Pharmacy academics' perspectives toward interprofessional Education prior to its implementation in Qatar: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of faculty members and academic administrators, at Qatar University College of Pharmacy, towards interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice by identifying enablers, barriers and resources needed to implement IPE within the pharmacy curriculum. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was employed using focus groups discussions. Two focus groups were conducted, one focus group with faculty members (n = 5) and another focus group with academic administrators (n = 5) at Qatar University College of Pharmacy. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim by an independent experienced transcriber and validated by the study principal researcher. Thematic analysis was undertaken to generate key themes and subthemes. RESULTS: The study participants highlighted a number of enablers and challenges encountered as a result of the initial IPE events, for integrating IPE into the pharmacy curriculum. Many provided recommendations and suggestions for effective implementation of IPE. Analysis of the results focused on three main categories: enablers, barriers and recommendations. Overall, seven major themes were identified: 1) intrinsic enabling factors (initial IPE experiences, cross-appointed faculty, accreditation); 2) extrinsic enabling factors (national policy & legislation and advances in pharmacists' role); 3) student related benefits (roles & responsibilities and agents for change); 4) student hindering factors (student engagement, perceptions & attitudes and gender issues); 5) partnering academic institutions (logistical issues, familiarity with other curricula and commitment); 6) practice environment (hierarchy, healthcare professionals' attitude and lack of collaborative practice) and 7) IPE delivery (dedicated structure, IPE curriculum and extrinsic support). CONCLUSION: Pharmacy academics had positive perceptions towards IPE suggesting a high level of support and readiness to pursue IPE and an opportunity for pharmacy academics to drive the IPE agenda forward in Qatar. However, a number of challenges were reported. These are important to consider to ensure the development of effective strategies for the integration and enhancement of IPE and collaborative practice.

A Scottish and Japanese experience of patient-centred diabetic care: descriptive study of interprofessional education on live webinar.

To minimise the global burden of diabetes, the awareness of appropriate intervention methods for diabetes education and practice is essential. This project is the first international interprofessional education (IIPE) for the awareness of diabetes, with a focus on patient-centred care wherein three medical and four pharmacy students from Japan and one medical, two pharmacy, two nutrition and one occupational therapy (OT) student from Scotland participated. We described IIPE effects using interdisciplinary education perception scale (IEPS) before and after the programme among Scottish and Japanese students. University of Aberdeen/ Robert Gordon University and Nagoya University developed and established a shared online platform that provided knowledge to students on diabetes in both languages. We developed a case-based scenario that reflected diabetes care in each country using a standardised patient (SP). Lastly, a student-led live webinar was conducted on 14 November 2014 (the World Diabetes Day) to discuss and exchange care methods for SP. Each participating national team presented their care plan and all students discussed the diabetic care plan online. Both Japanese and Scottish teams were able to accurately assess the patient's condition and empathise with the SP. In conclusion, all participants learned that interprofessional collaboration was clearly required for diabetes management focused on patient-centred care. All participants appreciated the differences in the approach of the two countries involved because of the cultural- and health related differences. This programme was significant in raising awareness regarding the need for international interprofessional intervention on diabetes towards developing a model for live webinar IIPE.

Perspectives of pharmacy students in Qatar toward interprofessional education and collaborative practice: a mixed methods study.

