Lineamientos técnicos para las buenas prácticas de prescripción y dispensación / Technical guidelines for good prescribing and dispensing practices

Los medicamentos son una herramienta fundamental en el tratamiento de la enfermedad y la terapéutica moderna, los que al utilizarse sobre la base de criterios científico-técnicos, permiten la obtención de importantes beneficios sanitarios representados por la prevención, diagnóstico, curación, atenuación y tratamiento de las enfermedades. Sin embargo, cuando los medicamentos se utilizan de manera inapropiada se convierten en una amenaza para la salud individual y colectiva. El presente documento aborda la prescripción y dispensación desde su esencia como un proceso racional y metódico que, basándose en los antecedentes diagnósticos pertinentes, permite la mejor elección posible de los medicamentos requeridos por el usuario

Medicines are a fundamental tool in the treatment of disease and modern therapeutics, which, when used on the basis of scientific-technical criteria, allow the achievement of important health benefits represented by prevention, diagnosis, cure, attenuation and treatment of diseases. However, when drugs are used inappropriately they become a threat to individual and collective health. The present document addresses prescription and dispensing from its essence as a rational and methodical process that, based on the relevant diagnostic background, allows the best possible choice of drugs required by the user

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

Paciente de 38 años, diagnosticado de asma y ansiedad que utilizaba 2 medicamentos (salbutamol 100 mcg inhalador (2 pulv. cada 6 horas) y diazepam 5 mg (0-0-1)), acude a la Farmacia Comunitaria (FC) para retirar un tratamiento prescrito por el Médico de Atención Primaria (MAP) tras diagnóstico de un cuadro ansioso-depresivo. Desde el Servicio de Dispensación (SD) se detectó un Problema Relacionado con el Medicamento (PRM) de un potencial error en la prescripción, que podría tener asociado un Resultado Negativo asociado a la Medicación (RNM) ante uso concomitante de desvenlafaxina y mirtazapina, así como un PRM de Problema de Salud (PS) insuficientemente tratado ante una propuesta de suspensión de uso de diazepam, que podría derivar en un RNM de Necesidad de Tratamiento ante el riesgo de empeoramiento de episodios de ansiedad. Desde la FC, se elaboró un informe de derivación con recomendaciones que fueron aceptadas por el MAP. Se llevó a cabo un seguimiento del caso que permitió realizar un mejor control de los PS presentados por el paciente, así como la resolución de los PRM y RNM detectados, garantizando así un uso racional, seguro y eficaz del medicamento. (AU)

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. (AU)

Dispensação de medicamentos na atenção primária do Sistema Único de Saúde / The dispensation of drugs in the primary health care of the Single Health System

Objetivo:analisar a dispensação de medicamentos na atenção primária do Sistema Único de Saúde em um município do Estado de São Paulo. Metodologia:realizou-se análise documental dos boletins de movimentação de medicamentos das farmácias das 19 Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de Araçatuba-SP, sede do Departamento Regional de Saúde II-SP, durante 12 meses. Os medicamentos foram agregados segundo o sistema de classificação Anatomical Therapeutic Chemicale ação farmacológica. Analisou-se o total de medicamentos dispensados e o saldo final dos principais tipos de fármacos. Resultados:foram dispensados 60.479.959 medicamentos, sendo 53,10% antibióticos, 15,42% anti-hipertensivos, 5,09% antidepressivos, 4,81% hipoglicemiantes, 3,16% ansiolíticos, 2,82% complexos vitamínicos e minerais, 2,17% antipsicóticos, 1,99% analgésicos, dentre outros tipos (11,45%). Permaneceram disponíveis 8.778.863medicamentos, sendo os anti-hipertensivos, antidepressivos e ansiolíticos os que representam a maior proporção entre estes. Os antibióticos apresentaram a menor proporção de unidades disponíveis, com aproximadamente 2%. Os hipoglicemiantes apresentaram maior diversidade de fármacos sem unidades disponíveis para dispensação. Conclusão:os principais tipos de medicamentos dispensados foram antibióticos, anti-hipertensivos, antidepressivos e hipoglicemiantes. A dispensação de medicamentos foi satisfatória, considerando que mesmo os medicamentos que não apresentaram saldo residual positivo foram substituídos por outros de propriedades farmacológicas similares

Objective: to analyze the dispensation of drugs in the primary health care of the Single Health System in a city in the State of São Paulo.Methodology: a document analysis was carried out in the reports of how the movement of drugs took place in the 19 Primary Health Care Units in the city of Araçatuba-SP, head office of the Regional Health Department II-SP, for 12 months. The medications were classified according with the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system and with their pharmacological action. The total number of drugs dispensed and the remaining amount of the main types of drugs were analyzed.Results: 60,479,959 medications were dispensed, among which 53.10% were antibiotics, 15.42% antihypertensive, 5.09% antidepressant, 4.81% hypoglycemic, 3.16% anxiolytic, 2.82% vitamin and mineral complexes, 2.17% antipsychotics, 1.99% analgesics, among others (11.45%). 8,778,863 drugs were still available, among which the most numerous were hypertensive, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Antibiotics represented the lowest percentage of available units, with approximately 2%. Hypoglycemic drugs were the ones that showed that highest diversity of unavailable medications.Conclusion: the main types of medications dispensed were antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidepressants, and hypoglycemic drugs. Drug dispensation was satisfactory,considering that even medications that did not have a positive residual supply were replaced by drugs with similar pharmacological properties

