Includes bibliographical references.

A scoping review of health professional curricula: Implications for developing integration in pharmacy -- General practice pharmacists in England: Integration, mediation and professional dynamics - “Two heads are better than one”- pharmacy and nursing students' perspectives on interprofessional collaboration utilizing the RIPE model of learning -- Experiences with the daily use of medications among chronic hepatitis C patients -- A survey to assess the availability, implementation rate and remuneration of pharmacist-led cognitive services throughout Europe -- The benefits of a public pharmacist service in chronic hepatitis C treatment: The real-life results of sofosbuvir-based therapy -- Usability and feasibility of consumer-facing technology to reduce unsafe medication use by older adults -- Design and development of a mobile app of drug information for people with visual impairment -- Personality traits and personal values as retail pharmacy choice predictors in the context of pharmaceutical care requirements -- Process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of two Australian instruments to evaluate the physician-pharmacist collaboration in Germany -- The availability of pharmacists with Additional Prescribing Authorization in relation to the distribution of vulnerable populations - A cross-sectional study -- Exploring the experiences and preparedness of humanitarian pharmacists in responding to an emergency-response situation -- Patient perspectives on discussing alcohol as part of medicines review in community pharmacies -- “My pharmacist”: Creating and maintaining relationship between physicians and pharmacists in primary care settings -- Shared decision making in chronic medication use: Scenarios depicting exemplary care.

[Article Title: A scoping review of health professional curricula: Implications for developing integration in pharmacy/ Aisling Kerr, Hannah O'Connor, Teresa Pawlikowska, Paul Gallagher, Judith Strawbridge, p. 1-16]

Abstract:

Background
Integrated health professions curricula aim to produce graduates who are capable of meeting current and future healthcare needs. This is reflected in pharmacy education where integration is increasingly advocated by pharmacy regulators as the perceived optimal way of preparing students for registration as pharmacists. There is, however, no definition of integration. Integration can be described according to a model of horizontal, vertical or spiral integration. It can also be described by the themes used to integrate, such as a systems-based approach or by integrative teaching and learning approaches. The level of integration can also be described.

Objective
This scoping review aimed to explore health professions education literature to inform the optimal design of integrated pharmacy curricula. This review asks: what is meant by integration in health professions curricula?

Methods
The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework was utilised. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC were searched. Models of integration, themes for integration, integrative teaching and learning approaches, and level of integration were defined and supported data extraction.

Results
There were 9696 records screened and of these 137 were included. The majority of studies (n = 88) described horizontal integration. Systems-based teaching (n = 56) was the most common theme reported. Various integrative teaching and learning approaches were described, including experiential (n = 43), case-based (n = 42) and problem-based (n = 38) learning. The majority of the curricula could be classified as levels 5–7 on Harden's ladder (n = 102). Perception outcomes were reported for 81 studies, and only 3 reported outcomes beyond perception. Reported outcomes were generally positive and included knowledge gains and increased motivation.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.005

[Article Title: General practice pharmacists in England: Integration, mediation and professional dynamics/ Shereen Nabhani‐Gebara, Simon Fletcher, Atif Shamim, Leanne May, Nabiha Butt, Sunita Chagger, Thuy Mason, Kunal Patel, Finlay Royle and Scott Reeves, p. 17-24]

Abstract:

Background
A number of key publications in recent years have advocated a more integrated vision of UK primary care involving increased multi-professional communication and understanding. This has resulted in a marked change in the roles being undertaken by pharmacists. Community pharmacists have traditionally provided a medicine supply function and treated minor ailments in addition to delivering a suite of locally commissioned services; however these functions have not necessarily been part of a programme of care involving the other clinicians associated with the patient. An integrated model of care would see much closer working between pharmacy and general practice but also with pharmacists not only working with, but in the practice, in an enhanced patient-facing role, trained as independent prescribers. This has implications for the dynamics amongst professionals in this environment.

Objectives
This exploratory multiple case study attempts to explore these changing dynamics across ten GP surgeries throughout the South-East of England.

Methods
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with one nurse, one pharmacist and one physician from each clinic, and survey data was collected from 38 patients who had appointments with a pharmacist.

Results
The data suggested that the pharmacists who had enhanced roles perceived some uncertainty about their professional role and identity, which resulted in instability and insecurity and that this uncertainty led to both professional and interprofessional tension with their primary care colleagues. The survey data revealed that n = 35 (92%) patients stated they were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with their appointment. And n = 37 (97%) were ‘very comfortable’ or ‘comfortable’ discussing their medications with the pharmacist. In addition, 36 patients (95%) reported that they strongly agreed or agreed with the clinical recommendations made by the pharmacist.

