Specialization in clinical pharmacy is necessary to providing clinical pharmacy services in Czech Republic. Clinical pharmacy knowledge has to be further developed within the framework of continuous education system.
- Keywords
- clinical pharmacy, clinical pharmacy care, postgraduate education,
- MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Specialization MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
A large proportion of the world's disease burden is attributable to mental illnesses. Although effective interventions are available, many patients still have limited access to evidence-based treatments. Aside from access, treatment gaps, including inappropriate medication selection and monitoring, are also routinely recognised. Mental health clinical pharmacists can help address these gaps and enable patients to receive optimised pharmaceutical care, particularly appropriate medication selection and monitoring. The European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) Special Interest Group on Mental Health was established to improve standardised service provision in mental health settings across Europe. The Special Interest Group identified significant barriers (predominantly associated with reimbursement and position within the multidisciplinary team) to effective pharmaceutical care amongst those with mental illnesses. This commentary presents recommendations to address these gaps through improved mental health clinical pharmacy service provision.
- Keywords
- Clinical pharmacist interventions, Clinical pharmacy in mental health, European society of clinical pharmacy, Mental illnesses and pharmacy, Pharmaceutical services in mental health, Polypharmacy and clinical pharmacy, Psychotropics and clinical pharmacy,
- MeSH
- Mental Health MeSH
- Pharmacists psychology MeSH
- Pharmacy * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Public Opinion MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe epidemiology MeSH
Currently there is an effort to move towards more service pharmacy to the physician and the patient in both inpatient and outpatient care. In the Czech Republic they are gradually created conditions for the daily work of clinical pharmacist. They are defined activities of clinical pharmaceutical care, which constitutes the work of emerging clinical pharmacy department. Contribution of the clinical pharmaceutical care has been repeatedly confirmed by both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
- Keywords
- clinical pharmaceutical care, clinical pharmacy,
- MeSH
- Pharmacy * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Considering a rejection rate of 80-90%, the preparation of a research grant is often considered a daunting task since it is resource intensive and there is no guarantee of success, even for seasoned researchers. This commentary provides a summary of the key points a researcher needs to consider when writing a research grant proposal, outlining: (1) how to conceptualise the research idea; (2) how to find the right funding call; (3) the importance of planning; (4) how to write; (5) what to write, and (6) key questions for reflection during preparation. It attempts to explain the difficulties associated with finding calls in clinical pharmacy and advanced pharmacy practice, and how to overcome them. The commentary aims to assist all pharmacy practice and health services research colleagues new to the grant application process, as well as experienced researchers striving to improve their grant review scores. The guidance in this paper is part of ESCP's commitment to stimulate "innovative and high-quality research in all areas of clinical pharmacy".
- Keywords
- Clinical pharmacy, Economics, Funding, Grants, Peer review, Writing,
- MeSH
- Pharmacy * MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Writing MeSH
- Research Design MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Guidelines for pharmacy practitioners regarding various clinical pharmacy activities have been published in a number of countries. There is a need to review the guidelines and identify the scope of activities covered as a prelude to developing internationally acceptable common guidelines. AIM: To review the scope of clinical pharmacy guidelines and assess the extent to which these guidelines conform to quality standards as per the AGREE II instrument. METHOD: Medline, Embase, Guideline Central, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Google Scholar and Google (for grey literature) were searched for the period 2010 to January 2023. Guidelines which focused on any health care setting and any clinical pharmacy activity were included. Data were extracted and quality assessed independently by two reviewers using the English version of the AGREE II instrument. RESULTS: Thirty-eight guidelines were included, mostly originating from Australia (n = 10), Ireland (n = 8), UK (n = 7) and USA (n = 5). Areas covered included medication reconciliation, medicines optimisation, medication management and transition of care. As per the AGREE II assessment, the highest score was obtained for the scope and purpose domain and the lowest score for rigour of development, mainly due to non-consideration of literature/evidence to inform guideline development. CONCLUSION: Clinical pharmacy guidelines development processes need to focus on all quality domains and should take a systematic approach to guideline development. Guidelines need to further emphasise person-centred care and clinical communication. There is a scope to harmonise the guidelines internationally considering the diverse practices, standards and legislations across different geographies.
- Keywords
- Clinical pharmacy, Medication review, Medicines optimisation, Practice guidelines,
- MeSH
- Pharmacy * MeSH
- Communication * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Systematic Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Australia MeSH
- Ireland MeSH
Publishing in reputable peer-reviewed journals is an integral step of the clinical pharmacy research process, allowing for knowledge transfer and advancement in clinical pharmacy practice. Writing a manuscript for publication in a journal requires several careful considerations to ensure that research findings are communicated to the satisfaction of editors and reviewers, and effectively to the readers. This commentary provides a summary of the main points to consider, outlining how to: (1) select a suitable journal, (2) tailor the manuscript for the journal readership, (3) organise the content of the manuscript in line with the journal's guidelines, and (4) manage feedback from the peer review process. This commentary reviews the steps of the writing process, identifies common pitfalls, and proposes ways to overcome them. It aims to assist both novice and established researchers in the field of clinical pharmacy to enhance the quality of writing in a research paper to maximise impact.