In an IPE environment, students are expected to have better understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and contribution of other health care professions to enhance interprofessional working and collaboration with an end result of improving patient-centred and team-based care. Although many studies have investigated students' attitudes, very few employ a mixed methods design and hardly are from Middle Eastern countries. A two-staged sequential explanatory mixed method design was used to comprehensively capture the perspectives of pharmacy students toward IPE and collaborative practice. A quantitative survey was conducted as the first stage of the study, followed by an in-depth discussion of these perspectives through a qualitative phase by conducting two focus groups. For the quantitative surveys, the overall response rate was 102/132 (77%) for pharmacy students in Qatar. This was followed by two focus groups with a total of 27 participants from senior and junior students. In exploring the qualitative data, three main themes were identified in relation to the pharmacy students' perspectives. These were on the pharmacy students' perception on the enablers (professional related benefits, patient-related benefits and current positive influences), barriers (previous IPE experiences, educational related issues and current working practices and processes), and recommendations to implementing IPE and collaborative practice (future IPE and pharmacy profession).Overall, the results demonstrate a strong readiness and positive perception by pharmacy students toward IPE and collaborative practice. This study has highlighted different dimensions in pharmacy students' perceptions. It also provided a useful insight into the readiness of pharmacy students in a Middle Eastern university. Students are seeking more IPE experiences formally incorporated into their curriculum and hence educators should capitalise on these positive and enthusiastic attitudes to identify the most effective means for delivering IPE and inform curricula planning. Collaborative practice-ready graduates will produce better-educated professionals delivering higher quality care.

Perspectives of practising pharmacists towards interprofessional education and collaborative practice in Qatar.

Background Healthcare is provided by a variety of different professionals, including pharmacists who are integral members of the team, and all are expected to work collaboratively to provide quality care. Little is known about the perceptions of pharmacists in Qatar towards interprofessional collaboration. Positive attitudes towards interprofessional education are essential to successful implementation of interprofessional collaboration. Therefore, to develop effective collaboration strategies in practice settings, it was essential to survey the attitudes of practising pharmacists towards collaboration. Objective To explore the awareness, views, attitudes and perceptions of practising pharmacists in Qatar towards interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Setting Community, hospital and primary healthcare settings in Qatar. Methods This was a two-staged sequential explanatory mixed method design. It utilised a quantitative survey (Stage 1), based on a modified version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale. This was followed by a qualitative stage, utilising focus groups (Stage 2). Main outcome measures (1) Qatar pharmacists' attitudes towards interprofessional education and collaborative practice; (2) Practising pharmacists' perspectives in relation to enablers, barriers and recommendations regarding interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Results 63% of the practising pharmacists (n = 178) responded to the survey. Three focus groups followed (total n = 14). High scores indicating readiness and positive attitudes towards interprofessional education were reported for pharmacists working in hospital, community and primary healthcare settings. Qualitative analysis identified three overarching themes in relation to the enablers, barriers and recommendations for practising pharmacists working collaboratively. The enabling themes were: professional and patient related benefits, and current positive influences in Qatar; the barriers were patients' negative perceptions; the status of the pharmacy profession and current working practices and processes; the recommendations related to improving patients' perceptions about pharmacists and enhancing the status of pharmacy profession in Qatar. The findings from this study highlighted two major observations: the lack of existence of collaborative practice and hierarchy and power play. Conclusion Pharmacists demonstrated willingness and readiness to develop interprofessional learning and collaborative practice with significant steps already taken towards improving collaborative working practices in different care settings.

A nurse researcher's guide to reflexive interviewing.

BACKGROUND: In a wider doctoral study related to unfavourable experiences of nursing students studying abroad, the researcher undertook a reflexive interview to reduce the potential for bias. AIM: To discuss a method for conducting reflexive interviews and recommend their use to nurse researchers. DISCUSSION: A reflexive interview was undertaken to reduce bias and pilot an original interview instrument. A senior researcher interviewed the researcher using original questions that would be used to interview participants in the wider doctoral study. The questions required validation and therefore the reflexive interview acted as a pilot. CONCLUSION: This process acted as a learning opportunity for the researcher, improving interview skills such as keeping in mind the respondent's feelings, paying attention to the ratio of eye-contact to note-taking and consciously slowing the speed of asking questions. Biases were revealed through the listening guide, a reflexive method of analysis underpinned by experiential education. These included the beliefs that sending institutions insufficiently prepare nursing students to study abroad, such trips may not benefit the host locations and students study abroad merely to have an adventure. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The reflexive interview exposed implicit biases and enabled the researcher to pilot an original interview instrument. The recommendation for this reflexive method is justified in that it enables introspection, reduces bias and encourages social transformation.

