated the current state of drug shortages, their resolution, and influencing factors within CPs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among pharmacists working at pharmacies in Seoul between 7 and 31 October 2022. The survey gathered data on pharmacies and pharmacists' characteristics, drug distribution, information, communication, and administrative practices. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing these rates. Regression results are presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of the 1200 pharmacists approached, 713 participated, yielding a response rate of 59.4%. After excluding incomplete responses, data from 671 respondents were analyzed. Pharmacies with higher prescription drug sales demonstrated a lower OR for drug shortages (OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.60-0.72) compared to those with lower sales volumes. Resolution rates were significantly higher when pharmacies were located near clinics (OR=3.30, 95% CI=2.3-4.74) and general hospitals (OR=3.45, 95% CI=2.35-5.07) compared to those without nearby medical facilities. Additionally, good communication with prescribers increased the resolution rates (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.26-1.69). Conclusion: This study examines the influence of pharmacy purchasing power on drug shortages, identifying proximity to healthcare facilities and communication with prescribers as factors affecting the resolution rates. These findings provide valuable insights for pharmacists, policymakers, and future researchers to optimize drug supply chain management and mitigate shortages in community settings.

Use of the BRANT-MERQS scoring table for the quality assessment of type 3 medication review in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: A type 3 medication review (MR3) is a patient-centred medication service primarily provided by pharmacists and is presently employed routinely in several countries. In this process, pharmacists interview patients and collaborate with the treating physician to optimize the patient's pharmacotherapy, taking into account the patient's medication history and other medical data including laboratory values. The need to maintain the quality of such interventions during and after their initial implementation cannot be overstated. Aim: The objective of this study was to refine and assess a scoring table to evaluate the quality of MR3 conducted in Belgian community pharmacies. Methods: The comprehensive quality of MR3s was assessed by scoring its various components using a previously developed scoring table, called BRANT-MERQS, Brussels Antwerp Medication Review Quality Score. MR3s were analysed from an implementation study with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA, subproject 1) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, subproject 2). Additional information was obtained during a telephone call with a subset of participating pharmacists of subproject 1 who finalized their first MR3. Results: In subproject 1, a total of 21 MR3s of patients with RA were examined. The assessment showed favourable scores for elements such as a well-organized medication schedule, treatment adherence, and the elaboration of specific interventions. However, certain other quality criteria posed challenges in the evaluation, for example, the use of simple and understandable language. Pharmacists faced time constraints, and elderly general practitioners (GPs) displayed limited enthusiasm, which were notable barriers observed for this subproject. In the context of subproject 2 that investigated 41 MR3s in patients with T2DM, the quality criteria of interaction between pharmacist and GP, and used sources and tools received high scores. However, there was still room for improvement, especially in areas such as accurate dosing, handling kidney function, QT prolongation, correctly associating laboratory values with relevant drugs and medical conditions, and optimisation of medication schedules for patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of MR3 quality assessment through a scoring system. However, it also unveiled the tool's current imperfections and highlighted the ongoing need for refinement, something expected of a new service in an implementation phase.

Lifeguard Pharmacy: the co-development of a new community pharmacy response service for people in danger from domestic abuse or suicidal ideation.

BACKGROUND: Domestic abuse (DA) and suicidal ideation (SI) are prevalent and often co-occur. Numerous practical and psychosocial barriers inhibit help-seeking, including accessibility and confidentiality concerns. Pharmacies are accessible and may be perceived as a discreet venue for a DA and SI response service. OBJECTIVE: To co-develop a community pharmacy response service for people experiencing domestic abuse or suicidal ideation. METHODS: Overall, 36 unique individuals contributed at least once to a series of focus groups, interviews or workshops to co-develop the service components. Participants had lived experience of DA/SI or were professionals from DA/SI support services or pharmacies. Audio recordings and field notes from events were thematically analysed. Specific themes were identified and informed the development of the service components. KEY FINDINGS: Participants supported the development of this new service and considered community pharmacies to be an ideal setting. They thought of the service as a lifeline, that would offer hope. Under this main concept of hope, five main themes were identified: Safety, Empathy, Empowerment, Equity, and Discretion. Participants' practical considerations were incorporated into the service design, including the name choice of "Lifeguard Pharmacy", the strapline "Bringing Hope to Life", and the development of a "Client Flowchart" outlining how to welcome a client, arrange for a consultation, and then guide clients out of the pharmacy afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings supported the development and introduction of this pharmacy-based intervention, which may help overcome barriers to help-seeking for DA or SI due to its sense of hope, accessibility, and discretion.

