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ABSTRACTBackground Atrial Fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke by a factor of five, leading a significant cost burdens on healthcare system. Pharmacists, especially those based in a primary care environment are well placed to support patients in this therapeutic area.Objectives To assess primary care pharmacists’ actual knowledge on the management of AF symptoms and anticoagulation. Furthermore, to investigate the resources used by pharmacists.Methods A cross-sectional study using survey was conducted, targeting UK-based registered pharmacists employed within primary care settings. Quantitative data were analysed utilising descriptive univariate and bivariate statistics.Results 349 pharmacists completed the adapted 19-questions of the pharmacists’ knowledge. Out of a maximum of 19 points, the mean score was 14.34 ± 2.2 (75 ± 11.6%). The questionnaire revealed several significant gaps in pharmacists’ knowledge. Most of the surveyed pharmacists (62.8%) reported that they used sources of information to support their consultations. Half reported that they used the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (52.4%) and the British National Formulary (BNF) (50.7%).Conclusions Primary care pharmacists are knowledgeable about AF and its management; however, some gaps exist which may require addressing. Although pharmacists use a variety of information resources, it is the traditional resources that remain the most frequently used.

Minor ailments (MA) are health conditions that can be managed with minimal prescribed treatment and/or self-care strategies. In Ontario, Canada, pharmacists were given authority to deliver service for thirteen MAs on January 1, 2023, with an additional six MAs on October 1, 2023. This study aims to identify patterns of MA service provision and describe characteristics of recipients of MA services. A cross-sectional analysis of linked health administrative data, including pharmacist billing for MA services, patient demographics, and physician and hospital billing data, was conducted. Delivery of MA services prescribed in Ontario from January 1 to December 31, 2023 were analyzed with key demographics (age, sex, income, new arrival status, comorbidity), health care utilization (ED, hospitalization) and primary care attachment. In 2023, 547,673 (3.6%) Ontario residents received at least one MA service, with the top 5 services being urinary tract infections (199,282), conjunctivitis (153,021), herpes labialis (46,659), allergic rhinitis (41,521), and dermatitis (39,365). Compared to all Ontario residents, the MA service recipients were more likely to be people with a higher rate of ED visits (41.7% vs. 32.4%), comorbidities (17.5% vs. 9.7%), higher incomes (highest income quintile, 23.1% vs. 20.1%; lowest income quintile, 16.5% vs. 19.4%), and hospitalizations (23.6% vs. 17.6%), and less likely to be newcomers to Ontario (8.7% vs. 13.1%). They were more likely to be attached to a primary care provider (91.3% vs. 84.7%). This study provides insight into early users of this program, and sheds light on those with systemic vulnerabilities and equity deserving groups.