A comprehensive systematic review of pharmacy perspectives on interprofessional education and collaborative practice.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacists are key professionals in the collaborative working process and are integral members of the healthcare team. However, there is paucity of information regarding their perspectives towards interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice. AIMS: The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise, summarise and evaluate the quality of the quantitative and qualitative literature related to the perspectives of pharmacy students, pharmacy faculty and practising pharmacists toward IPE and collaborative practice. The perspectives included their views, experiences and attitudes with a special focus on their perceived benefits and challenges in relation to IPE and collaborative practice. METHODS: An integrated mixed method systematic review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched for articles published in English between 2000 and 2015. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles were identified meeting the selection criteria from the first initial search of 8512 articles. Seventeen articles (59%) targeted pharmacy students, 11 articles (38%) focused on practising pharmacists and 1 study (3%) was related to pharmacy faculty. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States (n = 13), were published in the last five years (83%, n = 24) and employed quantitative methods (52%, n = 15). The two commonly used survey instruments to measure the perspectives were: different versions of the RIPLS (35%, n = 6) and the IEPS scale (35%, n = 6). Fourteen of the 29 studies were rated as low quality (MMAT = 25%), eight studies were rated as average quality (MMAT = 50%), four were rated as high quality (MMAT 75%) and three were rated as very poor quality (MMAT 0%). No studies were rated with 100% MMAT quality. Overall, the findings suggest that pharmacy students, practicing pharmacists and faculty valued interprofessional education and collaborative practice and had positive attitudes towards it. Five main findings have been identified from this review: heterogeneity in reporting IPE research, traditional professional image of the pharmacist, lack of longitudinal follow-up, lack of IPE research on faculty and paucity in mixed method studies in terms of quality and numbers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will provide an opportunity to stakeholders and policy makers to develop and implement IPE activities that are meaningful, comprehensive and unique. Sustained efforts are required not just in undergraduate curricula but also in healthcare settings to improve and promote an interprofessional culture at individual and organisational level.

'I Can Step outside My Comfort Zone.'

On embarking upon such a multifactorial, professional degree as Pharmacy, students often find it difficult to meld the scientific- and practice-based components of the course. In final year of the undergraduate Masters of Pharmacy degree (MPharm) within the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at Robert Gordon University (RGU), students undertake a research project within a specific area. The aims of this study were to explore the effectiveness of a novel practice based approach to a biomedical science project, to identify elements of difficulty in the process, and to explore students' perceptions and reflections. Final year students were assigned to perform a systematic literature review working within a defined area of pharmacovigilance. Students were given individual ownership of the research question and were able to choose a topic of interest. Following the successful completion of the assignment, students were invited to explore their attitudes and views of the project and reflect on the process through a focus group using a talking wall method. The findings clearly identified a shift in mindset from predominantly negative opinions initially to an overwhelming positive viewpoint.

Interprofessional education in the Arabic-speaking Middle East: Perspectives of pharmacy academics.

The current status of interprofessional education (IPE) in Arabic Middle Eastern countries is largely unexamined and there is a need to assess IPE and collaborative practice in these countries. As faculty attitudes towards IPE are believed to be one of the main factors that affect the successful integration of IPE into the different healthcare curricula, this article aims to explore the attitudes and views of pharmacy academics in Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern countries towards IPE and collaborative practice. The findings from this article are part of a larger study investigating pharmacy's perspectives of IPE and collaborative practice in Qatar and the Middle East. An online survey which included three validated scales was used to gather information from pharmacy academics at 89 pharmacy schools in 14 countries. The response rate was 107 out of 334 (32%) and the majority of the respondents were from Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was completed descriptively as well as inferentially using a series of independent t-tests. Overall pharmacy academics had positive attitudes towards IPE. The majority of the respondents, 90.8% (n = 99), perceived IPE to be important. Age, likelihood to engage in IPE, and years of IPE experience were the factors that were related to faculty members' attitudes towards IPE. Highly perceived barriers for implementing IPE included cultural challenges for each profession, scheduling common courses, and activities in addition to limited resources. The study findings indicated that pharmacy academics in the Middle East are ready to pursue IPE. These results can serve as impetus for implementing IPE in Middle Eastern countries.