Conclusions
These findings are discussed in relation to role expansion and professional/interprofessional relations before key practical suggestions are offered.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.01.014

[Article Title: “Two heads are better than one”- pharmacy and nursing students' perspectives on interprofessional collaboration utilizing the RIPE model of learning/ C. Lucas, T. Power, C. Hayes and C. Ferguson, p. 25-32]

Abstract:

Background
Simulation is an effective strategy for enhancing interprofessional education (IPE) and collaboration (IPC).

Objectives
A novel interprofessional learning model, The RIPE Model (Reflective Interprofessional Education Model) was applied for a pilot study during a simulation laboratory aimed to (i) enhance pharmacy and nursing students’ understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professions within the multidisciplinary healthcare team; and (ii) enhance the importance of working collaboratively in team-based care.

Methods
The pilot study using a mixed-methods approach, including the administration of a 6-item student survey on a 6-point Likert-type scale as a pre-test (prior to participation in the simulation laboratory) and post-test (after participation in the simulation laboratory), and a debriefing session eliciting a follow up written reflective statement.

Results
Sixty-four students (n = 56 pharmacy; n = 8 nursing) participated in the study which resulted n = 52 pharmacy students and n = 8 nursing students matched data to a pre-test and post-test survey, analyzed via paired t-tests. Statistically significant results (p < 0.05) reported a positive increase in pharmacy students' perceptions from the pre-test and post-test survey for all six items indicating the extent of agreement of IPC; and for one item on the nursing student survey. Qualitative analysis of reflective statements (n = 62) was conducted via thematic analysis utilizing Braun and Clarke's 6-phase process. Thematic analysis generated one overarching theme: IPC: Developing appreciation and respect for healthcare team members to improve patient outcomes; and three subthemes: (i) Enhanced decision-making; (ii) Communication and collaboration; (iii) New understandings of roles and responsibilities.

Conclusions
Students perceived that utilizing the RIPE Model of learning involving simulation to enhance interprofessional collaboration assisted their understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals involved the patient care team. Effective collaboration was perceived to be beneficial to enhancing confidence with engagement and communication, appreciation and respect for the expertise of other healthcare professions.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.01.019

[Article Title: Experiences with the daily use of medications among chronic hepatitis C patients/ Yone de Almeida Nascimento, Luciana Diniz Silva and Djenane Ramalho de Oliveira, p. 33-40]

Abstract:

Background
Subjective experiences with medication use are individual experiences that can impact health outcomes by contributing to problems related to such use.

Objetives
The aim of the present study was to understand the experiences of chronic hepatitis C patients who were taking chronic medications, based on the phenomenology proposed by Merleau-Ponty and connection among this experience with the essential structures of the experience.

Methods
Data were gathered from interviews conducted with ten individuals taking long-term medications at the Viral Hepatitis Outpatient Clinic of the Alfa Gastroenterology Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The content of field diaries kept during the interviews were also used. Thematic analysis was employed, enabling the identification of the ways in which individuals experienced their medication routines, which were then reorganized to encompass the essential structures of the experience.

Results
The researchers identified four ways patients experience daily medication use, all anchored in corporeality: resolution, adversity, ambiguity, and irrelevance. The first three were based on the perspective that daily medication use is more than a mere mechanical action, involving changes in the phenomenal body, relieving, eliminating or causing symptoms in the physical body, normalizing life and symbolizing the disease.

Final considerations
The present study allowed the researchers to infer that the same individual can even simultaneously experience daily medication use in different ways, depending on the disease and the medication in question. It also allowed for the understanding of the cyclical nature of experience with daily medication use, being that the introduction of a new medication can give rise to a new experience. The results point to the complexity of this experience, which requires formal education and places health professionals as responsible for this aspect of care.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.01.018

[Article Title: A survey to assess the availability, implementation rate and remuneration of pharmacist-led cognitive services throughout Europe/ Inês Branco Soares, Tamara L. Imfeld-Isenegger, Urska Nabergoj Makovec Nejc Horvat, Mitja Kos, Isabell Arnet, Kurt E. Hersberger and Filipa A. Costa, p. 41-47]

Abstract:

Background
Pharmacist-led cognitive services (PLCS) are increasingly necessary in primary care as a response to patient-centered care. However, the implementation rate and remuneration models of PLCS are either absent or superficially described in the literature.

