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Good hand hygiene techniques (HHTs), like those of the World Health Organization (WHO), prevent microbial contamination of aseptic preparations. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a game-based training (GBT) tool (the Handtastic Box) to improve the compliance of hospital pharmacy operators (HPOs) with handwashing guidelines. A camera recorded handwashing by HPOs for 1 month before the training day, for 1 month after the training day (M1), and between month 1 and month 3 (M2&3). Movements were scored as fully executed, partially executed or not executed. Compliance rates of each HPO with HHTs were compared between observation periods. During 1-h training sessions, pairs of HPO trainees watched handwashing videos and noted which of five guideline steps was missing. They examined wooden hands with areas stained with fluorescein under ultraviolet light to find the hand showing the matching contamination. The mean compliance score for nine HPOs increased from 44.6% (before training, N =32 videos) to 86.7% (M1, N =40) to 82.5% (M2&3, N =45). Compliance with every step improved from before training to M1 and generally stabilized in M2&3, except for the fingertip washing step which dropped significantly in M2&3. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficacy of a GBT tool to improve HPO compliance with the WHO HHTs. The tool improved handwashing scores significantly, and maintained them at the same level for 3 months after training. The separate results for each step highlight the need to train every movement. This GBT tool successfully improved compliance with the WHO HHTs for 3 months. This training could be used for other healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care on the number of readmissions and visits to the emergency department due to heart failure 30 days after hospital discharge, based on a programme of continuous pharmaceutical care throughout the care process, and to assess the differences between the control and intervention groups at 90 days after discharge (number of readmissions and visits to the emergency department, time from discharge to new readmission or visit to the emergency department)., Methods: A single-centre experimental longitudinal prospective open and parallel-group study with balanced randomisation (1:1) was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Spain. Patients with a diagnosis of primary or decompensated heart failure admitted to the Cardiology Service or the Heart Failure and Vascular Risk Unit were recruited between March 2019 and November 2021 and randomly assigned, using a randomised block model, to the control (standard care) or intervention (continuing care model) groups. Epidemiological, clinical and pharmacology data were recorded. As a measure of association, we used the mean difference and the Student's t-test. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant., Results: 296 patients were included (150 randomised to the control group, 146 to the intervention group). The results showed no significant differences between the control and intervention groups in the number of readmissions and visits to the emergency department during the 30 days after discharge (p=0.092), but a statistically significant difference was seen at 90 days (p=0.043). The number of days until the first visit to the emergency department or readmission was higher in the intervention group (p=0.021)., Conclusions: Continuous care and follow-up by the pharmacist 30 days after discharge has a neutral impact on hospital readmissions and visits to the emergency department of patients with heart failure, but it is positive in the 90 days following discharge., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2025. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.)

Background: Several hospital pharmacy services exist, which take place at different interfaces of patient care. Although they are an important tool for improving medication safety, they are not yet sufficiently implemented in hospitals around the world., Objective: This scoping review aims to summarise different hospital pharmacy services at transition of care (TOC) points in order to identify development trends and practice patterns in high-income countries over the past decade., Methods: A literature search of four databases (PubMed, PubPharm, Cochrane Library (Ovid) and ScienceDirect) since 2011 was conducted. A detailed search strategy was developed and refined with the help of a research librarian. Title, abstract and full-text selection was carried out by two researchers independently. The study was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR items to ensure quality standard reporting. Only studies originating from developed countries and published in the English language were included. The data obtained were extracted and summarised using a data extraction form developed to meet the research aims of the study., Results: Of the 5456 search results, 65 studies met the inclusion criteria. These originated from Europe (n=29), North America/Canada (n=28), Australia (n=7) and Asia (n=1). Individual TOC services such as medication reconciliation and medication review on admission and at discharge were the main focus of published literature practice patterns between 2011 and 2016, after which a more holistic TOC service started to emerge that follows patients across all TOC points during their hospital stay. Facilitators and barriers were consistently dependent on resources and infrastructure. Clinical and economic outcomes show a mixed picture., Conclusion: During the past decade pharmaceutical services have developed more holistic TOC services. Large-scale high-quality studies are needed to reliably determine clinical and economic benefit., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2025. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.)

