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Not All U.S. Pharmacists Are Equal: A Full-Time Versus Part-Time Comparison -
Optimizing Drug Therapy in ECMO-Supported Critically Ill Adults: A Narrative Review and Clinical Guide -
Responsible Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pharmacy Practice: Perspectives of Regulators in Canada and the United States
Journal Description
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, and open access journal dealing with pharmacy education and practice, and is published bimonthly online by MDPI. The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) is affiliated with Pharmacy and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 23.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: Reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Journal Clusters-Pharmaceutical Science: Scientia Pharmaceutica, Marine Drugs, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacy, Future Pharmacology, Pharmacoepidemiology, Drugs and Drug Candidates and Journal of Pharmaceutical and BioTech Industry.
Impact Factor:
1.8 (2024);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.0 (2024)
Latest Articles
Capturing Value: How Health-System Specialty Pharmacies Define and Document Pharmacist Interventions
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060172 - 26 Nov 2025
Abstract
Standardized pharmacist intervention practices and documentation among health-system specialty pharmacies could improve understanding of the pharmacists’ role and value in this setting. This study describes current health-system specialty pharmacies’ intervention practices. A survey developed by a volunteer committee subgroup was distributed to two
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Standardized pharmacist intervention practices and documentation among health-system specialty pharmacies could improve understanding of the pharmacists’ role and value in this setting. This study describes current health-system specialty pharmacies’ intervention practices. A survey developed by a volunteer committee subgroup was distributed to two health-system specialty pharmacy group email distribution lists. The survey evaluated the types of tasks considered to be clinical or non-clinical interventions; who could perform interventions; where and how they were documented; data elements included in documentation; and how intervention data were classified, used, reviewed, and shared with internal or external stakeholders. Twenty-four institutions responded to the survey. Tasks within medication management, adverse drug events/monitoring, and education domains were more commonly considered clinical interventions; tasks in the health maintenance and coordination of care domains were more frequently considered non-clinical interventions or not considered to be interventions. Interventions were completed by pharmacists (at 100% of sites) and were mostly documented in the electronic health record (92%). Intervention data were primarily collected to meet accreditation purposes (96%) or for quality auditing and review (88%). No respondents shared intervention data with patients. Results demonstrate areas of alignment and variance in intervention definition and documentation among health-system specialty pharmacies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)
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Open AccessArticle
Job Satisfaction Among Pharmacists Graduating from a University in Northern Sweden: A Comparative Analysis
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Maria Gustafsson, Helena Norberg and Sofia Mattsson
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060171 - 22 Nov 2025
Abstract
Job satisfaction plays a critical role in shaping professional outcomes, as it has been positively associated with enhanced performance and greater motivation. Conversely, insufficient job satisfaction may contribute to higher rates of staff turnover, professional burnout, and intentions to leave the profession. The
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Job satisfaction plays a critical role in shaping professional outcomes, as it has been positively associated with enhanced performance and greater motivation. Conversely, insufficient job satisfaction may contribute to higher rates of staff turnover, professional burnout, and intentions to leave the profession. The objective was to investigate job satisfaction among pharmacists educated at Umeå University in Sweden over time and to explore factors affecting job satisfaction. A survey was distributed to pharmacy graduates who had completed web-based pharmacy programs at Umeå University between 2019 and 2023. Questions regarding job satisfaction and factors related to it were included. The response rate was 38%. The results were compared with results from a previous investigation (graduation years 2015–2018) to enable comparisons over time. Compared to findings from the previous survey, job satisfaction was lower in the present study (76.4% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.004). Both greater opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and the perception that the knowledge and skills gained during education are beneficial in the current job were associated with high job satisfaction (OR: 5.360; 95% CI: 1.896–15.156 and OR: 3.983; 95% CI: 1.255–12.642, respectively). Understanding factors contributing to job satisfaction can help employers improve retention and work environment.
