International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interdisciplinary Cooperation between Pharmacists and Nurses—Experiences and Expectations

by Magdalena Waszyk-Nowaczyk, Weronika Guzenda, Paweł Dragun, Laura Olsztyńska, Julia Liwarska, Michał Michalak, Jan Ferlak, Mariola Drozd and Renata Sobiechowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811713 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

Background: Getting to know the experience gained so far between professions such as pharmacists and nurses allows for introducing changes aimed at better cooperation, and that can improve the quality of patient care. The aim was to obtain the nurses’ opinions on the [...] Read more.

Background: Getting to know the experience gained so far between professions such as pharmacists and nurses allows for introducing changes aimed at better cooperation, and that can improve the quality of patient care. The aim was to obtain the nurses’ opinions on the ongoing cooperation with pharmacists and to analyze the possibilities of cooperation between these groups. Methods: The survey was conducted from January to March 2021 among 124 nurses in Poland. The link to the electronic questionnaire was sent by e-mails sourced from online social groups for nurses. Before completing the questionnaire, each participant was informed about the anonymous research and the purpose of the data obtained. Results: In total, 80.6% of the respondents confirmed that the pharmacist is a reliable advisor in the field of general information about a drug and 60.9% in the field of clinical information about the drug, and 54.8% of the nurses agreed that a pharmacist should carry out such practices as measuring blood pressure or glucose in a community pharmacy, with 70.1% agreeing that a pharmacist should provide pharmaceutical care in a community pharmacy in the future and the most convinced of this were people with a master’s degree. Of the respondents, 74.1% indicated that pharmacist advice should be fully reimbursed by the National Health Fund or another insurance institution. Conclusions: The study showed that the nursing community appreciates the role of pharmacists and has a positive attitude towards cooperation with this professional group. What is more is that it indicates willingness for interdisciplinary cooperation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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12 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Access to Health Information in the Polish Healthcare System—Survey Research

by Anna Pilarska, Agnieszka Zimmermann and Agata Zdun-Ryżewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127320 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2210

Abstract

Progress in medicine, transformations in healthcare organisation systems and access to new technologies have contributed to many changes in relations and communication between patients and healthcare personnel. The time to discuss and clarify doubts has shortened, while the period of waiting for an [...] Read more.

Progress in medicine, transformations in healthcare organisation systems and access to new technologies have contributed to many changes in relations and communication between patients and healthcare personnel. The time to discuss and clarify doubts has shortened, while the period of waiting for an appointment and a consultation with a specialist has often been prolonged. Due to the lack or misunderstanding of information obtained from medical professionals, many people seek health information on their own account. The purpose of this document is to analyse the access Polish patients have to health information, the sources of and reasons for seeking that information, as well as the degree to which patients are satisfied with the information they find. We will also examine cases where patients choose self-healing. This is a survey based on an original questionnaire. The survey was conducted online and offline. The results of the survey were analysed by use of descriptive statistics. The analysis has indicated that access to health information is a universal need, which is independent of gender, age or education. Health information obtained from a doctor is most desired. The second-best source of information chosen by respondents is the Internet. Family members and friends are indicated as the third information source. Polish patients greatly appreciate doctors as a source of health information; however, given the difficulties connected with gaining direct access to information from healthcare personnel, they often search non-professional sources for information. The Internet and other media may be tools supporting the establishment of a safety culture, provided that the content published therein is consulted with medical professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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10 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Informed Consent in Mammography Screening—The Polish Experience

by Anna Zagaja, Renata Bogusz, Jarosław Sak, Michał Wiechetek and Jakub Pawlikowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6735; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116735 - 31 May 2022