EVALUATION OF AN ELECTRONIC PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (PICU) MEDICATION RECONCILIATION (MR) FORM.

AIM: To gather opinions from doctors and pharmacists to improve the design of the PICU MR form generated by the electronic prescribing and clinical notes system to support transfer of care from PICU to downstream wards that use paper systems. METHOD: A purposive sample of 10 forms covering a comprehensive range of medication information common to PICU patients was selected from practice between March 2014 and May 2014. Pharmacists (n=7) and doctors (n=9) who received these forms on downstream wards were invited to participate in semi-structured one-to-one interviews (n=20) with the PICU pharmacist within 48 hrs of receipt to explore their views about the form. The interview schedule was informed from literature and peer review. Comments and suggestions about layout and the MR process were invited. Two pilot interviews (1 pharmacist, 1 doctor) were conducted to test a priori themes were covered and that the questioning style was open, avoided leading and the participant was given time to consider their response. Interviews were recorded using an encrypted digital recorder, transcribed and checked (10%) for accuracy and coding. Framework analysis focused on documentation and work processes. SETTING: A 110 bed paediatric hospital with critical care, medical, neurology, haematology, oncology and mixed speciality surgical services. The 8-bedded PICU uses the electronic clinical information system (CIS) MetaVision® provided by iMDsoft® and includes electronic prescribing and clinical notes. Downstream wards using paper systems are provided with a new paper drug chart and printed CIS documentation on transfer. KEY FINDINGS: New themes extracted during analysis included misunderstanding of the purpose of the form, barriers to use and accessibility of the form. Despite positive comments about the form "…just pull the sheet and you know the medication is confirmed…" (Pharmacist) and "…I think it's a really good system. I think it's quite user friendly and it prints it out in an easy to read way…" (Dr). Issues were identified including unfamiliar documentation "on a paper kardex you would see straight away [medication was discontinued]… you don't know that you need to look somewhere else until you've missed it and it's along with some other chart…" (Pharmacist). Suggestions were made to alter the layout of the form to follow the logical order of steps in the MR process. Non-standard terminology introduced by the computer system was considered ambiguous. Barriers to using the form included misunderstandings in relation to the stage of the patient's journey - was it referring to admission to hospital, admission to PICU, during PICU admission or transfer from PICU? Educational needs were identified during the interviews. Missing forms were a problem. "…our biggest issue is that they come down without having had the discharge printed off…" (Dr). CONCLUSION: User input informed recommendations for improvements such as clarity of wording and layout of the form, ensuring the MR form is available downstream and highlighted areas for user education. Further evaluation will be undertaken following implementation of these changes.

A focus group based study of the perspectives of the Maltese population and healthcare professionals on medication wastage.

UNLABELLED: Background The World Health Organization states that globally more than half of all medication is inappropriately prescribed, dispensed or sold with a need to implement wastage reduction strategies. Developing processes which include behaviour change theories, such as the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), significantly impacts the positive implementation of evidence into healthcare practice. Objective To describe and understand the beliefs and behaviours regarding medication wastage of the Maltese public and healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to explore potential solutions. SETTING: Malta. Method Five 90 min audio recorded focus groups (2 public and 3 HCPs) were conducted with a purposive sample who responded to a previous survey study and were willing to participate in focus groups in Malta. The guide was based upon the TDF with interview questions derived from findings of the questionnaire phase. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was carried using the framework approach. Main outcome measure Beliefs and behaviours regarding medication wastage and potential solutions to reduce medication wastage. Results A total of eleven pharmacists, six doctors and six members of the public consented to participate. Focus groups conducted with HCPs and the general public identified the following four key themes aligned with the TDF domains to address proposed solutions to minimise medication wastage: (1) practitioner effects; (2) patients effects; (3) political effects; (4) societal effects. Conclusion This study has employed a theoretical framework to obtain a better understanding of facilitators which require attention as part of strategic development.

