Ashok K. Gumbhir

Affects, demographic variables, and health.

The revised Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL-R) was given to a national probability sample that consisted of 1,543 adults who also were interviewed, which provided demographic data and self-ratings of health, medication use, and social activities. Standardization procedures have reduced markedly the acquiescence factor and the correlations among the dysphoric affect scales in the MAACL-R. The demographic variables of sex, race, age, education, occupation, income, marital status, religion, geographical area of residence, and size of town or city were related to some of the scales. Positive affect was related directly to self-ratings of health; dysphoric affect was related negatively to these ratings. Frequencies of volunteer activities and social activities in general correlated negatively with depression and positively with positive affect scales.

Unclaimed Prescriptions: An Overlooked Opportunity: Pharmacists can use potential lost sales in unclaimed prescriptions as an opportunity to contact patients and increase patient-oriented services.

Unclaimed prescriptions are an overlooked component of medication noncompliance. Of 21 pharmacies surveyed for prescriptions unclaimed for 30 days or more, pharmacies averaged 21.4 prescriptions each (450 total), with the mean age of 45.6 days. More than 50% of unclaimed prescriptions were new phoned-in prescriptions. Anti-infective agents were the largest class of unclaimed medications, followed by analgesics and respiratory agents. Pharmacists can use unclaimed prescriptions as a basis for increasing their patient-oriented services.

A National Survey of Hospital Adverse Drug Event Monitoring and Reporting Systems

The purpose of this research was to collect information concerning the systems which hospitals have developed to monitor and report adverse drug events (ADE). In addition, the attitudes and perceptions of those coordinating the program toward postmarketing surveillance of such events were investigated. The sample was stratified by hospital size. Questionnaires were sent to 725 Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organization accredited hospitals (305 small, 275 medium, and 145 large). Completed questionnaires were received from 306 respondents, representing a 42% overall response rate. Differences among the three groups were seen in the professional personnel involvement in the monitoring activities, reporters of ADEs, and dissemination of ADE information. Pharmacists had the biggest role in implementing this function and concurrent review methods generated the greatest percentage of ADEs. Overall, the systems were similar among hospitals of different sizes.

Strategic Planning in the US Pharmaceutical Industry: An Introduction:

The history of strategic planning research as a foundation for the specific study of the strategic planning process in the US pharmaceutical industry is presented. A complete literature review is also provided. The economic variables that directly effect the US pharmaceutical industry: profitability, risk, research and development, promotion, federal regulation, and the generic drug sector of the drug industry are discussed. With this foundation, a short discussion of studies directly related to strategic planning in the US pharmaceutical industry and potential areas for future research are also suggested.

A Historical Perspective of Mergers in the US Pharmaceutical Industry

The US pharmaceutical industry is being reshaped through a number of mergers and acquisitions, resulting in consolidation of the industry. This article examines the economic and social forces leading to recent pharmaceutical mergers. Research and development (R&D) costs and crowded therapeutic markets have increased the demand for innovative new products. Global operations have become necessary to expand and recoup development costs for new products. Governmental merger guidelines have changed, permitting unimpeded transactions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Drug Wholesalers and the Generic Drug Industry

There is little information in the published literature concerning the interaction between drug wholesalers and generic drug manufacturers and distributors. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the attributes and services which drug wholesalers look for in generic drug suppliers whose products they stock. A survey was sent to 136 wholesale drug firms, and 81 responses were received. The evaluable responses were analyzed to determine the average importance rating of 31 potential attributes of a generic drug supplier, in addition to background information. The incidence of drug product recalls, liability insurance, and the generic drug suppliers reputation were found to be as important as price to the drug wholesaler in his selection of generic product lines.

Comparison of Missouri and Kansas Community Pharmacists' Communication Performance

Several State Boards of Pharmacy have regulations mandating pharmacists to acquire continuing education for relicensure and consult with patients when dispensing prescription medicines. The impact of such regulations on pharmacy practice was assessed in this study. Prior to the study, the Kansas Board of Pharmacy had enacted such regulations, whereas Missouri had not. Baseline product knowledge on nitroglycerin patches was assessed in 313 pharmacists. Then a single-blind study design using pseudopatient and pseudophysician interviewers was conducted to compare verbally communicated product knowledge and communication style between 40 Missouri and 20 Kansas pharmacists that were randomly selected from the pharmacist pool. Results of the interviewer evaluations were compared to the baseline. Pearsons r was used to establish correlation among variables studied. Results indicated no significant difference in the pharmacy practice between Kansas and Missouri pharmacists. Also, no significant correlation between written and verbal product knowledge, and no difference between communication styles were found.