https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40916 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:41:42 GMT 2026-04-17T07:41:42Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41140 Title: Empowering students to be proactive in their student life Authors: Borg, Denise; Galea, Charlene Abstract: With the ever increasing demand of flexible individuals within the workforce, the pharmacy profession is called to fulfil multi-faceted roles. The Malta Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (MPSA) strives to complement formal education with various opportunities for future pharmacists to practice and develop their interpersonal skills. Description: Includes author guidelines for publishing in the Journal of Euromed Pharmacy. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41140 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41139 Title: Standard operating procedures in pharmaceutical quality systems Authors: Serge, Simon; Serracino-Inglott, Anthony Abstract: Objective: To develop explanatory texts for a pharmacy curriculum and reference textbook and to develop model standard operating procedures (SOP s) on key quality and operational pharmaceutical activities. Method: Explanatory texts were written and model SOP s were developed. Emphasis on clarity, conciseness and user-friendliness was made when selecting the writing style and format of the documents. Key Findings: Three explanatory texts entitled ‘Master Standard Operating Procedure’, ‘Preparing a Standard Operating Procedure’ and ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’ were compiled and sixteen model SOPs were developed. Conclusion: Effective SOPs are required to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements and good practice guidelines. Explanatory texts and model SOP s are provided to assist in the development of a pharmaceutical quality management system. The texts developed are an effective training tool on the development of good quality SOPs and the model SOPs are an example of the good quality procedures being recommended. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41139 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41138 Title: Use of NSAIDs and patient safety Authors: Baldacchino, Doris; Azzopardi, Lilian M. Abstract: Objective: To assess the pattern of use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and propose methods whereby pharmacists can help to improve patient safety when these drugs are used. Method: A psychometrically-evaluated questionnaire was administered to 261 patients aged 18 and over who visited 13 different community pharmacies, 1 from each electoral district in Malta and Gozo, chosen by stratified random sampling. Information about the sociodemographic status, symptoms and disease states and the drugs taken in the past 6 months was collected. Analysis of data was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and the Biomedical Data Package (BMDP ) Software. Key findings: Results show a high prevalence of analgesic (>80% per district) and NSAID use (about 50% per district). The first drug of choice to relieve analgesia was paracetamol (67.1%) followed by diclofenac (37.2%). Ibuprofen was the fourth drug of choice (7.3%). About 65% of patients who took diclofenac stated that they self-prescribe the medication. Statistical analysis of data showed an association between the use of NSAIDs, musculoskeletal pain and menstrual pain (both p=0.010). A number of patients at risk of gastro-intestinal bleeds, cardiovascular events and those suffering from asthma reported taking NSAIDs occasionally. The presence of risks of drug interactions was identified with various drugs. Conclusion: NSAIDs are overused in Malta and are often administered indiscriminately. Pharmacist intervention could ensure the rational and safe use of NSAIDs. This could be achieved by having a shared protocol between pharmacists and prescribers for appropriate prescribing and dispensing and by identifying scenarios where pharmacist prescribing can be carried out to ensure that the analgesic used is appropriate for the individual patient. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41138 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41137 Title: Standard operating procedures for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry Authors: Mansor, Enas; Serracino-Inglott, Anthony Abstract: Objectives: To develop quality control standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to highlight the importance of implementation and use of these SOPs in the pharmaceutical industry. Method: A pharmaceutical company, Aurobindo (Swift services), was regularly visited three times per week over a five-month period. The visits consisted of familiarisation visits followed by visits for induction and specific training. A set of SOPs were selected, developed and implemented. Key findings: Nine SOPs were developed and implemented. Seven SOPs were developed using a simple format and two SOP s were developed in the form of flow chart. The average time taken to carry out a procedure was recorded and included in eight SOPs. Conclusion: SOPs are tools which when followed correctly ensure the consistency of a process. This is important in the pharmaceutical industry to achieve high standards of quality. Inclusion of the time taken to carry out a procedure gives an indication to the user whether the task was carried out as expected. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41137 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z