Background: Totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is a type of implantable medical device that enables repetitive access to the intravenous system through use of a Huber needle. This device facilitates the administration of aggressive or long-term treatments while ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient. To ensure proper use of the medical device and lower the risk of complications, it is essential that patients acquire the necessary knowledge and skills regarding TIVAP., Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of a pharmaceutical interview on patients' knowledge and skills for patients with TIVAP., Methods: To achieve this goal, a pharmaceutical interview guide and an 18-item questionnaire were developed, based on a three-part competency framework (knowledge, know-how and attitudes) previously constructed by a multidisciplinary team. The intervention consisted of a pharmacist-led interview with every patient on the day of the TIVAP insertion. Patients in the control group received usual care. Patients included were interviewed by telephone 14 days after implantation. χ 2 tests were conducted to compare the scores obtained by each group., Results: The average score obtained by the control group (n=30) was 8.97, while the intervention group (n=59) achieved an average score of 12.66 (p<0.001). The intervention group demonstrated increases in correct responses for all items, with eight questions displaying significantly higher scores. Six of these pertained to theoretical knowledge, one to know-how and one to attitudes., Conclusion: The interviews had a clear impact on the knowledge and skills of TIVAP patients., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2025. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.)

This paper calls for further study of transformational leadership and its further use in educating PharmD students as well as inclusion of continuing education programming and mentoring the behaviours of current pharmacists. It does not present an argument for reduction in use or diminishment of other leadership theories, many of which have at least some overlap with transformational leadership. Rather, emphasis on transformation leadership might be one of many solutions to challenges plaguing the profession currently, with some sense of negativity and challenging workplace conditions among many pharmacists; support personnel and drug shortages; and a need for more collegial citizenship behaviors and stronger organizational culture. Transformative leadership behaviors and communication, versus others particularly more transactional in nature, envisage a future for the entire profession as well as for the individuals who comprise them, articulate the value of the contributions made by the employee, and help imbue a sense of professional identity. These are things sorely needed in the modern workplace and are either explicitly stated or tacitly implied in educational standards and professional competencies. A recent study on transformational leadership as measured by the Multifactorial Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) found more parsimonious structures toward the definition of transformational leadership and the outcomes resulting from its use, which actually makes it easier to discern and thus even more applicable to incorporate into models of pharmacy education and practice. The time to further study and employ transformational leadership is now., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This review of the literature aimed to evaluate the economic impact of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector., Methods: The review followed the PRISMA recommendations. A bibliographic search was conducted on 23 June 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. All articles in French or English with economic data on clinical pharmacy activities in orthopaedics were included. Articles not mentioning the term 'orthopaedics' and those published prior to 1990 were excluded. Data from the studies were compiled in an Excel table. A bias analysis using the ROBINS-I Cochrane tool was performed. The methodology of the studies was compared and weighted using the CHEERS and STROBE checklists., Results: Among 529 articles initially identified, 10 were included in the review. The cost-benefit ratio of a clinical pharmacist in orthopaedics ranged from 0.47:1 to 28:1. The maximum savings reached US$73 410 /year in the American study and €1 42 356 /year in the French study. For three studies, the cost of a clinical pharmacist was not evaluated. Eight studies showed a positive economic impact. The Dutch study showed a balance and the Danish study showed a negative economic impact of €3442/month., Conclusions: This literature review has shown an economic benefit of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector despite several biases and methodological limitations. The two studies that did not confirm this benefit only evaluated a limited number of expected benefits. Nevertheless, the economic impact of the clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector seems positive and undervalued., Competing Interests: Competing interests: JD, AS, EB do not have any conflicts of interest. CC received non-monetary benefits (hospitality) from Biogen France SA. FD has a consulting role with Amplitude, Serf, Stryker, Zimmer, Heraeus, Leo Pharma unrelated to this work. RV has an expert role with Biomarin, LFB, Lilly, Novartis, Novonordisk, Roche, Sanofi and Sobi. He also received support (conferences) from Mylan, Sobi and Takeda. JC received non-monetary benefits from Smith & Nephew, Zimmer Biomet, Riv’Ortho, Lépine, SERF and Sanofi-Aventis (hospitality). No competing interest related to the study., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: Large language models (LLMs) with advanced language generation capabilities have the potential to enhance patient interactions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ChatGPT 4.0 and Gemini 1.0 Pro in providing patient instructions and creating patient educational material (PEM)., Methods: A cross-sectional study employed ChatGPT 4.0 and Gemini 1.0 Pro across six medical scenarios using simple and detailed prompts. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Print materials (PEMAT-P) evaluated the understandability, actionability, and readability of the outputs., Results: LLMs provided consistent responses, especially regarding drug information, therapeutic goals, administration, common side effects, and interactions. However, they lacked guidance on expiration dates and proper medication disposal. Detailed prompts yielded comprehensible outputs for the average adult. ChatGPT 4.0 had mean understandability and actionability scores of 80% and 60%, respectively, compared with 67% and 60% for Gemini 1.0 Pro. ChatGPT 4.0 produced longer outputs, achieving 85% readability with detailed prompts, while Gemini 1.0 Pro maintained consistent readability. Simple prompts resulted in ChatGPT 4.0 outputs at a 10th-grade reading level, while Gemini 1.0 Pro outputs were at a 7th-grade level. Both LLMs produced outputs at a 6th-grade level with detailed prompts., Conclusion: LLMs show promise in generating patient instructions and PEM. However, healthcare professional oversight and patient education on LLM use are essential for effective implementation., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To assess the factors that affect the capacity of community pharmacists to deliver pharmacy services (PSs) in Zhengzhou, China., Design: An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted., Setting and Participants: A stratified sampling method was used to select community pharmacists for questionnaires. A total of 124 community pharmacists from various districts of Zhengzhou were included in this study., Results: Principal component regression analysis showed that cumulative hours of continuing education (CE), job satisfaction, career prospects, awareness of the need for CE and income had a positive impact on pharmacists' capacity to deliver PS, with a gradually decreasing degree of influence., Conclusions: Most pharmacists felt that their capacity to provide PS met the basic public requirements. Cumulative CE hours had the most significant effect on pharmacists' capacity to provide PS, while income had the least effect. The government, grassroots community pharmacies, pharmacists and the public should formulate timely and targeted measures to enhance the PS capacity of community pharmacists., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Antibiotic use drives antibiotic resistance. The UK antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategy aims to reduce antibiotic use. We aimed to quantify excess antibiotic use in a district general hospital in south-west England., Methods: Medical patients discharged in August 2020 who had received antibiotics were included. An audit tool of antibiotic prescribing appropriateness was used to collect relevant clinical information regarding each patient case. The appropriateness of antibiotic use was then determined by two infection specialists and excess days of therapy (DOTs) calculated., Results: 647 patients were discharged in August 2020. Of the 1658 antibiotic DOTs for the 184 patients reviewed, 403 (24%) were excess DOTs. The excess antibiotic DOTs were prescribed in 92 patients (50%); 112/403 (27.8%) excess DOTs originated at the initiation of antibiotic therapy (time point A); 184/403 (45.7%) of excess DOTs occurred at the antibiotic review pre-72 hours (time point B); and 107/403 (26.6%) of excess DOTs were due to protracted antibiotic courses (time point C)., Conclusion: 24% of antibiotic DOTs were deemed unnecessary. The greatest opportunity to reduce antibiotic use safely was the pre-72 hours antibiotic review, which may provide a target for reducing excess antimicrobial therapy in line with the national AMR strategy., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Increased patient utilization of cannabidiol (CBD) leads to potential drug interactions with various medications and questions posed to pharmacists. Objective: To quantify the knowledge gap of pharmacists on CBD and CBD-containing products and assess the degree a continuing pharmacy education (CPE) program alters pharmacist confidence and competency on CBD knowledge. Methods: A 1-h CPE activity was offered as a home study from May 9, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Subjects were practicing pharmacy preceptors in Alabama who completed the pre-survey and post-survey for inclusion in matched-pair analyses. The primary outcome measure was participant score improvement between the pre-post surveys. Secondary measures involved pre-post comparisons on self-rated Likert questions concerning participant confidence in counseling, answering drug information questions, and ensuring patient safety regarding CBD. Results: A total of 124 participants completed the course. After matched pairing, 64 and 56 individuals were included in the knowledge-based and confidence ranking analyses, respectively. Participant scoring improved on the knowledge-based questions between the pre-post surveys (50.0% vs 87.8%, P < .001). There was a significant confidence improvement of participants from baseline on counseling patients about prescription or over-the-counter CBD products, answering questions from other healthcare professionals about these products, and ensuring patient safety while using these products (Average 5-level Likert scale increases of 1.75, 1.73, 1.70, respectively; all P < .001). Conclusion: Implementation of a CPE program improved practicing pharmacists' knowledge on information about CBD, which lead to increased competency on counseling patients, answering drug information questions, and promoting patient safety., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a process by which healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can be engaged in life-long learning and development. In 2018, the Jordanian government issued Regulation No. 46, which addresses the CPD and relicensing cycle requirements. This study aims to investigate Jordanian community pharmacists' experiences and perceptions toward CPDs. The study also discussed factors influencing pharmacists' engagement in CPD activities. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed between August and October of 2022 using a range of participant identification and recruitment strategies. The questionnaire was designed for community pharmacists who are currently in practice. Descriptive data analysis was carried out. Of the 425 participating community pharmacists, 270 (63.5%) had a positive attitude toward CPD in terms of considering CPD to be a professional responsibility for all practising pharmacists. Almost 50% of recruited community pharmacists had no preference between theoretical and practical activities. Moreover, carrying out research projects and participating in research groups were the least preferred CPD activities. Evidence indicates that the most influencing factors were feasibility and capacity-related issues such as time, cost, work burden and requirements and the logistics related to CPD activities. Regulators, professional associations, and legislators are responsible for planning and implementing actions that reduce obstacles and increase facilitators. CPD activities should also be made available through various delivery methods and strategies to guarantee relevance, prevent duplication, and promote pharmacists' involvement., (© 2024 The Author(s). Pharmacology Research & Perspectives published by British Pharmacological Society and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Following a 2015 conference on the future of continuing pharmacy education (CPE), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's Board of Directors ratified recommendations to address two key questions: (1) "What next steps should the profession take to ensure practitioner competence based on marketplace and regulatory changes in the next 10 to 15 years?" and (2) "How can the value of CPE be optimized over the next 10 to 15 years?" In this article, we describe how these recommendations have been addressed since the 2015 conference, highlighting advancements in technology and the adoption of continuing professional development, and describe future directions and additional opportunities to optimize CPE., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All study authors are either Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) staff and employed by ACPE or Continuing Pharmacy Education Commission Members., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The role of the pharmacy technician (PT) has expanded in recent years, requiring new competencies, better communications skills and high-level knowledge about drugs. The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a blended learning programme for PTs' continuing professional development., Methods: A blended learning programme designed to enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes was created using a six-step approach to curriculum development for medical education. The first part included three short microlearning videos to improve knowledge; the second consisted of a 1.5 hour 'edutainment' session for groups of 5-6 PTs to deepen their knowledge and practice skills. Impacts on knowledge, degree of certainty and self-perceived competence were evaluated before training (pre-test), after the microlearning (post-test 1) and after the edutainment session (post-test 2)., Results: The three microlearnings were entitled 'Communication', 'Cut-crush a tablet/open a capsule' and 'Pharmacy website'. The edutainment session used team-based learning, game-based learning, peer instruction and simulation. Twenty-six PTs of mean±SD age 36±8 years participated. Pre-test and post-test 1 evaluation scores showed significant overall improvements in mean knowledge (9.1/18 vs 12.1/18, p<0.001), mean degree of certainty (3.4/5 vs 4.2/5, p<0.001) and mean self-perceived competence (58.6/100 vs 72.3/100, p<0.001). After post-test 2, mean knowledge (12.1/18 vs 13.1/18, p=0.010) and mean self-perceived competence (72.3/100 vs 81.1/100, p=0.001) scores had improved, but not mean degree of certainty (4.2/5 vs 4.4/5, p=0.105). All participants found the blended learning programme suitable for their continuing professional development., Conclusions: The present study showed the positive effects of using our blended learning programme to improve PTs' knowledge, degree of certainty and self-perceived competence, to their great satisfaction. This pedagogical format will be integrated into PTs' continuing professional development and include other educational topics., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. Published by BMJ.)

Severe asthma has an important impact on patients and healthcare resources. Recently, the new specific treatments have defined a new scenario in which person-focused care and specialist multidisciplinary teams are necessary. Our Severe Asthma Unit (SAU) started the ASfarMA project along with an external human-centered design company to understand patients' vision of their illness, treatment, and healthcare experience, and to define the ideal SAU by performing a core group session, in-depth semistructured interviews and co-creation workshop. Herein, a series of tips classified as either 'transformative solutions' or 'quick wins', according to a value versus effort matrix are presented. Successful implementation of the proposed solutions will be valuable for patients and healthcare professionals, optimising patient care and resources. These findings can also be helpful to other SAUs or other humanisation projects involving complex, chronic and multidisciplinary pathologies., Competing Interests: Competing interests: MMG declares payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers, bureaus, mansuscript writing for educational events by AstraZeneca and GSK and payment for expert testimony by AstraZeneca. AS-G declares payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers, bureaus, manuscript writing for educational events by GSK and Sanofi, payment for expert testimony by GSK and Sanofi and support for attending meetings and/or travel by Sanofi. DA-A declares payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers, bureaus, manuscript writing for educational events by AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis and Sanofi and payment for expert testimony by AstraZeneca, GSK and Sanofi. Other authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: Adherence to handwashing, handrub and gloving procedures is mandatory for safe, aseptic drug compounding in hospital pharmacies. This study measured participants' satisfaction and effectiveness of a game-based training tool (Handtastic Box) developed to improve adherence., Methods: Handtastic Boxes were played by pairs of pharmacy operators (introductory video, 1 min study of guidelines, game). In module 1, players watched videos of somebody handwashing and had to find the missing step. They examined wooden models of hands under