[Design of a Tool for Patient Classification Based on Pharmacotherapeutic Attitudes]. / Diseño de una herramienta para la clasificación de pacientes en base a su actitud farmacoterapéutica.

Introduction: Perception and relief of pain exhibit variability among individuals. Age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, actual stress level, mood, or medical conditions can modify the personal interpretation of pain and responses to pharmacological treatment. These differences may play a significant role in the effects, sometimes unwanted, of analgesic treatment. Objectives: Define patient typologies with Failed Back Syndrome regarding attitudes toward the disease, treatment, healthcare, and the follow-up they receive from their healthcare professionals. Create a tool for patient profile identification. Materials and Methods: A clinical case series study, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional. Study population: patients from the Pain Unit of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria University Hospital (HUNSC) in Tenerife, conducted in three phases: collection of medical history data (F0), initial visit (F1), and personal interview (F2). Results: Five patient typologies are obtained based on responses to 17 items. Regression equations are calculated from these responses to predict the patient type. They are grouped into "Classics," "Dependents," "Critics," "Unconscious," and "Responsible." Additionally, two tools with 17 items and another with 7 optimized items are developed to simplify the process. Conclusions: These tools enable Community Pharmacy (CP) to identify patients based on their characteristics to direct personalized strategies for each of them.

[Dose adjustment according to renal function in a polymedicated patient included in the medication reconditioning service using medication compliance aids (MCA)]. / Ajuste de dosis según función renal en una paciente polimedicada incluida en el servicio de reacondicionamiento de medicamentos utilizando sistemas personalizados de dosificación (SPD).

78-year-old patient, polymedicated and enrolled in the medication compliance aids service. When she went to pick up her medication, she informed us that for a few months she has been suffering from fatigue, weakness, dizziness and confusion. A medication review is performed, focused on the dosage of renal metabolism or elimination medications, based on the patient's estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). A referral was made to the Primary Care Physician (PCP) through a report, in which the dose reduction of losartan and manidipine was recommended according to the patient's eGFR. The PCP reduced the dose of antihypertensives. A follow-up of the case was carried out, which allowed to observe that the patient stopped presenting the symptoms initially described.

[Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease in the Community Pharmacy. CRIERFAC Study: Description of the Methodology]. / Cribado de Enfermedad Renal Crónica en Farmacia Comunitaria. Estudio CRIERFAC: descripción de la metodología.

Abstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the existence of abnormalities in renal structure or function with an impact on health. This is usually considered when estimated glomerular filtration (eGF) falls under 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Its clinical course leads to renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) when eGF falls under 15 mL/min/1.73m2. Screening in at risk populations has been proven to be cost-effective. The aim of this work is to perform CKD screening in the community pharmacy. In this publication we report and justify the methodology in detail. Methodology: Pharmacists from the community pharmacies taking part selected patients who complied with inclusion and not exclusion criteria. Creatinine was measured by means of a finger prick and eGF calculated with the formula CKD-EPI. If this is lower than a set value, which depends on age, referral to the general practitioner takes place. Results: A total of 141 out of 200 pharmacies took part in the study. In all 2116 patients were recruited and 116 patients were lost. The final sample size was 2000 patients. Discussion: The protocol was successfully implemented by community pharmacists and was extremely well received by community pharmacy users. The age adjustment for eGF thresholds provides a novel additional filter. The aim is not to overburden primary care centres with potential referrals of false positives. Confirmation of the diagnosis is subject to voluntary communication by the patient to the pharmacist.

