Amira Guirguis, John M. Corkery, Jacqueline L. Stair, Stewart Kirton, Mire Zloh, Christine M. Goodair, Fabrizio Schifano and Colin Davidson
– The purpose of this paper is to determine pharmacists’ knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine pharmacists’ knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was handed out at two London pharmacist continuing education events in mid-2014. These events update pharmacists about developments of interest/relevance to the profession and to improve their practice. A total of 54 forms were returned; a response rate of 26 percent.
Findings
Most pharmacists had poor knowledge of NPS and many considered that NPS were not important to their work, with few having had to advise customers in this area. Despite this, the majority thought that they had insufficient information about NPS. There was a negative correlation between the age of the pharmacist and knowledge of NPS.
Research limitations/implications
The sample is a self-selected one drawn from registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies in northwest London, and thus does not include hospital pharmacies. Self-selection means that respondents may only reflect those who are interested in the NPS phenomenon and not the wider pharmacy community. The geographical area covered may not be representative of London as a whole, or indeed other parts of the UK or other EU countries.
Practical implications
It is clear that pharmacists do not know much about NPS but would like to know more. This information might improve their practice.
Social implications
Pharmacists, easier to see than general practitioners, could be a useful source of information for NPS misusers.
Originality/value
There have been no previous attempts to gauge the level of knowledge by pharmacists of legal highs/NPS in the UK or elsewhere to our knowledge.
Details
Keywords
TONY WARSHAW, LIZ BOWMAN, TERRY HANSTOCK, ALLAN BUNCH, EDWIN FLEMING and WILFRED ASHWORTH
Two new members of staff are joining BLRDD in September: Lawrence Howells, who is at present working in the Science Reference and Information service, will become a project…
Abstract
Two new members of staff are joining BLRDD in September: Lawrence Howells, who is at present working in the Science Reference and Information service, will become a project officer, and Ros Cotton, who is currently working in the Library Association Library, will be the new dissemination officer.
Minh-Hieu Le, Thu-Thao Le and Phung Phi Tran
This research aims to enhance understanding of outsourcing dynamics from emerging markets by employing a bibliometric analysis of relevant scholarly articles. The study explores…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to enhance understanding of outsourcing dynamics from emerging markets by employing a bibliometric analysis of relevant scholarly articles. The study explores publication patterns, citation networks, author collaborations and contributions by different countries, offering insights for researchers and practitioners investigating outsourcing in these markets.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using 197 articles from the SCOPUS database, spanning January 1999 to June 2023. Established bibliometric techniques were utilized to analyze publication patterns, citation networks, author collaborations and country contributions, identifying key research themes and influential authors and institutions.
Findings
The study identified eight distinct research clusters, highlighting interdisciplinary collaborations, influential authors like Thomas Frisanco and Erdener Kaynak, and significant contributions from the United States and the UK. Notable organizational collaborations include the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Miami. These findings provide valuable insights into outsourcing practices and research trends in emerging markets.
Research limitations/implications
The study acknowledges limitations such as sampling bias, language bias and publication bias, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research should strive for more diverse and representative samples, including non-English publications and studies with non-significant results, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of outsourcing dynamics.
Practical implications
The findings offer practical insights for organizations considering outsourcing from emerging markets, guiding strategic decision-making and policy development. Understanding publication patterns and research themes can help organizations navigate location selection, vendor management, risk mitigation and performance evaluation in these markets.
Social implications
Outsourcing can significantly impact employment, income generation, skill development and overall economic development in emerging markets. Policymakers can use these insights to foster business growth, infrastructure development and investment incentives, contributing to economic growth and employment opportunities.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of outsourcing from emerging markets, filling a gap in the existing literature. The insights gained can guide future research, inform strategic decision-making and enhance the understanding of outsourcing dynamics in these rapidly evolving markets.