Thesis (M.Pharm.) -- University of Limpopo -- 2020 / Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which are chronic diseases in nature, have been the most common cause of death and disability globally for the last three decades. The prevalence of hypertension in South Africa has been estimated to be 20% of the adult population with over six million people being affected. Patient’s knowledge and awareness of blood pressure plays an important role in achieving successful control of hypertension. Although it is important for a physician to be involved in this educational process, pharmacists also have a role to play in this regard. Given their accessibility and drug therapy expertise, pharmacists are a logical choice and a valuable asset to improve hypertension management via team-based care and also when they are in direct consultation with the patients. Methods: The study involved both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data from 341 patients attending the 4 clinics at Ga-Dikgale. A semi-structured one-on-one interviews were used as data collection for 20 pharmacists working at Mankweng hospital until saturation was reached. Results: On the knowledge about definition, 30.7% were knowledgeable and 5.8% were highly knowledgeable. On the knowledge about treatment, 48% were highly knowledgeable. With regards to lifestyle modifications 77.8% were highly knowledgeable. For complications of hypertension, 63.2% were highly knowledgeable. Amongst the participants level of education proved to play a significant role on the knowledge of hypertension. The study also revealed that pharmacists shared similar practices in the management of hypertension. The following themes emerged from the data analysis, using Tesch’s inductive, descriptive coding technique of qualitative data analysis: Perceived roles of pharmacists during the management of hypertensive patients, expectations of pharmacists during provision of medication to hypertensive patients, and challenges related to pharmacists’ practices during care of hypertensive patient}s. Conclusions: The results of the quantitative study indicated that participants at Dikgale have good knowledge about hypertension, although previous studies indicate high rates of cardio-metabolic risk factors for hypertension. Further studies need to be conducted to determine reasons for patients not practicing lifestyle modifications. The results of the qualitative study indicated that there are common practices of pharmacists in the management of hypertension. More attention should be focused on training pharmacists on how to provide comprehensive counselling to hypertensive patients. There should also be workshops for pharmacists on how to efficiently educate patients on hypertension. / VLIR

Thesis (M. A. (PHARM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Introduction Multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach has emerged as one solution to improving chronic kidney disease (CKD) care. The MDT may include a nephrologist, physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers, all working together to deliver effective care to patients with CKD. Participation of pharmacists within the renal MDT at Polokwane hospital seems to be limited. The perceived barriers to pharmacists providing renal care services to CKD patients at Polokwane hospital could inform future strategy development, to enhance their participation. The aim of this study was to explore the role of pharmacists in renal care and develop strategies to maximise their participation in the renal multidisciplinary health care team, based on their participation at Polokwane hospital, Limpopo province. Method A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with a purposeful sample of 8 members of the renal MDT and 9 pharmacists. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed exactly as said and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the analysis: ‘pharmacist’s current scope of practice within the renal MDT’, ‘potential future roles of pharmacists’, ‘perceived barriers to participation of pharmacists within the renal MDT’ and ‘recommendation/Strategies to incorporate pharmacists into the MDT’. Results have shown that pharmacists have an absent role within the renal MDT. Their role is limited to just dispensing and managing stock, with no role in direct patient care. Both pharmacists and MDT members showed preference to working together during renal care. Pharmacy services suggested include medication reviews, provision of patient education and counselling, patient adherence improvement, dosage workouts, patient monitoring and education on contraindicated drugs and drug interactions. Shortage of staff, pharmacists lack of clinical skills, lack of communication and attitude of pharmacists were perceived as the major barriers to participation of pharmacists within the renal xii MDT. To overcome these barriers, it was recommended that the department of health (DoH) provide more pharmacy staff and educational opportunities in the form of workshops, to equip pharmacists clinically and broaden competency and knowledge on effective communication and coordination. In addition, it was recommended that the clinical curriculum at Universities be revised, to build solid foundation on MDT care and pharmacology and that the MDT programme be standardized through standard treatment guidelines (SOP’s), policies and drawing of job descriptions. Conclusion The role of pharmacists at Polokwane hospital is confined to just stock management and dispensing. There are promising avenues for future development of their role during patient care, which can be achieved by addressing the barriers highlighted Recommendations The expansion of the role of pharmacists within the renal MDT will require improved partnership between health care professionals, resources, legislations and guidance from formal SOPs. Having a national framework for pharmacy practice from Ministry of Health, supported by educational opportunities and a pro-active professional association would be key to incorporating pharmacists within the renal MDT.