Naturaleza de las dispensaciones durante el servicio de guardia de fin de semana de las farmacias en la ciudad de Teruel / Nature of dispensations during the weekend guardservice of pharmacies in the city of Teruel

INTRODUCCIÓN: el trabajo que los farmacéuticos y otros profesionales sanitarios realizan durante el servicio de guardia tiene una importancia esencial, ya que asegura la accesibilidad al medicamento, ofreciendo consejo sanitario, seguimiento farmacoterapéutico y apoyo profesional a los pacientes fuera del horario habitual. OBJETIVO: conocer la naturaleza de las dispensaciones en el servicio de guardia de las farmacias de la ciudad de Teruel durante el fin de semana. METODOLOGÍA: estudio observacional descriptivo transversal realizado en tres farmacias comunitarias de la ciudad de Teruel. El primer período analizado comprende desde abril hasta junio de 2019 y el segundo en marzo de 2020, durante los cuatro fines de semana que las farmacias estudiadas estaban de guardia. RESULTADOS: de las 4.245 dispensaciones de los fines de semana analizadas en 2019, 1.059 (26,4 %) fueron medicamentos con prescripción realizada por servicios médicos de urgencia; 965 (21,8 %) de fármacos con prescripción crónica; 655 (15,2 %) no tenían prescripción médica de ningún tipo, pero se consideraron necesarios; 1.067 (25,8 %) no tenían prescripción médica y no se consideraron necesarios, y 499 (10,8 %) fueron dispensaciones no ortodoxas. CONCLUSIONES: el patrón de las dispensaciones durante las guardias de las farmacias es constante, independientemente de que el fin de semana sea ordinario, situación especial (Semana Santa) o situación de alarma ("COVID"). El servicio de urgencias farmacéutico no está siendo bien utilizado por la población, ya que el porcentaje de actuaciones farmacéuticas que tiene su origen en una urgencia médica es muy bajo

INTRODUCTION: The work that pharmacists and other healthcare professionals during the on-call service shades an importance that ensures accessibility to the drug, health advice, pharmacotherapeutic monitoring and profesional support to patients; out of regular hours. OBJECTIVES: Know the nature of the population in the guardservice of the pharmacies in the city of Teruel during the weekends. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in three community pharmacies in the city of Teruel. The first period analyzed ranges from April to June 2019 and the second in March 2020, during the four weekends that the pharmacies studies were on call. RESULTS: Of the 4245 weekend dispensations analyzed in 2019: 1059 (26.4%)were prescription drugs performed by emergency medical services, 965 (21.8%) of chronically prescribed drugs, 655 (15.2%) did not have a prescription of any kind but were considered necessary, 1067 (25.8%) had no prescription and were not considered necessary and 499 (10,80%) were non-orthodox dispensations. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of dispensing during pharmacy guards is constant, independently of whether the weekend is ordinary, special situation (Easter) or an Alarm Situation ("COVID"). The pharmaceutical emergency service is not being used well by the population, the percentage of pharmaceutical actions that originate from a medical emergency is very low

Information on antibiotics in an Indonesian hospital outpatient setting: What is provided by pharmacy staff and recalled by patients?

BACKGROUND: The provision of information by pharmacy staff is a key factor to ensure patients' understanding and quality use of medications, including antibiotics. However, little is known regarding the transmission of information between pharmacy staff and patients in Indonesia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify information on antibiotics provided by pharmacy staff and recalled by patients in an Indonesian outpatient setting. METHODS: The study was conducted in a hospital outpatient clinic in Malang, Indonesia, in 2019. A checklist was used to obtain the data on information provided by pharmacy staff, while interviews were conducted to determine information recalled by patients (only presenting patients were included); a total of 15 information items - i.e. 14 essential and one secondary - were observed. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise data on the checklists ('given' versus 'not given') as well as responses from the interviews ('recalled' versus 'missed'). RESULTS: Eleven pharmacy staff (two pharmacists and nine pharmacy technicians) were involved in providing information for patients obtaining oral antibiotics during the study period. Of 14 essential information items, only about half was given by pharmacy staff, with pharmacists significantly providing on average more information items than pharmacy technicians (7.96 versus 7.67 respectively; p < 0.001). The most frequently information items provided (>90%) included "antibiotic identification", "indication", administration directions (i.e. "dosage", "frequency", "hour of administration", "administration before/after meal", "route of administration"), and "duration of use". A total of 230 patients consented to the study, giving 79.9% response rate. The average number of information items recalled by patients was 7.09 (SD 1.45). Almost all patients could recall information on administration directions [i.e. "route of administration" (97.0%), "frequency" (95.2%), "dosage" (92.6%), "hour of administration" (85.7%), "administration before/after meal" (89.1%)] and "duration of use" (90.9%). Fewer patients were able to recall "antibiotic identification" (76.5%) and "indication" (77.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy staff provided antibiotic information in a limited fashion, while patients showed adequate ability to recall the information given to them. Further study is needed to better understand the effective process of information transmission between pharmacy staff and patients, especially if more information was provided, to better optimise the use of antibiotics in outpatient settings in Indonesia

