News Briefs
Report: More pharmacists opting for part-time work
The U.S. pharmacy profession could face a worsening shortage of pharmacists in the next decade as more men prepare to retire and more men and women opt for part-time work, according to a new study released in March by the Pharmacy Manpower Project (PMP).
The National Pharmacist Workforce Study finds the potential worsening shortfall coming at a pivotal time with pharmacists wanting to spend less time dispensing drugs and more time providing patient-centered services such as immunizations and counseling seniors on proper medication usage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. The study was released at the American Pharmacists Association’s Annual Meeting & Exposition and will be published in the May/June 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.
The number of practicing women pharmacists increased from 31% in 1990 to 46% in 2004. The study finds a large percentage of male pharmacists nearing retirement, with more than four in 10 (41.2%) age 55 and older, compared with only about 10% of women. Meanwhile, more men and women are working part time — 27% of women and 15.5% of men in 2004 (compared to 23.4% and 11.6%, respectively, in 2000).
Although the trend of part-time work is increasing for both men and women pharmacists, the study finds the trend toward more part-time work is being fueled by women. For women ages 31-50, more than 30% are working part time.
The report shows that pharmacists’ roles are diverse. In 2004, pharmacists spent 49% of their day dispensing drugs and 32% of their time on activities such as advising patients on drug therapies, evaluating the safety of drug therapy, administering vaccines, and counseling patients on services ranging from self-care to disease management. The results suggest pharmacists would like to spend only 39% of their day dispensing drugs and increase the time spent providing services to patients to 48% of their day.
Consistent with the growing number of prescriptions dispensed in community pharmacies, the workload for pharmacists has increased between 2000 and 2004. Pharmacists report the high workload can negatively affect their work, including activities such as ability to take a break (48%), opportunity to reduce errors (36%), time spent with patients (35%), and ability to solve drug therapy problems (33%).
The most stressful events for pharmacists include inadequate pharmacy technician staffing levels (38%), phone interruptions (37%), and inadequate pharmacists’ staffing (34%). Dealing with difficult patients and co-workers are cited by 33% of pharmacists.
Despite the high workload, the study finds a high level of job satisfaction. More than three-quarters (77%) of pharmacists in 2004 report a high level of job satisfaction compared with 66% in 2000.
Results of the National Pharmacist Workforce Study were compiled using a questionnaire completed by 1,470 practicing pharmacists. The study was commissioned by the PMP, which is a nonprofit corporation consisting of all major national, pharmaceutical professional and trade organizations. Its mission is to serve the public and the profession by developing data regarding the size and demography of the pharmacy practitioner workforce and conducting and supporting research in areas related to that work force.
To see the report’s executive summary, go to: www.aacp.org/Docs/MainNavigation/Resources/7296_ExecsummforAACP.pdf.
FDA extends review period for reintroduction of natalizumab
Biogen Idec and Elan announced on March 22 that the FDA had extended the regulatory review period for the reintroduction of natalizumab (Tysabri) for multiple sclerosis by up to 90 days.
Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, extensions to the review period for an application can be triggered by a substantive submission from the sponsor. In this case, the information received was determined to be a major amendment to the pending application. The review period for the application was extended by up to 90 days to provide the FDA time to review the new information.
This new submission is a revised Risk Management Plan (RMP), which takes into account the issues discussed, and recommendations offered, by the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee on March 7 and 8.
The FDA says this application continues to be a high priority. The agency is working intensively to complete review of this new information and will attempt to do so before the end of the 90-day extension period.
ACCU-CHEK Ultraflex Infusion Sets recalled
Disetronic Medical Systems has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of all ACCU-CHEK Ultraflex Infusion Sets because of a potential that tubing could fully or partially separate at the luer lock-tubing connection. In the event a full or partial separation occurs, insulin may leak from the infusion set tubing causing an interruption of insulin delivery, which can cause hyperglycemia.
The symptoms of hyperglycemia include nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, fatigue/tiredness/ sleepiness, headache, fruity acetone breath, and abdominal pain. Patients experiencing these symptoms are advised to check their blood glucose to ensure that the blood glucose level is within an acceptable range as defined by the patient’s health care team and follow the medical advice given by the health care professional or contact their physician.
Under this recall, customers have the option of replacing their ACCU-CHECK Ultraflex infusion sets, or using the ACCU-CHEK Tender or ACCU-CHEK Rapid-D infusion sets. To read the complete MedWatch 2006 Safety summary, including a link to the firm press release, see: www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Disetronic.
AHA issues statement regarding clopidogrel (Plavix) use
Results from a recent clinical trial so concerned some patients using clopidogrel (Plavix) that the American Heart Association issued a statement offering them guidance about the medication.
After results of the CHARISMA (Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization, Management and Avoidance) trial were published on the web site of the New England Journal of Medicine (www.nejm.org) on March 12, the heart association says it received a number of questions from patients seeking guidance on whether they need to take action based on the study. (The results were released early to coincide with their presentation at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Atlanta and also appeared in the April 20 printed issue of the NEJM.)
The CHARISMA trial investigated whether people with major vascular risks, including various combinations of conventional risk factors and events such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, do better with two antiplatelet agents or aspirin alone.
The trial did not support the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin therapy in patients with stable cardiovascular disease or in the case of prevention for those at high risk for cardiovascular disease, says Ralph Sacco, MD, a spokesman for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, in the statement. "For the total group, no significant reduction in heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death was seen with clopidogrel and aspirin vs. aspirin alone, and the combination of clopidogrel with aspirin was associated with a significantly increased risk of moderate (requiring transfusion) or severe bleeding in those taking the combination for primary prevention."
The results suggested a benefit in the subgroup of patients who had already had a heart attack, stroke, or who had symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, but this needs further study before it changes what patients and doctors should do, he continues. "It is important to remember, however, that previous trials have documented the benefits of combined treatment with clopidogrel and aspirin for other groups of patients — those with heart attack or unstable angina (also called unstable coronary syndromes) and those who have had coronary angioplasty with stent placement."
Sacco emphasizes that patients currently taking clopidogrel, aspirin, or the combination for approved indications should not stop their medications. Patients with questions about the medications should talk to a health care professional.
Report: More pharmacists opting for part-time work; FDA extends review period for reintroduction of natalizumab; ACCU-CHEK Ultraflex Infusion Sets recalled; AHA issues statement regarding clopidogrel (Plavix) useSubscribe Now for Access
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