Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality to promote empathy for patients through a mixed-methods study.

Objective: To describe the implementation and outcomes of EmpathyVR, an immersive experience using virtual reality (VR) to promote empathy for patients with physical limitations due to chronic diseases.

Methods: First-year student pharmacists participated in a learning experience that incorporated VR and stiff gloves to simulate physical limitations associated with color-blindness and arthritis, respectively. Students completed pre- and post-intervention surveys that included the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale and measures of immersion, user enjoyment, perceived usefulness for learning, and adverse effects of the experience.

Activities to promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners: A scoping review.

Background: Provider empathy has been shown to be directly linked to improved patient outcomes. The objective of this scoping review of the literature was to identify and describe learning activities that promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the following inclusion criteria: publication in English, activities conducted in any academic pharmacy training program (professional degree program, experiential, residency, or fellowship), description of the learning activity(ies) provided, and focus on the experience of empathy/caring/compassion for patients, either human or animal.

Safety reporting of Essure medical device: a qualitative and quantitative assessment on the FDA manufacturer and user facility device experience database in 2018.

Background: There have been numerous cases of adverse events since the introduction of Essure medical devices for sterilization in 2002. This study analyzed the safety event reports of the Essure reported in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE).

Methods: A retrospective analysis examined the MAUDE reports between Jan-1, 2018, and Oct-31, 2018 and focused on safety reports related to the Essure device.

Mental Health and Psychotropic Stigma Among Student Pharmacists.

Objective: To gain a better understanding of student pharmacists' stigma toward mental health and psychotropic medications.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted paper and online surveys amongst all student pharmacists enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Southeastern United States ( = 501). The Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination (PDD) Scale was used to measure mental health stigma.

High-level curricular integration in pharmacy schools: A systematic literature review.

Background: Pharmacy school accreditors recommend curricular integration. With today's complex health care system, there is also a need for more intentional and seamless blending, characterizing what we propose as "high-level curricular integration" (i.e.

Ending the HIV Epidemic: One Southern Community Speaks.

Memphis, Tennessee and its surrounding counties have been profoundly affected by the HIV epidemic. Using a participatory research approach this study identified from a community perspective: 1) the barriers and facilitators for providing support to achieve viral suppression to the most at-risk groups living with HIV in the Memphis Transitional Grant Area and 2) opportunities to strengthen the health care system through the use of community health workers (CHWs) to do outreach and engage with people living with HIV. Themes of barriers include intersectional stigma, HIV criminal laws, abstinence-only sex education, housing, transportation, and limited access to HIV case management and mental health services.

The clinical impact of pharmacist services on mental health collaborative teams: A systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of mental health collaborative teams that include pharmacists.

Data Sources: PubMed, PsychInfo, Clinialtrials.gov, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts.

Improving Care Transitions: An Academic Service Partnership to Achieve Coordination of Care Using Students as Health Coaches.

To avoid penalty through the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, an academic practice partnership, Health Transitions Alliance, was formed with the local university, resulting in adoption of an innovative transitional care model. Key to the model was a health coach who operationalized transition care to the home setting. Health coaches, interns in their last semester of college, used motivational interviewing to help patients set disease management goals.

Impact of Trauma-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Team on Intra-Operative Resuscitation and Postoperative Outcomes of Trauma Patients.

A Trauma Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Team (TCT) was created and trained to provide trauma-focused anesthesia and resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to examine patient outcomes after implementation of TCT. We conducted retrospective analyses of trauma patients managed with surgical intervention from March to December 2015.

Multi-institutional analysis of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with severe hemorrhage: A new mortality predictor value.

Background: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been associated as a predictor for increased mortality in critically ill patients. We sought to determine the relationship between NLR and outcomes in adult trauma patients with severe hemorrhage requiring the initiation of massive transfusion protocol (MTP). We hypothesized that the NLR would be a prognostic indicator of mortality in this population.

Disseminating Comparative Effectiveness Research Through Community-based Experiential Learning.

To launch and evaluate a comparative effectiveness research education and dissemination program as part of an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE). First- through third-year PharmD students received training on comparative effectiveness research and disseminated printed educational materials to patients in the community who they were monitoring longitudinally (n=314). Students completed an assessment and initial visit documentation form at the first visit, and a follow-up assessment and documentation form at a subsequent visit.