Barriers to Implementing a Pharmacist-Run Immunization Service, as Perceived by community Pharmacists in a Middle Eastern Country: A cross sectional web-based survey

Abstract Background: Several barriers to instigating a pharmacist-run immunization program existed. This survey aims to identify the barriers perceived by Lebanese community pharmacists (CPs) to implementing such a program and the association of these barriers with their willingness to provide immunization services.Methods:A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted over the period of time extending between the 1st of November and the end of December 2020 among Lebanese community pharmacists. The questionnaire included information on their socio-demographic characteristics, willingness to vaccinate and the perceived barriers to the run of immunization service. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.0. Two logistic regression were conducted, one to identify factors associated with pharmacists high perception of barriers and another one to determine the predictors of the pharmacist’s willingness to vaccinate.Results:Out of the 412 surveyed community pharmacists, 67.48% of them were willing to expand their practice scope to include immunization. The main perceived barriers were the conflict with other professionals, liability, and reimbursements concerns, time for professional development and lack of knowledge of adverse events after immunization. Our results showed that females were more likely to perceive barriers than males (aOR=2.460, 95% CI (1.876:6.909)). However, pharmacists reporting previous experience in immunization (aOR=0.250, 95% CI (0.170:0.586)), working in urban area (aOR=0.451, 95% CI (0.199:0.926)) and having extensive working hours (aOR=0.244, 95% CI (0.05:1.2)) were less likely to perceive barriers. Female pharmacists were less willing to vaccinate (aOR=0.211, 95% CI (0.116:0.383)). However, having less than 40 years old (aOR=2.518, 95% CI (1.236:5.130)), having large experience ((aOR=1.78, 95% CI (1.087 to 2.993)) or previous experience in immunization (aOR=1.702, 95% CI (1.092 to 3.141)), being pharmacy owner (aOR=1.504, 95% CI (1.098:2.103)) and working more than 24 hours per week (aOR=2.622, 95% CI (1.447:4.752) were positively associated to the willingness to vaccinate. Pharmacists who perceived reimbursement (aOR=0.449 with 95% CI (0.264-0.765)), lack of pharmacy space (aOR=0.410 with 95% CI (0.158-1.060)), sharp safety (aOR=0.298 with 95% CI (0.146-0.609)) and insufficient staff (aOR=0.388 with 95% CI (0.190-0.794)) as barriers were less likely to implement pharmacy-run immunization.Conclusion:Addressing the identified barriers driving pharmacist’s lower willingness to vaccinate would be required to fully harness the potential of pharmacists as vaccinators.

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Pharmacists as immunizers in Lebanon: a national survey of community pharmacists’ willingness and readiness to administer adult immunization

Human Resources for Health ◽

10.1186/s12960-021-00673-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dalal Youssef ◽

Linda Abou-Abbas ◽

Suzan Farhat ◽

Hamad Hassan

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Educational Level ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Immunization Services

Abstract Background Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include immunization services. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community-based Lebanese pharmacists, in addition to their willingness to expand their practice scope to include vaccine administration. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the phase preceding the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon between 1 and 31st December 2020. Using a stratified random sampling method, data were collected from Lebanese community pharmacists (CPs) through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical experience, willingness to administer vaccines, knowledge about vaccination, attitudes towards immunization, reasons supporting utilizing pharmacists as immunizers and the requested elements to incorporate immunization in pharmacists’ practice scope. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with knowledge. Results A total of 412 community pharmacists participated in this survey. Of the total, 66.5% of the surveyed CPs are willing to administer vaccines. The majority of them (89.8%) had an overall good level. Out of all, 92.7% showed a positive overall attitude score toward immunization, 95.4% agreed that community pharmacists can play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccination. The main needed elements for implementing immunization services in pharmacies listed by participants were: support of health authorities (99.3%), statutory allowance (82.8%), patient demand (95.4%), pharmacist’s interest (96.1%) and continuous education and training workshops on immunization. Older CPs (50 years and above) [aOR = 0.703, CI 95% (0.598–0.812)] and those working in Bekaa and North have lower knowledge score than their counterparts. High educational level [aOR = 1.891, CI 95% (1.598–2.019)], previous experience in immunization [aOR = 3.123, CI 95% (2.652–4.161)] and working in urban areas [aOR = 3.640, CI 95% (2.544–4.717)] were positively associated with a good knowledge level. Conclusion Most of Lebanese community pharmacists are willing to offer immunizations. The expansion of the pharmacists practice scope to include provision of immunizations required a national plan that encompasses strengthening knowledge, training, certification for eligibility to administer vaccines, enhancing pharmacovigilance and statutory reform.

