American Journal of Health Research

Special Issue

Supplementary Prescribing in Nigeria: A Needy Concept to Promote Clinical Physiotherapy Practice

  • Submission Deadline: 30 September 2014
  • Status: Submission Closed
  • Lead Guest Editor: Teslim Onigbinde
About This Special Issue
Pharmcophysiotherpy or Rehabilitative pharmacotherapeutics is not really a new area of physiotherapy; it is only rarely practiced by physiotherapists. It involves the use of pharmacotherapy (therapeutic application of drugs) in conjunction with physiotherapy in the treatment of medical conditions. There evidences that pharmacotherapy, in recent days, has become an indispensable adjunct to the effectiveness of clinical physiotherapy practice. The three identified areas of pharmacophysiotherapy are iontophoresis, ultrasonophoresis (Phonophoresis) and supplementary prescribing (SP). There is increasing interest in pharmacotherapy by physiotherapists and this may necessitate collaboration with pharmacists. There is need for Inter-professional education and collaboration among health professionals in order to avoid misconceptions and under-utilization.

Supplementary prescribing is alien to traditional statutory roles of physiotherapy in Nigeria, whereas it is a modern day health care policy in the UK. Doctors have the sole primary responsibility of prescribing medications for patients in Nigeria, contrarily, in the United Kingdom (UK), physiotherapists and other allied health professionals are either supplementary prescribers or independent prescribers since 2005; and this was aimed at improving patient’s accessibility to medications, promote timely interventions and allow physicians to concentrate on the critically ill patients and surgery. In SP, the patients must consent to the clinical management plans.

The doctor-patient ratio in Nigeria was 1:6400 as against the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of 1:600 and this remains a huge challenge and a short- change to Nigerian patients. There are evidences that Nigerian doctors are being overworked and there may be difficulties for patients to have access to them for prompt and adequate medical interventions. This is also dis-service to patients in the rural areas which remains the domicile of a larger population of an estimated 170million people.

The stakeholders in health are majorly the doctors, allied health professionals, government and the patients. All the stakeholders must be involved if there will be a change in the statutory roles of physiotherapy. This special issue would reveal the opinion of Nigerian doctor, pharmacists, physiotherapists and patients on SP. It would also sensitize; reveal the importance, and relevance of iontophoresis and phonophoresis in effective clinical management of patients. Similarly, it might also serve as a reference document for the review of Nigeria’s health policy on drug prescription. The knowledge and preference of Nigerian physiotherapists on topical medications would also be known in one of the reports.

Furthermore, inter-professional knowledge determines support and collaborations among health professionals. One of the studies would reveal the knowledge of pharmacists on a procedure of physiotherapy which requires drug administration.
Lead Guest Editor
  • Teslim Onigbinde

    Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Lle Ife, Nigeria

Guest Editors
  • Adedoyin Rufus

    Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria

Published Articles
  • Selected Topical Medications: Patterns, Knowledge and Preference in Clinical Practice among Nigerian Physiotherapists

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Olatipe Christianah Folake , Tarimo Nesto , Mukoka Grace

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 22-28
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 29 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.15
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    Abstract: Application of topical medication remains an essential component of clinical physiotherapy practice but previous reports have revealed poor knowledge of medications among Nigerian physiotherapists. Also, there are arrays of topical medications available but there is envelope of doubts on what determines the choice of Nigerian physiotherapists. The ... Show More
  • Relationship between Selected Anthropometric Variables, Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Endurance Walk in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Participants

    Oluwafemi Oluwasegun , Adeyanju Solomon Adekunle , Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 61-66
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.22
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    Abstract: There appears to be an increasing number of patients with cardiovascular disorders and diabetes but there is paucity of data on likely factors which are related to these disorders. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between selected anthropometric variables, cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular respo... Show More
  • Assessment of Work Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Professional Drivers in the Service of a Tertiary Institution

    Ojoawo Adesola Ojo , Onaade Oluwaseun , Adedoyin Rufus , Okonji Adaobi

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 56-60
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.21
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    Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is usually work related and it is a common phenomenon among several occupations. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of work related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among drivers at a Nigerian tertiary institution. An adapted Nordic musculoskeletal pain questionnaire (NMSPQ,) was distributed to all the... Show More
  • An Assessment of Knowledge of Nigerian Female Undergraduates on Obesity as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

    Taofeek Oluwole Awotidebe , Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin , Busola Fatoogun , Victor Adeyeye , Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada , Odunayo Theresa Akinola , Olubusola Esther Johnson , Nicole De Wet

