Ajjawi, R, Thistlethwaite, J, Williams, K, Ryan, G, Seale, PJ & Carroll, P 2010, 'Breaking down professional barriers: Medicine and pharmacy students learning together', FOCUS ON HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-10.
View description>>
Background: This paper reports findings of a pilot interprofessional problem based learning (PBL) study in the faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Sydney, New South Wales. The aim of the research was to investigate whether small group interprofessional learning activities with medical and pharmacy students can lead to: changes in attitude toward each other and toward interprofessional education (IPE); added value when learning together; and better understanding of each other's professional roles. Methods: Nineteen medical and 20 pharmacy students participated in two, 2-hour PBL tutorials focussed on conducting a Home Medicines Review. The Attitudes to Health Professionals Questionnaire (AHPQ) was used to measure attitude change pre- and postinterprofessional PBL. Paired t-tests were used to analyse pre- and post-IPE data. Focus groups were conducted with the students after the PBL sessions. These were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. Results: Students reported added value from the IPE experience. Pharmacy students reported a small but significant change in attitude toward the medical students on the AHPQ caring scale, rating them as more caring post-IPE (p=0.001). Although medical students rated the pharmacy students more caring after the intervention, this was not statistically significant (p=0.08). Medical students valued the pharmacy students' input and knowledge. Conclusion: There was evidence of a positive change in students' attitudes to the other profession after only two sessions. Aspects of IPE design such as explicit interprofessional learning outcomes, the use of PBL processes, and relevant learning activities were important to the success of this pilot study
Ball, P & Pont, L 2010, 'Good health not only from GPs', Australian Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 91, no. 1084, p. 38.
Ball, P & Pont, L 2010, 'Rural funding drops academics', Australian Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 91, no. 1082, p. 29.
Ball, P & Pont, L 2010, 'Teamwork in practice', Australian Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 91, no. 1078, p. 28.
Dua, K, Pabreja, K & Ramana, M 2010, 'Aceclofenac topical dosage forms: In vitro and in vivo characterization', Acta Pharmaceutica, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 467-478.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
Dua, K, Pabreja, K & Ramana, MV 2010, 'Comparative Investigation on in vitro release of extemporaneously prepared norfloxacin semisolid formulations with marketed silver sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP using model independent approach', Ars Pharmaceutica, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 177-185.
View description>>
Objective: In an attempt for better treatment of bacterial infections, various semisolid formulations containing 5% w/w of norfloxacin were prepared and evaluated for in vitro drug release and in vitro skin permeability using dialysis membrane and rat abdominal skin respectively. The in vitro diffusion and permeation profile of the prepared formulation was compared with marketed silver sulfadiazine cream 1%, USP using model independent approach. Methods: Various semisolid formulations were prepared with different dermatological bases using standard procedures. In vitro diffusion and permeation studies were carried out using Keshary-Chein (KC) type diffusion cell using dialysis membrane and rat abdominal skin respectively. Results: The f1 lower than 15 and f2 higher than 50 indicated similarities in the in vitro diffusion and permeation profiles of the extemporaneously prepared selected semisolid formulations and marketed silver sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP. Conclusion: Amongst all the semisolid formulations prepared, carbopol gel base was found to be most suitable dermatological base for norfloxacin, the results obtained for in vitro diffusion, and in vitro skin permeation studies are comparable with that of marketed silver sulphadiazine 1% cream, USP.
Mpharm, KD, Ramana, MV, Sara, UVS, Agrawal, DK, Mpharm, KP & Chakravarthi, S 2010, 'Preparation and evaluation of transdermal plasters containing norfloxacin: a novel treatment for burn wound healing.', Eplasty, vol. 10, p. e44.
View description>>
OBJECTIVE: In an attempt for better treatment of bacterial infections and burn wounds, plaster formulations containing different concentrations of norfloxacin were prepared using polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, in vitro drug release, antimicrobial activity, and burn wound healing properties. The prepared formulations were compared with silver sulfadiazine cream 1%, USP. METHODS: Plaster formulations containing different concentrations of norfloxacin were prepared by solvent casting method using combination of polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol. These plasters were characterized for drug content, thickness, percentage elongation, tensile strength, in vitro drug release properties, and antimicrobial activity against various strains of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. The wound healing property was evaluated by histopathological examination and by measuring the wound contraction. RESULTS: The in vitro release and in vitro skin permeation followed the first-order kinetics followed by diffusion as dominant release mechanism. In spite of the significant antimicrobial and wound healing effects produced by plasters, the observed values were less than the values obtained with silver sulfadiazine 1% cream (P < .05). Various histopathological changes observed during the study period (days 1, 4, 8, and 12) also supported the wound healing process. CONCLUSION: Based on the observed in vitro performances along with antimicrobial and wound healing effects, the 5% norfloxacin transdermal plasters could be employed as an alternative to commercial silver sulfadiazine 1% cream.