A cross-sectional survey of the Maltese general public on medication wastage.

BACKGROUND: Medication wastage is a global issue, with key public health implications in terms of safety, the environment and the economy. A recently conducted systematic review of the published literature identified a lack of focus on the views of healthcare professionals and the general public. OBJECTIVE: To explore awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to medication wastage amongst the general public in Malta. SETTING: Malta. METHOD: Survey methodology employing a pre-piloted questionnaire was developed from theoretical frameworks of behaviour. Questionnaire items comprised open, closed and 5-point Likert scales. Medication adherence as a possible factor associated with wastage was measured using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Random sample of 1920 was obtained from the Maltese electoral register 2013. Ethical approval was obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to medication wastage amongst the general public in Malta. RESULTS: Response rate was 20.4 %. The majority (70.6 %) agreed that they were fully aware of the issue of wastage and 71.9 % disagreed that they had no interest in wastage. The following were significantly related to increased awareness of wastage: older age (p = 0.003), pensioners (p = 0.011), on regular medication (p = 0.021) and obtaining free medication (p = 0.026). Lack of interest in wastage was significantly related to obtaining free medication by government (p = 0.022), with those purchasing medication being significantly more interested (p = 0.028). While 75.1 % of respondents on regular medication self-reported not being fully adherent, there were no associations with awareness (p = 0.100) and interest in wastage (p = 0.385). Unemployed were more likely to report contribution towards wastage (p = 0.010) and the presence of a healthcare professional as family member was significantly related to confidence in ability to reduce wastage (p = 0.009). 46.2 % claimed to have unused medication at home and improvement in patient's medical condition was the main reason for this. CONCLUSION: More effort is warranted to raise awareness of the public as an initial step in promoting behavioural change in relation to medication wastage.

Building hospital pharmacy practice research capacity in Qatar: a cross-sectional survey of hospital pharmacists.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to systematically develop research capacity within pharmacy practice. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the principal non-profit health care provider in Qatar. Traditionally, pharmacists in Qatar have limited training related to research and lack direct experience of research processes. OBJECTIVES: To determine the interests, experience and confidence of hospital pharmacists employed by HMC, Qatar in relation to research, attitudes towards research, and facilitators and barriers. SETTING: Hospital pharmacy, Qatar. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of all pharmacists (n = 401). Responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and principal component analysis (PCA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interests, experience and confidence in research; attitudes towards research; and facilitators and barriers to participation in research. RESULTS: The response rate was 53.1 % (n = 213). High levels of interest were expressed for all aspects of research, with respondents less experienced and less confident. Summary scores for items of interest were significantly higher than experience and confidence (p < 0.001). PCA identified four components: general attitudes towards research; confidence, motivation and resources; research culture; and support. While respondents were generally positive in response to all items, they were less sure of resources to conduct research, access to training and statistical support. They were also generally unsure of many aspects relating to research culture. Half (50.7 %, n = 108) had either never thought about being involved in research or taken no action. In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, the significant factors were possessing postgraduate qualifications [odds ratio (OR) 3.48 (95 % CI 1.73-6.99), p < 0.001] and having more positive general attitudes to research [OR 3.24 (95 % CI 1.62-4.67), p = 0.001]. Almost all (89.7 %, n = 172) expressed interest in being involved in research training. CONCLUSION: HMC pharmacists expressed significantly higher levels of interest in research compared to experience and confidence. While general attitudes towards research were positive, there were some barriers relating to support (e.g. administration) and research culture. Positive attitudes towards research and possessing postgraduate qualifications were significant in relation to readiness to participate in research and research training. Findings are of key relevance when considering the aims of research capacity building of encouraging research, improving skills and identifying skills gaps.

Playing interprofessional games: reflections on using the Interprofessional Education Game (iPEG).