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 50-55
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.20
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    Abstract: There is an increasing predilection to obesity and consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women. This study investigated knowledge of Nigerian female undergraduates on obesity as a risk factor for CVD in women. This cross-sectional study recruited 400 female undergraduate students at a tertiary institution in Nigeria. A validated questionnai... Show More
  • Prevalence and Relationship between Analgesic and Alcohol Consumption, Smoking Habit and Occurrence of Lowback Pain amongst Craftsmen in a South-East Nigerian Community

    Gabriel Omoniyi Ayeni , Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo , Oladire Olaniyi , Ayodele Teslim Onigbinde , Oluwasegun AkindeleAyeni

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 45-49
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.19
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    Abstract: Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability with high economic and public health repercussions. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and relationship between analgesic and alcohol consumption, smoking and occurrence of lowback pain amongst craftsmen in Owerri, a South-East Nigerian community. A structured questi... Show More
  • Comparative Effects of a Single Treatment Session Using Glucosamine Sulphate and Methyl Salicylate on Pain and Hamstring Flexibility of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Adesina Olawale Daniel , Tarimo Nesto , Ojoawo Adesola

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 40-44
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.18
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    Abstract: Transdermal delivery of topical medications is commonly used for managing osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis of the knee joint impairs lower limb functions which contributes to poor gait patterns. There is insufficient empirical data to support the efficacy of glucosamine sulphate and methyl salicilate cream in the management of knee OA. The aims ... Show More
  • Electromotive Administration of Topical Medications in Clinical Physiotherapy Practice: A Review

    Odeyemi Emmanuel , Oyedemi Jerremiah , Okonji Adaobi

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 34-39
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.17
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    Abstract: Oral and injection routes of drug administration has adverse effect in the body system, hence, there is paradigm shift in route of drug administration to the use of electromotive force via the skin where applicable; and this by passes the first pass effect metabolism. Both iontophoresis and ultra-sonophoresis are examples of procedures for the elec... Show More
  • Opinion of Nigerian Pharmacists on Enlistment of Physiotherapists as Supplementary Prescribers of Relevant Medications

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Ojo Mojisola Ayodele

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 29-33
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.16
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    Abstract: There is increasing evidence that combining pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy is an effective tool towards effective management different pathologies. Physiotherapists in some countries have had prescription rights for more than a decade but this appears not to be the trend in Nigeria. In these countries, pharmacists played key roles in the change ... Show More
  • An Assessment of Inter-Professional Knowledge of Nigerian Pharmacists on Topical Dosage Specificity; and the Effects of Electro-Physical Agents on Drugs

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Ojo Ayodele Mojisola , Bamitale Kayode Dominion , Wiesener Trond

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 17-21
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.14
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    Abstract: There is need for Inter-professional education and collaboration among health professionals in order to avoid misconceptions and under-utilization. The primary aims of this study were to investigate the familiarity of Nigerian pharmacists with Finger Tip Unit (FTU) as a means of quantifying dose for topical medications; and also assess their knowle... Show More
  • Physiotherapists as Supplementary Prescribers: Opinion of Nigerian Doctors

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Oyeniran Tolulope Olaoluwa , Mukoka Grace , Nondwe Bongokazi Mlenzana , Manie Shamilar , Tarimo Nesto

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 12-16
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.13
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    Abstract: In Nigeria, doctors have the sole primary responsibility of prescribing medications for patients, contrarily, in the United Kingdom (UK), physiotherapists have advanced from being supplementary prescribers in 2005 to independent prescribers in 2012; and this was aimed at improving patient’s accessibility to medications. The primary aim of this stud... Show More
  • Patient’s Perception of Nigerian Physiotherapists as Supplementary Prescribers

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Oyedemi Oluwapelumi Jeremiah , Tarimo Nesto , Mukoka Grace

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 6-11
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.12
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    Abstract: In supplementary prescription (SP) of drugs; patient must consent and ascent to clinical management plans (CMP) and this is the principle of shared decision making (SDM). Shared decision making is a modern care ideology being used to promote effective treatment of patients. If physiotherapists are to become supplementary prescribers (SPs) it is imp... Show More
  • Perception of Nigerian Physiotherapists on Enlistment, Legislation and Benefits of Supplementary Prescribing

    Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Tijani Aishat Idowu

    Issue: Volume 2, Issue 5-1, October 2014
    Pages: 1-5
    Received: 02 September 2014
    Accepted: 19 September 2014
    Published: 27 September 2014
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.s.2014020501.11
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    Abstract: Supplementary prescribing is a modern clinical practice of utilizing allied health professionals to make drug administration easier and more accessible for patients. In the UK, physiotherapists have advanced from being supplementary to independent prescribers. Nigerian physiotherapists are still restricted to the traditional roles of clinical pract... Show More