Full article
Open AccessReview
Medication Use by Older Adults with Frailty: A Scoping Review
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Rishabh Sharma, Tanaya Sharma, Brent McCready-Branch, Arshia Chauhan, Caitlin Carter, SooMin Park, Imra Hudani, Prapti Choudhuri and Tejal Patel
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060170 - 21 Nov 2025
Abstract
Frailty among older adults heightens their risk of negative health outcomes, and medication use plays a major role in this increased vulnerability. Various aspects of medication use elevate the risk of poor outcomes in individuals with frailty. The current scoping review was designed
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Frailty among older adults heightens their risk of negative health outcomes, and medication use plays a major role in this increased vulnerability. Various aspects of medication use elevate the risk of poor outcomes in individuals with frailty. The current scoping review was designed to explore medication use in older adults with frailty in primary care, focusing on the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), polypharmacy, medication adherence, and their role in contributing to adverse drug events. This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley, supplemented by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search of the literature was conducted from inception to November 2023 in Ovid EMBASE, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EBSCOhost CINAHL, and Ovid International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Studies which met the eligibility criteria included older adults with frailty (≥65 years) living at home, defined frailty criteria, and assessment of medication use. Out of the 4726 studies screened, 223 were included, conducted across 39 countries. Frailty prevalence varied widely from 0.9% to 89.2%. Polypharmacy (5–9 medications) and hyper-polypharmacy (≥10 medications) were notably more common among individuals with frailty, with polypharmacy rates ranging from 1.3% to 96.4%. Twelve studies reported PIM prevalence among individuals with varying levels of frailty, ranging from 2.4% to 95.9%. This scoping review highlights the challenges and complexities involved in understanding the relationship between medication use and frailty in older adults.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)
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Open AccessReview
Monoclonal Antibodies as a Breakthrough in Personalised Leukaemia Therapy: What Pharmacists and Doctors Should Know
by
Anastasiia Ryzhuk, Sergiy M. Kovalenko, Marine Georgiyants, Kateryna Vysotska and Victoriya Georgiyants
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060169 - 20 Nov 2025
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Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important medical innovation in modern medicine. They are an effective therapy for several subtypes of leukaemia but may have undesirable effects, which may be minimised through the provision of interdisciplinary care including a pharmacist. The goals of this
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Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important medical innovation in modern medicine. They are an effective therapy for several subtypes of leukaemia but may have undesirable effects, which may be minimised through the provision of interdisciplinary care including a pharmacist. The goals of this narrative review were twofold: first, to summarise the literature on the side effects of mAbs and the challenges of their preparation, and to provide recommendations for the safe preparation of mAb drug formulations for clinicians. Second, to suggest clinical roles for pharmacists to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes for leukaemia patients receiving mAb therapy. The review covers data from 178 scientific and official sources of information on the types of targeted immunobiological drugs for the treatment of various types of leukaemia. The results are a detailed description of the possible side effects from mAb therapy and a list of suggested actions that can be taken to prevent them. Pharmaceutical aspects of the use of mAbs, such as pharmacoeconomics, compounding and stability, are also discussed. The discussion is organised according to the current classification of leukaemia. The drugs considered include blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, rituximab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, and alemtuzumab. The review offers a comprehensive resource to equip pharmacists and other clinicians to optimise mAb therapy and promote the safe use of these novel therapies.
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Modifying Supportive Care Medications in Combination Therapy with Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, and Taxane Anticancer Drugs
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Mina Takagi, Shinichiro Maeda, Makiko Maeda, Yasushi Fujio and Sachiko Hirobe
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060168 - 17 Nov 2025
Abstract
Chemotherapy for breast cancer includes pertuzumab and trastuzumab regimens with docetaxel (PHD) or paclitaxel (PHP). Current approaches for using supportive care drugs to manage the side effects of PHD and PHP are unclear. Here, we investigated the occurrence of side effects before and
