Consumer perception, knowledge, and uses of cannabidiol.

Introduction: The legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) across the United States, in varying degrees, has made CBD easily accessible to consumers for complementary and medical purposes. However, there is a paucity of scientific evidence on the benefits and risks of commercially available CBD. In the literature, 2 studies have gathered consumer perceptions and attitudes on cannabis products, specifically CBD, using survey-based questionnaires.

Improving health equity: Evaluation of accessible written medication information for patients with visual impairment.

Background: Currently, there are limited options for patients with visual impairment or blindness to obtain accessible written medication information.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the availability of accessible medication guides provided by the manufacturer and identify common barriers reported by patients with visual impairment in obtaining accessible written medication information in health care settings.

Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study.

Accessibility of drug databases and resources with assistive technology.

Introduction: Pharmacy programs are responsible for providing appropriate academic accommodations to student learners in the classroom including individuals with disabilities according to Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards.

Commentary: In the literature, faculty have published methods on teaching strategies and assistive technologies to increase accessibility in a laboratory setting and implementation of resources for learners with visual or hearing impairment. An area that has not been highlighted in the literature is the accessibility of drug databases and resources often utilized in pharmacy practice and is an integral part of pharmacy curricula.

The accuracy and completeness of drug information in Google snippet blocks.

Introduction: Consumers commonly use the Internet for immediate drug information. In 2014, Google introduced the snippet block to programmatically search available websites to answer a question entered into the search engine without the need for the user to enter any websites. This study compared the accuracy and completeness of drug information found in Google snippet blocks to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medication guides.

The Drug Manufacturer as a Drug Information Resource.

Pharmacists use a myriad of drug resources for patient care; however, the drug manufacturer is often overlooked and underutilized as a resource for drug information. Pharmaceutical companies have a medical information department that is responsible for providing drug information to pharmacists and the public about the company's products. This article will explain the purpose and functions of the medical information department within a pharmaceutical company.

The role of a pharmacist as a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction: The literature has limited information on pharmacists working in the alternate career path of a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this study was to gather the background, functions, and skills of pharmacists working in the role of a medical information specialist (MIS) and their preparation for the role through their pharmacy education.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to medical information departments and obtained information on educational background, prior job experience, and skills required for the MIS role.