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke by a factor of five, leading a significant cost burdens on healthcare system. Pharmacists, especially those based in a primary care environment are well placed to support patients in this therapeutic area. Objectives: To assess primary care pharmacists' actual knowledge on the management of AF symptoms and anticoagulation. Furthermore, to investigate the resources used by pharmacists. Methods: A cross-sectional study using survey was conducted, targeting UK-based registered pharmacists employed within primary care settings. Quantitative data were analysed utilising descriptive univariate and bivariate statistics. Results: 349 pharmacists completed the adapted 19-questions of the pharmacists' knowledge. Out of a maximum of 19 points, the mean score was 14.34 ± 2.2 (75 ± 11.6%). The questionnaire revealed several significant gaps in pharmacists' knowledge. Most of the surveyed pharmacists (62.8%) reported that they used sources of information to support their consultations. Half reported that they used the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (52.4%) and the British National Formulary (BNF) (50.7%). Conclusions: Primary care pharmacists are knowledgeable about AF and its management; however, some gaps exist which may require addressing. Although pharmacists use a variety of information resources, it is the traditional resources that remain the most frequently used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are five management functions essential to effective management. The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) outlines six competency standards relating to management. Pharmacists can become responsible pharmacists (RPs) directly after completion of their internship i.e. in their community service year. Methods: Quantitative research with a cross-sectional component, which falls into the positivist approach, was used. Questionnaires were sent out to all RPs in South Africa under the age of 35. Results: Most female RPs were found to be at entry level when measured using the competency standards, while the male respondents were between intermediate and advanced, even though the female respondents had been pharmacists for longer and had more years of experience. Conclusion: Gender does not play a significant role in the RP's ability to manage a pharmacy, but training does. More research needs to be done to determine if this gender disparity can be addressed by the development of a management training course that is focused on the operation of a pharmacy. Likewise the possibility of introducing a minimum level of training to be registered as an RP, needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This community-academic-pharmacy partnership evaluated the impact of a pharmacist-led approach to diabetes management in under-resourced charitable pharmacy patients. Charitable pharmacies serve a large volume of under-resourced patients; pharmacist involvement may improve blood glucose management due to the frequency with which patients access the pharmacy for medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a pharmacist-led approach to diabetes management (measured by blood glucose levels) by providing medication therapy management (MTM) and leveraging communication between the pharmacist and patients' primary care providers (PCPs). Study participants were Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) patients with type 2 diabetes who obtained free diabetes-related medications from the pharmacy. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment as usual (TAU), MTM, or MTM plus coordinated care between the pharmacist and the patient's PCP. The blood glucose levels of patients who received MTM remained stable throughout the duration of the study while blood glucose levels for TAU patients significantly increased. A previously non-existent communication channel between pharmacists and FQHC providers was established and recommendations were exchanged. This relatively small investment on behalf of the pharmacy (e.g., routinely checking blood glucose, sharing medication recommendations) led to a return on health outcomes for a high-risk, low-resource patient population. This study yielded a beneficial change in practice as the pharmacy has institutionalized measuring at-risk patients' blood glucose levels during pharmacy visits. The pharmacy has also continued to enhance their relationship with the FQHC to provide integrated, patient-centered care to this shared vulnerable patient population.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects up to 2% of the UK population. AF is a potentially long-term condition that needs management, and as such primary care pharmacists may have a substantial role in supporting the management of AF. Objectives This study aims to explore the role of primary care pharmacists, working in community pharmacies and general practices (GPs), in supporting the management of AF. Furthermore, this study investigates pharmacists’ confidence in their knowledge and their attitudes towards incorporating AF-associated mobile apps use into their current practice. Methods A qualitative study was conducted, using one-to-one semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews with primary care pharmacists. The topic guide was developed based on pharmacy visits and included the most relevant constructs from the ‘consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR)’. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed until saturation was achieved, guided by Braun and Clarke’s 6-step research method. This study was given a favourable opinion on 5 September 2019 by the University of Birmingham (UOB) Research Ethics Committee (Reference ERN_19-0908). Results Thematic saturation was achieved after 11 interviews with primary care pharmacists (seven community pharmacists, and four GP pharmacists). Three main themes emerged relating to (1) the clinical role of pharmacists in the management of AF; (2) knowledge and awareness; and (3) prioritisation of resources. The first highlighted that primary care pharmacists were an underutilised resource within AF management. The second demonstrated that pharmacists, especially those based in the community, felt a lack of confidence in their knowledge of AF and its management, mainly community pharmacists due to other roles taking precedence over clinical roles. Both community and GP pharmacists expressed the need to have further training in this therapeutic area to be able to effectively support patients with AF. The third shed light on the pharmacists’ views relating to the technological revolution in healthcare. Pharmacists expressed an interest in using apps to support their current practice. Conclusions Primary care pharmacists supported an extended care to AF management from screening to consultations, yet the provision of such services remains limited and inconsistent. Future research should focus on understanding the ways in which pharmacists’ role can be adapted toward greater involvement in clinical care.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a medication assistance program and the addition of pharmacist management on clinical outcomes in patients with hypertension and diabetes through an Advanced Pharmaceutical Care program. Methods: This was a prospective quality improvement study on patients with hypertension and/or diabetes resistant to usual care. The primary outcomes were change in A1C, blood glucose, and blood pressure between 3 phases: usual care, free medications, and free medications plus pharmacist management. Secondary outcomes included achievement of A1C, blood glucose, and blood pressure goals as well as pharmacist interventions. Results: Seven patients were included in the study. The mean A1C decreased from 11.3% to 8.3% with free medications (p = 0.28) and from 8.3% to 6.4% with pharmacist management (p = 0.119). Mean blood pressure during usual care, free medications, and pharmacist intervention was 150/87 mm Hg, 148/85 mm Hg, and 125/78 mm Hg, respectively. After pharmacist management, 75% of patients with type 2 diabetes were able to achieve A1C and blood glucose goals, and 71% of patients with hypertension achieved blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg. Conclusions: The Advanced Pharmaceutical Care program allowed pharmacists to identify and overcome patient-specific barriers to care, provide individualized disease state education, and optimize medication management. Medication assistance led to improvements in A1C and blood pressure, but did not affect achievement of disease state goals. Pharmacist involvement in hypertension and diabetes care led to clinically significant reductions in blood pressure and A1C and enabled patients to reach guideline-recommended blood pressure and glycemic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical pharmacists have demonstrated their ability to improve patient outcomes over usual care for patients with type 2 diabetes and glycemic levels above goal, though reasons for this are not well defined. Numerous medications exist for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes and different patterns of medication use by clinical pharmacists may explain these benefits. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare pharmacotherapy approaches to managing patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes receiving basal insulin by a clinical pharmacist versus usual care by a physician or advanced practice provider in a federally qualified health center. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients 18 to 85 years old with type 2 diabetes, A1C ≥9%, receiving basal insulin was conducted. Patients were grouped into two cohorts: (1) those who received clinical pharmacist care and (2) those who received usual care from a physician or advanced practice provider. The primary outcome evaluated the proportion of patients treated with the addition of a non-basal insulin medication. Type of medication changes or additions as well as change in A1C and change in weight were also analyzed. Outcomes were evaluated at six months post-index A1C. Results: A total of 202 patients were identified (n=129 in the usual care group and n=73 in the clinical pharmacist group). A non-basal insulin medication was added in 29% of patients receiving usual care versus 41% of patients receiving clinical pharmacist care (adjusted p=0.040). Usual care providers more frequently added metformin, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones, while clinical pharmacists more frequently added prandial insulin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. A1C decreased 1.6% in the clinical pharmacist group versus 0.9% in the usual care group (adjusted p=0.055). No significant change in weight was observed between the clinical pharmacist and usual care group (0.2 kg versus -1.0 kg, respectively; adjusted p=0.175). Conclusions: Pharmacotherapy approaches to managing patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes varied between clinical pharmacists and other clinician providers. For patients already on basal insulin, clinical pharmacists were more likely to intensify therapy with the addition of non-basal insulin, including more frequent initiation of prandial insulin and by adding newer antihyperglycemic agents.