Objective
The aim of this study is to review the implementation of PLCS in primary care across Europe and explore the associated third-party paid remuneration models.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey sent to representatives of 44 European countries. The survey listed 21 PLCS and asked respondents to report the availability of the service, the rate of implementation and the existence of remuneration. To ensure credible data, data triangulation was sought using three representatives per country, representing backgrounds of community pharmacy, pharmacy practice research and health policy. Subsequently, data was validated, and consensus sought.

Results
Data were collected between November 2016 and October 2017 from 34 different countries across Europe (79%). Provision of medicines’ information (94.1%), generic substitution (85.3%), provision of emergency oral contraception (70.6%) and point-of-care testing (67.7%) were the services reported as the most widely disseminated in European primary care. Medication review was the most disseminated among advanced services (55.9%). Medication review, adherence support and monitoring, prescription renewal, opioid substitution and travel medicine had the highest implementation rates reported. Half of the participating countries mentioned models of remuneration, predominantly based on a fee-for-service, with less frequent reports of pay-for-performance or mixed models of remuneration.

Conclusions
The availability of PLCS is increasing and varying in scope across Europe. There is wide variation in the implementation level of services across Europe and a lack of valid data. Remuneration of PLCS is also spreading but no clear pattern was found that relates service provision to payment.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.02.002

[Article Title: The benefits of a public pharmacist service in chronic hepatitis C treatment: The real-life results of sofosbuvir-based therapy/ Lenyta Oliveira Gomes, Marina Rodrigues Teixeira, Júnior André da Rosa, Aline Aparecida Foppa, Marina Raijche Mattozo Rover and Mareni Rocha Farias, p. 48-53]

Abstract:

Background
In Brazil, the sofosbuvir-based therapy was introduced in the public health system (SUS) in 2015 to treat Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC). This drug and other direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) represent a major advance in the HCV-infection treatment due to their high effectiveness and tolerability. However, the drug safety profile is limited by significant drug interactions and its use is restricted for their high cost. Pharmacists have the opportunity to improve patient care by monitoring the therapy, recommending strategies to guarantee treatment adherence, effectiveness and safety, preventing complications of the disease, and drug-related problems, thus reducing the cost for patients and payers.

Objective
This study aimed to assess the results of the one of the first patient group treated with sofosbuvir in Brazil and their opinions about the benefits of clinical pharmacist services in the achievement of the cure for CHC and in the management of their therapy difficulties.

Methods
This cohort study (November 2015–January 2017) enrolled 240 patients followed up by the clinical pharmacists at the University Pharmacy (UPh) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during the CHC treatment. The therapeutic schemes used were sofosbuvir + daclatasvir or + simeprevir associated or not with ribavirin. At the end of the therapy, the patients provided qualitative feedback about the clinical pharmacist services.

Results
The study demonstrated high levels of treatment adherence (99.2% of completion rates) and effectiveness rates (Sustained Virological Response rates) (92.1%). Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the care provided on account of the good rapport built with their pharmacist, the counseling and education on HCV-infection and on sofosbuvir-based therapy utilization, motivation for adherence, and convenient access to the pharmacist.

Conclusions
The clinical pharmacist services provided by the UPh was beneficial to patients treated for CHC with the sofosbuvir-based therapy.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.02.008

[Article Title: Usability and feasibility of consumer-facing technology to reduce unsafe medication use by older adults/ Richard J. Holden , Noll L. Campbell, Ephrem Abebe, Daniel O. Clark, Denisha Ferguson, Kunal Bodke, Malaz A. Boustani and Christopher M. Callahan, p. 54-61]

Abstract:

Background
Mobile health technology can improve medication safety for older adults, for instance, by educating patients about the risks associated with anticholinergic medication use.

Objective
This study's objective was to test the usability and feasibility of Brain Buddy, a consumer-facing mobile health technology designed to inform and empower older adults to consider the risks and benefits of anticholinergics.

Methods
Twenty-three primary care patients aged ≥60 years and using anticholinergic medications participated in summative, task-based usability testing of Brain Buddy. Self-report usability was assessed by the System Usability Scale and performance-based usability data were collected for each task through observation. A subset of 17 participants contributed data on feasibility, assessed by self-reported attitudes (feeling informed) and behaviors (speaking to a physician), with confirmation following a physician visit.

