Exploring the Capability of the Hospital Pharmacists in Conducting Pharmacy Practice Research: A Study from Malaysia

The engagement of pharmacists in research activities is pivotal in the advancement of the pharmacy practice. The study aims to evaluate the confidence and competence of Malaysian hospital pharmacists in conducting clinical and practice-based research. A cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2019 and April 2020 using an online survey. Pharmacists from eight different hospitals in Malaysia were involved in the study. The survey link was sent to all pharmacists of the included hospitals via email. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. A total of 226 pharmacists participated in this study, and their average age was 28 years old. About 82 % of the participants reported that they did not have any previous research experience, and around 62% of them indicated that the research training during their undergraduate study was inadequate. At least 60% of the participants reported inadequate competence and/or confidence in developing research protocols, critically appraising the literature, undertaking and applying appropriate statistical techniques, and interpreting research findings. There is an urgent need to reinforce undergraduate and postgraduate research training in the institutions among potential and current pharmacists to build competence in research techniques such as literature reviews and scholarly participation

Effect of Multilayers CdS Nanocrystalline Thin Films on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Due to relatively low price and nontoxicity of photovoltaic (PV) systems, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) recently gained a lot of attention in terms of improving their performance and longevity. Because most of the major elements are impacted by their separate production and layering procedures, the substances in DSSCs are critical to achieving these goals. Methylene blue dye sensitizer-based solar cells were effectively constructed in this work, and DSSC performance was assessed. The morphologies of nanocrystalline CdS thin films were investigated by the FE-SEM machine, and then XRD patterns of 1 layer, 2 layers, and 3 layers of nanocrystalline CdS thin films were analyzed. The thicknesses of the prepared samples were about 391 nm, 457 nm, and 912 nm for 1, 2, and 3 layers of nanocrystalline CdS thin film, respectively. J-V characteristics of the multilayer CdS thin films have been studied under a 100 mW/cm2 sunlight source. The experimental results revealed that the highest power conversion efficiency of a 3 layer porous-nanowall CdS/MB device was about 0.47%

Fabrication and characterization of porous CdS/dye sensitized solar cells

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated from porous cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystalline thin films. The porous CdS nanostructured thin films were deposited onto FTO/glass substrates by the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, and optical properties of the prepared nanocrystalline thin films were investigated. Rhodamine B, Malachite green, Eosine methylene blue, and Cresyl violet dyes were used to fabricate the DSSC devices. Comparing by the absorption spectrum of the prepared porous CdS nanocrystalline films, all dyes showed an absorption peak in the transparent range of CdS thin films indicating that they are suitable for the preparation of DSSCs with CdS. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics showed that the  fabricated solar cell using malachite green dye had the highest conversion efficiency of 0.83% while using Rhodamine B dye produces a solar cell with lowest efficiency of 0.38%. However, heat treatment to the fabricated solar cells caused significant enhancement in the output of all devices

Knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students regarding geriatric care:Questionnaire-based analysis in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: There is a predicted growth of up to 17% in an older adult of Malaysian above 60 years of age by 2040. This will increase the workload of almost every healthcare provider to ensure optimal geriatric care. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess pharmacy students’ knowledge and attitudes towards geriatric pharmacy education and older patients to determine their preparation in delivering appropriate medical care to the geriatric population. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among pharmacy students in different Malaysian universities. The survey included several sections to assess multiple aspects such as sociodemographic information, assessment of knowledge using a validated 28-item Geriatric Knowledge Assessment Scale (GKAS), and attitudes towards geriatrics education. RESULTS: The response rate was around 70% of the respondents. The mean (± standard deviation) age of the cohort was 22.28 (±1.12) years. Despite around 78% of pharmacy students claiming that their knowledge of geriatric care is adequate, their GKAS score showed that only around 20% have high geriatric knowledge. Around 80% of them showed a positive attitude on the importance of taking courses focused on geriatric care and demonstrated interest to further knowledge and training in geriatric care. However, more than half of the students were uncertain of their answers towards their attitudes regarding older patients. CONCLUSION: Given the growing role of pharmacists in the ageing population, this study highlights the importance of geriatric care education among potential pharmacists. Therefore, we urge the need to improve/develop geriatrics education and training into the pharmacy curriculum to ensure sufficient preparation for actual practice after graduation

Using COM-B model in identifying facilitators, barriers and needs of community pharmacists in implementing weight management services in Malaysia:a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Previous qualitative studies exploring the experiences of community pharmacists (CP) in implementing weight management services (WMS) often lack a theoretical underpinning. This study applied the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour (COM-B) model to factors associated with WMS implementation among CPs to develop and recommend better intervention strategies. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with CPs. All the interviews were audio-recorded and duly transcribed. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data, and the themes generated were mapped onto COM-B model components. RESULTS: The themes that emerged were (1) motivation of pharmacists and (2) knowledge and skills, which were identified as both barriers and facilitators, and (3) the barriers to implementation in aspects of social norms and resources. Factors were subsequently categorised into the subcomponents of the model: physical capability (e.g., training), psychological capability (e.g., lack of knowledge), physical opportunity (e.g., product range), social opportunity (e.g., stigma), automatic motivation (e.g., remuneration) and reflective motivation (e.g., CPs extended roles). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, programs or training For Cps should develop their psychological capability to change their behaviour by being more proactive in promoting and providing weight management services, with a vital educational component. This behavioural change will improve the promotion of this service and will help many customers who were unaware of this service. Learning opportunities will leave CPs to feel more empowered and overcome barriers to implementing and maintaining WMS in primary care. The study findings provided essential insights into the factors that affect this provided service in Malaysia. The results will help to encourage the embedding of nutrition counselling in academic curricula