Pabreja, K, Dua, K & S.V. Padi, S 2010, 'Evaluation of Extemporaneously Manufactured Topical Gels Containing Aceclofenac on Inflammation and Hyperalgesia in Rats', Current Drug Delivery, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 324-328.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>
The systemic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) is severely hampered by gastric and peptic ulcers. The topical delivery of NSAIDs has the advantages of avoiding gastric and peptic ulcers and delivering the drug to the inflammation site. Importance of aceclofenac as a new generational NSAID has inspired the development of topical dosage forms. This mode of administration may help to avoid typical side effects of NSAIDs associated with oral and systemic administration such as gastric irritation, particularly diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and flatulence. The aim of this study was to formulate topical gel containing 1% of aceclofenac in carbopol and PEG base and to evaluate it for analgesic and antiinflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia and paw oedema in rats. Carrageenan administration into the hind paw produced a significant inflammation associated with hyperalgesia as shown by decreased rat paw withdrawal latency in response to a thermal stimulus (47±0.5°C) 4 h after carrageenan injection. Topical application of AF1 significantly attenuated the development of hypersensitivity to thermal stimulus as compared to control (P<0.05) and other formulation treated groups (P<0.05). All the AF semisolid formulations, when applied topically 2 h before carrageenan administration, inhibited paw edema in a timedependent manner with maximum percent edema inhibition of 80.33±2.52 achieved with AF after 5 h of carrageenan administration However, topical application of AF markedly prevented the development of edema as compared to other formulation (AF and AF ) treated groups (P<0.05). Among all the semisolid formulations, Carbopol gel base was found to be most suitable dermatological base for aceclofenac. © 2010 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. 1 2 2 3
Peterson-Clark, G, Aslani, P & Williams, KA 2010, 'Consumer use of the internet for medicines information', International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 185-190.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>
AbstractObjectiveTo explore consumer opinion of the internet as a source of medicines information, the reasons consumers use this information, and the impact of this information on their use of medicines.MethodFocus groups (n=6) were conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia during March to May 2003 with consumers (n=46) who had used the internet for medicines information.Key findingsAlthough participants expressed some concerns about the quality of internet-based medicines information (IBMI), the convenience of access to this information outweighed these reservations. Attitudes were thus positive overall. Participants used IBMI when preparing for doctors' visits, for second opinions and additional information, for information on current issues, when deciding whether to use a medicine, for comparative information on brands and generics, and when written information was not supplied by health professionals. Most participants felt empowered by the information they found and used it to play a more active role in decision making about their therapy.ConclusionThis study describes various issues associated with consumer use of IBMI and highlights the possible role of pharmacists to support their patients' efforts to access and interpret medicines information.
Peterson‐Clark, G, Aslani, P & Williams, KA 2010, 'Pharmacists’ online information literacy: an assessment of their use of Internet‐based medicines information', Health Information & Libraries Journal, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 208-216.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>
AbstractIntroduction: Pharmacists need effective skills in accessing and using Internet‐based medicines information (IBMI) for themselves and their consumers. However, there is limited information regarding how pharmacists use the Internet.Objectives: To develop and use a research instrument to measure pharmacists’ Internet knowledge, search skills, evaluation of and opinions about using IBMI.Methods: A structured questionnaire examining general Internet knowledge, ability to search for and select pertinent IBMI, evaluation of IBMI, opinions about using IBMI and current Internet use was developed. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to analyse IBMI evaluation.Results: 208 pharmacists responded (response rate 20.6%). There was a large variation in pharmacists’ scores. Mean scores were low for General Internet Knowledge (mean 7.91 ± 3.62; scale 0–16), Search and Selection of IBMI (4.98 ± 2.91; 0–10) and Opinions on IBMI (44.51 ± 9.61; 0–80). Four factors [Professionalism of website (4 items; factor loading 0.62–0.87; Cronbach’s α 0.84), Disclosure (5; 0.37–0.79; 0.73), Appropriateness of content (5; 0.32–0.50; 0.65), Standard of information (6; 0.31–0.48; 0.58)] were extracted from the evaluation scale, explaining 36.89% of the total variance.Conclusions: A tool was developed to evaluate pharmacists’ skills and opinions in using IBMI. A wide range of skills and opinions highlighted the need for training in online information literacy.
