293 research outputs found
Attitudes and beliefs of patients with chronic depression toward antidepressants and depression
No full textSabrina Anne Jacob,1 Ab Fatah Ab Rahman,2 Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali3 1School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway, 2Faculty of Health Sciences, Gong Badak Campus, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kuala Terengganu, 3School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia Background: Many patients have erroneous views with regard to depression and its management, and it was noted that these attitudes and beliefs significantly affected their adherence rates.Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and beliefs of patients with depression toward depression and antidepressants. A secondary aim was to assess the influence of ethnicity on patients’ attitudes and beliefs.Patients and methods: The study involved patients with chronic depression being followed up at an outpatient clinic at a government-run hospital in Malaysia. Patients’ attitudes and beliefs were assessed using the Antidepressant Compliance Questionnaire.Results: A total of 104 patients of Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic groups met the selection criteria. Chinese patients had significantly negative attitudes and beliefs toward depression and antidepressants compared to Malays and Indians (b=-8.96, t103=-3.22; P<0.05). Component analysis revealed that 59% of patients believed that antidepressants can cause a person to have less control over their thoughts and feelings, while 67% believed that antidepressants could alter one’s personality; 60% believed it was okay to take fewer tablets on days when they felt better, while 66% believed that antidepressants helped solve their emotional problems and helped them worry less.Conclusion: Patients had an overall positive view as to the benefits of antidepressants, but the majority had incorrect views as to the acceptable dosing of antidepressants and had concerns about the safety of the medication. Assessing patients’ attitudes and beliefs, as well as the impact of their respective cultures, can be used in tailoring psychoeducation sessions accordingly. Keywords: Chinese, Malaysia, ethnicity, culture 
A qualitative evaluation of external assessment of competency in experiential learning (ACTp study).
No full textOne of the remits of the Pharmacy Additional Cost of Teaching (ACTp) Study was to develop competency-based assessments (CBAs) during experiential learning (EL) for student pharmacists in Scotland (Jacob et al., 2021). As this is a new undertaking for undergraduate pharmacy programmes, and based on previous recommendations, it was important to obtain expert opinions from other programmes with experience in CBAs undertaken by external assessors during EL. This study aims to obtain of experts in other programmes on the structures and processes of CBA
Pharmacists’ Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Suicide and Suicide Prevention: A Scoping Review
No full textIt is important to understand pharmacists’ experiences, stigmas, trainings, and attitudes to suicide, as they can affect the way pharmacists interact with at-risk individuals and influence outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to explore pharmacists’ willingness, experiences, and attitudes towards suicide prevention, as well as to examine the impact of suicide prevention training programs. A systemic search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Studies included were from database inception to 31 August 2022, in English, with full-text available. A total of 13 studies were included. Training was a key factor which had an impact on pharmacists’ attitudes, experiences, and preparedness to participate in suicide care, with studies revealing the lack of training and the call for more training by pharmacists. Another key factor was closeness to mental illness, which also impacted pharmacists’ attitudes and experiences with at-risk patients. More research is needed worldwide to understand the different barriers and facilitators to pharmacist involvement in suicide care. Targeted training programs should also be developed to not only increase knowledge and competence, but also to address stigma related to suicide
"It has very good intentions but it's not quite there yet" : graduates' feedback of experiential learning in an MPharm programme Part 2 (TELL Project)
No full textIn the United Kingdom (UK), undergraduate master of pharmacy (MPharm) students undertake experiential leaning (EL) as part of their curriculum. The purpose is to equip them with the necessary skills to enter the workforce, and it has been reported that EL helps develop clinical and core soft skills required of a pharmacist such as communication and interpersonal skills (Cox, 2016; McCartney & Boschmans, 2018; Nojima, Ravia, & Hongu, 2017; Prisco et al., 2017). Placements can also help students in determining their future career paths and network with the workforce (Owen & Stupans, 2009). With the changing healthcare model and the focus on patient-centred care, EL takes on greater salience
"My experiences were highly-dependent on the knowledge and enthusiasm of the tutor" : graduates' feedback of experiential learning in an MPharm programme Part 1 (TELL Project)