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Chemotherapy for breast cancer includes pertuzumab and trastuzumab regimens with docetaxel (PHD) or paclitaxel (PHP). Current approaches for using supportive care drugs to manage the side effects of PHD and PHP are unclear. Here, we investigated the occurrence of side effects before and after supportive care medications were modified by discontinuing antipyretic analgesics. We retrospectively analyzed adverse events that occurred within 24 h of treating 76 patients with PHD or PHP. The frequencies of adverse effects in the groups before and after modification did not differ significantly (45.5% [15/33] and 44.2% [19/43], respectively). Severity also did not significantly differ between the groups. Therefore, discontinuing antipyretic analgesics as supportive care drugs had little effect on the frequency of side effects. Symptoms of feeling hot, pyrexic, and flushed were frequent, and their severity increased in the group after the support drugs were modified. Discontinuation of supportive care medications, including antipyretic analgesics, might affect the severity of certain symptoms and lead to the development of side effects that require medical intervention. Overall, our findings indicate the need to consider premedication with antipyretic analgesics, including further analysis of the risk factors that can predict symptoms.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)
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Open AccessArticle
Pharmacist Intervention Models in Drug–Drug Interaction Management in Prescribed Pharmacotherapy
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Ivana Samardžić, Ivana Marinović, Iva Marović, Nikolina Kuča and Vesna Bačić Vrca
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060167 - 17 Nov 2025
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Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are one of the most common problems related to drug administration which represent a risk for patient safety. Considering their position in the healthcare system, pharmacists should be more proactively involved in DDI management. The paper shows representation of DDI
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Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are one of the most common problems related to drug administration which represent a risk for patient safety. Considering their position in the healthcare system, pharmacists should be more proactively involved in DDI management. The paper shows representation of DDI intervention models in each DDI category. This research enrolled outpatients prescribed pharmacotherapies from 40 randomly selected community pharmacies. DDIs were analyzed using Lexicomp® Lexi-InteractTM Online (Lexi-Comp, Inc., Hudson, NY, USA) software. Clinical pharmacists’ panel, according to the necessary interventions, determined an independent model of pharmacist interventions (category 1) and models that require cooperation with physicians (category 2) for DDI management. In total, 4107 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean patient age was 67.5; they were mostly women (56.5%) and had on average of 3.4 diagnosis and 5.5 prescription drugs. Overall, 14,175 potential clinically significant DDIs were identified: 83.3% of C, 15.4% of D, and 1.3% of X category. At least one potential DDI was found in 78.6% of patients. Models of pharmacist DDI interventions in collaboration with a physician (category 2) were more prevalent than independent models (category 1): 57.5% vs. 42.5% in C category DDIs, 97.8% vs. 2.2% in D category, and 100% vs. 0% in category X DDIs. This research aimed to gain an insight into the distribution of interventions in DDI management models between physicians and pharmacists, which can contribute to more efficient pharmaceutical care and visibility.
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Open AccessArticle
Experiences Reported by People with Epilepsy During Antiseizure Medication Shortages in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Survey
by
Eric Amankona Abrefa Kyeremaa, Tom Shillito, Caroline Smith, Charlotte Lawthom, Sion Scott and David Wright
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060166 - 10 Nov 2025
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(1) Background: Medication shortages have become increasingly common in the UK. However, there is limited evidence regarding the experiences of people with epilepsy and their caregivers during these shortages. The aim of this study is to explore the extent and impact of ASM
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(1) Background: Medication shortages have become increasingly common in the UK. However, there is limited evidence regarding the experiences of people with epilepsy and their caregivers during these shortages. The aim of this study is to explore the extent and impact of ASM shortages on people with epilepsy and their caregivers across the UK. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed between January and April, 2024 by epilepsy charities. Participants included people with epilepsy and caregivers. The survey collected demographic information, types of ASM respondents were prescribed, experiences of shortages, and the impact of shortages. Data were analysed descriptively, and subgroup analyses were conducted by medication type. (3) Results: A total of 1549 responded, of whom 1312 were people with epilepsy and their carers who were included in the analysis with a mean age of 43 years. A total of 941 respondents (71.7%) reported difficulty obtaining their prescribed ASM in the past year. Shortages were most frequently reported for sodium valproate (60.8%), lamotrigine (65.2%), carbamazepine (92.6%), clobazam (82.6%), topiramate (81.5%), zonisamide (74.0%), levetiracetam (62.8%), lacosamide (71.0%), and brivaracetam (70.5%). A total of 529 (40.4%) of the participants reported that stress and/or anxiety caused by medication shortages was associated with recurrent seizures. We did not ask whether patients missed medications because of these difficulties. (4) Conclusions: ASM shortages are a widespread issue for people with epilepsy in the UK, leading to treatment disruptions and psychological distress. Addressing supply change limitations and identifying effective approaches to preventing the substitution of ASMs brands by clinicians may potentially reduce this problem.