Roberts, AS, Benrimoj, SI, Chen, TF, Williams, KA & Aslani, P 2010, 'Implementing cognitive services in community pharmacy: a review of models and frameworks for change', International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 105-113.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>
AbstractObjectiveTo investigate models and frameworks for the implementation of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) in community pharmacy.MethodRelevant literature published in English was identified through searches of online databases (no date limits), texts, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of identified literature. Literature that involved a discussion of models or frameworks for community pharmacy practice change in relation to the implementation of CPS was selected for review. Many of the identified studies were conceptual in nature, and although they were selected in the same way as the empirical research papers, were not able to be critically reviewed in an equivalent manner. A narrative, rather than systematic review, was considered more appropriate.Key findingsMany of the identified models focused on specific services, seeming to overlook the complexity of the implementation process. Many relied on behavioural theories, with an assumption that changing pharmacists' knowledge, skills or attitude will automatically result in successful change, often ignoring organisational aspects of change. Models that included business aspects remain largely untested, and where testing occurred sample sizes were generally small and populations conveniently or purposively sampled, limiting the generalisability of the findings.ConclusionThe factors affecting change are more than just those confined to the individual pharmacist who is providing a service, and the implementation process is more complex, involving a range of organisational factors. Research is needed to identify the key elements of a framework for how new CPS should be implemented and delivered.
Roberts, AS, Benrimoj, SIC, Chen, TF, Williams, KA & Aslani, P 2010, 'Implementing cognitive services in community pharmacy: a review of facilitators used in practice change', International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 163-170.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>
AbstractObjectiveTo investigate facilitators of change in community pharmacy and their use in the implementation of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS).MethodRelevant literature published in English was identified through searches of online databases (no date limits), texts, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of identified literature. Literature that involved a discussion of facilitators of community pharmacy practice change in relation to the implementation and/or delivery of CPS was selected for review. Some of the identified studies were conceptual in nature, and although they were selected in the same way as the empirical research papers, were not able to be critically reviewed in an equivalent manner. A narrative, rather than systematic review, was considered more appropriate.Key findingsThe identified facilitators exist at two levels: the individual (e.g. knowledge) and the organisation (e.g. pharmacy layout). Few studies identified or measured facilitators drawn from experience, with many based on the views of researchers or participants in the studies, in reaction to identified barriers to CPS implementation. Purposive sampling was common in the reviewed studies, limiting the generalisability of the findings.ConclusionAlthough a number of facilitators have been identified in the literature, it appears that little consideration has been given to how they can best be used in practice to accelerate CPS implementation. Identifying facilitators at both individual and organisational levels is important, and future research should focus not only on their identification in representative populations, but on how they should be incorporated into programmes for CPS delivery.
Taylor, S, Maharaj, P, Williams, K, Chetty, M & Sheldrake, C 2010, 'Pharmacy students' perspectives and performance following inter-campus lecture delivery via video conferencing', FOCUS ON HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 39-51.
View description>>
The University of Sydney offered the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Rural) from 2003 at its campus in Orange, New South Wales. The degree was designed to help address a shortfall in the rural pharmacy workforce by training pharmacists in a rural setting and by providing greater rural content in the curriculum. Where appropriate, lectures given to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy in Sydney were delivered via video-conferencing to the campus in Orange. Aims: To evaluate four units of study with respect to students' views on video-conferencing of lectures, and to compare students' performance to determine whether students receiving tuition via video-conferencing were disadvantaged compared to students receiving face-to-face tuition. Methods: Students in Sydney and Orange were surveyed using a six-item questionnaire. All statements focused on video-conferencing and required students to score their responses on a 5-point Likert-type rating scale. Means were calculated for each item. End of semester mean marks were compared, as well as the proportion of students passing in each cohort. Results: Students in Orange felt it was difficult to ask questions via video-conferencing. They also felt that lectures needed to be supplemented with face-to-face tutorials and that some lectures should be delivered from Orange. Students in Sydney felt that video-conferencing to Orange disrupted their classes and did not want to receive lectures video-conferenced from Orange. Marks for students in Orange were generally lower than those of the Sydney cohort, but there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of students who passed each unit. Conclusion: The configuration of the lecture theatre and the opportunity for the remote students to interact with lecturers strongly affects student satisfaction. In addition, there is a need for expert technical back-up at all sites and for staff development and support on ways to effectively use this technology
Williams, K 2010, 'Non-prescription NSAIDs: What are the risks?', Geriatric medicine in general practice, vol. 6, pp. 22-24.
View description>>
NA
