University of Malta. Department of Pharmacy & The Malta Pharmaceutical Association
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop, implement and validate a
framework and protocol directed to pharmacists regarding
prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NS AIDs) and to propose a documentation system to be
used when prescribing NS AIDs.
METHOD: A module highlighting the information
on NS AID use and on pharmacists prescribing of NS AIDs
was developed to be used as a tool for development of
pharmacists’ knowledge to participate in the framework
of pharmacist prescribing of NS AIDs. A protocol to be used
when prescribing NS AIDs was developed. The developed
protocol is concise and includes all relevant data. Evaluation
of the proposed module and protocol was carried out by an
expert panel consisting of 14 professionals. The readability
of the module was assessed. A documentation system was
set up using Microsoft Excel® 2007.
KEY FINDINGS: A module named ‘Supplementary
Prescribing for Pharmacists’ was developed as a Power point
Presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint® 2007. The final
version of the module scored 55 in the Flesch Reading Ease
formula. The expert panel rated the overall presentation
as very good. The module was considered a good tool of
information for its intended purpose. Eleven healthcare
professionals found the module very helpful and 7 found
it very practical for its intended use. A protocol named:
‘Protocol for Prescribing NS AIDs’ was developed. Twelve
health care professionals found the protocol easy to use
while 5 of the participants thought it was time consuming.
CONCLUSION: The module and protocol were very
well accepted by the expert panel. Up till now there was
a lack of protocols regarding NS AID use in Malta and that
some potential side effects pertaining to this class of drugs
were not always taken into consideration while dispensing.
This study is now proposing a module to establish a safe and
standard practice for recommendation of use of NS AIDs.peer-reviewe