This report explores the relevance of gaming in IPE curriculum design with the use of the Interprofessional Education Game (iPEG) as an activity aimed to achieve positive interprofessional learning outcomes for students. It was designed to enable the understanding of professional roles and responsibilities in patient/client care settings. We provide a description of its implementation and evaluation with first year student cohorts (900+ per cohort) over a 3-year period within an established interprofessional education (IPE) programme. The game encapsulates fun and memorable learning styles to explore professional stereotypes and team approaches to care delivery. It can be a valuable teaching tool for those designing IPE curriculum. Evaluation data from students and staff were mainly positive. We discuss the use of the game and its potential to be adapted in flexible and creative ways to assist educators in consider incorporating gaming within their own IPE programmes.

General practitioner views of an electronic high-risk medicine proforma to facilitate information transfer.

BACKGROUND: The potential of warfarin related harm is increased if clinicians lack the full patient specific information to make informed decisions-an e-proforma has been developed to communicate this information on hospital discharge. OBJECTIVE: To determine the views of general practitioners (GPs) on a warfarin discharge e-proforma. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of all GPs (n = 272) within the Raigmore Hospital catchment area of NHS Highland, Scotland. RESULTS: The response rate was 39.3 % (107/272). 84 (78.5 %) noticed recent changes to information supplied on discharge for warfarin patients. 64 (59.8 %) respondents thought this would result in more informed prescribing with regards to dosing, while 65 (60.7 %) felt this would improve safety. Accurate completion, timely receipt of the e-proforma and a realistic date for subsequent INR tests were considered important by GPs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the use of an e-proforma to communicate information about a high-risk medication, warfarin, to GPs on discharge optimises safe, informed prescribing and monitoring in primary care. The development of a discharge e-proforma for other high-risk medication as a patient safety improvement measure should be explored.

Development of consensus guidance to facilitate service redesign around pharmacist prescribing in UK hospital practice.

BACKGROUND: The last decade has seen a drive towards non-medical prescribing in the United Kingdom (UK). However, there is a dearth of any published literature on applying the principles of service redesign to support pharmacist prescribing in any sphere of practice. OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus guidance to facilitate service redesign around pharmacist prescribing. SETTING: UK hospital practice. METHODS: The Delphi technique was used to measure consensus of a panel of expert opinion holders in Scotland. Individuals with key strategic and operational roles in implementing initiatives of pharmacy practice and medicines management were recruited as experts. An electronic questionnaire consisting of 30 statements related to pharmacist prescribing service redesign was developed. These were presented as five-point Likert scales with illustrative quotes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consensus, defined as 70 % of panel members agreeing (ranked strongly agree/agree) with each statement. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 35/40 (87.5 %) experts in round one and 29 (72.5 %) in round two. Consensus in round one was achieved for 27/30 of statements relating to aspects of generic 'service development' (e.g. succession planning, multidisciplinary working, quality evaluation, practice development and outcome measures) and 'pharmacist prescribing role development' (e.g. education and future orientation of service). Issues of disagreement were around targeting of pharmacist prescribing to clinical specialities and financial remuneration for prescribing in the hospital setting. CONCLUSION: Consensus guidance has been developed to facilitate service redesign around hospital pharmacist prescribing.

A systematic review of the literature on 'medication wastage': an exploration of causative factors and effect of interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Reducing any wastage, including that of medications, is a paramount objective in promoting appropriate utilisation of finite resources. The objective was to systematically review the published literature, the possible causative factors associated with medication wastage and the effectiveness of any interventions to reduce wastage. METHOD: A systematic review of studies published in English was identified from the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Citation Index and The Cochrane Library. Data extraction and critical appraisal was undertaken independently by two researchers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Title, abstract and full paper screening reduced the 14,157 studies to 42. A general definition of medication wastage was reported in one paper only. 'Medication changed', 'patient death', 'resolution of patient's condition' and 'expired medications' were most commonly cited reasons for wastage. Only two studies were identified reporting wastage as a research outcome measure following intervention. CONCLUSION: The systematic review has identified a limited literature on medication wastage with a lack of consistency of terms. There is a paucity of robust research focusing on the impact of healthcare interventions on outcomes around medication wastage.

