In terms of breastfeeding (BF) practices in Romania, there is a lack of up-to-date data. The aim of the present study was to assess current BF practices, and to investigate the factors associated with exclusive BF (EBF) under 6 months of age in northwestern Romania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 1399 mothers of children aged 0–23 months, recruited between March and June 2019, from the community. BF practices were evaluated based on the World Health Organization indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, whereas determinants of EBF were explored using logistic regression models. Almost all mothers (95.7%) breastfed their child at least once. The EBF rate was 46.7%, the continued BF rate at one year of age was 54.2%, and the continued BF rate at 2 years of age was 30.3%. The place of delivery and parental leave duration were strong determinants of EBF. The improving rates observed in this study for all the BF practices assessed suggest the continuation of efforts to develop effective national policies and programs for promoting, protecting, and supporting BF in Romania. Particular emphasis should be given to the creation in maternity hospitals of an environment that is supportive towards breastfeeding.

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians’ awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding the use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that physicians were aware of FSMPs and recommended them to their patients based on nutritional deficits, weight loss, or deglutition impairments. In addition, disease stage, treatment scheme, taste, affordability, and availability were identified as factors influencing the recommendation and use of FSMPs. While physicians generally did not consult clinical trials, clinical experience was deemed essential for recommending FSMPs to patients. Patients’ feedback regarding the usage and sourcing of FSMPs was generally positive, with some expressing concerns about the availability of different flavours and the costs of purchasing the products. This study concluded that physicians play a vital role in recommending FSMPs to patients and ensuring they have the necessary nutritional support during treatment. However, it may be imperative to consider the provision of additional patient education materials and fostering collaborative efforts with nutritionists in order to optimise the prospects of positive outcomes in oncology treatment, while simultaneously alleviating the financial burdens faced by patients.

Effective communication between pharmacists and patients is essential for therapeutic success. The pharmacist's perspective may differ from that of the patient in terms of effective communication. Our study aimed to assess the communication efficiency in the pharmacist-patient relationship from the pharmacists’ perspective. We hypothesize that the community pharmacist's perspective can lead to relevant aspects of patient-centred communication and their profession. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire addressed to pharmacists. A number of 506 questionnaires were collected, evaluated, analyzed and interpreted. The questionnaire focused on the following main issues: degree of job satisfaction, essential skills of a pharmacist working in a community pharmacy, different aspects of pharmacist-patient communication, shared decision-making, patient monitoring plan and other elements related to a patient under treatment (healthy lifestyle, receptivity to counselling, loyalty and appreciation of pharmaceutical services). The pharmacist's efficiency in communication with the patient and professional education were also targeted in the study. There are no significant differences between job satisfaction in women compared to men. However, the job satisfaction increases with the average age. Caregiver, communicator and life-long learner were identified as essential skills of a pharmacist. Pharmacists participating in the study generally perceive themselves as good communicators with the patient. Nevertheless, many particular aspects of communication with patients can be greatly improved. The lack of training in the spirit of the „patient-centred communication” concept has been identified. Still, more than a third of the respondents are missing the need for professional training. A periodic evaluation of the efficiency of pharmacist-patient communication in the community pharmacy is necessary. The degree of subjectivity of the pharmacist from this perspective and self-sufficiency would be significantly diminished if the pharmacists had access to the results of the periodic evaluations.

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians' awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding using Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that physicians were aware of FSMPs and recommended them to their patients based on nutritional deficits, weight loss, or deglutition impairments. In addition, disease stage, treatment scheme, taste, affordability, and availability were identified as factors influencing the recommendation and use of FSMPs. While physicians generally did not consult clinical trials, clinical experience was deemed essential for recommending FSMPs to patients. Patients' feedback regarding the usage and sourcing of FSMPs was generally positive, with some expressing concerns about the availability of different flavours and the costs of purchasing the products. The study concludes that physicians play a vital role in recommending FSMPs to patients and ensuring they have the necessary nutritional support during treatment. However, more patient education materials and collaboration with nutritionists may be required to improve patient outcomes and reduce patient financial burden.