Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Poststroke Transitions of Care Clinic on 30 and 90-Day Hospital Readmission Rates.

Background: Stroke impacts nearly 800,000 people annually and the risk of recurrent stroke and hospital readmission is increased early following the initial event. Due to the increase in morbidity and mortality associated with secondary events, a pharmacist-driven poststroke transitions of care clinic was created at Methodist University Hospital to provide risk factor modification in an effort to decrease risk of recurrence and hospital readmissions.

Methods: A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted between 9/1/2017 and 2/28/2019.

Use of virtual patient software to assess student confidence and ability in communication skills and virtual patient impression: A mixed-methods approach.

Background And Purpose: Knowledge related to the use of virtual patients (VP) in pharmacy education is limited in relation to student satisfaction with this learning technique. This project aimed to assess students' confidence and impressions in using their communication skills with a VP and to evaluate their skills using this technology.

Educational Activity And Setting: This explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted with first-year doctor of pharmacy students.

New Injectable Agents for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Part 1 - Injectable Insulins.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently approved several new insulin products and new formulations of existing insulin products. These new products may provide advantages over older products, such as a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia and ease of dosing; however, they are costly. The first of 2 articles in a series, this review will describe the potential advantages and disadvantages of these new insulin products.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Outpatient Insulin Management.

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin may be used to augment therapy with oral glycemic medications or as insulin replacement therapy. The American Diabetes Association suggests the use of long-acting (basal) insulin to augment therapy with one or two oral agents or one oral agent plus a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist when the A1C level is 9% or more, especially if the patient has symptoms of hyperglycemia or catabolism. Insulin regimens should be adjusted every three or four days until targets of self-monitored blood glucose levels are reached.

Management of Blood Glucose with Noninsulin Therapies in Type 2 Diabetes.

A comprehensive, collaborative approach is necessary for optimal treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment guidelines focus on nutrition, exercise, and pharmacologic therapies to prevent and manage complications. Patients with prediabetes or new-onset diabetes should receive individualized medical nutrition therapy, preferably from a registered dietitian, as needed to achieve treatment goals.

Incorrect use of peak flow meters: are you observing your patients?

Background: Monitoring peak expiratory flow (PEF) values is one option as part of asthma action plans per national guidelines. PEF assessment is also recommended in emergency department and hospitalized patients. Incorrect use of peak flow meters (PFM) has obvious implications for appropriate decisions by patients and clinicians.

Pharmacist-physician collaboration for diabetes care: the diabetes initiative program.

Background: Multiple complications can arise secondary to poor control of glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a patient with diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-physician collaboration on attainment of diabetes-related measures of control.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, cohort study.

Pancreatitis: a potential complication of liraglutide?

Objective: To review the evidence surrounding a potential association between liraglutide and pancreatitis.

Data Sources: A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (1948-July 12, 2012) and EMBASE (1974-week 27, 2012) using the search terms pancreatitis, liraglutide, and glucagon-like peptide 1/adverse effects. Reference citations from identified publications were reviewed.

Community-acquired pneumonia in children.

Community-acquired pneumonia is a potentially serious infection in children and often results in hospitalization. The diagnosis can be based on the history and physical examination results in children with fever plus respiratory signs and symptoms. Chest radiography and rapid viral testing may be helpful when the diagnosis is unclear.

Peak expiratory flow in bed? A comparison of 3 positions.

Background: Current guidelines for the correct peak expiratory flow (PEF) maneuver include standing. In the hospital setting, PEF values are often ordered to assess response to asthma therapy for exacerbations. We have observed that the PEF is sometimes performed with the patient in bed.

Warfarin-cranberry juice interaction.

Objective: To report a case of warfarin-cranberry juice interaction, which resulted in an international normalized ratio (INR) elevation on 2 separate occasions.

Case Summary: A 46-year-old female was receiving a total weekly dose of 56 mg of warfarin. During the 4 months prior to the incident INR, her average INR was 2.

Comparing team-based and mixed active-learning methods in an ambulatory care elective course.

Objectives: To assess students' performance and perceptions of team-based and mixed active-learning methods in 2 ambulatory care elective courses, and to describe faculty members' perceptions of team-based learning.

Methods: Using the 2 teaching methods, students' grades were compared. Students' perceptions were assessed through 2 anonymous course evaluation instruments.

Future trends in diabetes management.

Since the discovery of insulin in the 1920s, numerous therapeutic and technological advances have improved the lives of patients with diabetes mellitus. This article reviews recent therapeutic and technological advances and future trends in the management of diabetes mellitus. Pancreas regeneration, pancreas transplantation, islet transplantation, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, continuous glucose monitoring, and various medication classes are discussed.

Feasibility of contracting for medication therapy management services in a physician's office.

Purpose: The feasibility of contracting for medication therapy management (MTM) services in a physician's office was studied.

Methods: Patient records from January to June 2007 were reviewed at a university-based family medicine clinic to identify patients eligible for MTM services. Inclusion criteria included a minimum of six long-term medications and three chronic diseases.

Results of an intervention in an academic Internal Medicine Clinic to continue, step-down, or discontinue proton pump inhibitor therapy related to a tennessee medicaid formulary change.

Background: In July 2005, the State of Tennessee Medicaid Program (TennCare) announced formulary changes for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to be implemented in August 2005. Prior to these changes, pantoprazole was the only preferred PPI, and there were no restrictions to its use. The revised formulary included 3 preferred PPIs (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and omeprazole OTC), all of which required prior authorization (PA).