Bachelor��s Degree Programs in Clinical Pharmacy in China

This paper describes the status of the bachelor’s degree in clinical pharmacy education in China, with particular focus on educational institutions, programs, and curricula. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of clinical pharmacy education articles published from 2006 to 2011. To ensure the completeness of the investigation, an e-mail was sent or telephone call made directly to the colleges whose curriculum information could not be obtained by the above methodology. Twenty-three colleges offered a program in clinical pharmacy education in 2011. The colleges award either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of medicine degree with programs ranging from 4 to 5 years in duration. The 5-year BS degree program was most popular. Although the number of clinical pharmacy programs in China has steadily increased, more graduates and standardization of curricula are needed to meet the country’s steadily expanding need for quality health care.     

21世纪医院药学工作与临床药师培养

以药物提供为特点的传统医院药学工作模式在21世纪将面临生存危机,临床药学或药学监护是21世纪医院药学工作的主要内容.解决临床药师缺乏的问题是临床药学与药学监护工作的关键,也是医院药学工作模式转变的关键.临床药师培养的基本途径有:本科教育、毕业后教育、继续教育、研究生教育等.本科教育作为临床药师培养的基本方式是十分必要的;毕业后教育和继续教育是目前本科教育规模小而采取的临床药师培养的有效方法;研究生教育应该成为师资培养和临床药学工作骨干与学科带头人的重要途径.临床药师培养应明确为病人服务的宗旨.     

试论药政管理工作与临床药学的开展

本文就药政管理工作的任务与临床药学工作开展的关系,从理论与实践的结合上作了阐述。一说明了药政管理的基本任务与临床药学工作目的的一致性。二说明了药政管理部门对临床药学工作的积极指导和支持,加强组织和领导对开展临床药学工作可产生巨大的推动作用。     

Syrian Pharmacy Students�� Intentions and Attitudes Toward Postgraduate Education

Objective. To investigate Syrian pharmacy students’ intentions and attitudes toward postgraduate study, and to determine and evaluate the factors that influence their preferences.Methods. A questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from final-year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students at Damascus University.Results. Of the 265 students who responded to the survey, approximately 50% intended to work, 25% intended to pursue further study, and 25% were undecided. Personal fulfillment was the factor that most influenced students’ intentions concerning future education. Men were more concerned over their financial future, while women’s intentions were more influenced by scientific issues. The 3 most preferred pharmaceutical areas of further study were biochemistry and laboratory diagnosis, pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical industry, and clinical pharmacy. More students favored pursuing graduate school abroad rather than in Syria. The majority of those who intended to enroll in local graduate programs were interested in academic programs while less than a fifth favored residency programs.Conclusions. The graduate programs in Syria do not appear to satisfy pharmacy students'' ambitions or have the capacity to accommodate the growing demand associated with the rapid increase in the number of pharmacy graduates in the country. Consequently, a majority of students prefer to pursue postgraduate study abroad.     

临床药师培训对专业型临床药学硕士培养的启示

目的：分析我国开展临床药师培训的具体情况,为专业型临床药学硕士培养提供思路。方法：搜索CNKI、万方、维普数据库,查询我国临床药师培训相关文献,分析临床药师培训与临床药学专业硕士培养的比较优势。结果：专业型临床药学硕士的培养应设置与临床实践密切结合的课程,同时须布置药学实践作业。考核内容应侧重于临床,注重过程考核。结论：临床药师的基本功是医嘱审核、用药教育、药物不良反应判断等,一切工作都应围绕临床,以患者为中心。在学习期间,专业型临床药学硕士更应着重锻炼这些基本功。只有这样,才能为今后参与临床治疗团队、提供药学服务、缩短执业过渡期打好基础。     

Social pharmacy strengthening clinical pharmacy: why pharmaceutical policy research is needed in Pakistan?