[Pharmaceutical Interventions in Benzodiazepine users during the COVID-19 Pandemic]. / Intervenciones farmacéuticas en usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical Intervention aims to optimize and rationalize the use, effectiveness, and safety of dispensed medications resolving drug-related problems (DRPs) and negative medicine outcomes (NMOs). Objectives: To evaluate Pharmaceutical Interventions in Benzodiazepines users during the COVID-19 pandemic from a Community Pharmacy. Method: Prospective observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study (AEMPS code: DAA-CLO-2020-01) of Pharmaceutical Interventions offered by the community pharmacy between August 2020 and February 2021. Results: A total of 306 Pharmaceutical Interventions were conducted involving 127 patients. Health education and personalized medication information were the most common Pharmaceutical Interventions after detecting a high level of unfamiliarity with the Benzodiazepines among patients. Pharmaceutical Interventions leading to medical referrals accounted for 37.8% of the total, triggered by the detection of DRPs and/or NMOs or after identifying the patient as candidate for deprescription. These referrals included patients with a very high level of depression according to the Euroqol 5D-3L test. Pharmaceutical Interventions resulting in Medication Review with Follow-up Service were performed in 3.1% of patients. The patient acceptance rate of Pharmaceutical Interventions reached 98.4%. Conclusions: The high acceptance rate of Pharmaceutical Interventions reinforces the value of Community Pharmacy in optimizing and rationalizing Benzodiazepines usage, while strengthening the pharmacist-patient relationship. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to pharmacist-physician collaboration despite of the availability of telecommunication protocols among healthcare professionals.

[Exploration of professional and working conditions among community pharmacists in Gipuzkoa]. / Exploración sobre la situación profesional y laboral de los farmacéuticos comunitarios de Gipuzkoa.

The purpose of this study is to explore the professional and working conditions of community pharmacists in the province of Gipuzkoa.The methodology employed involved: 1) A discussion with owner pharmacists and associate pharmacists, 2) A survey on satisfaction and work-life balance of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, and 3) Analysis of the reasons for cancelling membership of the association of pharmacists in the last 3 years. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.There was evidence of a range of issues including difficulty in recruiting associate pharmacists, unfavourable work-life balance, low job satisfaction and lack of professional development, poor business hours and other working conditions. Owner pharmacists reported a higher level of job satisfaction and work-life balance than associate pharmacists (p<0.001). However, both groups had a poor work-life balance. The issue of work-life balance is seen as being better in pharmacies with continuous business hours, as opposed to those with split (morning/afternoon) hours. Seventy percent (n=67) of pharmacists who cancelled their membership of the association over the last three years moved to another professional domain, particularly education and industry.In-depth deliberation is required into the professional and working situation of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, with a view to positing global strategies to improve job satisfaction and work-life balance.

[Detection of people at risk of having diabetes in the community pharmacy with the Findrisc test 2014-2021]. / Detección de personas en riesgo de padecer diabetes en la farmacia comunitaria con el test de Findrisc en los años 2014-2021.

Aim: To analyze diabetes risk screening using the Findrisc questionnaire, performed in Spanish community pharmacies (CP) since 2014. Methods: Descriptive cumulative study of the results of campaigns from Global Diabetes Day, in 2014, 2016-2018, 2020 and 2021. Subjects: Users ≥18 years not diagnosed with diabetes with signed consent. Variables: Findrisc test score, mean (m) and standard deviation (SD) and subjects at risk intervals, n (%). Demographic (sex, age) and anthropometric variables, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm), capillary glycaemia (SD) (mg/dL). Results: A total of 1146 pharmacists took part; 12,402 users. A total of 8799 (70.9%) had BMI ≥25 kg/m2; 7366 (59.4%) were taking anti-hypertensives, 6047 (48.8%) with excessive abdominal circumference. In total, 5962 (48.0%) had a family history of diabetes.Average risk (Findrisc score) was 11.3 (4.6), without any sex differences (P>0.05). The number of subjects with high/very high risk (F≥15) was 3107 (25.0%) without any sex differences (P>0.05). The high/very high risk increased with age, from 282 (15.1%) people aged 45 to 54 up to 1695 (40.1%) people aged >64. A total of 1762 (14.2%) were referred to the doctor. There are no data on the result.Average interview time: 10.3 (5.3) minutes, no differences between sexes (P>0.05). Conclusions: One quarter of those surveyed had a high/very high risk and one in seven were referred to the doctor.The most prevalent risk factors were BMI, hypertension, abdominal circumference and family history of diabetes.Interprofessional communication should be improved as no result was obtained from referrals to the doctor.

