Kd Fitzmaurice

Attitudes of Australian pharmacists towards practice‐based research

Background and objective:  The aim was to conduct a national cross‐sectional survey of randomly selected Australian pharmacists to determine their attitudes towards and involvement in pharmacy practice research. This included the canvassing of perceived barriers and potential solutions to promote research activity in pharmacy practice.

Public perceptions of the role of Australian pharmacists in cardiovascular disease

Background and Objective:  To assess the public’s perception of pharmacists’ involvement and role in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.

Harm minimization strategies: Opinions of health professionals in rural and remote Australia

Background and objective: There is some evidence that the problem of illicit drug use (IDU) is increasing in rural areas of Australia. Lack of access to harm minimization (HM) strategies is potentially exacerbated by a shortage of health care facilities and health care professionals in rural areas. This study was conducted to determine barriers to implementation, access to, and success of HM strategies, as seen by health professionals presently working in rural Australia.

Improving the management of warfarin in aged-care facilities utilising innovative technology: a proof-of-concept study.

In aged‐care facilities (ACFs) monitoring of warfarin can be logistically challenging and International Normalised Ratio (INR control) is often suboptimal. We aimed to determine whether an integrated information and communications technology system and the use of point‐of‐care (POC) monitors by nursing staff could improve the INR control of aged‐care facility residents who take warfarin.

Marketing of rural and remote pharmacy practice via the digital medium.

Aim:  The shortage of community and hospital pharmacists is particularly acute in rural and remote areas of Australia. Pharmacy students, in particular, as those who may be able to alleviate this shortage, need to be made more aware of the challenges and rewards of rural pharmacy practice. A marketing tool was developed to promote rural and remote pharmacy practice as a career option. A DVD was produced from interviews with health professionals working in rural and remote areas of Australia. This DVD will complement current rural practical placements, which have been incorporated into the curriculum of Australian schools of pharmacy.

Marketing of rural and remote pharmacy practice via the digital medium: Marketing rural and remote pharmacy practice

Aim:  The shortage of community and hospital pharmacists is particularly acute in rural and remote areas of Australia. Pharmacy students, in particular, as those who may be able to alleviate this shortage, need to be made more aware of the challenges and rewards of rural pharmacy practice. A marketing tool was developed to promote rural and remote pharmacy practice as a career option. A DVD was produced from interviews with health professionals working in rural and remote areas of Australia. This DVD will complement current rural practical placements, which have been incorporated into the curriculum of Australian schools of pharmacy.