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Pharmacists as Immunizers in Lebanon: A National Survey of Community Pharmacists’ Willingness and Readiness to Administer Adult Immunization

10.21203/rs.3.rs-757591/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dalal Youssef ◽

Linda Abou Abbas ◽

Suzan Farhat ◽

Hamad Hassan

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Education And Training ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Immunization Services ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

And Training

Abstract Background: Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include immunization services. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community-based Lebanese pharmacists, in addition to their willingness to expand their practice scope to include vaccine administration. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the phase preceding the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon between 1st and 31st December 2020. Data were collected from Lebanese pharmacists through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical experience, willingness to administer vaccines, knowledge about vaccination, attitudes towards immunization, reasons supporting utilizing pharmacists as immunizers and the requested elements to incorporate immunization in pharmacists’ practice scope. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. Participants’ overall knowledge and overall attitude were categorized using modified Bloom’s cut-off point as good if the score was equal or more than 60%, and poor if the score was less than 60%.Results: A total of 412 community pharmacists participated in this survey. Of the total, 66.5% of the surveyed community pharmacists are willing to administer vaccines. The majority of surveyed pharmacists (96.1%) had an overall good level. Out of all, 92.7% showed a positive overall attitude score toward immunization, 95.4% agreed that community pharmacists can play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccination. The main needed elements for implementing immunization services in pharmacies listed by participants were: support of health authorities (99.3%), statutory allowance (82.8%), patient demand (95.4%), pharmacist’s interest (96.1%) and continuous education and training workshops on immunization. Conclusion: Most of Lebanese community pharmacists are willing to offer immunizations. However, before any statutory reform targeting the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice to include provision of immunizations, it is important to consider education and training as a fundamental part of the process.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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A National Survey of Community Pharmacists on Smoking Cessation Services in Thailand

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy6030101 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 101 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Surarong Chinwong ◽

Dujrudee Chinwong

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Postal Questionnaire ◽

Pharmaceutical Product ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Smoking Cessation Services ◽

First Time

Providing smoking cessation services is one role of community pharmacists in Thailand. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate activities and barriers related to smoking cessation services provided in community pharmacies in Thailand, as well as to compare these activities and barriers between those pharmacists providing and those not providing smoking cessation services. A postal questionnaire was conducted to collect information from community pharmacists across Thailand. In all, 413 valid responses were received from 5235 questionnaires, giving a 7.9% response rate. Of the 413 respondents, 152 (37%) pharmacists provided smoking cessation services in their pharmacy. The activities of smoking cessation services varied. Time for counseling each smoker varied, a mean of 15.1 ± 10.9 min (range 1–60) per person for the first time, and 8.9 ± 6.7 min (range 1–30) for each follow-up visit. Community pharmacists, providing smoking cessation services, were more likely to have pharmacist assistants, be a member of the Thai Pharmacy Network for Tobacco Control, and have more than 1 pharmacist on duty. The most dispensed pharmaceutical product for smoking cessation was nicotine gum. Their most perceived barriers were being unable to follow-up and inadequate staff. In conclusion, only a minority of community pharmacists in Thailand are engaged in smoking cessation activities, even though some perceived barriers existed.

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Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094699 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4699

Author(s):

Abdallah Y. Naser ◽

Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽

Zahra Khalil Alsairafi ◽

Hassan Alwafi ◽

Hamad Alyami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Scores

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of the general public in the Middle Eastern countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between the 19th of March and the 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of the Middle Eastern population regarding COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used for this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of COVID-19 knowledge. Results: A total of 1208 participants (members of the public) participated from the three countries (Jordan = 389, Saudi Arabia = 433, and Kuwait = 386). The majority of participants (n = 810, 67.2%) were females aged 30 to 49 years (n = 501, 41.5%). Participants had moderate overall COVID-19 knowledge, with a mean (SD) score of 7.93 (±1.72) out of 12 (66.1%). Participants had better knowledge about disease prevention and control (83.0%), whereas the lowest sub-scale scores were for questions about disease transmission routes (43.3%). High education level was an important predictor of greater COVID-19 knowledge scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Further public education is needed to address the relatively low level of education regarding the transmission of COVID-19 in the Middle Eastern countries. Policymakers are recommended to develop informative COVID-19 related campaigns that specifically target young people (university students), unemployed individuals, and those with lower levels of education.