ultraviolet (UV) light, with some areas stained with fluorescein, to find the hand showing contamination. In module 2, players used a fluorescein hydroalcoholic solution and placed their hands under UV light to highlight missing areas. In module 3, players identified major errors that could compromise glove sterility and linked them to a problem explanation. Then, they applied paint to their fingertips and donned gloves-the paint had to stay inside them. Satisfaction about the training was assessed with a 10-question survey; knowledge about procedures was assessed using a before-and-after questionnaire of nine questions, a 100-point confidence score (modules 1 and 2), and the number of before-and-after errors made during donning gloves (module 3)., Results: Operators were very satisfied and felt more competent after training. Average knowledge score increased from 56.3% (SD 18.2%) to 93.7% (SD 9.5%), and confidence in answers increased from 66.4% (SD 18.7%) to 95.7% (SD 5.52%) (n=14, both modules 1 and 2). The mean error score for gloving procedure decreased from 1.7 (SD 0.8%) to 0.3 (SD 0.5%) (n=10, module 3)., Conclusion: Handtastic Boxes proved to be a highly effective training method for improving knowledge of handwashing, handrub and gloving., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Pharmacists are often faced with scenarios in practice that require application of ethical reasoning and decision-making skills. There is limited research on the ethical decision-making processes of hospital pharmacists. Pharmacists who are compassionate and put the interests of their patients first are thought to positively impact on patient care, but there are often complex health-care system pressures in the hospital setting that cause pharmacists to behave in ways that may conflict with professional values and behaviours. This multisite study aimed to evaluate an interactive education workshop on hospital pharmacists' ethical reasoning skills and explore the need for ongoing training and support., Methods: This mixed-methods study was carried out across two health services including three hospitals. It incorporated a pre-workshop survey, a feedback survey immediately post-workshop and a third survey four weeks after the workshop. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospital pharmacists at least four weeks after the ethics workshop., Results: In total, 32 participants completed the pre-workshop survey, nominating peers/colleagues as the most common source of support they would consult to inform ethical decision-making (17/118 sources of support). Almost all (n = 31/33; 94%) strongly agreed/agreed that the education session provided them with ethical reasoning skills and a process/framework which they could use when faced with an ethical issue. Pre- and post-survey responses showed increased self-confidence in identifying the regulatory frameworks applicable to pharmacy privacy requirements (p = 0.011) and ethical issues applicable to pharmacy privacy requirements (p = 0.002), as well as applying ethical reasoning to scenarios that involve pharmacy privacy dilemmas/issues (p = 0.004). Participants' self confidence in knowing where to find support when faced with clinical and non-clinical ethics questions was improved (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003 respectively). Participants supported the introduction of quarterly ethics cafes after the workshop, compared to before the workshop (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists rely on discussions with colleagues to brainstorm how to address ethical issues. This study showed that a targeted interactive education workshop facilitated familiarity with ethics resources and decision-making processes. It also demonstrated that this approach could be used to enhance hospital pharmacists' readiness, confidence, and capabilities to recognise and respond to challenging ethical issues., (© 2024. Crown.)

Objective: To describe a compounding training plan in a tertiary hospital pharmacy service. The project aimed pharmacy assistant technicians to use a digital training platform and simulation techniques., Methods: Two training programs were designed, one for sterile and the other for non-sterile drugs. Each programme consists of several phases: a basic online training course (digital e-learning platform), a practical simulation workshop, a supervised practice in real conditions, and a final verification by the pharmacist to qualify the technician. Both programs include continuous and accredited evaluation by the hospital's Continued Education Commission. A satisfaction survey on training (e-lerning platform) was designed and conducted for pharmacy technicians (sterile and non-sterile)., Results: The project has been running for 3 years. Six specialist pharmacists from different areas involved in compounding are responsible for training and continuous evaluation. Twenty-one technicians have been trained, and nineteen have obtained qualifications. Two of them were found to be unfit. Currently, we employ13 pharmacy technicians who were initially trained. The participation rate in the satisfaction survey on training (e-learning platform) was 61.5% (n=8) out of a total number of current developers (n=13). Overall, 62.5% of technicians reported being satisfied or very satisfied, while the remaining 37.5% were indifferent., Conclusions: Compounding training program is currently in its third year. It has been crucial in delegating tasks to pharmacy technicians. The use of digital technology is essential in this training. We consider that, specific training in compounding, is indispensable and should be included in the academic plan for pharmacy technicians., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None declared., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the use of a risk stratification tool and explore the contributing factors to variation in practice by clinical pharmacists., Methods: The quantitative phase was a prospective evaluation of adherence to the risk stratification tool. Patients were selected by convenience sampling from medical wards across two hospital sites. Researchers applied the risk stratification tool to each patient, documented the code, accessed health records in subsequent days, and recorded the code assigned by the pharmacist. These codes were compared. The kappa (κ) coefficient test was performed using