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Dispensing errors in Lebanese community pharmacies: incidence, types, underlying causes, and associated factors

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence, types, the causes of as well as the factors associated with dispensing errors in community pharmacies in Lebanon. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 286 pharmacies located all over Lebanon. Data were collected by senior pharmacy students during their experiential learning placement. Collected data included information on the types of dispensing errors, the underlying causes of errors, handling approaches, and used strategies for dispensing error prevention. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to determine factors that were associated with dispensing errors. RESULTS: In the twelve thousand eight hundred sixty dispensed medications, there were 376 dispensing errors, yielding an error rate of 2.92%. Of these errors, 67.1% (252) corresponded to dispensing near-miss errors. The most common types of dispensing errors were giving incomplete/incorrect use instructions (40.9% (154)), followed by the omission of warning(s) (23.6% (89)). Work overloads/time pressures, illegible handwriting, distractions/interruptions, and similar drug naming/packaging were reported as the underlying causes in 55% (206), 23.13% (87), 15.15 % (57), and 7% (26) of the errors respectively. Besides, high prescription turnover volume, having one pharmacist working at a time, and extended working hours, were found to be independent factors that were significantly associated with dispensing errors occurrence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds light on the need to establish national strategies for preventing dispensing errors in community pharmacies to maintain drug therapy safety, considering identified underlying causes and associated factors

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Metodología Lean: diseño y evaluación de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación / LEAN methodology: design and assessment of a standardized medication storage model

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados de la aplica-ción de la metodología Lean en el diseño de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación en las unidades de hospitalización. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo desarrollado entre septiembre de 2017 y enero de 2019 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se creó un equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el Servicio de Farmacia. Se empleó la metodología Lean para establecer los elementos y criterios de organización e identificación que conformaron el modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación. Se revisaron y cuantificaron los stocks de cada unidad de hospitalización, se consensuó la medicación con la supervisora de cada unidad y se estimó el impacto económico de la implantación del modelo estandarizado. Se diseñó y envió una encuesta para evaluar la satisfacción de enfermería con el nuevo modelo. RESULTADOS: El modelo estandarizado de almacenaje se aplicó en 20 unidades de enfermería y supuso una reducción global del 56,72% en el número de presentaciones de principios activos disponibles (5.688 versus2.462). Se disminuyó el número de presentaciones de principios activos de medicamentos de alto riesgo en un 40,73% (631 versus 374). La eliminación de este despilfarro supuso un ahorro económico de 25.357,98 (Euro). Se recibieron 58 respuestas a la encuesta de satisfacción del personal de enfermería (20,70% del total de encuestas enviadas), de las que un 22,40% correspondieron al turno fijo y 77,60% al turno rotativo. La media de la satisfacción global (valorada entre 1 y 10) fue de 5,79 ± 3,61. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de la metodología Lean es útil para la gestión de stocks de medicación de las unidades de hospitalización. La implantación del modelo estandarizado de almacenaje conlleva un ahorro económico y una reducción del número de presentaciones de principios activos y de medicamentos de alto riesgo. El personal de enfermería está conforme con la implantación del modelo, lo que nos plantea seguir en esta línea de mejora

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the results of applying Lean Methodology in the design of a standardized medication storage model in hospitalization departments. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study conducted between September 2017 and January 2019 in a tertiary level hospital. The Pharmacy Service led the creation of a multidisciplinary team. Lean Methodology was used to establish the components and organization and identification criteria that made up the standardized medication storage model. The stocks of each hospitalization department were reviewed and quantified, the final amount of stock needed was agreed with the supervisor of each department, and the economic impact of the implementation of the standardized medication model was assessed. A questionnaire was designed and sent to nursing staff to determine their level of satisfaction with the new model. RESULTS: The standardized medication storage model was scaled up to 20 nursing departments, leading to an overall reduction of 56.72% in the number of pharmaceutical dosage forms available (5,688 vs 2,462). The number of high-risk drugs was reduced by 40.73% (631 vs 374). This elimination of wastage achieved a saving of (Euro)25,357.98. A total of 58 nurses returned the questionnaires (20.70% of the total): 22.40% worked a fixed shift and 77.60% worked a rotating shift. The mean score on overall satisfaction was 5.79 ± 3.61 (scores ranged from 1 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The application of Lean Methodology is very useful for the management of medication stocks in hospitalization departments. The implementation of a standardized medication storage model leads to economic savings and a marked reduction in the number of active ingredients and high-risk medications. The nursing staff were satisfied with the implementation of the model, suggesting that we should continue to pursue this effective line of action

