BACKGROUND Differences in error rates between pharmacists and nurses in terms of drug confirmation have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in error rates between pharmacists and nurses from the viewpoint of error categories, and to clarify differences in recognition regarding drug name similarity. METHODS In this study, preparation errors and incidents were...

In 2009, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia introduced Professional Practice Policy 58, “Protocol for Medication Management—Adapting a Prescription”. This policy has enhanced pharmacy practice by allowing pharmacists to make changes to prescriptions. More specifically, it allows pharmacists to change a drug dose or formulation, titrate medications, renew prescriptions, and make drug...

BACKGROUND As oral contraceptive pills are available over the counter in pharmacies, pharmacists are professionally responsible for checking and informing patients about every aspect of taking these drugs. Simulated patient method is a new and robust way to evaluate professional performance of pharmacists. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacy practice of Iranian...

BACKGROUND Pharmacists in Japan currently play a key role in patient hospital care. Their responsibilities include filling prescriptions, checking a patient's medication history, and providing appropriate information to other health care workers. More importantly, pharmacists' interventions can also result in reductions in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and, ultimately, in cost savings. This stu...

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis has significant impact on healthcare costs and quality of life. Amongst the models for collaborative disease state management services published internationally, there is sparse evidence regarding the role of community pharmacists in the provision of osteoporosis care. Hence, the aim of our study was to explore community pharmacists' opinions (including the barriers and ...

Since late 1960s, pharmacists in the USA and England have started a professional movement towards a more efficient presence in clinical wards of hospitals. A similar movement has started in developed European countries during the past decade. Pharmacists are convinced of the need for them to play their role as drug consultants and pharmacotherapy advisers to make decisions on drug therapy probl...

Since late 1960s, pharmacists in the USA and England have started a professional movement towards a more efficient presence in clinical wards of hospitals. A similar movement has started in developed European countries during the past decade. Pharmacists are convinced of the need for them to play their role as drug consultants and pharmacotherapy advisers to make decisions on drug therapy probl...

BACKGROUND In 2007, Alberta became the first Canadian jurisdiction to grant pharmacists a wide range of prescribing privileges. Our objective was to understand what factors influence pharmacists' adoption of prescribing using a model for the Diffusion of Innovations in healthcare services. METHODS Pharmacists participated in semi-structured telephone interviews to discuss their prescribing pr...

OBJECTIVES To measure psychiatrists' experience and their expectations of the role of clinical pharmacists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The psychiatrists' experience and their expectations were collected using a 4-part self-completed questionnaire: (a) demographic information, (b) psychiatrists' current expectations of the roles of pharmacists, (c) psychiatrists' actual exper...

BACKGROUND In order to provide appropriate advice to the patient at the time of dispensing and over-the-counter (OTC) medication counseling, community pharmacists need access to current and reliable information about medicines. Brazilian pharmacists have assumed new functions such as prescribing medication, in a dependent model, based in protocols. OBJECTIVE To examine the practice of communi...