Results
Overall usability was acceptable or better, with 100% of participants completing each Brain Buddy task and a mean System Usability Scale score of 78.8, corresponding to “Good” to “Excellent” usability. Observed usability issues included higher rates of errors, hesitations, and need for assistance on three tasks, particularly those requiring data entry. Among participants contributing to feasibility data, 100% felt better informed after using Brain Buddy and 94% planned to speak to their physician about their anticholinergic related risk. On follow-up, 82% reported having spoken to their physician, a rate independently confirmed by physicians.

Conclusion
Consumer-facing technology can be a low-cost, scalable intervention to improve older adults’ medication safety, by informing and empowering patients. User-centered design and evaluation with demographically heterogeneous clinical samples uncovers correctable usability issues and confirms the value of interventions targeting consumers as agents in shared decision making and behavior change.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.02.011

[Article Title: Design and development of a mobile app of drug information for people with visual impairment/ Juliana Madrigal-Cadavid, Pedro Amariles, Daniel Pino-Marín, Johan Granados and Newar Giraldo, p. 62-67]

Abstract:

Background
People with visual impairment presents difficulties to access the labels information of medicines. In this sense, technological tools can contribute to improve access to this information and the appropriate use of medicines in this population. However, currently, in Colombia, there are no tools to facilitate this process.

Objective
To design and development of a mobile app of drug information for people with visual impairment, which allows them to access information for the appropriate use of medicines.

Methods
A user-centered design process is carried out in four phases was used: a) Identification the needs and barriers for appropriate use of medicines; b) Lifting of requirements, c) Interface design and prototyping, and development of the mobile app, and d) Usability test.

Results
The study involved 48 people with visual disability, of which 69% required assistance for the use of medicines. The main barriers identified were access to information and dosing. A total of ten user requirements were identified, based on these and international accessibility standards FarmaceuticApp was designed and developed, incorporating the problems that were identified in the usability test.

Conclusion
A mobile app of drug information for people with visual impairment using a user-centered design process was designed and developed, highlighting the importance of involving the users and other stakeholders in the design and development m-health technologies. FarmaceuticApp could contribute to the appropriate use of medicines and improve therapeutic adherence, as well as autonomy and independence in people with visual impairment.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.02.013

[Article Title: Personality traits and personal values as retail pharmacy choice predictors in the context of pharmaceutical care requirements/ Michał Skrzypek, Dorota Turska, Agnieszka Marzec and Karolina Szczygieł, p. 68-73]

Abstract:

Background
Pharmacists implementing and carrying out Pharmaceutical Care (PhC) need to possess interpersonal (“soft”) competencies, similar to physicians, as well as the personality predisposition necessary to maintain effective interpersonal communication involved in a therapeutic relationship. This thesis agrees with John L. Holland's congruence theory according to which the decision to take up a given profession is a specific expression of personality.

Objectives
The presented study aims to examine the premise that a specific personality may be a predictor for the career choices made by pharmacy students that entail building a therapeutic relationship with the patient as part of practising PhC.

Methods
The study was conducted in a group of 211 students at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University in Lublin, ages 21–30 (M = 23.17; SD = 1.26). The reference group (n = 83) was composed of respondents declaring preference for a professional path that implies direct contact with the patient (mainly retail pharmacy in community pharmacies). The control group was composed of students who declared preference for a professional path which does not entail direct contacts with patients. The study employed the Polish version of the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory and the Schwartz Value Survey.

Results
There are three key predictors of choosing a particular form of professional activity implying a direct contact with patients. These include the personality traits of neuroticism and openness to experience (negative predictors), as well as the value meta-category of conservation (the strongest positive predictor).

Conclusion
The presented results suggest the existence of a specific personality characteristic partly favourable for work in direct contact with patients, but not towards the implementation of more innovative forms of practising pharmacy.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.001

[Article Title: Process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of two Australian instruments to evaluate the physician-pharmacist collaboration in Germany/ Marina Weissenborn, Ines Krass, Connie Van, Anna Dähne, Christoph A. Ritter, Walter E. Haefeli and Hanna M. Seidling, p. 74-83]

Abstract:

Background
Building interprofessional working relationships between physicians and pharmacists is essential to ensure high-quality patient care. To assess which factors influence the performance and success of their collaboration, validated instruments should be used, such as the Australian “Attitudes Toward Collaboration Instrument (ATCI)” and the “Frequency of Interprofessional Collaboration Instrument (FICI)”. Both instruments were already translated in a previous German study, but not pretested for comprehensibility or cultural appropriateness to ensure that the target group is able to adequately answer the translated items.