Servicio profesional farmacéutico de indicación farmacéutica en sequedad ocular utilizando el programa 'I-VALOR' / Minor ailment service for dry eye syndromes: I-VALOR programme

INTRODUCCIÓN: la labor del farmacéutico comunitario en el Servicio de Indicación Farmacéutica (SIF) es muy importante como primera línea de asistencia a la población, aunque no está suficientemente documentada. OBJETIVOS: evaluar la intervención del farmacéutico comunitario en el SIF ante una consulta sobre enfermedad de ojo seco (EOS) con el uso de protocolos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, observacional realizado dentro del programa I-VALOR (enero-junio 2015). Los participantes fueron farmacéuticos voluntarios y pacientes que solicitaron algún remedio para aliviar la EOS. Se utilizó el protocolo del SIF del Foro de Atención Farmacéutica en Farmacia Comunitaria, un consenso para EOS realizado entre sociedades científicas, una hoja de derivación, un informe para el paciente y una hoja de recomendaciones. RESULTADOS: participaron 6.350 pacientes. 62,7 % consultas fueron realizadas por mujeres (24,3 % 46-65 años). El 60 % de los pacientes no presentaba ningún criterio de derivación. Se detectaron 3.887 criterios de derivación en 2.537 pacientes. Se decidió no derivar al 15,4 %, y del resto, 87,3 % aceptó la derivación. La dispensación de algún tratamiento tuvo lugar en el 80 % de los pacientes: 3.157 con tratamiento farmacológico (89,2 % un único medicamento) y 2.403 con tratamiento no farmacológico. El 35 % recibió consejos higiénico-dietéticos y consejo farmacéutico. Se detectaron 25 reacciones adversas a medicamentos (0,4 %). El 70,5 % de todas las consultas realizadas fueron resueltas sin necesidad de derivar al médico. CONCLUSIONES: el programa I-VALOR para EOS ha permitido evaluar la intervención protocolizada del farmacéutico en EOS mediante el registro de las actuaciones farmacéuticas para demostrar la labor desarrollada desde la farmacia comunitaria

BACKGROUND: Minor ailment service offered in community pharmacist is a key element in patient care. Thought in Spain the service is not properly documented. AIMS: The main objective was to evaluate community pharmacists' interventions through an agreed minor ailment service for dry eye syndromes (DES). METHOD: Descriptive study undertaken alongside I-VALOR programme (January-June 2015). Participants were pharmacists from SEFAC who voluntarily decided to do, and patients were those who consulted about DES in community pharmacy. Pharmacists used the Pharmaceutical Care Forum guideline for the Minor Ailment Service and an agreed consensus between pharmaceutical and medical societies. A patient's form and a referral's form were designed. RESULTS: There were 6,350 patients involved. 62.7% consultations were made by women 24.3% of 46-65 years old). No referral criteria were detected in 60% of patients. The pharmacist detected 3,887 referral criteria in 2,537 patients. Pharmacists decided not to refer 15.4% of those patients. 87.3% of the patients referred accepted the referral. Treatments were dispensed in 80% of patients: 3,157 pharmacological treatment (89.2% a single medication) and 2,403 non-pharmacological treatment (medical device, food supplement or eye cleaning product). 35% received hygienic-dietary advice and pharmaceutical advice. Twenty-five adverse drug reactions were detected (0.4%). 70.5% of all consultations made were managed with no referral to a general practitioner (GP). CONCLUSIONS: I-VALOR programme allowed to evaluate an agreed intervention for DES in community pharmacy through the record of MAS to demonstrate CP contribution to manage minor ailments

Radiofarmacia Hospitalaria en Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Criterios y fundamentos para la organización del trabajo / Hospital Radiopharmacy in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. Criteria and rationale for the organization of work

En esta publicación se presentan criterios y fundamentos para la organización del trabajo en la práctica segura de la Radiofarmacia Hospitalaria, a fin de minimizar el riesgo de transmisión viral durante la pandemia de COVID-19, en una instalación de referencia de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica de Argentina, mientras se continúan desempeñando servicios esenciales para el sistema de salud. Con este fin se consultaron como referencia documentos de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, OIEA, la OMS y otras publicaciones científicas. Estas recomendaciones se encuentran en proceso de revisión constante y son actualizadas de manera permanente. En este marco se propone el presente modelo de organización laboral para esta actividad esencial incluyendo recomendaciones generales, particulares y su fundamento epidemiológico e inmunológico

