Peterson, G, Aslani, P & Williams, K 2003, 'How do Consumers Search for and Appraise Information on Medicines on the Internet? A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups', Journal Of Medical Internet Research, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 1-15.
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Background Many consumers use the Internet to find information about their medicines. It is widely acknowledged that health information on the Internet is of variable quality and therefore the search and appraisal skills of consumers are important for selecting and assessing this information. The way consumers choose and evaluate information on medicines on the Internet is important because it has been shown that written information on medicines can influence consumer attitudes to and use of medicines. Objective To explore consumer experiences in searching for and appraising Internet-based information on medicines. Methods Six focus groups (N = 46 participants) were conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia from March to May 2003 with consumers who had used the Internet for information on medicines. Verbatim transcripts of the group discussions were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.
Peterson, G, Aslani, P & Williams, KA 2003, 'Consumers, medicine information and searching the internet: How does the Internet influence the way consumers use their medicines?', Australian Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 84, no. 996, pp. 186-189.
Peterson, G, Aslani, P & Williams, KA 2003, 'How do Consumers Search for and Appraise Information on Medicines on the Internet? A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups', Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. e33-e33.
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Many consumers use the Internet to find information about their medicines. It is widely acknowledged that health information on the Internet is of variable quality and therefore the search and appraisal skills of consumers are important for selecting and assessing this information. The way consumers choose and evaluate information on medicines on the Internet is important because it has been shown that written information on medicines can influence consumer attitudes to and use of medicines.To explore consumer experiences in searching for and appraising Internet-based information on medicines.Six focus groups (N = 46 participants) were conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia from March to May 2003 with consumers who had used the Internet for information on medicines. Verbatim transcripts of the group discussions were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.All participants reported using a search engine to find information on medicines. Choice of search engine was determined by factors such as the workplace or educational environments, or suggestions by family or friends. Some participants found information solely by typing the medicine name (drug or brand name) into the search engine, while others searched using broader terms. Search skills ranged widely from more-advanced (using quotation marks and phrases) to less-than-optimal (such as typing in questions and full sentences). Many participants selected information from the first page of search results by looking for keywords and descriptions in the search results, and by looking for the source of the information as apparent in the URL. Opinions on credible sources of information on medicines varied with some participants regarding information by pharmaceutical companies as the "official" information on a medicine, and others preferring what they considered to be impartial sources such as governments, organizations, and educational institutions. It was clear that although most participants were skeptical ...
Peterson, G, Aslani, P & Williams, KA 2003, 'How do consumers search for and appraise information on medicines on theinternet? A qualitative study using focus groups', Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 109-123.
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Background: Many consumers use the Internet to find information about their medicines. It is widely acknowledged that health information on the Internet is of variable quality and therefore the search and appraisal skills of consumers are important for selecting and assessing this information. The way consumers choose and evaluate information on medicines on the Internet is important because it has been shown that written information on medicines can influence consumer attitudes to and use of medicines. Objective: To explore consumer experiences in searching for and appraising Internet-based information on medicines. Methods: Six focus groups (N = 46 participants) were conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia from March to May 2003 with consumers who had used the Internet for information on medicines. Verbatim transcripts of the group discussions were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: All participants reported using a search engine to find information on medicines. Choice of search engine was determined by factors such as the workplace or educational environments, or suggestions by family or friends. Some participants found information solely by typing the medicine name (drug or brand name) into the search engine, while others searched using broader terms. Search skills ranged widely from more-advanced (using quotation marks and phrases) to less-than-optimal (such as typing in questions and full sentences). Many participants selected information from the first page of search results by looking for keywords and descriptions in the search results, and by looking for the source of the information as apparent in the URL. Opinions on credible sources of information on medicines varied with some participants regarding information by pharmaceutical companies as the 'official' information on a medicine, and others preferring what they considered to be impartial sources such as governments, organizations, and educational institutions. It was...
Pham, L, Langford, J & Williams, K 2003, '5‐HT3 Antagonists in the Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting', Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 275-278.
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Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can affect up to 30% of patients. While the use of antiemetics for prophylaxis has been extensively reported there is less evidence of their efficacy for the treatment of PONV.Aim: To review the evidence and discuss the use of 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5‐HT3) antagonists for the treatment of PONV in Australia.Method: A literature search was conducted to identify clinical studies evaluating the effects of 5‐HT3 antagonists in the treatment of PONV.Results: In four studies various doses of 5‐HT3 antagonists were compared and in five studies a single dose of 5‐HT3 antagonist was assessed against another antiemetic or placebo, or both.Conclusion: These studies indicate that 5‐HT3 antagonists are effective and safe in the treatment of PONV.
Pont, LG, Sturkenboom, MCJM, van Gilst, WH, Denig, P & Haaijer‐Ruskamp, FM 2003, 'Trends in prescribing for heart failure in Dutch primary care from 1996 to 2000', Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 327-334.