Clinical Services, Barriers, and Public Perspectives of Community Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there is an increasing demand for community pharmacists to provide the highest level of clinical knowledge and services. However, evidence regarding Saudi public awareness of the clinical services offered by community pharmacies (CPs) and the barriers to using them is limited. In this cross-sectional study, we used an online questionnaire developed by adapting the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. A total of 273 participants completed the survey. Half the participants were generally aware of the availability of some CP services but were not informed about the full range on offer, eg, medication reviews (84%) and online counseling (89%). Most of the participants (69.6%) did not identify differences in the care provided by community pharmacists versus hospital pharmacists (P = 0.02). A commonly reported barrier to using CP services was a general preference for other healthcare professionals to seek pharmaceutical help (85.7%). Many other barriers were also reported, impacting the participants' use of these services. The decision-making authorities should consider improvements to increase patients' awareness and utilization of clinical services and enhance community pharmacists' performance in clinical-oriented pharmaceutical care.

Antimicrobial Stewardship of Oral Third-Generation Cephalosporins in Community Pharmacy: A Single-Center Quasi-Experimental Study.

Proper use of antimicrobials in hospital and outpatient settings is critical for minimizing the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. Some hospitals have intervened in the inappropriate use of third-generation oral cephalosporins. However, there have been no such studies in community pharmacy settings. This study aimed to investigate how the use of oral third-generation cephalosporins in community pharmacies affects the amount of antimicrobials used. Patients who visited Nakanomaru Pharmacy after being prescribed antimicrobials at target medical institutions between February 2021 and January 2023 were identified. The number of oral antimicrobials used, duration of use, number of prescriptions, patient age and sex, and infectious diseases in the target patients before and after the intervention for the proper use of oral third-generation cephalosporins were retrospectively investigated based on the patients' medication history and prescription receipts. Through efforts to ensure the proper use of oral third-generation cephalosporins, the amount of oral third-generation cephalosporins used has decreased, and the use of penicillins and oral first-generation cephalosporins has increased. There was no increase in the antimicrobial change or relapse rates associated with treatment failure before and after the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial use. By working toward the proper use of oral third-generation cephalosporins in community pharmacies, we were able to reduce the doses of oral third-generation cephalosporins without compromising their therapeutic efficacy. We believe that recommending the selection of narrow-spectrum antimicrobials based on these guidelines will contribute to their proper use.

Influence of drug shortages on the well-being at work of pharmacists practicing in community pharmacies.

Introduction: The problem of drug shortages is not new, but it has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. In community pharmacies, pharmacists are forced to develop daily strategies to deal with such shortages and ensure patient care. These efforts result in significant constraints and adjustments to pharmacists' daily practices. The aim of this study is to explore the possible relationship between the consequences of drug shortages and the well-being of pharmacists in pharmacies. Material & method: This study adopts an exploratory qualitative approach by interviewing pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Wallonia. The data were collected between March and June 2023 through individual semi-structured interviews using a resolute guide. The interview guide was adapted as the interviews progressed and according to the pharmacists' views. 16 participants were included, including 7 owner pharmacists, 3 non-owners, and 6 non-titular pharmacists. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed through a thematic approach. Results: An in-depth study of the day-to-day reality of pharmacies that is open to the public highlights the time-consuming nature of drug shortages, with various implications for pharmacists' relationships, finances, and workload. However, these professionals also highlight the recognition of patients when a solution is discovered, with some sources saying that shortages value the pharmacist's ability and enhance the profession. Finally, about the possibility of change in the training of pharmacists is also addressed by some pharmacists. Conclusion: Drug shortages demand changes in pharmaceutical practice and appear to affect the well-being of pharmacists in public settings. However, the impact seems complex and is amplified by the lack of personnel. With shortages continuing to rise in recent years, it would be wise to analyze the longer-term effects of this phenomenon.

Survey of community pharmacists' opinions on drug scheduling in Ontario and Québec.