This publication presents criteria and bases for the work organization in the safe practice of Hospital Radiopharmacy, in order to minimize the risk of viral transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a reference facility of the National Energy Commission Atomic of Argentina, while continuing to perform essential services for the health system. For this purpose, documents from the National Energy Commission Atomic, IAEA, WHO and other scientific publications were consulted as reference. These recommendations are under constant review and are permanently updated. Within this framework, the present model of work organization for this essential activity is proposed, including general and specific recommendations and its epidemiological and immunological basis

Evaluation of simulated drug dispensing and patient counseling in the course of pharmaceutical improvement: 2009 to 2015

BACKGROUND: Aiming to facilitate the drug dispensing process and patient counseling, specific professional skills are required. The knowledge, skills and attitudes involved in this process can be improved. From 2012 to 2015, a nationwide course was held, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) - Brazil, to train pharmacists working in primary health care through the development of their clinical and communication skills. One of the steps in this process involved the simulation of the drug dispensing process and patient counseling. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of pharmacists in drug dispensing and counseling through patient simulation role-playing held in a face-to-face meeting at the end of a training course. METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study with analysis of patient simulation recordings and data collection using an assessment instrument with scores ranging from 0 to 10 points to assess pharmacist's behavior, skills, and technical knowledge. RESULTS: Participants presented poor-to-regular performance, with median scores equal to or lower than six. The median time of the drug dispensing simulation was five minutes and the patient counseling was eight minutes. Pharmacists had better scores in the simulation of asthma cases. In drug dispensing, 99.5% of pharmacists had difficulty checking the patient's time availability, 98.5% did not know how to use the devices, and 94.7% did not advise the patient on what to do if they forgot to take a dose. In patient counseling simulation, 1.18% of pharmacists remembered to advise on what do with medication leftovers, and 50.6% asked questions that induced the patient's responses. CONCLUSIONS: The low-to-regular performance showed that pharmacists had difficulties at improving their skills in the performance of complete and effective drug dispensing and patient counseling

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Pharmacists' practices for non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing in Mozambique

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are the most frequently used medicines worldwide with most of the countries defining these as prescription-only medicines. Though, dispensing non-prescribed antibiotics represent one of the chief causal factors to the irrational use of antibiotics that paves the way to the development of antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at describing the practices and the enablers for non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing in Maputo city, Mozambique. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted, between October 2018 and March 2019, in nine private pharmacies randomly selected across Maputo city. Eighteen pharmacists were contacted and seventeen enrolled through snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analysed though thematic analysis with guidelines from Braun and Clark. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist by (Tong, 2007) was performed. RESULTS: Out of seventeen, fifteen pharmacists admitted non-prescribed dispensing of antibiotics. Common antibiotic dispensing practices included; dispensing without prescription, without asking for a brief clinical history of patients, without clear explanation of the appropriate way of administering, without advising on the side effects. Reasons for non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing are linked to patients' behaviour of demanding for non-prescribed antibiotics, to the patients expectations and beliefs on the healing power of antibiotics, to the physicians' prescribing practices. Other reasons included the pressure for profits from the pharmacy owners, the fragile law enforcement, and absence of accountability mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: The practices of non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing characterize the 'daily life' of the pharmacists. On the one hand, the patient's demand for antibiotics without valid prescriptions, and pharmacist's wish to assist based on their role in the pharmacy, the pressure for profits and on the understanding of the larger forces driving the practices of self-medication with antibiotics - rock. On the other hand, pharmacists are aware of the legal status of antibiotics and the public health consequences of their inappropriate dispensing practices and their professional and ethical responsibility for upholding the law - hard place. Highlighting the role of pharmacists and their skills as health promotion professionals is needed to optimizing antibiotic dispensing and better conservancy in Mozambique

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Good pharmacy practice assessment among community pharmacies in Lebanon

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess good pharmacy practice (GPP) aspects and compare GPP scores among community pharmacies in Lebanon, using a tool developed jointly by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve and maintain standards of pharmacy practice. METHODS: Data collection was carried out between July and October 2018 by a team of 10 licensed inspectors who work at the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists (OPL) and visited community pharmacies across Lebanon. The questionnaire was adapted to the Lebanese context and included 109 questions organized under five sections: socio-demographics, Indicator A (data management and data recording), Indicator B (services and health promotion), Indicator C (dispensing, preparation and administration of medicines), and Indicator D (storage and facilities). The value of 75% was considered as the cutoff point for adherence to indicators. RESULTS: Out of 276 pharmacies visited, a total of 250 (90.58%) pharmacists participated in the study with one pharmacist being interviewed in every pharmacy. Results showed that 18.8% of pharmacists were generally adherents to GPP guidelines (scores above the 75% cutoff): 23.3% were adherent to indicator A, 21.6% to indicator B, 14.8% to indicator C and 13.2% to indicator D. Moreover, comparison of GPP scores across geographical regions revealed a higher adherence among community pharmacists working in the Beirut region compared to the North region, the South region, Mount Lebanon, and the Bekaa. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that community pharmacists in Lebanon do not fulfill GPP criteria set by FIP/WHO, and that this poor adherence is a trend across the country's geographical regions. Therefore, efforts should be made to raise awareness among pharmacists about the necessity to adhere to GPP guidelines and standards, and train them and support them appropriately to reach that goal. This is the first indicator-based comprehensive pilot assessment to evaluate GPP adherence in community pharmacies across Lebanon. Working on the optimization of this assessment tool is also warranted

