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Background There has been little research which specifically examines medicine use among South Asian (SA) and Middle Eastern (ME) groups, although evidence suggests that medicine-related needs may be poorly met for these groups. Objective To describe medicine-related problems (MRPs) experienced by SA and ME patients from their perspectives and identify possible contributory factors that may be specific to their cultures. Setting The data were collected in seven pharmacies in London, United Kingdom (UK). Method The study was a qualitative study. Patients were from SA and ME origins, aged over 18 and prescribed three or more regular medicines. Patients were identified when presenting with a prescription. The data were collected in 80 face-to-face semi-structured interviews using Gordon's MRPs tool. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Gordon's coding frame and Nvivo 10 software. Main outcome measure Describing MRPs experienced by SA and ME patients from their perspectives and identifying possible contributory factors that may be specific to their cultures. Results Eighty participants (61 % male) had mean (SD) age 58 (13.4) years and a mean (SD) of 8 (4) medicines. Interviews revealed that several factors contributed to the development of MRPs; some appeared to be specific to SA and ME cultures and others were similar to the general population. The factors that were reported to be specific to SA and ME groups comprised religious practices and beliefs, use of non-prescription medicines, extent of family support, and travelling abroad-to patient's homeland or to take religious journeys. Illiteracy, language and communication barriers, lack of translated resources, perceptions of healthcare providers, and difficulty consulting a doctor of the same gender may also contribute to the problems. Many of these factors could be expected to influence patient's safety, adherence, and informed decision-making. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SA and ME patients have their own problems and needs regarding both medicine use and service access. By uncovering particular problems experienced by these groups, the study can inform healthcare professionals to support SA and ME patients in the use of their medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Safe prescribing requires accurate and practical information about drugs. Our objective was to measure the utility of current sources of prescribing guidance when used to inform practical prescribing decisions, and to compare current sources of prescribing guidance in the UK with idealized prescribing guidance. Methods: We developed 25 clinical scenarios. Two independent assessors rated and ranked the performance of five common sources of prescribing guidance in the UK when used to answer the clinical scenarios. A third adjudicator facilitated review of any disparities. An idealized list of contents for prescribing guidance was developed and sent for comments to academics and users of prescribing guidance. Following consultation an operational check was used to assess compliance with the idealized criteria. The main outcome measures were relative utility in answering the clinical scenarios and compliance with the idealized prescribing guidance. Results: Current sources of prescribing guidance used in the UK differ in their utility, when measured using clinical scenarios. The British National Formulary (BNF) and EMIS LV were the best performing sources in terms of both ranking [mean rank 1·24 and 2·20] and rating [%excellent or adequate 100% and 72%]. Current sources differed in the extent to which they fulfilled criteria for ideal prescribing guidance, but the BNF, and EMIS LV to a lesser extent, closely matched the criteria. Discussion: We have demonstrated how clinical scenarios can be used to assess prescribing guidance resources. Producers of prescribing guidance documents should consider our idealized template. Prescribers require high-quality information to support their practice. Conclusion: Our test was helpful in distinguishing between prescribing resources. Producers of prescribing guidance should consider the utility of their products to end-users, particularly in those more complex areas where prescribers may need most support. Existing UK prescribing guidance resources differ in their ability to provide assistance to prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this review was to establish type(s) and possible cause(s) of medicine-related problems (MRPs) experienced by ethnic minorities in the UK and to identify recommendations to support these patients in the effective use of medicines., Methods: A systematic search of studies related to problems with medicine use experienced by ethnic minorities in the UK was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstract and Scopus from 1990 to 2011. A hand search for relevant citations and key journals was also performed., Key Findings: Fifteen studies were found. The MRPs identified across studies included lack of information, problems with not taking medicines as advised, concern of dependency or side effects, lack of regular monitoring and review, risk of adverse drug reactions, adverse events and problems in accessing healthcare services. Many problems are common in other groups, however, studies examining possible explanatory factors discussed how the cultural and religious beliefs, previous experiences, different expectations, language and communication barriers, lack of knowledge of the healthcare services and underestimating patients' desire for information may contribute to the problems. Some of the recommendations were made based on the problems that were found, but these have not been evaluated., Conclusions: Little evidence is known of what influences MRPs among ethnic minorities, despite the increased diversification of populations in countries throughout the world. To support their entire populations in the use of medicines, we have to ensure that we understand their different perspectives and needs regarding the effective use of medicines., (© 2012 The Authors. IJPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)