Viewed by 1744

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the leading forms of cancers in women worldwide. In Poland, it accounts for approx. 20% of all cancers diagnosed, with approximately 11,000 new cases and 5000 deaths from this disease annually. To prevent unfavourable statistics, Poland introduced free [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is one of the leading forms of cancers in women worldwide. In Poland, it accounts for approx. 20% of all cancers diagnosed, with approximately 11,000 new cases and 5000 deaths from this disease annually. To prevent unfavourable statistics, Poland introduced free breast cancer screening programmes, available to women aged 50–69. Over a million women take advantage of this programme each year. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of consent women give prior to mammography screening and address the question of whether this quality is sufficient to make an informed choice. The study was conducted on a representative group of 600 Polish women over 50 years old (475 of them had undergone mammography screening), who agreed to take part in the study. Using the computer-assisted interview technology (CATI) method, all women were asked about their perception of breast cancer and screening and those who had undergone mammography were quizzed about the consent process. They will form the focus of this research. The validated tool contained items on both the benefits and risks of screening. The results indicate that the quality of informed consent was insufficient. A discrepancy was observed in the awareness between the benefits and risks of mammography screening. The main motivations to undergo screening were: prophylactic purposes and the free-of-charge nature of this health service. Population-based screening programmes for breast cancer should be reconsidered in terms of information policy, and the quality of informed consent should be increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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10 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Own Illness among the Elderly as Measured by the Brief-IPQ Scale and the IPIS

by Katarzyna Pawlikowska-Łagód and Magdalena Suchodolska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084665 - 12 Apr 2022

Viewed by 2219

Abstract

Background: The perception of one’s own illness by the elderly significantly affects the success of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. It depends on the patient’s existential situation, coping strategies, social support and the way the patient is treated by the medical personnel. The aim [...] Read more.

Background: The perception of one’s own illness by the elderly significantly affects the success of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. It depends on the patient’s existential situation, coping strategies, social support and the way the patient is treated by the medical personnel. The aim of this study was to investigate how the elderly perceive their own illness. Methods: The study covered 303 people over 60 years of age who were hospitalized in wards of Lublin hospitals. A diagnostic survey method was used in the study. The research tools were: the Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief-IPQ), Imagination and Perception of Illness Scale (IPIS) and a questionnaire of own authorship. The place of residence in the study population significantly influenced the perception of own illness measured by the Brief-IPQ. Results: The elderly perceived their own illness through the prism of mental and physical destruction. Statistically significant correlations were observed between almost all components of the Brief-IPQ and self-assessed health status of the subjects. Conclusions: Older people’s perception of their own illness is very important in the success of the therapeutic process. The perception of disease is not statistical; it changes depending on the chronicity of the disease, its duration, cultural factors and the doctor–patient relationship. It is associated with biopsychosocial processes that affect the ability to perceive and understand the disease and to take appropriate actions to improve health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

8 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Spontaneous Reports of Adverse Drug Reactions Sent to a Regional Pharmacovigilance Unit

by Mário Rui Salvador, Cristina Monteiro, Luísa Pereira and Ana Paula Duarte

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073754 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Spontaneous reports (SRs) of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain the basis of pharmacovigilance systems. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of SRs received by the Pharmacovigilance Unit of Beira Interior, in Central Portugal. The second objective was to [...] Read more.

Spontaneous reports (SRs) of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain the basis of pharmacovigilance systems. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of SRs received by the Pharmacovigilance Unit of Beira Interior, in Central Portugal. The second objective was to identify factors associated with complete SRs. SRs received between 1 January 2017 and 31 October 2019 were analyzed. SR information was classified as “mandatory” or “recommended” criteria. SR were then grouped into three categories (well, slightly, and poorly documented). Association between “well documented” SR and confounding variables was estimated using a multiple logistic regression model. The results showed 22.4% of SRs are “well documented”, and 41.2% are “poorly documented”. Most of the complete SRs correspond to non-serious ADRs (55.8%), with a negative association between complete SRs and serious ADRs (OR = 0.595, [95% CI 0.362–0.977], p = 0.040). There is also a significant association between complete SRs and e-mail notification (OR = 1.876, [95% CI 1.060–3.321], p = 0.002). The results highlight the small amount of SR documentation sent to pharmacovigilance systems. There is an association between non-serious ADRs and complete SRs. These results reinforce the need for training for notification of ADRs and that these SRs include as much information as possible for an effective drug risk management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

Review

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12 pages, 1440 KiB

Open AccessReview

Developing an In-House Comprehensive Medication Review Training Program for Clinical Pharmacists in a Finnish Hospital Pharmacy

by Kirsi Kvarnström, Ilona Niittynen, Sonja Kallio, Carita Lindén-Lahti, Marja Airaksinen and Lotta Schepel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126158 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

Long-term continuing education programs have been a key factor in shifting toward more patient-centered clinical pharmacy services. This narrative review aims to describe the development of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) Pharmacy’s in-house Comprehensive Medication Review Training Program (CMRTP) and how it has impacted [...] Read more.