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Impacto de la pandemia SARS-CoV-2 en el inicio de las prescripciones / Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the start of prescriptions

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Creation and validation of a semi-quantitative instrument to assess the confidence of pharmacists in medication consultation for patients with depression: The Pharmacists' Confidence scale about Medication Consultation for Depressive patients (PCMCD)

OBJECTIVES: To develop a semi-quantitative instrument to assess pharmacists' confidence in medication counseling for patients with depression, The Pharmacists' Confidence scale about Medication Consultation for Depressive patients (PCMCD), and investigated its validity. METHODS: Following discussions with practicing pharmacists, we developed a 12-item questionnaire to assess pharmacists' confidence in medication counseling for patients with depression. We launched web-based cross-sectional survey during November and December 2018 to 77 pharmacists employed at drug chain stores in Kansai area. Factor analysis was performed to evaluate the configuration concept validity. The least-squares method was used for factor extraction, and the resulting factors were subjected to direct oblimin rotation, with a factor loading cut-off of 0.4. To assess internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha values were calculated for each of the extracted factors (subscales). A multiple regression analysis was performed using simultaneous forced entry, with the scores obtained for each subscale as dependent variables and responder attributes as independent variables in order to investigate the factors associated with each subscale. RESULTS: During the factor analysis procedure, four questions were excluded by the cut-off rule. Eventually, a model with three subscales was identified, with a cumulative sum of squared loadings being 61.9%. The subscales were termed "relationship building," "comprehension of condition," and "information provision" based on the nature of the questions relevant for each of them. The Cronbach's alpha values for these subscales were 0.92, 0.73, and 0.72, respectively. The average inter-item correlation was 0.378. In addition, multiple regression analysis revealed that there were significant correlations between pharmacist career and both relationship building and information provision. CONCLUSIONS: The PCMCD model demonstrated a satisfactory construct validity and internal consistency. This model will provide an excellent tool for assessing pharmacists' confidence in depression care

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Sistemas personalizados de dosificación en atención primaria: un estudio multidisciplinar / Dose dispensing service in a prymary health care area: A multidisciplinary study

Introducción: los sistemas personalizados de dosificación (SPD) preparados en farmacias son una opción para mejorar la adherencia terapéutica. Objetivo: describir las características y grado de implantación de los SPD bajo la perspectiva de profesionales sanitarios de un centro de salud, farmacéuticos comunitarios y pacientes adscritos a ese centro. Método: estudio descriptivo transversal en la zona de influencia del centro de salud Daroca (Madrid). Participaron 64 profesionales del centro de salud, 37 farmacéuticos comunitarios y 29 usuarios de SPD. Se utilizaron cuestionarios para cada una de las categorías con preguntas sobre conocimientos y opiniones de los SPD, gestión, preparación y satisfacción con el servicio. Resultado: conocen los SPD el 61,4 % de los profesionales del centro de salud y el 94 % creen que son útiles. Trece farmacias ofrecen los SPD: el 55,6 % considera que hay que contactar con el médico, el 41,7 % pone precio al servicio y el 92,3 % lo hace manualmente. Cinco farmacias preparan SPD a 18 pacientes de la zona. Criterios de inclusión más utilizados: edad, polimedicación y sospecha de mal cumplimiento. Perfil de paciente usuario de SPD: mujer octogenaria con estudios primarios polimedicada que vive sola. El 66,7 % de los pacientes encuestados tomaba los medicamentos directamente de la caja y al 88,9 % de ellos les recomendó el SPD el farmacéutico. El cien por cien de los usuarios de SPD está muy satisfecho con el servicio. Conclusión: aunque todos los colectivos estudiados creen que los SPD son útiles para mejorar la adherencia, existe una baja implantación de los SPD en nuestra zona

Introduction: Dose Dispensing Service (SPD) prepared in pharmacies are an option to improve therapeutic adherence. Objective: to describe the characteristics and implantation of SPD from the perspective of professionals of a health center, community pharmacists and patients attached to that center. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in the area of influence of Daroca health center (Madrid). 64 health center professionals, 37 community pharmacists and 29 SPD users participated. Questionnaires were used for each of the categories with questions about knowledge and opinions of SPDs, management, preparation and satisfaction with the service. Results: 61.4% of health center professionals know SPD and 94% believe they are useful. 13 pharmacies offer SPD: 55.6% consider that they should contact the doctor, 41.7% charge for the service and 92.3% do so manually. 5 pharmacies prepare SPD for 18 patients in our local zone. Most used inclusion criteria: age, polymedication and suspicion of poor compliance. Patient profile using SPD: octogenarian woman polymedicated with primary studies living alone. 66.7% of the patients took the medications directly from the box. Pharmacists recommended SPD to 88.9% of patients. 100% of SPD users are very satisfied with the service. Conclusion: Although all the groups studied believe that SPDs are useful for improving adherence, SPDs have a low implementation in our area

