RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Proper management of dyslipidaemia in patients may reduce morbidity and mortality related to coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine physician perceptions of the management of dyslipidaemia in Jamaica and Trinidad METHODS: Personal interviews were conducted from March to May, 2005, by an independent research firm using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 111 interviews were conducted, 61 in Jamaica and 50 in Trinidad Respondents were mostly primary care physicians (PCP) or internal medicine physicians (76.5%) and 58% were in private practice. The most important factors for prescribing a drug for dyslipidaemia were related to efficacy (76%), safety (59%) and price (36%). The majority (92%) reported using treatment guidelines. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines were the most widely mentioned by physicians but there were reports of using guidelines from other organizations and physician groups. Nearly a third of all physicians, most of whom were PCPs, had not heard of the NCEP The LDL-C level at which drug therapy should be started and the LDL-C treatment goals were higher among Jamaican physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians are aware of the existence of treatment guidelines for dyslipidaemia. However, the source and adherence to the guidelines varies according to country and specialty. Information about the proper management of dyslipidaemia must be reinforced by professional societies and government agencies.
Assuntos
Humanos , Hipolipemiantes/uso terapêutico , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Dislipidemias/tratamento farmacológico , Médicos/psicologia , Percepção , Entrevistas como Assunto , LDL-Colesterol/efeitos dos fármacos , Conscientização , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Fidelidade a Diretrizes , Jamaica , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Inquéritos e Questionários , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Proper management of dyslipidaemia in patients may reduce morbidity and mortality related to coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine physician perceptions of the management of dyslipidaemia in Jamaica and Trinidad METHODS: Personal interviews were conducted from March to May, 2005, by an independent research firm using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 111 interviews were conducted, 61 in Jamaica and 50 in Trinidad Respondents were mostly primary care physicians (PCP) or internal medicine physicians (76.5%) and 58% were in private practice. The most important factors for prescribing a drug for dyslipidaemia were related to efficacy (76%), safety (59%) and price (36%). The majority (92%) reported using treatment guidelines. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines were the most widely mentioned by physicians but there were reports of using guidelines from other organizations and physician groups. Nearly a third of all physicians, most of whom were PCPs, had not heard of the NCEP The LDL-C level at which drug therapy should be started and the LDL-C treatment goals were higher among Jamaican physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians are aware of the existence of treatment guidelines for dyslipidaemia. However, the source and adherence to the guidelines varies according to country and specialty. Information about the proper management of dyslipidaemia must be reinforced by professional societies and government agencies.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Dislipidemias/tratamento farmacológico , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Hipolipemiantes/uso terapêutico , Percepção , Médicos/psicologia , Conscientização , LDL-Colesterol/efeitos dos fármacos , Fidelidade a Diretrizes , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Jamaica , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Inquéritos e Questionários , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Increase the awareness about the importance of Diabetes mellitus (DM) management and assess the educational and monitoring needs of patients visiting a community pharmacy in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A community service activity focusing on DM was held in a community pharmacy. The educational and monitoring needs of the participants were assessed using a questionnaire. Glucose tests were conducted in the pharmacy by medical technologists. Educational activities consisted of presentations and printed materials. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the fasting people had blood glucose levels higher than 140 mg/dl. Seventy-nine percent of the patients with diabetes were not aware of the glycosilated hemoglobin test. Most of the patients were interested in learning more about how to manage their condition. CONCLUSION: A greater understanding is needed among patients with DM that blood glucose control decreases diabetes related complications. Community pharmacists are in an excellent position to collaborate with other health professionals in screening, monitoring and educating patients with DM to prevent long-term complications.
Assuntos
Automonitorização da Glicemia , Diabetes Mellitus/sangue , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/métodos , Farmácias , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Coleta de Amostras Sanguíneas/métodos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Porto RicoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of professional associations and boards of pharmacy in the United States that have adopted or are considering to adopt a conscience clause as part of their codes of ethics, rules, laws or regulations. BACKGROUND: Pharmacists are often exposed to ethical dilemmas in their day-to-day practice and their response depends on a number of factors, including the personal beliefs and values of those involved. This has lead some professional associations to address whether their members have the right to refuse to participate in procedures which are contrary to their conscience or moral convictions. The outcome of these discussions is usually the development and adoption of a conscience clause. METHODS: A one-page self-administered questionnaire was sent by Fax to the highest ranking officer of 108 pharmacy organizations in the United States. RESULTS: Thirty-five completed questionnaires were received for a 32.4% response rate. In general, it was found that there is a lack of knowledge as to what a conscience clause is. Only two state associations and one board of pharmacy responded that they have a conscience clause as part of their code of ethics or regulations. Reasons given for not having a conscience clause included lack of interest and low priority. Nevertheless, four state associations, one national association and one board of pharmacy responded that they are considering developing a pharmacist conscience clause. More professional associations than boards of pharmacy expressed interest to obtain information about conscience clauses. CONCLUSION: Although many state associations and boards of pharmacy that responded do not have a conscience clause as part of their codes of ethics, laws or regulations, this survey shows an increasing interest to learn about it. This is expected as the pharmacist assumes increasing responsibility in patient care.