Comparison of the Development Model of DTP Pharmacy between China and the United States and Its Enlightenment

Objective To systematically analyze the development status of DTP pharmacy in the United States and China,and to find out the problems in China’s DTP pharmacy and put forward some countermeasures and suggestions.Methods Relevant literature was searched and reviewed to study the history,market scale and development trend of DTP pharmacy in the United States and China.Then,the problems in China’s DTP pharmacy were found out.Results and Conclusion DTP pharmacy model in the U.S.has taken shape and is maturing.The high degree of industry concentration is an important feature of the U.S.pharmacy.In contrast,China’s DTP pharmacy started late,and the industry pattern has not yet been finalized.There are still some problems in the DTP pharmacy certification and quality management.It is recommended to promote the rapid development of DTP pharmacies in China by encouraging the outflow of prescription drugs,establishing a third-party pharmacy accreditation organization and strengthening the team of licensed pharmacists and other personnel.

Simulated patient methodology as a“gold standard”in community pharmacy practice:Response to criticism

The simulated patient methodology(SPM)is considered the“gold standard”as covert participatory observation.SPM is attracting increasing interest for the investigation of community pharmacy practice;however,there is criticism that SPM can only show a small picture of everyday pharmacy practice and therefore has limited external validity.On the one hand,a certain design and application of the SPM goes hand in hand with an increase in external validity.Even if,on the other hand,this occurs at the expense of internal validity due to the trade-off situation,the justified criticism of the SPM for investigating community pharmacy practice can be countered.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Community Pharmacy Services on Rational Medication Use in Elderly Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes

Objective:To explore the effect of community pharmacy services on rational medication use in elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes.Methods:Between November 2022 and December 2023,80 elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes were selected and randomly divided into a control group(routine medication guidance)and an observation group(community pharmacy services),with 40 subjects each.The medication effect scores,blood pressure,blood sugar levels,and quality of life scores before and after intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:Comparison of pharmaceutical knowledge,medication compliance,and safe medication behavior scores showed that the observation group had higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05);blood pressure(systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,heart rate)and blood sugar(fasting blood glucose,2 h postprandial blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin)index levels were compared,and the observation group’s index levels were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);the scores of physical health,mental health,social relationships,and environment in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Community pharmacy services improved the rational medication effect of elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes,and improved their blood pressure,blood sugar control levels,and quality of life.

Advancement of Pharmacy Accreditation in the Field of Chinese Higher Education

Background: The last two decades have witnessed the advancement of accreditation of Chinese higher education, with pharmacy programs being one of the most important. The purpose of this research was to review and elucidate the evolution of the pharmacy accreditation system in China. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane databases and Google Scholar and CKNI databases, the website of the Working Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Education, and related university websites. Search terms used with each database were “accreditation” AND “pharmacy” AND “China”. The search strategy was designed to identify studies that report pharmacy program accreditation in China. Results: The primary outcomes indicate that the timeline of current Chinese pharmacy accreditation can be divided into four distinct chronological periods. Conclusion: After two decades of evolution, the qualification of the pharmaceutical program in China has significantly advanced its committees, criteria, methods, and systems, though with areas for refinement. As China embarks upon the process of pharmacy accreditation, it is simultaneously drawing upon lessons from the developed world, as well as infusing the process with its own distinct cultural identity. To effectively tackle current issues in the field of pharmacy accreditation, a commitment to continual quality advancement is required.

Investigation on the Current Situation of China’s DTP Pharmacy and Suggestions for Its Development

Objective To summarize the main characteristics and development approaches of direct-to-patient(DTP)pharmacies,and to explore its future development trend.Methods Firstly,relevant policies of DTP pharmacies were sorted out based on some documents on the government website,and related articles were studied.Secondly,499 DTP pharmacies were investigated.Finally,the current status of the industry was summarized and analyzed.Results and Conclusion Policies on China’s DTP pharmacy have been constantly improved.According to industry standards,the current compliance rate of DTP pharmacies is about 46.09%.In terms of varieties,the market share concentration rate of biological products is higher than that of chemical drugs.The regional distribution of these drugs is mainly concentrated in the central and eastern provinces.However,63.45%of DTP pharmacies have less than 50 product specifications.DTP pharmacies have an average of 7.3 pharmacy technicians and 2.3 licensed pharmacists,which is higher than that of ordinary pharmacies.Due to the policy promotion,DTP pharmacies will be paid more attention by the public and the government,and the market share will become larger than before.Patients shifting from hospitals to drug-to-pharmacies can make them better layout.Besides,pharmaceutical services will become more specialized,and disease division will be more detailed.With the deepening of medical reform and the continuous improvement of national medical security as well as drug procurement and medical insurance payment methods,DTP pharmacies can play an important role in the national basic medical security system.