Pakistan has a population of more than 160 million and is the sixth most populous country in the world. Drugs are the most common form of treatment modality; however, inappropriate use of medicines is a crucial issue in the country. In Pakistan, recently there is a surge of number of pharmacy schools, the pharmacy degree (B. Pharm) has been changed to Pharm D and there is a lot of rhetoric about “clinical pharmacy”. However, whether this change has brought any significant improvement in drug use situation; it is still a moot question for academics and policy makers. Authors feel that before embarking upon on clinical pharmacy at an institutional level, it is important that basic pharmacy system should be in place. Thus, a strong culture in social pharmacy or pharmaceutical policy research will not only be helpful to establish clinical pharmacy practice, but it would also be supportive enough to provide manpower to the country’s proposed drug regulatory authority.     

Drug Information: From Education to Practice

Drug information is a specialty area within the realm of clinical pharmacy that has evolved as technology and clinical practice have changed. Drug information specialists are trained individuals who have clinical knowledge and skills that allow them to provide clear, concise, and accurate recommendations regarding drug use. The constant changing culture of drug information and health care in general has prompted the need for continual growth and refinement of the standards that govern drug information practice. This article outlines specific standards to help ensure that the education and practice of drug information will continue to meet the needs of the health care community. This opinion paper is divided into two sections: Education and Training, and Practice Areas. The Education and Training section is organized to describe the role of drug information and that of the drug information specialist in the training of all pharmacy students and advanced trainees, as well as to describe the role of focused training for those individuals wishing to specialize in drug information. This article also affirms the recommendations for the standards-based approach to drug information education and specialty training. The Practice Areas section is organized to describe the role of the drug information specialist within various practice settings, to identify some of the challenges faced by the drug information specialist within those settings, and to provide recommendations for the different practice areas. The areas found within this section include academia, institutional health systems, managed care, industry, medical writing, and informatics.     

A needs assessment study of hospital pharmacy residency preceptors

Background:

Canadian pharmacy residency programs rely on preceptors to support the growing demand of graduates wishing to pursue hospital residencies. Understanding the educational needs of these preceptors is important to ensure that they are well prepared to deliver successful programs.

Objective:

To determine what new and experienced residency preceptors self-identify as learning needs in order to become more effective preceptors for pharmacy residents.

Methods:

A needs assessment of preceptors from the 31 accredited Canadian general hospital pharmacy residency programs was conducted. The study had 4 key components: interviews and focus group discussions with key informants, a pilot study, an online survey, and member checking (seeking clarification and further explanation from study participants). The residency coordinators and a convenience sample of 5 preceptors from each program were invited to participate in the survey component.

Results:

Of a possible 186 participants, 132 (71%) responded to the survey. Of these, 128 (97%) were confident that they met the 2010 standards of the Canadian Hospital Pharmacy Residency Board (CHPRB). Preceptors ranked communication skills, giving effective feedback, and clinical knowledge as the most important elements of being an effective preceptor. Managing workload, performing evaluations, and dealing with difficult residents were commonly reported challenges. Preceptors expressed a preference for interactive workshops and mentorship programs with experienced colleagues when first becoming preceptors, followed by 1-day training sessions or online learning modules every other year for ongoing educational support. The most beneficial support topics selected were providing constructive feedback, practical assessment strategies, small-group teaching strategies, effective communication skills, and setting goals and objectives.

Conclusions:

This study identified several learning needs of hospital residency preceptors and showed that preceptors would appreciate educational support. Utilization of these results by residency program administrators, the CHPRB, and faculties of pharmacy could be beneficial for residency programs across Canada.     