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Influence of nursing staff working hours on the stress level during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional online survey

10.1101/2020.08.12.20173385 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Manuela Hoedl ◽

Silvia Bauer ◽

Doris Eglseer

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Stress Level ◽

Online Survey ◽

Quality Care ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Working Hours ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Working as a nurse means being responsive and highly accountable 24/7 and to be able to offer high-quality care, specifically during pandemics. Studies have shown that the average number of working hours per week is a significant predictor of stress and that the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the nurses stress levels. Objective: Therefore, we investigated (1) if a change had occurred in the nurses working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the hours employed and (2) the influence of the nursing staffs working hours during COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived level of stress. Design: We used an online survey in this Austrian cross-sectional study, distributed using a snowball sampling method. Participants and methods: In the online survey, we asked the nurses many relevant questions, including how many hours they are employed per week and how many hours they had worked on average per week since the outbreak of COVID-19. We used the Perceived Stress scale to measure stress level among these nurses. Data were collected between mid-May and mid-July 2020. Results: Three-quarters of the 2600 participating nurses reported changes in their working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nursing staffs hours of employment were statistically significantly associated with their average number of working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. About two-thirds of the nurses who were employed either less than 10 hours or for 31-40 hours worked for more than 40 hours. Most of the nurses experienced a moderate level of stress. We identified a statistically significant association between increasing the number of working hours per week and the nurses perceived stress level. In addition, 15% of the nurses who had worked more than 40 hours reported experiencing a high level of stress. In addition, we found that nurses who worked more hours during the pandemic experienced higher stress than nurses who reduced their working hours or kept the same working hours. Conclusions: We found a statistically significant association between an increase in the nursing staffs working hours and their level of stress. We believe that these results reflect the negative consequences of prolonged working hours. For this reason, a (inter-)national discussion is needed on the topic of restricting the working hours of healthcare workers during such pandemics. This discussion can improve the health and safety of the health care workers, the patients, as well as members of the general population.

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The role of community pharmacists in immunisation: a national cross-sectional study

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy ◽

10.1007/s11096-021-01357-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nikolaus Lindner ◽

Martin Riesenhuber ◽

Thomas Müller-Uri ◽

Anita Elaine Weidmann

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Theoretical Domains Framework ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Patient Contact ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

The Right

AbstractBackground Austrian pharmacists are not authorised to administer immunisations, and evidence about their willingness to immunise is lacking. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate Austrian community pharmacists’ willingness to administer immunisations in the future. Method This study is designed as a cross-sectional online survey based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF). The validated and piloted questionnaire obtained ethical approval by Robert Gordon University. Outcome measures included pharmacists’ willingness to immunise, service requirements, barriers and education needs. Results The questionnaire was sent out to 3086 community pharmacists of which 380 responses were included in the final analysis (12.3%). Willingness to administer immunisations after appropriate training and legislative regulation was stated by 82.6% (n = 314) of participants. It was demonstrated that pharmacists willing to immunise were significantly younger than their counterpart (38 [IQR 31–49] years vs. 45 [IQR 37.5–54] years; OR 1.06; 1.03–1.09, 95% CI; p < 0.001). ‘Legal liability’ was considered the most critical barrier to service implementation, ‘seeing blood’ and ‘close patient contact’ as least critical. Pharmacists not willing to immunise showed a higher probability to evaluate personnel resources (OR 2.98; 1.35–6.58, 95% CI; p = 0.007), close patient contact (OR 2.79; 1.46–5.34, 95% CI; p = 0.002) and management of side effects (OR 2.62; 1.21–5.67, 95% CI; p = 0.015) as (highly) critical. The majority assessed the ‘right timing for training’ to be after the foundation training with a 2-yearly renewal. Conclusion Austrian community pharmacists show a strong willingness to administer immunisations while highlighting important requirements and barriers towards service implementation.