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Open AccessArticle
Bedside Medication Management: Pharmacy Technicians Managing Patient Medication Supply to Improve Nursing Productivity and Patient Safety
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Tom W. Simpson, Duncan S. Mckenzie, Rosina G. Guastella and Michael J. Ryan
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060165 - 7 Nov 2025
Abstract
Audits of medication charts conducted by Royal Hobart Hospital Pharmacy revealed that dose omission was the most common medication error experienced by patients. Investigation of these errors also found that nurses spend significant time organising medication for inpatients. To address the issues contributing
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Audits of medication charts conducted by Royal Hobart Hospital Pharmacy revealed that dose omission was the most common medication error experienced by patients. Investigation of these errors also found that nurses spend significant time organising medication for inpatients. To address the issues contributing to these problems, an alternative model of medication management was implemented and tested. This model of bedside medication management involves medication supply managed by ward pharmacy technicians who review charts daily for changes to medicines and obtain the medicines needed for each patient. Outcomes on two intervention wards showed that the model, combined with technician involvement in controlled medicines stock management, resulted in 29.78 h of nursing time released to patient care per 20-bed ward per week, for an investment of 22.28 h of ward pharmacy technician time; a 75% reduction in delayed doses; a 44% reduction in missed doses; and an average decrease of two hours in the turnaround time for supply of inpatient medication. Introducing bedside medication management and controlled medicines stock management activities can release 1.34 h of nursing time to patient care for every hour of ward pharmacy technician time (at a lower hourly salary cost), decrease dose delays and omissions, and improve patient safety.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Spectrum of Clinical Pharmacy Services in a Non-University Hospital—A Comprehensive Characterization Including a Risk Assessment for Drug-Related Problems and Adverse Drug Reactions
by
Olaf Zube, Wiebke Schlüter, Johanna Dicken, Jan Hensen and Thilo Bertsche
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060164 - 6 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Clinical pharmacy services (CPS) have been shown to confer significant advantages in patient care. It remains to be clarified how CPS resources are allocated across routine care settings. It remains to be clarified which recommendations are made to resolve the drug-related problems
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Background: Clinical pharmacy services (CPS) have been shown to confer significant advantages in patient care. It remains to be clarified how CPS resources are allocated across routine care settings. It remains to be clarified which recommendations are made to resolve the drug-related problems (DRP) identified by CPS and which adverse drug reactions (ADR) actually arise from the identified DRP. Methods: Following positive ethical approval, patient chart analyses, evaluation of pharmacy documentation on CPS and pharmacist interviews were performed to characterize CPS at all medical departments of the Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg. We developed and pre-tested instruments for standardization: A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the practical exercise and documentation of CPS by the pharmacists performing them, a standardized form (checklist) for retrospective data collection as part of this study, and a standardized questionnaire for conducting the pharmacist interviews including a risk assessment according to the NCC-MERP score. Results: In total, 1000 CPS were documented in 504 patients (mean age: 69.95 years; 229 female) on 16,705 treatment days. A total of 66.87% CPS was initiated when pharmacists participated in ward rounds. In all CPS, “Indications” was the topic addressed most frequently (37.70%). “Agents for obstructive respiratory diseases” was the most frequently involved drug class (11.32%). The most frequent processing time per CPS was 16–30 min (48.61%). The number of CPS ranged from 0.36/100 treatment days in dermatology to 12.47 in oncology. Severity of 358 DRP was classified “very severe” (5.03%), “severe” (42.74%), “moderate” (34.36%), “low” (15.08%), “very low” (1.40%), or “without impact” (1.40%). The probability of DRP occurrence was classified as “high” in 13.13% and “very high” in 3.35%. In 15.36% of the DRP, an ADR actually occurred. In 504 patients, 932 specific recommendations were forwarded to solve the DRP identified during CPS. Of those, 53.97% were implemented. Conclusions: In almost all CPS, a considerable number of DRP with serious clinical consequences were identified. Half of the forwarded recommendations were implemented.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)
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Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Job Satisfaction and Intention to Quit Job Among Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia
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Ashwaq Alharthi, Maha Aleiban, Abdulrahman Alwhaibi, Moureq Alotaibi, Yousef Almutairi and Sultan Alghadeer
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060163 - 5 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Job satisfaction is an essential element for organizational functions. Working entities would not effectively operate without employee contentment. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among pharmacists and investigate its correlation with demographic variables and professional personal experience. Methods:
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Background/Objectives: Job satisfaction is an essential element for organizational functions. Working entities would not effectively operate without employee contentment. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among pharmacists and investigate its correlation with demographic variables and professional personal experience. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeting registered pharmacists in Saudi Arabia was conducted from September to November 2024 using an IRB-approved structured questionnaire adapted from validated instruments. Reliability and validity were confirmed (Cronbach’s α = 0.8), and a target sample of 380 was calculated to ensure representativeness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses utilizing SPSS v28, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 330 pharmacists responded to the survey, representing 86.8% of the calculated sample size. Of those, 57% were male and 68.5% were staffing pharmacists. More than half of participants had professional experience of ≤5 years (57.3%), while 31.8% had 5 to 15 years of experience. Approximately 60% of participants worked in shift systems and reported dissatisfaction with their pay (70%) and lack of benefits (66.7%). Of all participants, only 26.4% confirmed satisfaction with their job and no intention to quit, while 23% clearly reported job dissatisfaction and an intention to quit; the rest of the participants were undecided (50.6%). Significant correlations were found between job satisfaction and variables such as education, current position, organization type, monthly income, and professional experience. Additionally, most of the items assessing professional personal experience such as working in a shift system, working as a team member, gaining financial benefits, and having accomplishments or growth opportunities at work were significantly correlated with job satisfaction. Opportunities for professional development, promotion, and a positive work environment were also frequently selected as factors contributing to job satisfaction (60.6%, 75.2% and 75.5%, respectively). Interestingly, motivation showed minimal impact on participants’ opinions regarding job satisfaction and decisions over whether to quit their jobs. Finally, occupation and age were found to significantly influence work environments, promotions, and opportunities, which consequently impact participants’ satisfaction towards their jobs. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that Saudi pharmacists experience low-to-moderate job dissatisfaction, with a significant percentage considering quitting form their jobs. Improving monetary rewards, recognition, and career advancement opportunities could improve job satisfaction and retention in this crucial workforce.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacy Workflow Optimization: Strategies for Enhancing Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction)
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Open AccessPerspective
Healthcare Practice Post COVID-19 Impacts: Will 21st Century Pharmacists Become Global, Agile, Collaborative and Curated?
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Maree Donna Simpson, Jaimy Jose and Jennifer L. Cox
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060162 - 3 Nov 2025
Abstract
“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Winston Churchill. In recent times, globally, approximately three pandemics and thousands of natural disasters and political upheavals have been recorded. In most cases, tens to hundreds of thousands of
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“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Winston Churchill. In recent times, globally, approximately three pandemics and thousands of natural disasters and political upheavals have been recorded. In most cases, tens to hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result, whether from droughts, famines, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, landslides, cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, extreme heat, emerging or resurgent diseases or longer-term issues such as sustainability, climate change and/or global warming. Whilst many accommodations may have been made to cope with these, we propose that pharmacy education and professional practice benefit from learning from the past, from collaboration globally to manage the hectic and uncertain times that result from these disruptions and from curation and evaluation of these initiatives for ongoing and/or future use.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection New Insights into Pharmacy Teaching and Learning during COVID-19)
Open AccessArticle
Socioeconomic Determinants of Career Intention in Pharmacy Students in Vietnam
by
Quang Ngoc Phan, Oanh Thi Kim Nguyen, Hoa Thi Tran, Ngoc Bao Dang and Nam Hoang Tran
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060161 - 2 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: The pharmacy workforce in Vietnam is rapidly evolving, but little is known about how gender and socioeconomic factors shape career intentions and sector preferences of students. Understanding these determinants is essential for healthcare workforce planning. Objective: To investigate how gender and socioeconomic
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Background: The pharmacy workforce in Vietnam is rapidly evolving, but little is known about how gender and socioeconomic factors shape career intentions and sector preferences of students. Understanding these determinants is essential for healthcare workforce planning. Objective: To investigate how gender and socioeconomic determinants influence intention of pharmacy students to pursue a career and their preferred sector in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 462 students from 2nd to 5th year at a Vietnamese university. Demographic data, socioeconomic background, and career intentions were analyzed using chi-squared tests, multinomial logistic regression, and binary logistic regression. Results: Of 462 respondents, 71.9% intended to pursue a pharmacy career, 2.6% reported no, while 25.5% were unsure. Gender differences were evident but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.083). Female students were more likely to choose clinical, hospital pharmacy or regulation, whereas male students showed higher preference for community, industry and academia. Binary logistic regression revealed that urban origin (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.01–1.78, p = 0.041) and family encouragement (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.60–3.99, p < 0.001) significantly predicted career intention, while gender and income were non-significant. Conclusions: Family encouragement and urban upbringing influence pharmacy career pursuit, while gender may shape sectoral preferences. Policies should address gender equity and enhance support for students from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women's Special Issue Series: Pharmacy and Pharmacists)
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Open AccessCase Report
Extemporaneous Preparation and Effectiveness of Low-Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus: A Literature Review and Case Report
by
Dhakrit Rungkitwattanakul, Michelle Brooks, Simeon Adesina, Sanaa Belrhiti, Weerachai Chaijamorn, Taniya Charoensareerat, Uzoamaka Nwaogwugwu and Constance Mere
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060160 - 1 Nov 2025
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Background: Uremic pruritus is one of the most debilitating complications among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving hemodialysis. For patients who are refractory to traditional therapies (topical analgesics, antihistamines, or gabapentinoids), the use of low-dose naltrexone can be an option where difelikefalin
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Background: Uremic pruritus is one of the most debilitating complications among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving hemodialysis. For patients who are refractory to traditional therapies (topical analgesics, antihistamines, or gabapentinoids), the use of low-dose naltrexone can be an option where difelikefalin is not available. Case report: In our case report, we present a case of a female patient who developed intractable uremic pruritus despite the adequate trials of traditional therapies. The patient was initiated with low-dose naltrexone of 5 mg daily. Uremic symptoms improved within 3 days of naltrexone initiation. The side effects were tolerated. Conclusion: Low-dose naltrexone provided symptomatic improvement in individuals with severe uremic pruritus when difelikefalin was inaccessible. While limited to a single case, this report highlights the potential role of naltrexone and underscores the need for further research to establish its safety and efficacy.