SPSS software as a statistical measure of agreement. The qualitative phase was designed using focus groups with clinical pharmacists. One focus group was conducted at each of the two study sites. Participants were grouped to ensure a mix of experience levels. To augment the discussion, participants completed a short survey. Focus groups were recorded and a thematic analysis undertaken., Results: The final cohort for quantitative analysis was 73. Researchers and pharmacists allocated the same code to 19 (26%) patients. The highest match rate was observed between researchers and rotational pharmacists. The κ coefficient was 0.039 (slight agreement) with p value=0.52 (not significant). Ten pharmacists participated in the focus groups: three from site 1 and seven from site 2. All participants reported using the principles of the risk stratification tool every day, but they rarely accessed the tool. Pharmacists reported using the tool as a workload management and communication system., Conclusions: Variation in application of the risk stratification tool exists among pharmacists. Focus group participants described multiple scenarios where non-patient factors were considered in assigning a priority code for the patient. A schedule of regular review of the criteria; training and peer review; tool validation; and research identifying the relationship between structured professional judgement and risk stratification tools is recommended., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: Many medication errors occur during care transitions, which are critical points for patient safety. There is strong evidence in favour of medication reconciliation as a strategy to avoid errors in adults, though few studies have been made in the paediatric setting. Likewise, no recommendations have been established for the selection and/or prioritisation of paediatric patients amenable to reconciliation., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients subjected to reconciliation by a pharmacist on admission to hospital and who experienced at least one reconciliation error between January and November 2018. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify possible factors associated with reconciliation error, using a logistic regression model to determine the odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI)., Results: The group of patients with at least one reconciliation error included 334 patients, compared with the group of patients without reconciliation errors, which included 1426 patients. It was determined that schoolchildren and adolescent patients had a risk of presenting a reconciliation error on hospital admission that was more than double for younger patients (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.25, and OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.44 to 4.99, respectively). This risk was multiplied by five if we compared polymedicated patients versus non-polymedicated patients (OR 4.48, 95% CI 3.35 to 5.99). Patients with a neurological or onco-haematological underlying disease had a 12 and 10 times higher risk of presenting a reconciliation error compared with patients with other types of underlying diseases (OR 11.97, 95% CI 7.57 to 18.92, and OR 9.96, 95% CI 6.09 to 16.28, respectively). Finally, patients with narrow therapeutic index medicines in their usual treatment had an almost three times greater risk of presenting a reconciliation error when admitted to the hospital, although this last factor was not determined as an independent risk factor as for the others (OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.22 to 3.99)., Conclusions: The paediatric population is characterised by a number of risk factors for reconciliation error. Knowledge of these factors can allow the prioritisation of medication reconciliation in a concrete group of patients. In order to generalise the results obtained in this study, they must be confirmed in other paediatric care settings involving larger samples and different types of patients., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: The objective of this analysis was to describe trends in continuing education opportunities for pharmacy professionals across the US related to the care of sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients., Methods: Continuing education programs offered by Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited providers from 2012 through 2022 were identified by searching the ACPE database for titles containing SGM terminology. Data including ACPE provider classification, activity type, format, audience, ACPE topic designator, interprofessional accreditation, contact hours, and learning objectives were collected. Content analysis was used to categorize activities., Results: Following removal of duplicates and non-SGM-focused programming, 726 programs were identified. The most commonly observed program characteristics included a live format (67.6%, n = 491), a pharmacist audience (77.1%, n = 560), knowledge-based activities (90.8%, n = 656), a college or school of pharmacy provider (21.6%, n = 157), an ACPE topic of pharmacy administration (50.6%, n = 367), and a focus on pharmacy rather than interprofessional audiences (87.1%, n = 632). The median program length was 1 hour (interquartile range, 1-1.25 hours). The qualitative analysis identified programs focused on topics of gender-affirming care (pharmacotherapy) (32.1%, n = 233), general SGM (26.7%, n = 194), gender-affirming care (nonpharmacotherapy), sexually transmitted infections (7.2%, n = 52), and health disparities (3.9%, n = 28)., Conclusion: Advancement has occurred in the number of available continuing pharmacy education programs focused on the care of SGM patients. Further information regarding specific content and effectiveness of continuing education is necessary to determine strategies to better prepare pharmacy professionals to care for this growing patient population., (© American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2023. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: In Lebanon, mandatory continuing education (CE) for pharmacists was implemented in January 2014. Objective: The objectives of this study are to assess 1) the overall adherence to the mandatory CE program, 2) pharmacists' preferences related to CE, and 3) barriers to adherence to CE. Methods: By the end of October 2017, an evaluation of pharmacists' participation in the mandatory CE program was conducted using electronic reports available in the Learning Management System (LMS). Descriptive results were presented as frequencies and percentages. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists to better understand their preferences and barriers to their participation to the CE program. Finally, a focus group was organized with pharmacists who did not start their CE. Results: Out of all registered pharmacists in Lebanon, 68.30% started their CE and 25.6% already achieved their required credits. Among pharmacists enrolled in the CE system, the majority (69%) used the online courses at least once. Moreover, CE enrolment was similar among old and young pharmacists except for those newly registered. The majority of pharmacists preferred clinical and pharmacological topics, followed by preventive medicine and transferable skills. Barriers to engaging in CE were mainly work and family obligations, lack of interest, lack of time, and difficulties in commuting and technology use. Conclusion: Although results of the present study are similar to those in developing countries, the resistance to change is higher. The Lebanese Pharmacists Association [Ordre des Pharmaciens du Liban] should develop strategies to motivate and enroll more pharmacists in the CE system, based on the barriers and preferences cited in the results, while continuing to offer high quality and cost-favorable CE programs to Lebanese pharmacists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the dynamic field of pharmacy amongst a diverse array of countries with disparate income levels, pharmacists play a pivotal role in integrating emerging scientific knowledge into their practice while adapting to evolving therapeutic interventions and expanding service delivery responsibilities. Lifelong Learning (LLL) is cultivated through continuing professional education (CPE) and continuing professional development (CPD), indispensable components ensuring sustained professional competence and heightened patient care quality. The global landscape witnesses diverse LLL activities tailored to pharmacists' learning needs and preferences. This scoping review maps and synthesises a comprehensive global perspective on the existing knowledge regarding CPE/CPD models, statutory requirements, and pharmacists' preferences for LLL activities., Objective: To comprehensively investigate global models of CPE/CPD for pharmacists' and examine the statutory requirements governing pharmacists' registration and licensure., Method: A literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal library search engine was undertaken for studies between January 2012 and February 2023. The article selection and reporting followed the recommendations made by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The articles were tabulated based on their respective country's income level, continuing education models employed, country-specific statutory requirements, and pharmacists' preferences for LLL activities., Results: Of the initial 3974 publications identified through the database search, 24 studies met the review criteria. The majority of the articles originated from high-income countries (HICs) (14/24, 58.3%), and most employed the mandatory CPD points system (21/24, 87.5%). However, in some HICs and upper-middle income countries (UMICs), the CPE/CPD is non-mandatory. While most countries (19/24, 79.2%) offer various LLL formats, the preference of pharmacists remains primarily face-to-face learning (13/24, 54.2%). However, workplace learning (3/24, 12.5%) and blended learning (7/24, 29.1%) are mentioned in some studies., Conclusion: Diverse models of CPE/CPD alongside statutory requirements persist globally and evolve, shaped by varied implementation experiences. HICs lead in CPD models, while the implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and low-income countries (LICs) requires further exploration for inclusivity and effectiveness. A few UMICs are either initiating or in early stages of implementing the CPD models. Structured planning for LLL activities is increasingly a global requirement for pharmacists' licensure. The essential progression of pharmacy practice in developing healthcare systems necessitates a mandatory CPD model. Ongoing research is crucial to fortify the implementation, align and unify the CPD model with evolving pharmacy profession needs., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, or other sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+) cultural competency training is offered in pharmacy curricula to variable extents. State legislation directly dictates pharmacist training through continuing pharmacy education (CPE) requirements., Objectives: This study aimed to identify the U.S. states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) that require CPE or training on topics related to LGBTQ+ cultural competency or topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in general. In addition, this study quantified and compared each state's CPE hours required for each renewal period., Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively examined pharmacy legislation on CPE requirements for each of the 50 U.S. states and D.C. Only state legislation that was signed into law and related to pharmacy practice was included. Official websites for each board of pharmacy were identified to locate lawbooks, laws, rules, regulations, and statutes specific to pharmacy practice. Search terms included "lgbt," "lgbtq," "cultural," "cultural competency," "equity," "health equity," "implicit," and "implicit bias." Two study investigators independently collected data from March 2023 to April 2023. Data were re-reviewed for accuracy in January 2024. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion until a consensus was reached. The total number of required CPE hours, years for each pharmacist license renewal, required LGBTQ+ cultural competency CPE hours, and required DEI-focused CPE hours were described using descriptive statistics., Results: A total of 44 of 51 states and D.C. required 30 CPE hours for each 2-year renewal cycle or 15 CPE hours for each 1-year renewal cycle. California and D.C. had LGBTQ+ cultural competency CPE requirements of 1 CPE hour or 2 CPE hours per cycle, respectively. Five additional states, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington, required training or CPE on topics related to DEI as a whole., Conclusion: Few U.S. states require CPE on LGBTQ+ cultural competency. This study highlights the need for standardized pharmacist training in LGBTQ+ health care., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest or financial relationships., (Copyright © 2024 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Treatment with dihydropyrimidines poses a significant risk of serious adverse reactions for patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. This study seeks to analyse the correlation between DPD deficiency and plasmatic uracil values in patients who are candidates for a fluoropyrimidine scheme. It also studies the incidence of adverse events (AEs) in patients with DPD deficiency established with plasmatic uracil determination., Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary level establishment from September 2020 to April 2021. Patients included were diagnosed with gastrointestinal tumours, were of good status, and were initiated into a fluoropyrimidine-based regimen. The incidence and grade of AEs, according Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), were collected and compared in patients with and without DPD deficiency., Results: 119 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer met the inclusion criteria. In 92 (77%) patients there was no DPD deficiency according to plasmatic uracil thresholds. In the group of patients without deficit, dose reductions oscillated between 10-25% (mean 17.4%). In the no DPD deficiency group, 43 (46%) patients experienced AEs. Patients who had a DPD deficiency according to plasmatic uracil measurements were started on a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) regimen with a dose reduction of 15-50% (mean 35%). In this group, 12 patients (44%) experienced some AEs., Conclusion: New research is needed to clarify the correlation between plasma uracil values and DPD deficiency to achieve an optimal balance between clinical benefit and toxicity., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Three years have passed since the Science Council of Japan issued its recommendations entitled "Profession and lifelong learning of pharmacists responsible for sustainable medical care." These recommendations include active involvement in community medicine, securing patient information necessary for pharmaceutical management, harmonizing undergraduate and post-graduate education, reform of the certification system for specialty-credentialed pharmacists, and development of the pharmacist resident system. This paper provides an overview of recent trends and future prospects for pharmacists and pharmacies in Japan.

The aim of this study was to explore the nature of clinical enquiries received by UK vaccination centres during the early stages in the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Four centres were situated in acute hospitals and one centre was in a designated public site. Data were collected for eight consecutive weeks between January and February 2021. The hospital centres administered a total of 28 995 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, receiving 806 enquiries (1 enquiry per 36 vaccinations, 2.7%). The public centre administered 29 167 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, receiving 439 enquiries (1 enquiry per 66 vaccinations, 1.5%). Combined enquiry rate was 2.1%. The most common enquiries were related to allergies (44%), compatibility with other medicine (22%) and immunosuppression (16%). These were the topics of clinical guidance that were subject to regular change. Public health programmes implementing novel therapies should ensure the provision of sufficient enquiry answering capacity., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: The aims of this study were twofold - to determine the impact of a health education intervention led by a hospital pharmacy department on influenza vaccination take-up in patients diagnosed with immune-mediated diseases. Patients were receiving treatment with biological medicines. Secondly, to compare those rates with the vaccination percentages of another hospital pharmacy with similar characteristics in which no educational intervention was conducted., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with immune-mediated diseases receiving treatment with biological medicines. The medicines were dispensed by the hospital pharmacy departments of two hospitals between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. In Cohort A (intervention group), a health education strategy was implemented with regards to influenza vaccination. Cohort B acted as a control group. The influenza vaccination rates obtained in both cohorts during 2019 and 2020 were compared., Result: A total of 355 patients took part in the study - 148 (41.7%) in Cohort A and 207 (58.3%) in Cohort B. The hospital pharmacy department in Cohort A implemented a health education strategy after which the vaccination percentage during the 2020 campaign increased by 38 patients (45.7%), compared with a 10 patient (5.8%) increase in Cohort B (p<0.001)., Conclusions: The health intervention by the pharmacy department had a positive impact. This included an opportunity to improve vaccination take-up and is a strategy to consider when implementing a vaccination programme. Health education is a fundamental objective of healthcare. In our case it led to an increase in vaccination and had a positive impact on public health. It also provides opportunities for pharmacists to work in a multidisciplinary way with other healthcare professionals., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has received increased attention within the pharmacy profession in the United States and is recognized as a potential pathway for ongoing professional development and practice transformation. Despite potential benefits of CPD, adoption in the United States has remained limited. A CPD program accreditation pathway, including principles, guidance, and a credit system for CPD programs, has recently been approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Board of Directors. This commentary reviews existing literature regarding pharmacy CPD, introduces CPD program principles and guidance for CPD program providers, and describes the model for awarding CPD units., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.