Analysis of Combining OBE and CBL in Pharmacy Internship

Talent training has been emphasized in China’s national development.Training an excellent pharmaceutical professional has far-reaching significance for promoting rational use of drugs,ensuring safe drug use,and improving the quality and safety of medical treatment.The internship program is an important part of a pharmacy major that serves to develop students’practical skills.In this paper,we propose a combination of outcome-based education(OBE)and case-based learning(CBL)in pharmacy internships to promote critical thinking and independent learning among students and ensure the sustainable development of pharmacy education.

Study on the Management of Chronic Diseases in American and British Community Pharmacy

Objective To provide a reference for promoting the construction of chronic disease management in community pharmacies in China.Methods Literature research and comparative research methods were used to analyze the management of chronic disease carried out by community pharmacies in the United States and the United Kingdom.Results and Conclusion The management of chronic diseases in American and British community pharmacies has formed retail health clinic and online chronic disease mode.It is recommended that Chinese government should issue measures and supporting guidelines for the management of chronic diseases in community pharmacies as soon as possible.Community pharmacies should be encouraged to carry out chronic disease management with the concept of prudent inclusion and gradual progression.Meanwhile,the concentration of drug retail industry should be improved to carry out the systematic construction of chronic disease management and build a standardized chronic disease service process.Besides,community pharmacies should make full use of new technologies such as the Internet,cloud computing and big data,smart wearable devices,and chronic disease management Apps to explore and carry out online professional chronic disease management mode.

Current Issues and Development Strategies of Building the Discipline of Pharmacy Administration at Pharmacy Schools in China

The history and current status of Pharmacy Administration discipline atpharmacy schools in China are illustrated. Several current issues are explored including: (1)insufficient teaching organizations and curriculum, (2) faculty deficiency both in quantity andquality, and (3) much improvement needed in the scope, methodology, and sophistication of research.Several development strategies are formulated such as (1) integrating native education resources inorder to better foster quality professionals, (2) accelerating inter-university cooperation both inteaching and research, and (3) studying the regularites of discipline development and enhancinginternational exchange.

Interpretation of Pharmaceutical Pictograms by Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy University Students

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the correct interpretation by university students of internationally available pictograms and to assess the ability of the pictograms to convey the intended messages. Aim: To compare the ability of pharmacy and non-pharmacy students to comprehend pharmaceutical pictograms. Method: Twenty eight internationally available (United States Pharmacopoeial Convention Inc. USP) pictograms were used throughout this study, which was conducted with 300 pharmacy and non-pharmacy students. Questionnaires included relevant questions, and participants were instructed to study the pictograms and write their interpretations. The American National Standards Institute requirement of 85% correctness criterion was used for correct interpretation. Differences between responses of the two groups were calculated using SPSS version 18 and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The majority of pharmacy (98%) and non-pharmacy (86%) students stated that pictograms should be included in medicine leaflet and they were helpful for all patients. Out of the 28 pictograms 7 (25%) and 2 (7.1%) of them achieved the ANSI requirement of 85% correctness criterion by pharmacy and non-pharmacy students respectively. Conclusion: Interventions to increase public awareness of the usefulness of pharmaceutical pictograms are needed.

An Investigation of Oxidative DNA Damage in Pharmacy Technicians Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs in Two Chinese Hospitals Using The Urinary 8-OHdG Assay

Objective To investigate oxidative DNA damage in pharmacy technicians preparing antineoplastic drugs at the PIVAS （Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Service） in two Chinese hospitals. Methods Urinary 8-OHdG served as a biomarker. 5-Fluorouracil （5-FU） concentrations in air, masks and gloves were determined. The spill exposure of each PIVAS technician to antineoplastic drugs was investigated. Eighty subjects were divided into exposed group t, II, and control group I, II. Results 5-FU concentration ratios for gloves and masks in exposed group I were significantly higher than those in exposed group II （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. The average urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in exposed group I, control group I, exposed group II, and control group II were 24.69＋0.93, 20.68＋1.07, 20.57＋0.55, and 12.96_＋0.73 ng/mg Cr, respectively. Urinary 8-OHdG concentration in exposed group I was significantly higher than that in control group I or that in exposed group 11 （P〈0.02）. There was a significant correlation between urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and spill frequencies per technician （P〈0.01）. Conclusion There was detectable oxidative DNA damage in PIVAS technicians exposed to antineoplastic drugs. This oxidative DNA damage may be associated with their spill exposure experience and contamination of their personal protective equipment.