信息化服务在临床药学工作中的重要性

目的从药品不良反应、药物咨询服务、药学教育3个侧面反映信息服务在现代临床药学工作实践中的重要性,揭示信息系统与医院药学、临床药学密不可分的关系。方法分析了信息服务对药品不良反应监测、药学教育以及药物咨询等药学服务工作的推动、促进作用。结果信息化系统的持续改进是全面提升临床药学和药学服务质量的保证。结论信息服务是药学服务的精髓,只有进一步完善信息化服务系统,才能为广大患者和医务工作者提供更加完善的药学服务。     

Outcome analysis on the rotation practice course for the professional degree graduates of clinical pharmacy at Peking University

It’s the main trend of the development of international pharmaceutical education to cultivate professionals with the capability of pharmaceutical service by professional degree education. Clinical pharmacy rotation practice, named officially as “Advanced clinical pharmacy practice” at our school, is specific to our master of pharmacy (M. Pharm) graduate students for clinical pharmacy practice training in multiple clinical departments in hospitals. It is meaningful for the education reform of clinical pharmacy to evaluate the outcome of clinical pharmacy rotation practice. Questionnaire was developed based on the Teaching Guide To Advanced ClinicalPharmacy Practice and its related record forms. The practice outcomes of clinical rotation practice in the first two years for M. Pharm graduate students were assessed using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Results showed that the teaching effect of clinical pharmacy practice was at the “excellent” level. The evaluation scores of Grade 2011 and Grade 2012 were 90.60 (excellent) and 91.83 (excellent) respectively, while the overall score was 91.29 (excellent). Students showed excellent skills and have met the requirements of the teaching guide after practice. There are somethings to improve in clinical rotation practice teaching. This study will provide important information for our school and the nation to achieve teaching reform in M. Pharm education of clinical pharmacy.     

Clinical Pharmacy Education in China

Pharmacy education in China focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, with the bachelor of science (BS) of pharmacy as the entry-level degree. Pharmacy practice curricula in these programs are centered on compounding, dispensing, pharmacy administration, and laboratory experiences, which are the traditional responsibilities for pharmacists. Additional graduate-level training is available at the master of science (MS) and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) levels, most of which concentrate on drug discovery and drug development research. Presently, the emphasis in practice is beginning to shift to clinical pharmacy. With this change, additional degree offerings are being developed to meet the growing demand for clinical pharmacists. There is also interest in developing more clinical skills in practicing pharmacists through additional non-degree training. The Ministry of Education is considering a proposal for an entry-level professional degree of master and/or doctor in clinical pharmacy similar to the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree in the United States.     

中国药学教育的现状和展望

本文对我国药学教育的专业分类、毕业后就业情况及药学教育的组织管理体制进行了分析，并提出２１世纪药学教育应打破条块分割，专业不宜分割过细和强化药学专业的思想。     

中国临床药学研究生教育的现状分析与展望

目的 探讨和分析我国临床药学研究生教育现状,促进提高临床药学研究生教育水平和质量。 方法 通过网络检索文献,调查我国临床药学教育现状,分析评价临床药学教育模式和发展趋势。 结果 纳入分析的文献136篇,涉及现状分析、模式探讨、国内外比较和课程优化的文献70篇(51.47%)。分析表明目前临床药学研究生教育主要有专业学位和科学学位2种培养模式,但在课程设置和教学方法方面尚未形成较为成熟的教育模式。主要问题是:课程设置不合理、临床实践学时不足、教学内容与临床需求脱节。 结论 我国现行临床药学研究生教育尚不能达到研究生培养目标,也难以满足临床药学对研究生人才的需要。建议在临床药学研究生的培养过程中要注重理论联系实际,突出医药融会贯通,优化教学内容和方法,规范教学质量标准。     

Historical development and emerging trends of community pharmacy residencies

Clinical pharmacy services necessitate appropriately trained pharmacists. Postgraduate year one (PGY1) community pharmacy residency programs (CPRPs) provide advanced training for pharmacists to provide multiple patient care services in the community setting. These programs provide an avenue to translate innovative ideas and services into clinical practice. In this paper, we describe the history and current status of PGY1 community pharmacy residency programs, including an analysis of the typical settings and services offered. Specific information on the trends of community programs compared with other PGY1 pharmacy residencies is also discussed. The information presented in this paper is intended to encourage discussion regarding the need for increasing the capacity of PGY1 community pharmacy residency programs.     