Medication dispensing, additional therapeutic recommendations, and pricing practices for acute diarrhoea by community pharmacies in Germany: a simulated patient study

Background: In Germany over-the-counter medications (OTC) - which since 2004 are no longer subject to binding prices - can only be purchased in pharmacies. Pharmacy owners and their staff therefore have a special responsibility when dispensing, advising on and setting the prices of medications. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess medication dispensing, additional therapeutic recommendations and pricing practices for acute diarrhoea in adults and to evaluate the role of the patient's approach (symptom-based versus medication-based request) in determining the outcome of these aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May to 31 July 2017 in all 21 community pharmacies in a medium-sized German city. Symptom-based and medication-based scenarios related to self-medication of acute diarrhoea were developed and used by five simulated patients (SPs) in all of the pharmacies (a total of 84 visits). Differentiating between the different test scenarios in terms of the commercial and active ingredient names and also the prices of the medications dispensed, the SPs recorded on collection forms whether the scenario involved generic products or original preparations as well as whether recommendations were made during the test purchases regarding an additional intake of fluids. Results: In each of the 84 test purchases one preparation was dispensed. However, a preparation for oral rehydration was not sold in a single test purchase. On the other hand, in 74/84 (88%) of test purchases, medications with the active ingredient loperamide were dispensed. In only 35/84 (42%) of test purchases, the patient was also recommended to ensure an 'adequate intake of fluids' in addition to being dispensed a medication. In symptom-based scenarios significantly more expensive medications were dispensed compared to the medication-based scenarios (Wilcoxon signed rank test: z = -4.784, p < 0.001, r = 0.738). Also within the different scenarios there were enormous price differences identified - for example, in the medication-based scenarios, even for comparable loperamide generics the cheapest preparation cost EUR 1.99 and the most expensive preparation cost EUR 4.53. Conclusions: Oral rehydration was not dispensed and only occasionally was an adequate intake of fluids recommended. There were also enormous price differences both between and within the scenarios investigated

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Investigating the efficacy of an interactive warning for use in labeling strategies used by us pharmacies

Background: United States pharmacies repackage medications into multi-dose vials, enabling customized dosing for prescription drugs. Investment in infrastructure has made this the predominant approach to packaging for US prescriptions. Although recent changes to labeling now discourage the use of auxiliary labels (small stickers highlighting information germane to the safe and effective use), they are still allowed by USP<17>, provided their use comes from an evidence-based perspective. Objectives: Evaluate how 'interactive,' placements of auxiliary labels (placement requiring physical manipulation of the warning to accomplish a task (e.g. opening)) garner attention as compared to those placed vertically or horizontally. Methods: Ninety-six participants were eye tracked while opening three prescription vials (each with an auxiliary warning label with a different placement: vertical, horizontal and interactive). Recall and recognition were tested subsequently. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the continuous variables while the binary response variables were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. The effect of auxiliary labels was fitted as a fixed effect and the subject-to-subject variation was considered as a random effect in the model. Participants' age, health literacy and sex were added to the models if their effect was statistically significant at alpha=0.05. Results: The placement of the warnings significantly impacted the time spent viewing the information they contained at alpha=0.05; people spent significantly longer on interactive placements (0.96; SD 0.13 seconds) than either, horizontal placements (0.27; SD 0.037 seconds) or those placed vertically (0.18 seconds; SD 0.035). Participants were equally as likely to see information presented in an interactive placement (90%; SD 3.8) or horizontal placement (78%; SD 05.5) but less likely to view warnings placed vertically (60%; SD 6.9). Free recall responses also supported the use of interactive placement (62%; SD 6.8 recall) as compared to horizontal placements which were 29%; SD 3.0 and 20%; SD 6.0 for vertical placements. Conclusions: Data provides evidence which suggests that interactive and horizontal placements out-perform auxiliary labels placed vertically on prescription vials with regard to garnering patient attention

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Impacto de la automatización en la seguridad de la dispensación de medicamentos a centros sociosanitarios / The impact of automation on the safety of drug dispensing in nursing homes