Network Curriculum Design of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Specialty Formed by Introducing Guangxi Minority Medicine

Starting from the background and significance of the development and design of the network course of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy specialty formed by introducing Guangxi minority medicine,this paper discusses the teaching design scheme and module construction of the network course in the development process,and summarizes the design,production and construction experience of the network course.Through practice,the teaching effect and achievement of the network course of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy specialty formed by introducing Guangxi minority medicine are obvious.

To Carry out Drug Consultation to Improve the Quality of Pharmacy Service in Outpatient Pharmacy

Objective:to explore the development of drug counseling service,strengthen the quality of pharmacy service in outpatient pharmacy,better service to patients,promote harmonious relations between doctors and patients.Methods:to analyze the necessity of drug consultation in outpatient pharmacy,in order to improve the quality of pharmacology service in outpatient pharmacy,we will discuss how to effectively provide drug counseling to improve the pharmacological service quality of outpatient pharmacy.Results:the implementation of the complete drug consultation process can effectively improve the quality of pharmaceutical work in outpatient pharmacy.Improve the patient's satisfaction with pharmaceutical work.Conclusion:with the perfection of the medical system,improving the quality of pharmaceutical service in outpatient service,and improving the quality of medical consultation,make it more systematic,normalization is important,only improving the quality of outpatient pharmacy service and strengthening the development of drug consultation work,to achieve the common progress of medical services.

Reducing the Error Rate of Drug Delivery in Hospital Pharmacies: From the Angle of Pharmacy Quality Control Circle

Objective To explore the effect of applying pharmacy quality control circle to reduce the error rate of drug delivery in inpatient pharmacy,and to improve the service quality of inpatient pharmacy staff.Methods According to the ten standardized steps of pharmaceutical product management and Gantt chart,fishbone diagram and Plato were used to analyze the causes of drug delivery errors in hospital pharmacies,to find countermeasures and confirm the implementation effect.Results and Conclusion The error rate was reduced from 52% before implementation to 27.8%,and the target achievement rate was 100%.The staff’s understanding and application ability of pharmaceutical product circle was further enhanced.The “Training Standard for Newcomers” has reference value for hospital inpatient pharmacies and it can be promoted continuously.Pharmaceutical quality control circle can improve the quality of pharmacy services in hospitals.

Pharmacy residency system in Gunma University Hospital

Recently,undergraduate and postgraduate pharmaceutical education systems have been changing greatly in Japan.In 2006,undergraduate pharmacist program was changed from 4 years course to 6 years course to train higher-quality pharmacists who can deal with the changes in the progression of medical technology and meet social demands for medication safety[1].As a postgraduate training system,pharmacy residency system was started in several hospital in 2002,and around 35 hospitals have pharmacy residency system at 2015[2].

Kanban System Design for Hospital Pharmacy - Case study

This is a brief overview of principles, views and methods, of the Kanban system for the pharmacy of a general hospital. The main goal is the reduction of stores managed by the pharmacy, as well as improvement of the mode of operation. Solutions to problems, such as inadequate storage space, delay in serving patients or clinics and the expiration of various pharmaceutical formulations, stored for so long time, are provided. The philosophy behind the Kanban procurement system and specifically its applicability to a pharmacy underperforming in terms of efficiency, in Greece, are described. Based on the analysis of stock requirement, item stock prices and demand, it is concluded that a significant percentage of the stocked drugs can be procured using the Kanban System. Significant cost savings and operational advantages following the Kanban System will take place. The challenging endeavor is the analysis, design and application of a system that supports the proposed procurement method. Hospital pharmacies in Greece and in other countries that face an economic crisis may largely benefit after using the Kanban System. Moreover, the system is applied on a hospital pharmacy of a 250 bed Greek General Hospital estimating a monetary annual benefit about 50% lower overall cost for medicines and consumable health material.

