This study, conducted at the Howard University College of Pharmacy, aimed to assess pharmacy students’ understanding and opinions on the off-label use of gabapentin in the treatment of pruritus. Gabapentin is primarily prescribed for conditions such as seizures and neuropathic pain, raising concerns when it is used for pruritus without formal approval. A survey of 39 students found that only 27% were aware of gabapentin’s approval for the treatment of seizures, while just 10.8% recognized its us
Read More
Written by Jhoyce S. Souza
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
Currently, there is no straightforward measure that combines the extent to which a patient uses different healthcare services into a comprehensive score. This study aimed to develop such a tool and investigate its relationship to overall health outcomes, including mortality and life expectancy. We developed the Healthcare Utilisation (HUTIL) index by assigning weights to different healthcare services based on their typical costs compared to a primary care physician (PCP) visit. These cost ratios
Read More
Written by Baudouin Standaert
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
Previous estimates of potential cost savings from the de-implementation of low-value care have been calculated using simple modeling approaches that focus on direct medical costs and do not account for substitution. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate a modeling approach to calculate a more realistic estimate of the societal costs and benefits of de-implanting low-value care. The modelling approach was developed and evaluated in three steps: (1) reviewing studies to identify aspe
Read More
Written by Naganandini Raju
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
Dementia presents a pressing health issue worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), a post-conflict LMIC with a fragmented healthcare system, currently lacks standardized national policies, prevalence data, and coordinated dementia services. This study examines how healthcare providers perceive and approach dementia care, identifying challenges and feasible improvements tailored to BiH’s healthcare environment. A qualitative cross-sectional
Read More
Written by Abdulaziz Alhossan
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in late 2019 triggered a shift in healthcare priorities globally, with pharmacies playing a pivotal role in supporting the healthcare system throughout the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the preparedness and service delivery of community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 crisis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2020, using an electronic questionnaire distributed to community pharmacists across the country. The survey focused o
Read More
Written by Nikolaj Frost
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
Patient navigation initiatives aim to improve the coordination of healthcare by reducing the barriers patients encounter when seeking access to appropriate services. These types of interventions are currently being tested both within Germany and internationally. A common obstacle in such research, as with most clinical trials, is developing recruitment methods that successfully enroll enough participants from the target groups. The results presented here aim to share insights and experiences reg
Read More
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with cardiovascular conditions significantly. The encouragement and referrals provided by healthcare professionals are crucial for engaging patients in CR programs. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of Chinese healthcare providers regarding CR, assess the frequency with which they recommend it to patients, and examine the factors influencing their recommendation practices. A nationwide cross-sectional su
Read More
Written by Irene Alcoceba-Herrero
Published in Vol 4 , 2024
Posthospital care aims to enhance patient access to providers and reduce avoidable readmissions. This study assessed the feasibility, barriers, and influencing factors associated with implementing remote patient monitoring (RPM) for oncology patients at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute (HHC) in Hartford, CT, and across a statewide health system. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus groups to gather insights from hospi
Read More
