[Objectives] Visually impaired is assumed that the taking medicine is difficult. This study aimed to elucidate the actual status of using drugs as part of medication assistance for people with acquired visual disabilities. [Method] We conducted a questionnaire survey of 14 people with acquired visual disabilities who use the Fukuoka Welfare Center for the Disabled. [Results] The mean age of the subjects was 70.2 years. The reading method “voice” was the highest at 12 cases. Thirteen people (93%) managed their medications by themselves. Among medication-related problems, 10 were associated with “vision.” Regarding efforts in using drugs, 6 cases the efforts involved using “vision.” People who always carry around the medication notebooks was two people (14%). Three people (21%) had a family pharmacy. Among requests and dissatisfaction concerning medication notebooks, 8 cases citing dissatisfaction had factors attributable to “pharmacy’s actions.” [Discussion] From the fact that voice in the reading methods are most often used, as a means of communication of information to the acquired visual disabilities, it is considered a method using the sound is suitable. In order to resolve medication difficulties, pharmacies need to make efforts according to the remaining ability of each individual.

Seminars on physical assessment (PA) are being held at a wide variety of universities and medical institutions. However, the current situation shows that the number of pharmacists practicing PA at medical sites is still very small. We therefore conducted a questionnaire survey, targeting all 70 individuals who took part in a PA seminar carried out in 2013 at Daiichi University of Pharmacy, to investigate the reasons for pharmacists being unable to practice PA at present, and then we studied the types of seminars that would be needed for them to practice PA in the future. The results showed that 91% of pharmacists, currently working in a pharmacy, who took part in the seminar and 100% of hospital pharmacists hoped to practice PA, if possible, although they had no immediate plans for implementing PA. Of those who participated in the current seminar, only 10% felt that they could practice PA immediately after taking the seminar just once, although the degrees of their understanding of the seminar content and mastering of the techniques were high. Our findings suggested additional training and studies to be necessary in order for the participating pharmacists to practice PA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the state of eating -related distress and struggle in the daily lives of cancer outpatients in cancer center hospital. Methods: Cancer outpatients who consented to participate in the study filled out self-administered questionnaires regarding eating distress and the means of coping with them. The data were qualitatively analyzed via content analysis method. Results: Data from 176 patients who responded that they experienced eating difficulties were analyzed. A total of 222 codes were extracted for eating-related distress, and these were classified into five categories, which included eating-related symptoms accompanying the disease and its treatment, difficulties related to food preparation, and concerns about eating outside food. A total of 224 codes were extracted for eating-related struggle made by the patients, and these were classified into eight categories, which included adjusting eating methods to make food easier to eat, controlling one’s feelings when unable to eat certain foods, and adjustments related to food preparation. Conclusions: The study results suggested that cancer outpatients require care not only at early stages after treatment for eating-related symptoms but also related to food preparation and concerns when eating outside food.