Advancing the pharmacy practice research agenda: views and experiences of pharmacists in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: There is little emphasis on pharmacy practice research in Qatar, with a lack of relevant education and training and a notable lack of exposure to processes of research. OBJECTIVE: To describe views and attitudes of pharmacists in Qatar to pharmacy practice research prior to and following a 2 day introductory research workshop. METHOD: All pharmacists (n = 350) were invited to express interest in attending. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire covering views and attitudes relating to research. Workshop sessions were on: research questions; critically appraising literature; developing research methods; collecting and analysing data; and disseminating findings. Participants completed a post-course evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the ninety expressing interest, 47 were selected and participated in the first training day, with 40 of these also attending the second day. Participants expressed positive views and attitudes towards research. Most (46/47) strongly agreed/agreed that it was their professional duty to be involved; all strongly agreed/agreed with importance of an evidence base to support practice; but there were issues around time, support and training. The research workshops were positively evaluated by participants. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate pharmacists' willingness to participate in research training in Qatar. However, there is a need to ensure that views and attitudes translate into research participation thus enhancing the evidence base.

Views of the Scottish general public on non-medical prescribing.

BACKGROUND: Under UK legislation, suitably qualified non-medical professionals can practise as prescribers. Few studies have explored the views of the general public towards non-medical prescribing. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore the views of the Scottish general public on non-medical prescribing. SETTING: General community in Scotland. METHOD: A pre-piloted survey was mailed to a random sample of 5,000 members of the general public in Scotland. In addition to the items on awareness of and attitudes towards non-medical prescribing, respondents were asked to 'give any other comments, issues or concerns you have in relation to health professionals other than doctors prescribing.' Responses were subjected to content analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Key themes identified from content analysis. RESULTS: The overall questionnaire response rate was 37.1 % (n = 1,855) of which 27.2 % (n = 505) provided comments. Most were directly related to pharmacist prescribing (n = 312) while others referred to non-medical prescribers generically (n = 172) or other healthcare professionals (n = 79). Nine themes were identified: perception of knowledge and training; support for a limited range of non-medical prescribing; access to medical records; motivation and convenience; confidence, faith and trust; privacy and confidentiality; risks, controls and continuity of care; supervision and conflict of interest; communication and cooperation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings identify support for non-medical prescribing but indicate the need for non-medical prescribers to engage more with the general public. The comments also provide insight into the challenges for non-medical prescribers, as they strive to fulfil their extended healthcare roles.

Interprofessional education in practice.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate interprofessional education (IPE) is perceived by many in health and social care education to reduce barriers between the professions. In Aberdeen there has been an IPE programme with Robert Gordon University and University of Aberdeen, and 10 health and social care courses since 2003. The steering groups reported to the Scottish Government in 2008. It was recommended that IPE should be extended from classroom-based learning experiences to practice-based learning experiences. METHODS: Replicating the same methodology, this study aimed to ascertain attitudinal change experienced by students undertaking IPE in clinical practice. Small groups in theatre and primary care were the pilot placement areas. The study design was a joint venture between the IPE research team and members of the clinical team. IPE activities were created for the specialities using adult learning and patient-centred approaches. RESULTS: Thirty-eight students from medicine, nursing and pharmacy were involved in the studies, and completed readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) questionnaires before and after the course activity. There were 29 valid responses, showing a strong level of agreement for 14 out of 19 questions. The studies suggest that the IPE activities implemented had positive effects on the students' perceptions of interprofessional working. DISCUSSION: The implications are that IPE does not require large classroom-based activities to be successful. The study was successful in achieving its aims and learning outcomes for students in the two locations. It demonstrated that students can leave university better prepared for practice. There is a need for a rigorous longitudinal study to ensure tomorrow's health and social care workforce demonstrate graduate attributes in interprofessional working.