Objectives
To translate and particularly cross-culturally adapt two Australian instruments measuring physicians' and pharmacists’ attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration and the frequency of their interactions for use in Germany.

Methods
The ATCI and FICI were translated following internationally recognised guidelines. Two-step cognitive interviewing was performed with physicians and pharmacists working in ambulatory care in Germany. The “Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research” were used to report this study.

Results
Overall, 2 forward and 2 back translations, and 38 cognitive interviews, i.e. cognitive probing (N = 10) and behaviour observation (N = 28), with 18 physicians and 20 pharmacists were performed. Experts discussed all potential changes. The ATCI and FICI were translated introducing 15 minor (e.g. paraphrasing, item order) and 6 major (e.g. 2 more items in FICI, additional response options) adaptations. The ATCI-P/GP-German and FICI-P/GP-German were found to be easy to answer and clearly-phrased.

Conclusion
This study shows the importance of using recognised methods to translate and adapt questionnaires, consisting of at least four steps: forward translation, back translation, cognitive interviewing and finalisation (each reviewed by an expert panel making their decisions by consensus). A profoundly pretested German-speaking instrument is now available to evaluate and describe interprofessional collaboration between physicians and pharmacists. However, collecting further sociodemographic and contextual information seems necessary for enhanced interpretation of future results.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.009

[Article Title: The availability of pharmacists with Additional Prescribing Authorization in relation to the distribution of vulnerable populations - A cross-sectional study/ Mhd. Wasem Alsabbagh, Sherilyn K.D. Houle and Nancy M. Waite, p. 84-89]

Abstract:

Background
For vulnerable patients- such as immigrants or those with low income- to benefit from pharmacists’ advanced services, such as independent prescribing, pharmacists must be accessible to these populations.

Objectives
This research examines the geographical relationship between Alberta pharmacists with Additional Prescribing Authorization (APA) and a neighbourhood's proportion of vulnerable populations.

Methods
Publicly available data were extracted from the Alberta College of Pharmacy website for active registered pharmacists' primary location of practice and APA status. Pharmacists with APA were grouped depending on the postal codes of their main self-reported place of practice. These postal codes were converted to geospatial locations and then linked to aggregated dissemination area's (ADA's) income and immigrant quintiles. The mean number of APA pharmacists per ADA was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) between income and immigrant quintiles. The number of APA pharmacists per ADA in the highest and lowest income and immigrant quintiles was compared using negative binomial regression model.

Results
The records of 3,742 pharmacists with 1,054 unique postal codes of practice sites were included in the study and were linked to unique ADAs (N = 527). Almost one half of all ADAs in Alberta (47.6%, n = 251) had no APA pharmacist. Income quintiles of ADAs were associated with the mean number of APA pharmacists (p < 0.001), with high income areas estimated to have 0.44 more APA pharmacists (p = 0.01). Similarly, areas with the highest quintile of recent immigrants were estimated to have 0.66 more APA pharmacists than other ADAs (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
A sizable proportion of the Alberta population still does not have access to a pharmacist with APA, and those with APA seem to concentrate in areas with higher income and higher proportions of the population who are immigrants. Future research should examine the utilization of expanded scope of practice in relation to the distribution of vulnerable populations.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.075

[Article Title: Exploring the experiences and preparedness of humanitarian pharmacists in responding to an emergency-response situation/ Zachariah Nazar and Hamde Nazar, p. 90-95]

Abstract:

Background
Pharmacists are more frequently being deployed along with other members of the multi-disciplinary team in order to provide humanitarian aid. This team will need to work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as constraints in access to medication, medical supplies and medical records.

Recent literature reports on the role of the pharmacist across all facets of care continuing to evolve into clinical areas to support patient care. To date there is a deficiency in description and understanding of the preparedness and contribution of pharmacists within a humanitarian capacity.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the preparedness of pharmacists working in the humanitarian field and to explore pharmacists’ experiences including the challenges they face in an emergency response situation.

Methods
An interview topic guide was developed and informed by a review of the literature and one-to-one in-depth semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted with pharmacists involved in the humanitarian field based in England. Interviews were audio recorded and were transcribed verbatim. A member of the research team conducted the data analysis (FS) consistent with the Braun and Clarke approach, the authors (ZN and HN) provided advice and input throughout the analysis process.