The current drug shortage crisis involving multiple oral antibiotics has significantly impacted preferred therapeutic options for treatment of H.pylori infection. Pharmacists may help alleviate the impact of this shortage through a proposed step-wise approach which includes proper inventory management, verification of indication, evaluation of regimen, therapeutic monitoring, and communication with patients and providers regarding alternative therapy or symptomatic relief. Type: Original Research

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared. Disclosure of conflicts of interest form(s) are published online as supplementary files.

Importance: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The results were previously reported of a trial of home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring and pharmacist management intervention in which the interventions stopped after 12 months. There were significantly greater reductions in systolic BP (SBP) in the intervention group than in the usual care group at 6, 12, and 18 months (-10.7, -9.7, and -6.6 mm Hg, respectively)., Objectives: To examine the durability of the intervention effect on BP through 54 months of follow-up and to compare BP measurements performed in the research clinic and in routine clinical care., Design, Setting, and Participants: Follow-up of a cluster randomized clinical trial among 16 primary care clinics and 450 patients with uncontrolled hypertension in a large health system from March 2009 to November 2015., Interventions: A home BP telemonitoring intervention with pharmacist management or usual care., Main Outcomes and Measures: Change from baseline to 54 months in SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) measured as the mean of 3 measurements obtained at each research clinic visit., Results: Among 450 patients, 228 (mean [SD] age, 62.0 [11.7] years; 54.8% male) were randomized to the telemonitoring intervention and 222 (mean [SD] age, 60.2 [12.2] years; 55.9% male) to usual care. Research clinic BP measurements were obtained from 326 of 450 (72.4%) study patients at the 54-month follow-up visit, including 162 (mean [SD] age, 62.0 [11.1] years; 54.9% male) randomized to the telemonitoring intervention and 164 (mean [SD] age, 60.0 [11.2] years; 57.3% male) to usual care. Routine clinical care BP measurements were obtained from 439 of 450 (97.6%) study patients at 6248 visits during the follow-up period. Based on research clinic measurements, baseline mean SBP was 148 mm Hg in both groups. In the intervention group, mean SBP at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 54-month follow-up was 126.7, 125.7, 126.9, and 130.6 mm Hg, respectively. In the usual care group, mean SBP at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 54-month follow-up was 136.9, 134.8, 133.0, and 132.6 mm Hg, respectively. The differential reduction by study group in SBP from baseline to 54 months was -2.5 mm Hg (95% CI, -6.3 to 1.2 mm Hg; P = .18). The DBP followed a similar pattern, with a differential reduction by study group from baseline to 54 months of -1.0 mm Hg (95% CI, -3.2 to 1.2 mm Hg; P = .37). The SBP and DBP results from routine clinical measurements suggested significantly lower BP in the intervention group for up to 24 months., Conclusions and Relevance: This intensive intervention had sustained effects for up to 24 months (12 months after the intervention ended). Long-term maintenance of BP control is likely to require continued monitoring and resumption of the intervention if BP increases., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00781365.

The current drug shortage crisis involving multiple oral antibiotics has significantly impacted preferred therapeutic options for treatment of H.pylori infection. Pharmacists may help alleviate the impact of this shortage through a proposed step-wise approach which includes proper inventory management, verification of indication, evaluation of regimen, therapeutic monitoring, and communication with patients and providers regarding alternative therapy or symptomatic relief.