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AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to explore trends in primary care prescribing for chronic heart failure (CHF) over a 5‐year period (1996–2000).MethodsThis study consisted of repeated cross‐sectional surveys in a dynamic cohort from the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) primary care database. The cohort comprised all patients aged ≥55 years with a CHF diagnosis and prescribed a cardiovascular medication during the study period. The point prevalence per calendar year was determined for each of the main drug groups used to treat CHF.ResultsThe study population consisted of 3121 CHF patients. Small increases were seen in the percentage of CHF patients prescribed spironolactone (4.6%, 95% CI: 2.3–6.9%), β‐blockers (6.1%, 95% CI: 2.6–9.5%) and angiotensin II antagonists (6.8%, 95% CI: 5.1–8.6%) during the study period, while the prescribing of digoxin decreased (−4.4%, 95% CI: −8.2 to −0.7). Prescribing of diuretics (difference: −0.7% 95% CI: −2.7–4.2) and ACE inhibitors (difference: 4.0% 95% CI: −0.1–8.2%) remained unchanged.ConclusionsPrescription of some drug groups for CHF increased. However, given the new scientific evidence that has emerged in past 15 years regarding CHF pharmacotherapy, the changes observed were less than expected. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pont, LG, van Gilst, WH, Lok, DJA, Kragten, HJA & Haaijer‐Ruskamp, FM 2003, 'The relevance of heart failure severity for treatment with evidence‐based pharmacotherapy in general practice', European Journal of Heart Failure, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 187-193.
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AbstractAims:Internationally, research indicates that pharmacotherapy for chronic heart failure (CHF) is sub‐optimal. Traditionally, assessment of drug use in heart failure has focused on the use of individual agents irrespective of CHF severity. This study investigates drug use for CHF patients in general practice with respect to the available evidence, incorporating both disease severity and the use of combination drug regimes.Methods and results:A cross‐sectional survey of 769 Dutch CHF patients was performed as part of IMPROVEMENT of HF study. For each New York Heart Association severity classification the minimum treatment appropriate for the heart failure severity according to the scientific evidence available at the time of the study (1999) was defined. The proportion of patients treated with each drug increased with increasing severity, with the exception of the β‐blockers. Patients with less severe heart failure were approximately four to eight times more likely to receive evidence‐based treatment than those with more severe heart failure.Discussion:To assess pharmacological treatment of heart failure, in relation to the available evidence, it is important to take severity into account. While the number of drugs prescribed increased with increasing severity, the use of evidence‐based regimes was lower in patients with more severe heart failure.
Roberts, AS, Hopp, T, Sorensen, E, Benrimoj, SI, Chen, T, Herborg, H, Williams, K & Aslani, P 2003, 'Understanding practice change in community pharmacy: A qualitative research instrument based on organisational theory', Pharmacy World & Science, vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 227-234.
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Introduction: The past decade has seen a notable shift in the practice of pharmacy, with a strong focus on the provision of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) by community pharmacists. The benefits of these services have been well documented, yet th
Roberts, AS, Hopp, T, Sorensen, EW, Benrimoj, SI, Chen, TF, Herborg, H, Williams, K & Aslani, P 2003, 'Understanding practice change in community pharmacy: a qualitative research instrument based on organisational theory', PHARMACY WORLD & SCIENCE, vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 227-234.
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Introduction: The past decade has seen a notable shift in the practice of pharmacy, with a strong focus on the provision of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) by community pharmacists. The benefits of these services have been well documented, yet their uptake appears to be slow. Various strategies have been developed to overcome barriers to the implementation of CPS, with varying degrees of success, and little is known about the sustainability of the practice changes they produce. Furthermore, the strategies developed are often specific to individual programs or services, and their applicability to other CPS has not been explored. There seems to be a need for a flexible change management model for the implementation and dissemination of a range of CPS, but before it can be developed, a better understanding of the change process is required. Objectives: This paper describes the development of a qualitative research instrument that may be utilised to investigate practice change in community pharmacy. Specific objectives included gaining knowledge about the circumstances surrounding attempts to implement CPS, and understanding relationships that are important to the change process. Methods: Organisational theory provided the conceptual framework for development of the qualitative research instrument, within which two theories were used to give insight into the change process: Borum's theory of organisational change, which categorises change strategies as rational, natural, political or open; and Social Network Theory, which helps identify and explain the relationships between key people involved in the change process. Results: A semi-structured interview guide was produced, combining the factors affecting practice change found in the literature that warranted further investigation with the theoretical perspectives of organisational change and social networks. To address the research objectives, the instrument covered four broad themes: roles, experien...
van Dijk, KN, Pont, LG, de Vries, CS, Franken, M, Brouwers, JRBJ & de Jong-van den Berg, LTW 2003, 'Prescribing Indicators for Evaluating Drug Use in Nursing Homes', Annals of Pharmacotherapy, vol. 37, no. 7-8, pp. 1136-1141.
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drug use in 2 Dutch nursing homes (254 residents) by developing and evaluating prescribing indicators based on pharmacy prescription data. METHODS: We evaluated the prescribing of benzodiazepines, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ulcer-healing drugs, and diuretics. Prescribing indicators were used to identify prescribing that was potentially not in line with recommendations in national and regional prescribing guidelines. We used both descriptive indicators, such as the number and percentage of users, and indicators reflecting potentially suboptimal prescribing, such as use of drugs outside the regional drug formulary, use of >1 drug from the same drug class, and prescription of drug dosages above recommended values. When potentially suboptimal prescribing was found, we verified the findings by means of an interview with 1 of the prescribers. RESULTS: The prescribing indicators we assessed were generally in agreement with national and regional guidelines. However, prescribing of NSAIDs without concomitant prescribing of gastroprotective drugs was found in a relatively high number of patients. After prescriber interview and patient chart review, it was found that some prescribing indicators, such as dosages above recommended values, were not always indicative for suboptimal prescribing. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that prescribing indicators based solely on pharmacy prescription data can be a useful tool to evaluate drug prescribing. With some of these prescribing indicators, we identified cases of potentially suboptimal prescribing. However, with other indicators such as those based on drug dosages, we could not identify suboptimal prescribing, and clinical information from the ...
Williams, K & Wong, I 2003, 'Searching for health information on the internet: a pilot evaluation of pharmacists' skills.', Australian Pharmacist, vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 716-719.