The Impact of a Community Pharmacy-Based Coaching Program on Patient Confidence and Lifestyle

Objective: Like their urban counterparts, rural populations are experiencing increased health risks due to chronic disease. However, disease management is more problematic due to isolation, increased difficulty in getting to medical appointments, and reduced numbers of medical personnel. We undertook a pilot study to investigate the feasibility and utility of health coaching for rural residents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) from a local pharmacy. Methods: Using the pharmacy database to identify qualified individuals, a nursing student recruited four individuals aged 40 - 79, with a history of DM2 of 3 - 15 years, to participate in the pilot project. Individual in-person interviews were conducted to identify specific goals to effectively self-manage their condition and to rate their confidence in their ability to fulfill these goals. Three monthly sessions were held to review and update goals, and to record blood pressure, waist circumference and weight measurements. Results: At the end of the study, all four achieved success in reaching and maintaining their personal dietary and physical activity goals. Significantly, all participants expressed increased confidence in their ability to self-manage their diabetes after health coaching. Conclusion: The provision of health coaching services from local pharmacies has potential to support rural clients in chronic disease management in medically under-serviced rural areas.

The Managerial Role of Pharmacist at Community Pharmacy Setting in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia community pharmacies by law, be owned and managed by pharmacists. Although these two functions seemed to be the same but in reality, they are not. Some studies showed that in community pharmacy managerial functions account for more than 50% of total routine and critical activity for all managerial position surveyed while other study showed that only 13.6% of the pharmacist’s time spent in administrative activities. This article addressed the role of the pharmacist as manager and the way in which he/she manages the pharmacy to ensure optimum productivity. The main part of this review discussed the managerial role of pharmacist in management of human resources, financial resources, marketing, inventory, information resources and space management of the pharmacy. Additionally, the management process, professional skills of managers, development of managerial skills, problems in management process and their resolution were also discussed. In addition to management functions which also include planning, organizing, leading, and controlling processes. The author concluded that the skills of pharmacy managers may vary because of the lack of formalized management training programs. To bridges a gap in management education, interested pharmacists should be encouraged to shift their career goals from professional to pharmacy administration. In addition, expansion of curricula in pharmacy management to include management training of highest possible caliber in managerial skills is highly demanded. Formalized management training programs for those involved in community pharmacy practice are also warranted.

Teaching Physical Assessment and Disease Screening to Students in the Health Professions: A Focus in Pharmacy Education

Background: As pharmacists continue to transition into the provision of public health care, physical assessment and disease screening will become part of their everyday practice, in a similar manner that it has been for doctors and nurses. Objective: The aim was to describe the health assessment of undergraduate curricula across three disciplines involved in public health care and to explore the students’ perceived training in a variety of health assessments. Method: Instructors of courses related to health assessment in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy colleges in Qatar were invited to participate in the curriculum review process. Students’ perceived training in a variety of health assessments was assessed using a self-administered survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the survey responses. Results: A narrative description for the similarities and differences in the health assessment curricula across the three colleges was provided. Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart sounds were the health assessments that almost all students received training on, although there were differences in where the training was delivered. The health assessments that the students perceived having received least training on were measuring bone mineral density, blood cholesterol and international normalized ratio reported by only 37%, 41% and 44% of students, respectively. Conclusion: The study identified a close alignment between each of the health discipline’s scope of practice and the health assessment content taught in each individual program. It also identified possible curricular gaps towards learning the skills of patient assessment that may need to be addressed.

Education Outreach: Raising Awareness of Diabetes and Pharmacy Careers

Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards pharmacy careers after education outreach. Study: A lecture was constructed providing participants with information about careers in pharmacy, diabetes, and information about health literacy. A multiple choice paper-based quiz covering the presented content both preceded and followed each delivery of the lecture. Increases in post-lecture scores of content-knowledge questions were seen in 10 of 11 questions, which indicated an overall increased knowledge from baseline. An additional question, which gauged student interest in pharmacy careers, showed a 10% increase in those who indicated they considered pharmacy as a career. Conclusions: The lectures, delivered by a student pharmacist, were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of pharmacy as a career, diabetes as an important health issue, and health literacy as a problem pharmacists and other healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis.