Abstract

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries, and the pharmaceutical industry is no exception. AI is increasingly being used to automate, optimize and personalize various aspects of the pharmacy industry, from drug discovery to drug dispensing. In this context, this paper explores the potential of AI to revolutionize the pharmacy industry, by discussing the current and future applications of AI in the industry. We will examine how AI is being used in drug discovery, personalized medicine, drug safety and quality control, inventory management, and patient counselling. We will also discuss the challenges and limitations of AI in the pharmacy industry, such as data privacy, ethical concerns and regulatory barriers. The paper will argue that AI has the potential to revolutionize the pharmacy industry by enabling faster drug discovery, improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and increasing the efficiency and accuracy of various pharmacy operations. The old pharmacy system relied on manual processes and human decision-making, while the new AI pharmacy system automates routine tasks, provides personalized treatment plans, and reduces costs while improving patient outcomes. However, it is important to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, and that its impact on the workforce and society is carefully considered. The major benefit of integrating AI into specific applications within the pharmacy field is improved accuracy and efficiency in patient care. Overall, this paper will provide an insight into the future of the pharmacy industry, and the transformative potential of AI in this field.

Introduction

The conventional pharmacy system relies heavily on manual processes and human expertise, which can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and delays. For example, the process of filling a prescription involves several manual steps, such as interpreting the prescription, dispensing the medication, and verifying the dosage and frequency1, 2, 3. These manual processes are prone to errors and can be time-consuming. Moreover, the conventional pharmacy system lacks the ability to personalize medication regimens for individual patients, which can limit the efficacy of drug therapy. However, by using AI-powered tools like AI, pharmacies can enhance their operations and overcome these limitations. AI can help automate various aspects of the pharmacy workflow, from prescription interpretation to drug dispensing, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency. Additionally, by analyzing large amounts of patient data, AI can assist pharmacists in developing personalized medication regimens that are tailored to the patient’s unique needs and medical history. While the conventional pharmacy system has been effective in providing patients with necessary medications, it is limited by its manual processes and lack of personalization. The use of AI-powered tools like AI can overcome these limitations, making the pharmacy system more efficient, accurate, and personalized, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes4, 5, 6, 7.

Conclusion, scope for future work and limitations

In conclusion, the potential applications of AI in pharmacy can revolutionize the industry, providing numerous benefits for both pharmacists and patients. From medication management to drug discovery and chronic disease management, AI technology can improve the accuracy and safety of medication dispensing, accelerate the drug development process, and help to improve patient outcomes. The implementation of AI technology can also help to reduce healthcare costs by improving efficiency and reducing errors. However, it is important to note that the implementation of AI in pharmacy also presents some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed. For example, there may be concerns around patient privacy and security when using AI-powered systems to monitor patient data. Additionally, there may be a need for pharmacists to undergo additional training to effectively use and integrate AI technology into their practice. Nonetheless, with proper implementation and management, the benefits of AI in pharmacy far outweigh the potential limitations and challenges, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare.

While the potential applications of AI in pharmacy are vast, there is still much work that needs to be done in terms of research and development. One potential area for future study could be the integration of AI technology with other healthcare systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs) or telemedicine platforms. This could allow for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Another area for future research could be the ethical considerations around the use of AI technology in pharmacy. As the technology continues to evolve, it is important to consider issues such as data privacy and security, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI systems to replace human jobs. Addressing these issues in a thoughtful and proactive manner can help to ensure that the implementation of AI in pharmacy is both effective and ethical. By continuing to explore these areas of study, we can further unlock the potential of AI technology in pharmacy and pave the way for a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

Highlights

Abstract

Keywords

1. Introduction

2. Theoretical background

3. Conceptual model and hypothesis development

4. Methodology

5. Data analysis

6. Discussion

7. Conclusion

Authorship statement

Declaration of Competing Interest

Acknowledgements

Appendix A: Study measurement

References

Vitae

Abstract

There are numerous risks associated with the interconnection of healthcare provision and the Internet of Things (IoT), with its sensory capabilities shown to reduce confidence in novel technology due to fears of a loss of privacy. There exists a clear omission in the extant literature—consideration of gender differences in Frontline Healthcare Providers’ (FHP) behavioural intentions—which this work aims to address through the analysis of IoT-enabled healthcare applications’ (HAs) behavioural intentions in multicultural and bi-generational (Gen X, Y) context. Essentially, analysing gender and generational differences in relation to the variables (privacy, security and trust that influence risk perception; the latter alongside attitude and perceived behavioural control potentially affect the intention) affecting FHPs’ BI towards IoT enabled HAs. A novel model is presented herein, which combines Planned Behaviour (TPB), Privacy Calculus (PCT), and the trust-risk framework. Questionnaire methodology (n = 401) was applied to both generations under consideration, data was assessed using Partial Least Squares Multi-Group Analysis (PLS-MGA), which showed gender differences in Gen Y, but there was little evidence to suggest that risk perception affects any of the cohort’s behavioural intention towards the use of IoT-enabled HA, which in turn should help guide both future institutional policy and application development .

1. Introduction

Advances in network technologies, combined with mass production of smart devices equipped with sensors with continuous, bidirectional transmission, and the advent of cloud computing have been the primary drivers behind IoT development and implementation in big data driven infrastructural control (Hassan et al., 2018; Li et al., 2020; Rafique et al., 2020; Razzak et al., 2020). However, the security problems inherent in the wider internet itself remain prevalent in IoT. In truth, each element in IoT’s tri-layer structure—perception, transport, and application—requires individual consideration in that respect (Tewari and Gupta, 2020). IoT is now commonplace in modern society, often appearing in the food supply chain, logistics, mining, computing, and healthcare sectors (Pang et al., 2015; Yildirim and Ali-Eldin, 2019). Particularly in the case of the latter, the drive for service improvement has resulted in a broad body of literature considering this advance (Asif-Ur-Rahman et al., 2019; Syed et al., 2019).

The interconnected nature of the IoT enabled healthcare model (Tewari and Gupta, 2020) contains a multitude of risks relating to privacy, security and loss of trust. Limitations on the computational ability of this model means that conventional measures used to tackle security and privacy concerns often cannot be applied (Li et al., 2020), leading to the development of a concept known as the Internet of Medical Things, wherein patient data confidentiality without loss of functionality is held paramount (Li et al., 2020).

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Author contributions

Availability of data

Conflicts of interest

Acknowledgements

References

Article Info

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Abstract

Introduction It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice. This implies a role transition from a clinical radiographer to a clinical radiographer-researcher. Clinical radiographers’ stimuli for engaging in research in Nordic countries are unknown. This study aimed to address this gap.

Methods
Cross-sectional data collection via an online questionnaire on facilitators for and barriers to participation in radiography research was carried out among 507 clinical radiographers in public healthcare in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Results
Support from colleagues (odds ratio [OR] 2.62) and other professionals (OR 2.74), and self-esteem in research skills (OR ≥ 2.21), were facilitators for radiography research. Lack of knowledge and skills to conduct research (OR 2.48) was revealed to hinder radiographers’ participation in research. The absence of a radiography research culture in the workplace explained non-participation in research (OR 1.75).

Introduction 

It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice (EBP).1e4 While radiologists and physicists have a long tradition of conducting research in medicine and radiation physics, radiographers are still in the initial stages of radiography research, but academic development of radiographers is ongoing while they usually perform research studies alongside university teaching.5e7 Radiography research has been found to address, for example, radiographic technology and patient well-being and care.8,9 There are several reasons to investigate clinical radiographers’ stimuli for engaging in radiography research. One is radiographers’ responsibility for and expertise in patient care in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract

     Both the healthcare and religious landscapes in the United States are rapidly changing. Despite the dynamic environment that spiritual care managers face, many do not receive management training prior to assuming their roles and many receive little or no training once they are in their roles. This study used mixed methods to examine the applicability of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) competency model to spiritual care manager roles. Interviews were conducted with 10 spiritual care managers across the country, using a Behavioral Event Interviewing (BEI) methodology. Interviews were quantitatively analyzed by using Natural Language Processing and qualitatively analyzed by thematic approach using NVIVO. The results found the EXECUTION domain to be the most discussed theme, followed by RELATIONS, TRANSFORMATION, and BOUNDARY SPANNING. Collectively these analyses suggest the NCHL Leadership Competency Model can provide a useful framework for understanding the roles and development needs of spiritual care managers.

Introduction

     Competent leadership is essential for any organization to achieve its mission, especially in a changing and challenging environment. We are in the midst of especially challenging times for managers of spiritual care programs in healthcare settings. The shift in healthcare delivery from in-patient services to population health is accelerating. The costs of delivering care must be contained while quality continues to improve. Every discipline must be able to show how they contribute to these goals. Spiritual care has historically been exempt from some of these pressures, but that is quickly changing (Handzo, Cobb, Holmes, Kelly, & Sinclair, 2014).

     While the healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid change, so is the religious landscape in the US. One of the most impactful changes is the increase in the proportion of people who report no religious affiliation: approximately 40% of people under 30 in some national surveys (Pew Research Center, 2019). However, on these same surveys, many people report having rich spiritual lives (Pew Research Center, 2019), and face serious spiritual/existential questions when experiencing illness or other life crises (Weber, Pargament, Kunik, Lomax, & Stanley, 2012).

Results

     Of the ten managers participating in this study, seven (70%) identified as female, and the remaining three (30%) identified as male. The average length of time in their management positions was 6.5 years. The median was 4.2 years, in a range from nine months to 24 years. Five of the managers (50%) worked at academic medical centers; the remaining five worked at faith-based health systems.

Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Results
Conclusions
References

Highlights

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Ethics

Authorship statement

Conflict of interest

Funding

Provenance and peer review

Acknowledgements

References

Abstract

Background
To investigate intention rates to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among healthcare personnel (HCP) in Greece.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey.

Results
The response rate was 14.5%. Of 1521 HCP with a known profession, 607 (39.9%) were nursing personnel, 480 (31.6%) physicians, 171 (11.2%) paramedical personnel, 72 (4.7%) supportive personnel, and 191 (12.6%) administrative personnel. Overall, 803 of 1571 HCP (51.1%) stated their intention to get vaccinated while 768 (48.9%) stated their intention to decline vaccination. Most HCP (71.3%) who reported intent to get vaccinated noted contributing to the control of the pandemic and protecting their families and themselves as their reasons, while the most common reason for reporting intent to decline vaccination was inadequate information about the vaccines (74.9%), followed by concerns about vaccine safety (36.2%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the probability of intending to get vaccinated increased with male gender, being a physician, history of complete vaccination against hepatitis B, history of vaccination against pandemic A (H1N1) in 2009–2010, belief that COVID-19 vaccination should be mandatory for HCP, and increased confidence in vaccines in general during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following factors were associated with a lower intention to get vaccinated: no vaccination against influenza the past season, no intention to get vaccinated against influenza in 2020–2021, and no intention to recommend COVID-19 vaccination to high-risk patients.

Conclusion
There is an urgent need to built safety perception towards COVID-19 vaccines and raise vaccine uptake rates by HCP, and thus to protect the healthcare workforce and the healthcare services.

Introduction

Shortly following the emergence in late 2019 and global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the consequences on healthcare systems became evident [[1]]. HCP have been recognized as a high-risk group for occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and onset of clinical illness, while fatalities occurred [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Moreover, high rates of absenteeism were noted among HCP, either because of infection or for post-exposure isolation purposes [[7]].

Starting this autumn, healthcare facilities around the world are experiencing an unprecedented surge of healthcare demands in association with a considerable influx of patients [[1],[8]]. HCP constitute a high-priority group for COVID-19 vaccination [[9],[10]]. Aside from protection of HCP, the rationale for vaccination relies also on the need to preserve the essential healthcare services from outbreaks and HCP absenteeism [[9]]. The underlying arguments for HCP prioritization for vaccination also include the principle of reciprocity, given their work under intense conditions, putting themselves but also potentially their households at higher risk for the sake of patients [[9]].

Introduction

Participants and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion

References

Abstract

Objective
To determine the potential and limitations of Primary Health Care professionals to identify situations of violence against women.
Location
A municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Design
Descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach.
Participants
Twenty-one health professionals of three Family Health Strategy units, as well as one Basic Health Unit. The inclusion criterion consisted of being a health worker in these services. The exclusion criterion was to be absent from work by any kind type license during the period of data production.
Method
The technique used to produce data was individual, semi-structured, interviews in order to collect sociodemographic data and the monitoring by professionals related to the potentials and limitations to identify violence situations. The data collection was suspended based on the saturation criterion. The data were systematized and analyzed by the content analysis technique, according to the analytical categories of health care network and gender.
Results
The potential to identify themes were: professional experience, receptive atmosphere, bonding, and listening to the reports of women, children and/or neighbors and observing their behavior; to identify the lesions; prenatal consultations; and home visits. As to the limitations: silence, denial/non-recognition of violence, lack of complaints by women; fear and guilt; flaws and unpreparedness of the health team; and fear due to the presence of aggressor.
Conclusions
It is urgent to recognize the potential of Primary Care and to promote the qualification of professionals in order to identify the situation among visible and invisible complaints, leading to the confrontation of violence.

Introduction

Violence against women is a kind violation of human rights that affect women from all over the world, presenting a high prevalence and impact on health services. It is defined as every act of violence against women that cause physical, psychological and sexual suffering, as well threats and deprivation of freedom. It is permeated and determined by gender issues and has as intrinsic component the divergences between sexes, and it represents the social relations of power and the different roles of men and women. It is estimated that 30% of women around the world have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Studies point to the consequences of violence to women’s health. As for mental health, they point to psychiatric problems, such as depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatoform and personality disorder. Also, the use of licit and illicit substances and psychotropic and analgesic medication. Sleep-related disorders, improper feeding, body aches, bruises, low self-esteem and panic syndrome are also presented by these women. In this context, the health sector has fundamental assignments in the intersectoral response to the violence against women as well the identification the kind of violence, a prerequisite for providing immediate care and conducting referrals to specialized services. So, it is important that attention to women’s health in situation of violence occur in the Health Care Network (HCN), which is a network of organizations that provides or makes arrangements to offer equitable and integral health services to a specific population.

Abstract

As Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other remote patient monitoring systems increase in popularity, security concerns about the transfer and logging of data transactions arise. In order to handle the protected health information (PHI) generated by these devices, we propose utilizing blockchain-based smart contracts to facilitate secure analysis and management of medical sensors. Using a private blockchain based on the Ethereum protocol, we created a system where the sensors communicate with a smart device that calls smart contracts and writes records of all events on the blockchain. This smart contract system would support real-time patient monitoring and medical interventions by sending notifications to patients and medical professionals, while also maintaining a secure record of who has initiated these activities. This would resolve many security vulnerabilities associated with remote patient monitoring and automate the delivery of notifications to all involved parties in a HIPAA compliant manner.

Introduction

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearable technology has opened up new possibilities in the realm of medical sensors, particularly for remote patient monitoring. One subset of this IoT healthcare trend is This article is part of the Topical Collection on Mobile & Wireless Health Thaier Hayajneh thayajneh@fordham.edu Kristen N. Griggs kgriggs2@fordham.edu Olya Ossipova oossipova@fordham.edu Christopher P. Kohlios ckohlios@fordham.edu Alessandro N. Baccarini abaccarini@fordham.edu Emily A. Howson ehowson@fordham.edu 1 Fordham Center for Cybersecurity, Fordham University, New York, USA Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). In a WBAN, a patient is equipped with various wearable or implanted medical devices that take real-time measurements of vital indicators, such as heart rates or glucose levels. Other devices may act as actuators, which can provide automated treatments based on the measurements taken by the sensors. All of the patient’s WBAN devices report to a master device (typically a mobile phone) which transmits the collected data to healthcare providers and provides an interactive interface for the user. This remote monitoring reduces the need for time-consuming doctor’s appointments and allows patients to go about their daily lives more freely [3].

Introduction

The healthcare estate directly contributes to the delivery of high quality healthcare for patients and it is a key enabler to change in the health system with its contribution largely undervalued and untapped (Naylor, 2017). Unfortunately, for senior management in public healthcare organisations the often vast and valuable facility portfolio presents significant challenges for decisions surrounding the long term planning of future options for the estate (i.e. new-build, modernisation, refurbishment or disposal). These decisions need to relate to the changing demand for care, driven by the aging population, epidemiology issues (change in disease pattern) and the potential impact of new technologies that have been taking place over the last forty years and that will continue with increasing impact in the coming decades. Today hospitals are structures whose design and configuration reflects the practice of healthcare and patient requirements often from a bygone era (McKee and Healy, 2000). Therefore, they are neither efficient nor functional when it comes to efficiently addressing the demands of the service now and in the future. At the same time there is an increasingly austere financial climate in many developed countries that results in cuts to public expenditure which in turn has affected budgets within the healthcare sector (Nunes et al., 2015, Stuckler et al., 2011). An increasing need has arisen to adapt the estate to reflect both current and future demands in order to avoid affecting adversely the quality of health offered to patients and its economic viability (Naylor, 2017). Responding to these challenges is the subject of much debate within academia and amongst practitioners around the nature of the new strategies required to support the long term planning of healthcare estates which deliver quality services in an efficient and effective manner, while being aligned to the organisational business strategy, organisational goals and priorities. In other words, to achieve the best value that can be delivered from the estates. This is the case within National Health Services (NHS) Scotland which has embarked on a journey in which optimising the value of the healthcare estates has been a key priority. To this end, researchers, advisory bodies and consultants have been developing assessment tools such as performance measurement systems to help asset managers to proactively deal with their portfolios through for example Balanced Score Cards with feed-forward loops, the Soft Landings Framework and the Building Asset Performance Framework (BAPF). Performance measurement systems are tools that encompass the processes of establishing goals, developing a metric set, setting targets, collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating performance information and results within the organisation and its key stakeholders, implementation action plans for each perspective and the inclusion of causeeffect relationships between performance measures and goals (Brudan, 2010; Gimbert et al., 2010). Støre-Valen and Lohne (2016) mentioned that the analysis of performance data can contribute to strategic decision-making concerning future planning and its potential. In addition, a number of studies in the asset property management literature have identified that performance measurement provides a tool for decision making, considering whether or not to make an investment and to assess the appropriateness of facilities to ensure their alignment with the organisation mission, requirements for facility expansion, real estate acquisition and facility’s renovation and retrofit (Lavy et al., 2014 a; Cable and Davis, 2005).

Background: To date, few studies have assessed how Brazil’s universal healthcare system’s (SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde) systemic, infrastructural, and geographical challenges affect individuals’ abilities to access organ transplantation services and receive quality treatment. Discussion: In this article we evaluated the existing literature to examine the impact that SUS has had on an increasingly important healthcare sector: organ transplantation services. We assess how equity challenges within the transplantation system can be explained by wider problems within SUS. Findings suggest stark disparities in access to transplantation services both within and across Brazil’s regions. We found that these regional differences are partially due to logistical challenges, especially in loosely populated areas but are also a consequence of disparities in resource allocations within SUS and under-capacitated health care facilities affecting transplantation services. Summary: We suggest that Brazil needs to improve its health outcome measurement system for organ transplantations and epidemiological surveillance, to gain more comprehensive and comparable data. Finally, we recommend policy strategies to reduce barriers to access to transplantation services by increasing transplantation service coverage in some areas and investing in emerging technologies.

Background

Addressing healthcare disparities in emerging nations is a new area of scholarly research. Among the BRICS nations, Brazil has stood out as a government that, while in principle is committed to establishing an effective universal health care system, in practice has not been fully dedicated to achieving this objective. Inadequate funding, poor health care infrastructure, insufficient human resources, and geographic distance have negatively affected patient access to adequate health care services through the government’s decentralized universal health care system, namely SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde). To date, however, few have analysed the impact that SUS has had on an increasingly important healthcare sector: organ transplantation services. As the number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with potentially damaging effects on organs increases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, demands for transplantation services will inevitably rise. Yet, studies have paid insufficient attention to how SUS’ systemic, infrastructural, and geographical challenges affect individuals’ abilities to access transplantation services and receive quality treatment. We aim to fill in this lacuna in the literature by illustrating how regional differences in SUS human resources, medical infrastructure, waiting periods for medical attention and neurological exams lead to disparities in transplantation processes and provisions between the states. More specifically, Brazil’s wealthier southern states have seen better resources and infrastructure, in turn facilitating access and treatment in transplantation services; the converse holds for most poorer northeastern states.1 We also desire to highlight that geographical factors matter: that is, patients in poorer rural areas confront transportation difficulties in obtaining access to transplantation services, which is less the case in urban areas. Scope: We focus on the Brazilian public healthcare system in its wider national context (e.g. overall infrastructure). When conducting research for this article, the authors obtained referenced articles from personal databases of journal articles and reports, found mainly from on-line library systems and search engines, such as PubMed and Google.