Background: Over the past decade, Canada has witnessed a shift of several drugs from prescription-only to behind-the-counter (BTC) and over-the-counter (OTC) status. This work examined community pharmacists' agreement with the current scheduling of agents used in the management of allergic rhinitis, heartburn, and vulvovaginitis. Methods: From September to October 2022, an online survey was administered to pharmacists practicing in in Ontario and Québec. The survey aimed to gather insights into their preferred scheduling for 15 medicines commonly used to manage the three selected conditions. Pharmacists were asked whether they agreed with the current scheduling status of each and, if not, how they feel it should be scheduled. Results: 715 pharmacists completed the survey, 462 from Ontario and 253 from Québec. Most were staff pharmacists working 30 or more hours per week, having been a pharmacist for 1-10 years. Ontario pharmacists expressed a preference for scheduling change for five drugs (four prescription [terconazole for intravaginal use, famotidine, rupatadine, mometasone nasal spray] and one unscheduled [ranitidine 75 mg]), while Québec pharmacists expressed preference for scheduling change for three prescription drugs (terconazole for intravaginal use, famotidine, rupatadine). Discussion: As pharmacy practice continues to evolve, pharmacists' comfort with initiating previously prescription-only therapy independently or assisting patients with self-selection may similarly evolve. Of the five drugs identified as having a discrepancy between current status and pharmacist preference, four are prescription and may be candidates to consider for prescription to OTC switch. Conclusion: Pharmacists in Ontario and Québec have expressed preference for most products used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, heartburn, and vulvovaginitis to be categorised as Schedule II (BTC) or Schedule III (OTC) available only in pharmacies.

[XI SEFAC Congress: strengthening primary care and claiming the clinical value of community pharmacy]. / XI Congreso SEFAC: fortaleciendo la atención primaria y reivindicando el valor clínico de la farmacia comunitaria.

To continue providing solutions to the great challenges of the present and future of healthcare and the changing needs of patients, we must have a reinforced and coordinated primary care, with the decisive support of the Administration, which embraces technological and digital advances. Now more than ever, community pharmacy must claim reclaim its commitment to patients and its vocation to strengthen primary care, focusing on its clinical value. These are precisely the two points on which the motto of the XI National Congress of Community Pharmacists and IV International Meeting of Community Pharmacists rests, which SEFAC celebrates from May 16 to 18 in Las Palmas with the collaboration of the Official College of Pharmacists of Las Palmas ; three intense scientific-professional days in which top national and international speakers will teach content based on scientific evidence, professional practice and current health news in community pharmacy.

[Dispensing Service: An Essential Service Provided by Community Pharmacy to Enhance Patient Safety. A Case Study]. / Servicio de Dispensación: un servicio esencial brindado desde la Farmacia Comunitaria que permite reforzar la Seguridad del Paciente. A propósito de un caso.

A 38-year-old patient diagnosed with asthma and anxiety, who takes two medications (salbutamol 100 mcg inhaler (2 puffs every 6 hours), and diazepam 5 mg (0-0-1), visited the Community Pharmacy to pick up a treatment prescribed by the Primary Care Physician (PCP) following a diagnosis of anxious-depressive symptoms.During the Dispensing Service, a potential Drug-Related Problem (DRP) of prescription error is detected, which could be related with a Negative Outcomes Releated to Medicines (NOM) due to the concurrent use of desvenlafaxine and mirtazapine. Additionally, a Health Problem (HP)-related DRP was detected, as the proposal to discontinue the use of diazepam could result in an Insufficiently Treated HP, potentially leading to a NOM of Treatment Necessity due to the risk of worsening anxiety episodes.From de Community Pharmacy, a report was prepared with recommendations that were accepted by the PCP. Subsequent case monitoring revealed an improved management of the patient's health problems, as well as the resolution of the identified DRP and NOM. This ensured a rational, safe, and effective use of the medication.

[One more step in the quality of 'Farmacéuticos Comunitarios': indexing]. / Un paso más en la calidad de 'Farmacéuticos Comunitarios': indexación.

The reason for existence of a scientific journal is to disseminate knowledge of science. The objective is a continuous improvement in the quality of what is published and an increase in the number of readers. In this sense, the impact factor is an indicator that helps us visualize the improvement in the quality of our journal. To improve this impact factor, indexing in the most used databases is very important.Farmacéuticos Comunitarios is indexed in several index journals but we were missing the most used ones. In this last year we have requested indexing in the most important ones, SCOPUS and Medline. In November we received SCOPUS approval and are close to getting it on Medline. In September we were approved by the editorial criteria and in December by the scientists. We only need the technical criteria to be able to appear in Medline and in its online version PubMed. We are working on it and it is very likely that within a year we will be indexed in PubMed.