Objetivo:Comparar la incidencia y la gravedad de los errores de dispensación notificados cuando la dispensación a centros sociosanitarios se realiza con un sistema de pastilleros frente a un sistema automatizado de dispensación específicamente seleccionado. Método: Estudio retrospectivo observacional pre-post en siete centros socio-sanitarios geriátricos. Se comparan los errores de dispensación comunicados voluntariamente de dos periodos distintos: dispensación en pastilleros semanales (año 2013) y dispensación semanal con un sistema automatizado de dosificación personalizada Xana 4001U2 Tosho® para medicamentos orales sólidos, acompañada de dispensación manual para otras formas farmacéuticas (año 2015). Se analizan datos de funcionalidad, cognición y farmacológicos de los residentes atendidos en ambos periodos. Resultados: La media de edad (83,9 y 83,6 años; p > 0,05) y la función física (índice de Barthel 41,8 y 44,2; p > 0,05) de los residentes fueron comparables, mientras que existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la función cognitiva (MEC-35 20,3 y 21,7; p < 0,0,5). Se comunicaron 408 errores de dispensación con la dispensación manual, comparada con los 36 que se comunicaron con la dispensación automatizada, lo que supone una reducción relativa de un 91%. De estos errores, 43 frente a 6 alcanzaron al residente, respectivamente, y 5 errores frente a 1 requirieron al menos seguimiento. Conclusiones: La implantación de un sistema automatizado de dosificación personalizada ha permitido mejorar significativamente la seguridad en la dispensación y posterior administración de medicamentos sólidos a centros socio-sanitarios. La comunicación voluntaria de errores de medicación ha permitido comparar la seguridad en cuanto a la dispensación de dos sistemas diferentes de dispensación a centros sociosanitarios

Objective: To compare the rate and severity of reported dispensing errors in nursing homes using manual medication dispensation vs automated dispensation with a specifically selected Automated Dispensing System. Method: A pre-post retrospective observational study conducted in 7 nursing homes. Comparison of voluntarily reported dispensing errors in 2 periods under a manual dispensing system of weekly pill boxes (data from 2013) and an Automated drug dispensing and Packaging System Xana 4001U2 Tosho® for oral solid medications used in combination with a manual system for other drug forms (data from 2015). We analysed patient function, cognition, and pharmacological data from both periods. Results: The residents’ mean age (83.9 vs 83.6 years; P > .05) and physical functioning (Barthel index 41.8 vs 44.2; P > .05) were similar, but not their level of cognitive functioning (MMSE 20.3 vs 21.7; P < .05). During 2013 (manual system) 408 errors were detected, whereas in 2015 (automated system) only 36 were detected. This represents a reduction of 91% in dispensing errors. A total of 43 errors reached the patient in 2013 vs 6 errors in 2015. Of these, 5 errors vs 1 error, respectively, required monitoring. Conclusions: The introduction of an Automated drug dispensing and Packaging System significantly improves safety in the dispensing and administration of solid medications in nursing homes. The voluntary reporting of errors facilitated comparisons of safety during the 2 periods under different dispensing systems

Satisfaction of patients receiving value added-services compared to traditional counter service for prescription refills in Malaysia

Background: Patients’ satisfaction is the key parameter to measure the quality of healthcare services. Value added-services (VAS) were introduced to improve the quality of medication deliveries and to reduce the waiting time at outpatient pharmacy. Objective: This study aimed to compare the satisfaction levels of patients receiving VAS and traditional counter service (TCS) for prescription refills in Port Dickson Hospital. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient pharmacy department of Port Dickson Hospital from 1 March to 30 June 2017. Systematic sampling method was utilized to recruit subjects into the study, except mail pharmacy in which universal sampling method was used. Data collection was done via telephone interviews for both groups. Results: There was 104 and 105 in TCS and VAS group respectively. The response rate was 99.5%. Overall, a significant higher total mean satisfaction score in VAS group was observed as compared to TCS group (43.39 versus 40.49, p=0.002). The same finding was observed after confounding factors were controlled (VAS=44.66, 95% CI 43.07:46.24 versus TCS=39.88, 95% CI 38.29:41.46; p<0.001). VAS respondents reported more satisfaction than TCS respondents for both general and technical aspects. Among the VAS offered, mail pharmacy service respondents showed highest total mean satisfaction score, but no significant different was seen between groups (p=0.064). Conclusion: VAS respondents were generally more satisfied than TCS respondents for prescription refills. A longitudinal study is necessary to examine the impact of other dimensions and other types of VAS on patients’ satisfaction levels (AU)

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Impact of a drug dispensing model at a Community Pharmacy in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil

Although dispensing of medication has been addressed by theoretical models, studies that confirm the impact of this service are still needed. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a new model of medicine dispensing system on patients' medication knowledge, adherence to treatment and satisfaction. One hundred and four patients attending the dispensing service of a community pharmacy between 21 January 2013 and 20 April 2013 were included in this intervention study. The impact of the service on patients' medication knowledge, adherence to treatment and satisfaction was assessed by using validated questionnaires at two time points: at the moment of medication dispensing and 30 days thereafter by telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed by McNemar's test, and a p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. The number of patients showing insufficient knowledge about medications decreased by 50% (p < 0.05), and the number of those showing sufficient knowledge was three times greater (p < 0.05) after medicine dispensing. A high level of satisfaction was observed. Improvement of medication adherence, however, was not observed. The proposed system model for drug dispensing improved patients' knowledge about medication and satisfaction