Outcomes of a Pharmacy-Driven Inpatient Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Transitions of Care (TOC) Management Process.

Current data shows 30% of patients hospitalized for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation are readmitted within 30 days. Medication management during transitions of care (TOC) has shown impact on clinical outcomes, however there is insufficient data to suggest how pharmacy TOC services might benefit this patient population. Evaluate the effects of pharmacy-driven COPD TOC services on hospital re-presentation rates.

A Qualitative Preceptor Development Needs Assessment to Inform Program Design and Effectiveness.

To assess preceptor teaching challenges and development programming design preferences through a qualitative needs assessment of Doctor of Pharmacy student and resident preceptors. In 2018, 148 experiential education stakeholders across North Carolina (eg, preceptors, residency program directors, experiential faculty administrators, and practice site administrators) were invited to participate in a 60-minute semi-structured interview as part of a broad preceptor development needs assessment. Interview questions focused on: precepting challenges, positive and negative features of development programs, and preferences for program design.

Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in the Development of Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease of the lung vasculature that involves the loss of endothelial function together with inappropriate smooth muscle cell growth, inflammation, and fibrosis. These changes underlie a progressive remodeling of blood vessels that alters flow and increases pulmonary blood pressure. Elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery imparts a chronic stress on the right ventricle which undergoes compensatory hypertrophy but eventually fails.