The findings from this study provide stakeholders with evidence on factors and issues affecting pharmacists’ job satisfaction and commitment in the public workforce as well as the likely turnover rate with an early cohort of pharmacists affected by the compulsory service.
Objectives Unused medications have not only caused wastage, but improper disposal of unwanted medicines also has a negative impact on the environment and public health. The aim of this study was to study the public's knowledge, awareness and practice of disposing of unwanted or unused medicines in Malaysia. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey conducted across Malaysia among the general public using a pre-validated questionnaire. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used for data collection. The approval of the study was obtained from ethics committee, and written consent was acquired from the participants prior to the data collection. Key findings The study involved 483 subjects. Only 13.8% of the respondents scored >80% in their knowledge of the proper disposal methods. Majority of the respondents were very mindful of their responsibility towards the environment (95.3%), living species on earth (94.6%) and family members (96.7%) attributable to unintentional harmful exposure to unused medicines. Respondents admitted that they have unused medicines because they stop taking the medicines when they feel better (76.9%), doctor has changed their treatment (50.3%), experienced unwanted side effects (49%), did not take the medicines as instructed/prescribed (47.2%) and did not feel better after taking the medicines (46%). A substantial correlation has been established between the knowledge of improper disposal methods and their current practices. Conclusions This finding suggested that a lack of knowledge and awareness is a major factor in the improper disposal of unused medicines. Therefore, an urgent need to increase public awareness through educational campaigns and Medication Return Program should be promoted more effectively.
Background
Around the globe, community pharmacy has always been a health care hub made accessible to the public.
Aim
This study was conducted to evaluate consumers’ perceptions towards the role of the pharmacist as health educator (HE) and hence to identify the barriers toward consumers’ acceptance of the role.
Method
This qualitative study was conducted in four states of Malaysia where participants (>18 years old) were recruited using a convenience sampling method until saturation of themes. A semi‐structured interview guide was used and face‐to‐face interviews with consenting participants were conducted for approximately 20 min by trained interviewers. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and evaluated using a thematic content analysis approach.
Results
In all, 21 consumers were interviewed. Analysis of interview transcripts identified four major themes: understanding of the term ‘HE’, facilitators and barriers for consumers accepting pharmacists as HE, and strategies to overcome the barriers. Most respondents acknowledged and recognised the roles of community pharmacists in terms of giving clear advice and explanations about healthcare issues and medications, and the ability to educate the public. The major barriers included the experience of the pharmacist, consumers’ preferences for general practitioners as their HEs, the unavailability of pharmacists on the premises and personal encounters with pharmacists with bad attitudes.
Conclusion
Consumers generally accept pharmacists as HEs. However, some barriers do exist. The pharmacy stakeholders in the country need to address these barriers in order to improve future utilisation of community pharmacists as HEs in the existing healthcare system.
Diabetic patients have a 12% to 25% lifetime risk of developing foot complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of group education in improving patient awareness of foot care. The authors evaluated the effect of group size and areas in which knowledge seemed to be most affected. Patients attending a 2-hour teaching session between November 2005 and March 2006 were recruited. Patients filled in an 18-part questionnaire before and after the teaching session to assess knowledge. Fifty-nine patients recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or foot complications were recruited for 7 sessions. Analysis of the data showed a statistically significant improvement in foot care knowledge after the teaching session compared with before (69% to 85%, P < .001). Patients in the smaller group (n < 10) had significantly higher scores compared with the bigger groups (n > 10; P < .025). These data show the benefit of group education about foot care for patients with diabetes. Smaller groups benefited more than larger ones did, which could be attributed to the sizes allowing for better interaction between the tutor and patient. As patient knowledge is variable from individual to individual, smaller teaching sessions may allow patients to address specific concerns.
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