- Keywords
- Clinical pharmacy, Journal article, Peer review, Publishing, Research, Writing,
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Peer Review MeSH
- Writing MeSH
- Publishing MeSH
- Pharmacy Research * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: The pharmacy profession has an important role in the frontline healthcare response to COVID-19 across all settings. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore the views and experiences of clinical pharmacists in relation to the provision of clinical pharmacy services during COVID-19. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with pharmacists working in clinical roles in healthcare settings across Europe. Participants were recruited through professional organisations of clinical and hospitals pharmacists combined with a snowballing technique. The Pharmacy Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework and Disaster Preparedness Framework for pharmacy services were used to generate data which were analysed using the thematic framework method. RESULTS: Twenty-two participants from 16 European countries described a range of measures to protect patients, public and healthcare staff against virus transmission including developing and disseminating educational materials. Most described their involvement in aspects of evidence provision such as facilitating clinical trials, gathering and appraising evidence and disseminating clinical information. Many hospital-based pharmacists were reassigned to new roles such as intensive care. Routine clinical services were extensively interrupted and remote forms of communication were used. Most were motivated by a strong sense of professionalism to continue delivering services. A number of facilitators and barriers to prevention, preparedness and response actions were identified which related to uptake of new roles, recognition of pharmacists roles in the healthcare team, information gathering, communication with patients and healthcare professionals, and provision of routine clinical services. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in this multinational qualitative study described a range of service adaptations and adoption of novel roles to prevent and mitigate the public health impact of the pandemic. The study findings may help to inform governments, public health agencies and healthcare systems in harnessing ongoing service provision and adapt to any future interruptions.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, Clinical pharmacy, Coronavirus, Pandemic, Pharmaceutical care, Pharmacist,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- Pharmacists MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Professional Role MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Community Pharmacy Services * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The 2018 EAHP European Statements Survey focused on sections 1, 3 and 4 of the European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy. Statistical data on the level of implementation and on the main barriers to implementation of the Statements were collected. A further aim was to identify barriers in general, such as lack of awareness. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to all hospital pharmacies in EAHP member countries. Data were analysed at Keele University School of Pharmacy, UK. As with previous reports, the survey was divided into three sections: section A, asking general questions about the hospital pharmacy; Section B, addressing questions about the current activity of pharmacists around each statement from Sections 1, 3 and 4; and Section C, focusing on their ability to implement the statements. RESULTS: 719 complete responses were obtained from a sample of 5164 hospital pharmacies, giving a response rate of 14% (719/5164). Section A results indicated that 45% (323/719) of responders worked in teaching hospitals, 79% (568/719) of hospital pharmacies had 10 or fewer pharmacists, and 48% (345/719) of hospital pharmacies served over 500 beds. Section B results found a high percentage of positive responses for activity in section 1 (introductory statements and governance) and section 3 (production and compounding). However, responses to questions in section 4 (clinical pharmacy services) were more variable, with 6 of the 15 questions being answered positively by less than half of respondents. The five questions that revealed the lowest implementation levels were then analysed in greater detail. These questions corresponded to Statements 4.4, 4.5, 4.8, 1.1, and 4.2, which need the greatest effort for implementation. The major identified barriers to implementation were 'lack of capacity' and that 'other health professionals in the hospital fulfil the tasks'. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides useful information on the implementation status (and the barriers to, and drivers of implementation) of sections 1, 3 and 4 of the Statements. This will allow the EAHP to plan its implementation support programme for its members. To increase the quality of data, as well as the feedback to hospital pharmacies, the EAHP is planning to combine the survey with the self-assessment tool of the European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy.
- Keywords
- EAHP statements of hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, health services administration & management, pharmacy management (personnel), survey,
- MeSH
- Pharmacists MeSH
- Pharmacy * MeSH
- Pharmacies * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Background Building research capacity of European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) members aligns to the organisation's aim of advancing research. Objective To determine members' aspirations and needs in research training and practice, and to explore ways in which ESCP could provide support. Setting ESCP's international membership. Method Cross-sectional survey of members in 2018, followed by focus groups with samples of respondents attending an ESCP symposium. Survey items were: research activities; interests, experience and confidence; and Likert statements on research conduct. Principal component analysis (PCA) clustering of Likert statements from a previous study was used, with scores for each component calculated. Focus groups discussed barriers to research and how ESCP could provide support. Data analysis involved collating and comparing all themes. Main outcome measures Research interest, experience and confidence; attitudinal items; barriers to research; ESCP support. Results The response rate was 16.7% (83/499), with 89.2% (n = 74) involved in research and 79.5% (n = 66) publishing research in the preceding 2 years. While overwhelmingly positive, responses were more positive for research interest than experience or confidence. PCA component scores (support/opportunities, motivation/outcomes, and roles/characteristics) were positive. Thirteen members participated in focus groups, identifying barriers of: insufficient collaboration; lack of knowledge, skills, training; unsupportive environment; insufficient time; and limited resources. ESCP could support through mentorship, collaboration, education and funding. Conclusion Study participants were highly active, interested, experienced, confident and positive regarding research. There is an opportunity for ESCP to harness these activities and provide support in the form of mentoring, education and training, and facilitating collaboration.
- Keywords
- Barriers, Clinical pharmacy, Enablers, European Society of Clinical Pharmacy, Research,
- MeSH
- Principal Component Analysis MeSH
- Capacity Building * MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Cooperative Behavior MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Mentors MeSH
- Societies, Pharmaceutical organization & administration MeSH
- Pharmacy Research organization & administration MeSH
- Focus Groups MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
- Keywords
- EDUCATION, PHARMACY, Education, Pharmacy, Continuing, PHARMACY SERVICE, HOSPITAL, Safety, Workforce,
- MeSH
- Pharmacists * trends MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pharmacy Service, Hospital * trends MeSH
- Workforce trends MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Editorial MeSH