Long-term continuing education programs have been a key factor in shifting toward more patient-centered clinical pharmacy services. This narrative review aims to describe the development of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) Pharmacy’s in-house Comprehensive Medication Review Training Program (CMRTP) and how it has impacted clinical pharmacy services in HUS. The CMRTP was developed during the years 2017–2020. The program focuses on developing the special skills and competencies needed in comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs), including interprofessional collaboration and pharmacotherapeutic knowledge. The program consists of two modules: (I) Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation, and (II) CMR. The CMRTP includes teaching sessions, self-learning assignments, medication reconciliations, medication review cases, CMRs, a written final report, and a self-assessment of competence development. The one-year-long program is coordinated by a clinical teacher. The program is continuously developed based on the latest guidelines in evidence-based medicine and international benchmarking in cooperation with the University of Helsinki. With the CMRTP, we have adopted a more patient-centered role for our clinical pharmacists and remarkably expanded the services. This program may be benchmarked in other countries where the local education system does not cover clinical pharmacy competence well enough and in hospitals where the clinical pharmacy services are not yet very patient-oriented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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28 pages, 4326 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness of Pharmacist Interventions in the Management of Patient with Renal Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Magdalena Jasińska-Stroschein

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11170; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811170 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3425

Abstract

The existing trials have focused on a variety of interventions to improve outcomes in renal failure; however, quantitative evidence comparing the effect of performing multidimensional interventions is scarce. The present paper reviews data from previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), examining interventions performed for [...] Read more.

The existing trials have focused on a variety of interventions to improve outcomes in renal failure; however, quantitative evidence comparing the effect of performing multidimensional interventions is scarce. The present paper reviews data from previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), examining interventions performed for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and transplants by multidisciplinary teams, including pharmacists. Methods: A systematic search with quality assessment was performed using the revised Cochrane Collaboration’s ‘Risk of Bias’ tool. Results and Conclusion: Thirty-three RCTs were included in the review, and the data from nineteen protocols were included in further quantitative analyses. A wide range of outcomes was considered, including those associated with progression of CKD, cardiovascular risk factors, patient adherence, quality of life, prescription of relevant medications, drug-related problems (DRPs), rate of hospitalizations, and death. The heterogeneity between studies was high. Despite low-to-moderate quality of evidence and relatively short follow-up, the findings suggest that multidimensional interventions, taken by pharmacists within multidisciplinary teams, are important for improving some clinical outcomes, such as blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular diseases and renal progression, and they improve non-adherence to medication among individuals with renal failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

13 pages, 3416 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Adverse Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 378 Randomized Controlled Trials

by Mingkwan Na Takuathung, Wannachai Sakuludomkan, Rapheephorn Khatsri, Nahathai Dukaew, Napatsorn Kraivisitkul, Balqis Ahmadmusa, Chollada Mahakkanukrauh, Kachathip Wangthaweesap, Jirakit Onin, Salin Srichai, Nida Buawangpong and Nut Koonrungsesomboon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148373 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6018

Abstract

Background: Although angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are among the most-prescribed medications in the world, the extent to which they increase the risk of adverse effects remains uncertain. This study aimed to systematically determine the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors versus placebo across a [...] Read more.

Background: Although angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are among the most-prescribed medications in the world, the extent to which they increase the risk of adverse effects remains uncertain. This study aimed to systematically determine the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors versus placebo across a wide range of therapeutic settings. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing an ACE inhibitor to a placebo were retrieved. The relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were utilized as a summary effect measure. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled-effect estimates. Results: A total of 378 RCTs fulfilled the eligibility criteria, with 257 RCTs included in the meta-analysis. Compared with a placebo, ACE inhibitors were associated with an significantly increased risk of dry cough (RR = 2.66, 95% CI = 2.20 to 3.20, p < 0.001), hypotension (RR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.66 to 2.35, p < 0.001), dizziness (RR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.26 to 1.70, p < 0.001), and hyperkalemia (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.52, p = 0.037). The risk difference was quantified to be 0.037, 0.030, 0.017, and 0.009, respectively. Conclusions: We quantified the relative risk of numerous adverse events associated with the use of ACE inhibitors in a variety of demographics. This information can help healthcare providers be fully informed about any potential adverse consequences and make appropriate suggestions for their patients requiring ACE inhibitor therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medication Safety and Patient's Health)

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