Results
Twelve pharmacists participated in this study, nine of whom had deployment experience; interviews took place between October 2017 and April 2018. Data analysis identified four descriptive themes (training and preparation; skills required; challenges/barriers; professional development) and numerous sub-themes.

Conclusions
This study resonates with research investigating experiences of other healthcare professionals, which report the need for more tailored and appropriate training to improve preparedness for deployment. Pharmacists also suggest specific skills and knowledge facilitate adaptability and innovate working which areas of humanitarian need require. The pharmacists did not report any psychological burden or trauma from their experiences in emergency response, which requires further study to ensure this aspect of preparation, debriefing and support is not neglected.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.146

[Article Title: Patient perspectives on discussing alcohol as part of medicines review in community pharmacies/ Mary Madden, Stephanie Morris, Karl Atkin, Brendan Gough and Jim McCambridge, p. 96-101]

Abstract:

Background
This paper reports on a qualitative study which formed part of the intervention development phase of a five year research programme (Community pharmacy: Highlighting Alcohol use in Medication aPpointments; CHAMP-1).

Objectives
To better understand patient views on the appropriateness of alcohol as a subject for discussion in medication reviews in community pharmacy.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 25 people eligible for medication reviews whose AUDIT-C screening scores identified them as likely risky drinkers. Transcripts were analysed using a modified framework method with a constructionist thematic analysis approach.

Results
Most patients interviewed said they were open to the idea of a medication and alcohol linked discussion with a pharmacist if this was routine, well-conducted and confidential. Such a discussion was thought less personally relevant for those who viewed the proposed intervention through the prism of a particular set of ideas about the nature of alcohol problems, which distanced them from thinking about alcohol in terms of their everyday life and possible impacts on their health. Study findings attest to some of the sensitivities involved in discussion of alcohol, and the complexities inherent in helping people to talk about their own drinking, medicine use and health.

Conclusions
Patients were open to the idea of discussing alcohol with community pharmacists in the context of a medicines review if this was sensitively done and the relevance was clear to them.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.145

[Article Title: “My pharmacist”: Creating and maintaining relationship between physicians and pharmacists in primary care settings/ Kathryn Mercer, Elena Neiterman, Lisa Guirguis, Catherine Burns and Kelly Grindrod, p. 102-107]

Abstract:

Background
Pharmacists and physicians are being increasingly encouraged to adopt a collaborative approach to patient care, and delivery of health services. Strong collaboration between pharmacists and physicians is known to improve patient safety, however pharmacists have expressed difficulty in developing interprofessional working relationships. There is not a significant body of knowledge around how relationships influence how and when pharmacists and physicians communicate about patient care.

Objectives
This paper examines how pharmacists and primary care physicians communicate with each other, specifically when they have or do not have an established relationship.

Methods
Thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with nine primary care physicians and 25 pharmacists, we examined how pharmacists and physicians talk about their roles and responsibilities in primary care and how they build relationships with each other.

Results
We found that both groups of professionals communicated with each other in relation to the perceived scope of their practice and roles. Three emerging themes emerged in the data focusing on (1) the different ways physicians communicate with pharmacists; (2) insights into barriers discussed by pharmacists; and (3) how relationships shape collaboration and interactions. Pharmacists were also responsible for initiating the relationship as they relied on it more than the physicians. The presence or absence of a personal connection dramatically impacts how comfortable healthcare professionals are with collaboration around care.

Conclusion
The findings support and extend the existing literature on pharmacist-physician collaboration, as it relates to trust, relationship, and role. The importance of strong communication is noted, as is the necessity of improving ways to build relationships to ensure strong interprofessional collaboration.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.03.144

[Article Title: Shared decision making in chronic medication use: Scenarios depicting exemplary care/ Joel Ward, Dilraj Kalsi, Nina Barnett, Bill (KWM) Fulford and Ashok Handa, p. 108-110]

Abstract: Patient-centred care includes patients and their values in the healthcare decision-making process. Shared decision-making is essential for patient satisfaction, medication adherence, and positive clinical outcomes. It also empowers patients to play an active role in managing their health condition by improving their sense of agency, allowing them to personalise their care. Long-term prescriptions are an unexplored area where shared decision-making could be impactful. This paper provides 5 common clinical prescription scenarios pertaining to route of administration, medication timing, side effects, and length of prescription. Minor tailoring of treatment plans could significantly improve clinical outcomes. These serve as exemplars as to how to personalise prescriptions through shared decision making in accordance with patient values.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.04.047