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Open AccessArticle
Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Documenting and Classifying Pharmaceutical Interventions: A Nationwide Validation Study in Portugal
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Sara Machado, Fátima Falcão and Afonso Miguel Cavaco
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060159 - 1 Nov 2025
Abstract
Pharmacist interventions (PIs) are central to optimising pharmacotherapy, preventing drug-related problems, and improving patient outcomes. In Portugal, the absence of a validated tool to consistently document and classify PIs limits data comparability and service development. Given these gaps, this study aimed to describe
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Pharmacist interventions (PIs) are central to optimising pharmacotherapy, preventing drug-related problems, and improving patient outcomes. In Portugal, the absence of a validated tool to consistently document and classify PIs limits data comparability and service development. Given these gaps, this study aimed to describe hospital pharmacists’ attitudes towards PI documentation and classification, following confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of a survey instrument, and to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and behaviours in hospital settings across Portugal. An online questionnaire, previously validated, was distributed online to all hospital pharmacists registered with the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (October–December 2024). Sociodemographic data and the cognitive and behavioural domains of pharmacists’ attitudinal model were analysed descriptively, and CFA tested the three-factor structure (Process, Outcome, Satisfaction) of the attitudinal affective domain. Of 1848 pharmacists, 260 responded (14%). Respondents reported performing a mean of 49 PIs/month (SD = 196), although many never recorded (28.8%), classified (56.2%), or analysed (52.3%) interventions. Only 2.7% declared to use a validated classification framework. The CFA supported the structural coherence of the Process factor but revealed some overlapping between Process and Outcome and instability in the Satisfaction factor. The nationwide scope and application of CFA provided partial support for the hypothesised model and highlighted areas for refinement, including revision of Satisfaction items and reconsideration of Process and Outcome as overlapping constructs. Findings highlight strong professional commitment to PIs but persistent barriers, including less clear procedures and satisfaction, underscoring the need for a unified, standardised national system to support consistent recording, classification, and evaluation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)
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Open AccessReview
Barriers and Facilitators of Using MyDispense from the Student Perspective: A Systematic Review
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Owen Collins, Ruth McCarthy and Laura J. Sahm
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060158 - 1 Nov 2025
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MyDispense is a high-fidelity, low-stakes community pharmacy simulation, allowing students to practice dispensing skills. A systematic review was conducted to identify students’ perceptions regarding barriers and facilitators of MyDispense in pharmacy education. PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were searched from 2015 to 2025
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MyDispense is a high-fidelity, low-stakes community pharmacy simulation, allowing students to practice dispensing skills. A systematic review was conducted to identify students’ perceptions regarding barriers and facilitators of MyDispense in pharmacy education. PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were searched from 2015 to 2025 in January 2025 using combined keywords, proximity searching and Boolean operators. Studies investigating MyDispense and gathering students’ perceptions were included. Record screening was conducted by two independent reviewers (OC and LS). Any identified records from database searching and hand searching of included study reference lists were imported to Rayyan and subjected to independent review. Conflicts were resolved through a third party (RMcC), and discussions were held until consensus was reached. Fifteen studies were included in this review. Seven studies were conducted in USA, six in Asia, one in UK, and one in Australia. All studies utilised purposive sampling. Sample sizes ranged from 33 to 322 students. All studies included surveys to gather student perceptions. Other data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions for students to further elaborate on survey responses. Identified facilitators were mapped to four overarching themes; “Develops competency”, “User-Friendliness”, “Engaging Learning Experience” and “Safe Learning Environment.” Key barriers were encompassed to three themes: “Learning Curve”, “IT issues” and “Limited Realism and Applications”. Barriers included (i) the learning curve of the platform, (ii) technical issues, and (iii) limited realism. Facilitators included perceptions of (i) improved dispensing and counselling skills and a deeper understanding of pharmacy legislation, (ii) accessibility, interactivity of the learning environment and (iii) immediate feedback. Synthesis of the evidence in this review identified students’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators of MyDispense in pharmacy education. This may serve as a guide to educators considering the adoption of MyDispense into their curricula.
