Longitudinal Assessment of Pharmacy Students' Confidence and Skill in Providing Evidence-based Answers to Clinical Questions.

To assess Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students' skills and confidence in using an evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach to answer practice-based, clinical questions. Pharmacy students' ability to provide evidence-based answers for real-world clinical questions was assessed at two time points in the PharmD curriculum using a standard tool and trained evaluators. Pharmacy students' confidence regarding their EBM skills was self-assessed at four points in the program, with the first survey administered before the EBM sequence and the final survey administered prior to graduation.

Clinical Inquiries: What is the optimal frequency for dental checkups for children and adults?

IT IS UNCLEAR, but studies suggest that it should be based largely on individual risk. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a 6-month interval for preventive dental visits (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion), but a 24-month interval does not result in an increased incidence of dental caries in healthy children and young adults or increased incidence of gingivitis in healthy adults (SOR: B, a single randomized controlled trial [RCT]). In adults with risk factors (eg, smoking or diabetes), visits at 6-month intervals are associated with a lower incidence of tooth loss (SOR: C, a retrospective cohort study).

Are oral emergency contraceptives a safe and effective form of long-term birth control?

Yes, but not as effective as some other methods. Annual pregnancy rates in women using pericoital levonorgestrel 150 mcg to 1 mg range from 4.9% to 8.

A Brief Clinical Update on Hepatitis C--The Essentials.

Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of cirrhosis and liver failure and the most common indication for liver transplant in the United States. Based on the prevalence of HCV infection at 1.3% of the US population, there are an estimated 74,000 people living with HCV infection in the state of Wisconsin, the majority of whom are undiagnosed.

Clinical Inquiry: How effective are opioids for chronic low back pain?

Short-term (<4 months) treatment with opioids provides modest relief of chronic low back pain, but only minimal improvement in function compared with placebo.

Using electronic medical record data to characterize the level of medication use by age-groups in a network of primary care clinics.

Purpose: Our primary aim was to characterize the level of medication use across age-groups by examining electronic medical record data for a large number of patients receiving care in primary care clinics. A secondary aim was to identify factors associated with higher levels of medication use or polypharmacy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective query of electronic medical record data from a clinical data warehouse, evaluating 114 012 patients seen in primary care clinics at least once in the previous 6 months.

Longitudinal teaching of evidence-based decision making.

Objective: To determine whether longitudinal design and delivery of evidence-based decision making (EBDM) content was effective in increasing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence as they progressed through a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.

Design: Three student cohorts were followed from 2005 to 2009 (n=367), as they learned about EBDM through lectures, actively researching case-based questions, and researching and writing answers to therapy-based questions generated in practice settings.

Assessment: Longitudinal evaluations included repeated multiple-choice examinations, confidence surveys, and written answers to practice-based questions (clinical inquiries).

Quality of care for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma based on comparisons to practice guidelines and smoking status.

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of respiratory diseases in older adults and compare the demographic, health and smoking characteristics of those with and without these diseases. Furthermore, we evaluate the association between smoking status and patterns in health care and how concordant this care is with guidelines.

Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of 29,902 older adults who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (1992-2002), we compared guideline recommendations on the treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma with survey utilization data, including the use of bronchodilators, spirometry and influenza vaccine.

Creating a center for global health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Globalization, migration, and widespread health disparities call for interdisciplinary approaches to improve health care at home and abroad. Health professions students are pursuing study abroad in increasing numbers, and universities are responding with programs to address these needs. The University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison schools of medicine and public health, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and the division of international studies have created an interdisciplinary center for global health (CGH).

Formation of a primary care pharmacist practice-based research network.

Purpose: The results of a survey conducted to characterize participating practice sites, patient populations, and collaborative physician-pharmacist services provided through an emerging practice-based research network (PBRN) in the primary care setting are presented.

Methods: A targeted sample of faculty pharmacist investigators practicing in primary care settings were selected for participation in this PBRN based on several factors, including past research activities, their interest in soliciting additional clinics within their state to participate in a research network, the potential for regional collaboration, geographic location, and the patient population served. A baseline survey to characterize the PBRN was distributed to members of the PBRN in June 2006.

Management of active tuberculosis.

Although the overall incidence of tuberculosis has been declining in the United States, it remains an important public health concern, particularly among immigrants, homeless persons, and persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Patients who present with symptoms of active tuberculosis (e.g.

Suggested guidelines for pharmacotherapy curricula in family medicine residency training: recommendations from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Group on Pharmacotherapy.

Rational drug use has increasingly received public policy attention in efforts to maintain quality health care at lower costs. Prescribing habits are developed during residency training, and education regarding rational drug use should be an integral part of the residency curricula. Considering that many medical errors in family medicine are related to incorrect medication management, there is need for a focused education in pharmacotherapy.

Potential drug interactions with the percent carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (%CDT) test, a new alcohol biomarker.

Study Objective: To determine the effects of drugs on levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), using the %CDT test, a new alcohol biomarker, in patients receiving drug therapy for chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and lipid disorders.

Design: Regression analysis of transformed data.

Setting: Eight primary care clinics in central Wisconsin.