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Assessment of job satisfaction among community pharmacists in Baghdad, Iraq: a cross-sectional study

Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.18549/pharmpract.2021.1.2190 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 2190

Author(s):

Inas R. Ibrahim ◽

Mohamed I. Ibrahim ◽

Ibrahim A. Majeed ◽

Zahraa Alkhafaje

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Working Hours ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Simple Random Sample ◽

Pharmacy Services ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Satisfaction Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sample Technique

Background: Pharmacists have the unique position of providing safe and effective care. Hence, addressing their feelings about their working life is crucial to provide good pharmacy services. Objective: this study aimed to assess job satisfaction among Iraqi community pharmacists and determine the effect of pharmacist characteristics on job satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. A simple random sample technique was adopted to select community pharmacists. A survey questionnaire using Warr-Cook-Wall satisfaction scale (ranging from extremely dissatisfied to extremely satisfied) was used to assess job satisfaction. Results: Community pharmacists experienced moderate satisfaction with their jobs. The mean satisfaction score for all pharmacists was 20.4 (SD 3.7). The lowest mean scores occurred for recognition (1.4; SD 0.7), public respect (1.8; SD 0.9), and pharmacy regulations (1.9; SD 0.9). Job satisfaction was significantly affected by pharmacist characteristics, including gender (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), degree level (p=0.003), years in practice (p<0.001), working patterns (p< 0.001), and working hours (p<0.001). Regression analysis indicated pharmacist gender and age had the highest effect on job satisfaction, while, years in practice, working hours, and working pattern had the lowest effect. Conclusions: Community pharmacists expressed moderate satisfaction with their jobs with satisfaction levels being affected by gender, age, years in practice, working patterns, and working hours. New strategies will require support for Iraqi pharmacists by the Ministry of Health and Syndicate of Iraqi Pharmacists before being included in extended pharmacy services.

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Cancer health promotion in Ghana: A survey of community pharmacists’ perception and barriers

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/1078155219893742 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 1361-1368

Author(s):

Kofi B Mensah ◽

Frasia Oosthuizen ◽

Varsha Bangalee

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Positive Perception ◽

Educational Materials ◽

Cross Sectional

Available data indicate that cancer has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. Globally, one of the interventions aimed at disease prevention is through health promotion. To our knowledge, there are no published reports examining the practices of community pharmacists towards cancer health promotion in Ghana. This study was set to examine the perception and perceived barriers of community pharmacists in the provision of cancer health promotion services in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic questionnaire to assess the perception and perceived barriers of Ghanaian community pharmacists towards provision of cancer health promotion. Key findings The majority of community pharmacists (77.30%) believe that cancer health promotion is an important part of their daily practice. The survey participants were more likely to have a positive perception of the role of the pharmacist if they were older, male, Christian, or had completed the PharmD program ( p < 0.05 for all parameters). Lack of cancer educational materials (69%) was the major perceived barrier in providing cancer health promotion services. Conclusion Ghanaian community pharmacists recognise to play an important role in the provision of cancer health promotion service.

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Satisfaction of Physicians Working in Polish Hospitals—A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15122640 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 2640 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Alicja Domagała ◽

Juan Peña-Sánchez ◽

Katarzyna Dubas-Jakóbczyk

Keyword(s):

Work Experience ◽

Online Survey ◽

Career Satisfaction ◽

Working Hours ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physician Satisfaction ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Level Of Satisfaction

Physician satisfaction is a multidimensional concept associated with numerous factors. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the satisfaction of physicians practicing in hospitals in Poland and to identify factors associated with higher levels of satisfaction. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey of Polish hospitals was conducted between March and June 2018. All doctors working in the hospitals invited to the study were asked to fill in an online survey. Fifteen hospitals were included: seven general, five specialist, and three university ones. The total number of questionnaires analyzed was 1003. The questionnaire included 17 items to measure the level of satisfaction, classified into four dimensions: personal, professional, performance, and inherent. The statistical analyses included: assessment of association between levels of career satisfaction and basic demographic and work-related variables; and multivariable logistic regressions, conducted to determine which variables were associated with higher levels of career satisfaction. The mean level of career satisfaction, on a scale from 1 to 6, was 4.1 (SD = 0.69). Respondents reported high levels of inherent satisfaction: mean = 4.4 (SD = 0.66) and a low personal satisfaction: mean = 3.78 (SD = 0.98). 56.6% of respondents reported being satisfied, but only 8.2% reported a higher level of satisfaction (≥5). The satisfaction of Polish physicians is moderate. Gender, numbers of working hours/week, years of work experience, type of hospital, and stage of professional development were the identified factors associated with higher levels of career satisfaction.

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