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Open AccessReview
Community Pharmacist Prescribing: Roles and Competencies—A Systematic Review and Implications
by
Stephanie Clemens, Lea Eisl-Raudaschl, Johanna Pachmayr and Olaf Rose
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060157 - 1 Nov 2025
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Increasing healthcare demands and physician shortages have prompted many countries to expand clinical responsibilities of pharmacists. Although Canada, the UK, and the US have implemented pharmacist prescribing, other nations lag behind. This review compares international roles, identifies inferred competencies, and explores implications for
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Increasing healthcare demands and physician shortages have prompted many countries to expand clinical responsibilities of pharmacists. Although Canada, the UK, and the US have implemented pharmacist prescribing, other nations lag behind. This review compares international roles, identifies inferred competencies, and explores implications for role expansion. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library was conducted using the PICO framework; studies were appraised with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists, and interrater reliability assessed via Cohen’s Kappa. Data from 23 studies were thematically synthesized following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Four themes emerged: (1) expanding clinical and public health roles and pharmacists’ self-perceived readiness; (2) regulatory frameworks defining legal authority, qualifications, and temporary pandemic exemptions; (3) inferred competencies, including micro-skills (patient assessment, guideline application) and macro-capabilities (clinical judgment, accountability, reflective practice); and (4) contextual barriers such as training gaps, limited funding, unclear legal provisions, and workflow challenges. Implementation implications were synthesized and included training, funding, acceptance, and integration. Evidence indicates pharmacist prescribing is safe and patient-centered when supported by regulation, structured training, and systemic integration. Insights from established models can guide incremental implementation, optimizing medication management, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting equitable care.
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Open AccessReview
How Have Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) Been Implemented in Pharmacy Education? A Scoping Review
by
Luiz Claudio Oliveira Alves de Souza, Luciana Flavia de Almeida Romani and Marina Guimaraes Lima
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060156 - 1 Nov 2025
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Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are units of professional practice entrusted to learners once they have attained the required competencies to perform them. This scoping review described how Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have been implemented in pharmacy education. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar
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Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are units of professional practice entrusted to learners once they have attained the required competencies to perform them. This scoping review described how Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have been implemented in pharmacy education. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched (on 8 July 2025) to identify relevant literature from 2016 to 2025. Studies that describe EPAs implemented in pharmacy programs, assess the perspectives on EPAs implemented, or evaluate student performance on EPAs were included. Studies that did not assess actual experience of EPAs’ implementation were excluded. The data were described narratively and through frequencies and tables. Twenty-four studies were included in the review. Most studies pointed out that the EPAs’ framework has been adopted mostly in practice experiences, but with a few experiences in course activities. The most frequent approach to assess student performance on EPAs was direct practice observation. Student performance on EPAs improved after participating in educational activities. From the perspectives of students, preceptors, and faculty members, EPAs facilitated student assessment of competencies; however, there are challenges in their implementation, such as heavy workload. The findings of this review can inform faculty members and health professionals who intend to implement EPAs’ framework.