Occupational Exposure to Chemotherapy of Pharmacy Personnel at a Single Centre

Background:

Cyclophosphamide is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs worldwide. Data concerning environmental contamination and biological exposure of pharmacy personnel to this and other chemotherapy drugs are limited.

Objectives:

To determine whether pharmacy personnel involved in preparing and checking cyclophosphamide doses were more likely to have detectable levels of this drug in their urine than non-oncology pharmacy personnel with no known contact with the drug, and to compare the degree of surface contamination with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and ifosfamide in the oncology pharmacy of a tertiary care pediatric hospital, where chemotherapy doses were prepared, and the main (control) pharmacy in the same institution, where no chemotherapy was prepared.

Methods:

Biological exposure to cyclophosphamide was compared between pharmacy personnel who did and did not handle this drug by determining whether participants had detectable amounts of cyclophosphamide in their urine. Environmental exposure to chemotherapy drugs was assessed by using surface wipes to determine the degree of surface contamination with various chemotherapy agents in the oncology pharmacy and the main (control) pharmacy.

Results:

On initial testing, cyclophosphamide was detected in the urine of all pharmacy personnel (n = 7 oncology personnel, n = 5 control personnel). However, it was determined that all control personnel had been exposed to the oncology pharmacy on the day of testing. Repeat testing of these individuals revealed no positive samples among those not exposed to the oncology pharmacy on the day of repeat testing. The sole positive result on retesting of control personnel was for a participant who had been exposed to the oncology pharmacy on the retest day. Surface wipe testing revealed contamination of the oncology pharmacy with cyclophosphamide and methotrexate before and after cleaning, as well as contamination with ifosfamide after cleaning. The main (control) pharmacy showed no evidence of contamination with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or ifosfamide.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that environmental contamination plays a role in biological exposure to cyclophosphamide. Measures to reduce environmental contamination from chemotherapy and biological exposure of pharmacy personnel when handling chemotherapy agents should be identified and implemented as a priority.     

Pharmacy Education in India

Pharmacy education in India traditionally has been industry and product oriented. In contrast to the situation in developed nations, graduate pharmacists prefer placements in the pharmaceutical industry. To practice as a pharmacist in India, one needs at least a diploma in pharmacy, which is awarded after only 2 years and 3 months of pharmacy studies. These diploma-trained pharmacists are the mainstay of pharmacy practice. The pharmacy practice curriculum has not received much attention. In India, there has been a surge in the number of institutions offering pharmacy degrees at various levels and a practice-based doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree program was started in some private institutions in 2008. However, relatively little information has been published describing the current status of complex pharmacy education of India. In this paper we describe pharmacy education in India and highlight major issues in pharmacy practice including deficiencies in curriculum. The changing face of the profession is discussed, including the establishment of the PharmD program. The information presented in this paper may stimulate discussion and critical analysis and planning, and will be of value in further adaptation of the pharmacy education to desired educational outcomes.     

注重药患沟通,提高患者对临床药师的认同度

目的:探讨临床药师开展药学服务的工作模式和切入点.方法:回顾分析我院临床药师深入肾脏病中心开展临床药学服务的情况,总结其具体内容和模式.结果与结论:患者作为临床药师最重要的服务对象,针对其开展全程式一体化的用药教育,切实维护患者安全、有效、经济的用药:注重药息沟通,努力提高患者对临床药师认同度,将是临床药师开展临床药学服务的一个很好的切入点.     

关于我国临床药学的思考

目的：介绍我国临床药学现状，探讨其发展道路和方法。方法：回顾我国临床药学的发展历程，总结临床药学的服务模式、药师的职业价值、人才培养和药学教育方式等。结果：我国的临床药学有了较大的发展，药师的价值得到了越来越多的认可，但人才培养模式尚需改进，药师的专业本领有待加强。结论：中国的临床药学有发展前景，应及时总结，借鉴国外的发展模式，探索出适合中国的临床药学发展模式。