No full textThe pharmacy profession has undergone considerable change in the past decade, with a shift from more drug- and product-focused responsibilities to more clinical roles (Brazeau et al., 2009). This aligned with the changing demographics of the population and its subsequent impact on the landscape of the healthcare climate, which has shifted its focus to patient-centred care (Brazeau et al., 2009). To prepare pharmacists for the changing healthcare environment, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulator of pharmacists in the United Kingdom (UK), introduced the Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists in 2011. Under these Standards, the GPhC stipulated that all Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree curricula should provide opportunities for practical experience, which includes experiential learning (EL), to allow students to gain the experience of working with other healthcare professionals as well as patients (General Pharmaceutical Council, 2011)
Pharmacy Additional Costs of Teaching (ACTp) : 2019/2020 Evaluation of Experiential Learning Initiatives around Assessment of Outcomes of Experiential Learning (EL): Final Report
No full text[Abstract not available
AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY OF PHARMACY-BASED BONE MINERAL DENSITY TESTING
No full textThe aim of this paper is to assess the future of pharmacy-based osteoporosis screening services in Malaysia through a survey involving retail pharmacists as well as the general public. An ethnographic-style research strategy method was used involving community pharmacists, and men and women above 50 years old. Pharmacists were interviewed as to whether they would offer such a service and how much they would charge for it. Information regarding knowledge on screening and osteoporosis was also obtained. Patients were queried as to whether they would go to the pharmacy for testing and how much they were willing to pay for such a service. The study found that around half of the pharmacists (n = 30) were willing to offer such a service (56.7%). Reasons cited for not willing to offer such a service were lack of public response and high capital. Those agreeable (88.2%) to offer such a service said they would charge between RM0 to RM50 per patient. The majority (64.7%) of those who answered in the affirmative claimed to have poor knowledge on screening, while 58.8% claimed to have good knowledge on osteoporosis. Among the public (n = 50; 31 female, 19 male), 66% claimed they would not go to the pharmacy for testing. Majority (46%) preferred to go to the government hospital. Of the 17 willing to go to the pharmacy, the majority (64.7%) were willing to pay between RM0 to RM50 for the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. BMD testing can be professionally and financially rewarding for pharmacists. As such, pharmacists need to take appropriate steps to implement BMD testing services in the pharmacy. Incorporating an education component into such a service is vital. Although the future of pharmacy-based BMD testing looks bleak in Malaysia, necessary steps can be taken to overcome this problem by increasing public awareness on the severity of osteoporosis
Nationwide survey of experiential learning in MPharm programmes in UK universities
No full textObjectives: To determine the current structure of experiential learning (EL) in Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programmes in UK universities, and assess how they meet the standards specified by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of staff in charge of EL in MPharm programmes was conducted, utilizing a 31-item on-line survey, consisting of both open and close-ended questions. Variables of interest were administrative aspects and structure of the EL component, tutor issues, and placement sites. To pinpoint the challenges faced with EL, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was calculated. Key findings: Twenty (66.7%) universities responded. EL coordinators were mostly academic/teaching fellows (19), and spent 0.29 ± 0.31 Full Time Equivalents on coordination. Tutors completed training annually in 53.8% of universities, with topics focusing on placement structure (85.7%) and requirements (78.6%). Total placement hours in all practice sites over the four years of study ranged from 54 to 496 hours, and included hospitals, community pharmacies, hospices, prisons, and nursing homes. The three biggest challenges faced with regard to EL were in obtaining/retaining hospital placements (1st), financial support (2nd), and quality assurance of tutors (3rd). Conclusions: While there has been an increase in the variety of placement sites and hours since the last survey in 2003, universities face challenges in terms of staffing and obtaining placement sites. There are also gaps in tutor training. More standardization and regulation of the quality assurance of the EL programme, placement sites, and tutors is needed to ensure students obtain the most out of their placements
"Having students is entirely necessary" : Tutors' feedback of experiential learning in an MPharm programme (TELL Project)
No full textThere is an increased reliance on experiential learning tutors and placement sites, and as such there is a need to determine tutors' perceptions about experiential learning as well as identify their needs. A mixed-methods study was undertaken involving tutors in hospitals and community pharmacies. There were 58 responses to the online survey. Five focus groups consisting of 25 hospital tutors, and 11 one-on-one interviews with community tutors were conducted. Experience as a tutor was dependant on students' attitudes and engagement, with poor attitude highlighted as a challenge. Limited time and placement duration were also identified as challenges, while a benefit noted was opportunities for staff recruitment. There was good support for students being sent to primary care for placements. Programme improvement is needed, involving both tutors and students in the co-design of EL to address gaps and avoid future dissatisfaction as well as ignite a sense of ownership by all parties
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