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Open AccessArticle
Design and Implementation of a Competency-Based Training Program for Specialty Pharmacists in China
by
Hamza El Alami, Ruoxin Huang, Nan Wu, Yufen Zheng and Pengyuan Wang
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060155 - 1 Nov 2025
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This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Competency-Based Pharmacy Education (CBPE) program for 120 direct-to-patient (DTP) pharmacists in China, aimed at improving pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy skills. The program, which integrated Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE),
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This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Competency-Based Pharmacy Education (CBPE) program for 120 direct-to-patient (DTP) pharmacists in China, aimed at improving pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy skills. The program, which integrated Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), included both online and in-person sessions. A cross-sectional analysis of participant performance and satisfaction showed a mean total OSCE score of 68.31. Participants demonstrated strengths in communication and documentation, with one-third of participants achieving high scores, while weaknesses were noted in patient education and care planning. Participant surveys revealed significant perceived improvements in communication and patient education skills among 62.5% of the participants. These findings suggest that CBPE is a promising approach for pharmacist training, advocating for its broader adoption to meet the evolving demands of healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
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Peer-Delivered Hepatitis C Testing and Health Screening Provided in a Community Pharmacy Setting: Proof of Concept
by
Neha Sankla, Ray Cottington, Chris Cowie, Paul Huggett, Leila Reid, Stuart Smith, Sorcha Daly, Danny Morris, James Spear, Amanda Marsden, David Richards, Rachel Halford, Scott Walter and Jenny Scott
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060154 - 27 Oct 2025
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In order to reach and maintain hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination goals, it is imperative to reach marginalized people who do not engage with traditional testing and treatment. Peer-led interventions are effective in engaging such individuals. Studies have demonstrated community pharmacy as a
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In order to reach and maintain hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination goals, it is imperative to reach marginalized people who do not engage with traditional testing and treatment. Peer-led interventions are effective in engaging such individuals. Studies have demonstrated community pharmacy as a low-threshold setting for HCV testing, but pharmacy teams’ competing demands are a barrier to maximizing potential. This pilot project aimed to assess whether a pharmacy-based peer-led model of HCV testing was implementable, deliverable, able to engage marginalized people, and overcome pharmacy staff constraints. We implemented a peer-led HCV testing service in one community pharmacy in the Midlands, England, providing four focused phases of testing, totalling 198 h, over two years. In total, 591 tests for antibodies or RNA were undertaken, identifying 24 active infections. Subsequent phases retested 20%, 16%, and 11% of those tested in combined preceding phases. In response to feedback, phases 3 and 4 included health screening (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and nurse-performed Fibroscans®). We demonstrate engagement and the ability to identify and refer those with abnormal results to appropriate healthcare. This pilot shows that peer-led testing in the pharmacy setting can be implemented and warrants further scale up and evaluation.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Pharmacy Resident Burnout Based on Weekend Residency Staffing Requirements: A Pilot Study
by
Andrew C. Hean, Jamie Kneebusch, Casey Tiefenthaler and Kelly C. Lee
Pharmacy 2025, 13(6), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13060153 - 27 Oct 2025
Abstract
Research surrounding impacts of staffing on pharmacy residents is limited. This prospective survey study aims to elucidate relationships between burnout and weekends staffed among California pharmacy residents. Postgraduate year 1 and 2 (PGY1 and PGY2) pharmacy residents completed electronic surveys in August 2023
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Research surrounding impacts of staffing on pharmacy residents is limited. This prospective survey study aims to elucidate relationships between burnout and weekends staffed among California pharmacy residents. Postgraduate year 1 and 2 (PGY1 and PGY2) pharmacy residents completed electronic surveys in August 2023 and February 2024. The primary outcome was the difference in burnout score changes based on weekends required to staff (measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel). Secondary subgroup analyses measured differences in burnout scores by the overall cohort, no weekend staffing vs. weekend staffing required, PGY1 vs. PGY2, and by changes in planned professional pursuits. Of 66 respondents, no significant differences in burnout scores were observed based on the number of weekends required to staff. Final mean emotional exhaustion (EE), but not depersonalization (DP) or personal accomplishment (PA), scores were significantly higher for all residents combined, increasing from 24.8 (SD 10.2) to 28.4 (SD 11.5). Final mean EE scores were also significantly higher among PGY2s compared to PGY1s, at 35.1 (SD 0.70) vs. 25.8 (SD 12.0), respectively. Final mean burnout scores were significantly worse in those becoming less likely to pursue board specialty certification across all domains, with EE = 32.6 (SD 6.50), DP = 4.29 (4.79), and PA = 36.3 (SD 3.21). Based on these results, staffing intensity alone may not be associated with burnout among California pharmacy residents, but PGY2 pharmacy residents may be at higher risk of burnout. Higher burnout scores may predict the likelihood of pursuing board specialty certification. Future studies assessing additional confounding factors with a broader scope are needed to fully define risk factors for burnout in pharmacy residents.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Education and Student/Practitioner Training)
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