Prescription for Curricular Revision: Application of Design Thinking Principles.

Continuous quality improvement of the professional curriculum can present as a series of complex problems to solve. Schools and colleges of pharmacy would benefit from a structured framework to approach complex problem-solving while engaging faculty and students throughout the process. Design thinking is a framework that promotes creative problem-solving while using techniques that make ambiguity and failure more comfortable during the iterative process.

Determining Ideal Practices for Student Course Evaluations Using a Modified Delphi Approach.

Objective: While approaches for utilizing student course evaluations (SCEs) have been discussed in the literature, there remain opportunities to identify ideal practices for SCEs. Thus, the objective of this project was to generate consensus on best practices in creating, administering, and using SCEs.

Methods: A modified Delphi approach was utilized to generate a set of items based on the literature and prior work.

Exploring Tools to Manage Curricular Content and Overload Within the Professional PharmD Program.

Objective: Given recent discussions in the literature and across the Academy about curricular overload and calls for tools that aid in reducing content, it is important to determine what tools and resources programs are using to evaluate curricular content and how these resources are used to inform curricular change. Thus, the objective of this research project is to describe tools and resources pharmacy programs use for curricular content and change.

Methods: A 17-item instrument was created, pilot-tested, and then distributed electronically to assessment leads at accredited pharmacy programs with multiple reminders to improve response rates.

A Description of Required NAPLEX Preparation Courses Among US Pharmacy Programs.

Objective: One of the final tasks for pharmacy graduates to enter practice is passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Given the recent national declines in pass rates, programs are making significant investments of time and money in NAPLEX preparation. The objective is to characterize the structure and content of required NAPLEX preparation courses.

Determining preceptor perceptions of APPE readiness through the use of entrustable professional activities.

Introduction: Pharmacy programs are required to demonstrate that students are advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) ready, but neither a professionally recognized definition of nor a consistent approach to assess APPE readiness exists.

Methods: APPE preceptors were surveyed about the relationship of EPAs to APPE readiness in three domains, including: (1) each EPA's relative importance, (2) indicators that a student is not ready to begin APPEs, and (3) each EPA's expected level of entrustment on the first day of the first APPE. We determined consensus of EPA importance and expected level of entrustment by adapting previously published thresholds.

NAPLEX Preparation Program Characteristics and Resources Associated With First-Time Exam Pass Rates.

Objective: Pharmacy colleges and schools invest substantial faculty effort and financial resources in North America Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) preparation, including vendor products purported to improve NAPLEX pass rates. The objective of this project was to examine NAPLEX preparation program characteristics associated with first-time pass rates.

Methods: A national survey investigated which pharmacy schools provided a formal NAPLEX preparation program in the 2021/2022 academic year, and what resources students were required to use.

A Description of NAPLEX and MPJE Preparation Strategies Among US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the different strategies used to supplement North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) preparation in the US pharmacy programs.

Methods: An online survey was developed to gather information from 141 accredited schools/colleges of pharmacy about the preparation methods used during the 2021-22 academic year. The questionnaire contained 19 NAPLEX- and 10 MPJE-specific questions related to timing, content, use of commercial products and programs, faculty involvement, and whether these activities were required or recommended.

A Systematic Review of Interventions Implemented by Pharmacy Programs to Improve Postgraduate Residency Placement.

Objective: This systematic review aims to identify the impact of interventions implemented by pharmacy programs to support students pursuing postgraduate residency training.

Methods: We conducted a literature search through March 8, 2022 to identify articles that studied an intervention made by a pharmacy program aiming to prepare students to qualify for a postgraduate residency position. Data were collected to describe each study's methods, the included population, and outcomes and to evaluate study risk of bias.

A technical assistance program approach for pharmacist clinical services integration in primary care organizations.

Background: Little is known about the use of technical assistance (TA) programs to facilitate the integration of pharmacist clinical services in primary care settings.

Objective: Design, implement, and evaluate a TA program to advance pharmacist integration and clinical services in primary care.

Practice Description: Structured TA program for developing new or enhancing current integrated pharmacist services was utilized in 4 primary care organizations (i.

Factors influencing primary care organization commitment to technical assistance for pharmacist clinical services integration.

Background: While technical assistance (TA) has been utilized by primary care organizations (PCOs) for electronic health record installation and medical home recognition, little is known about PCOs' use of TA to optimize pharmacist clinical services and integration in team-based care or population health programs. In 2019, the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy's State Innovation Model Program funded a no-cost TA initiative for 9 PCOs to initiate and/or advance pharmacist clinical services.

Objective: To assess organizational, operational, and pharmacist factors that influenced PCO commitment to the TA program.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications of Pharmacy Practice Department Chairs.

To perform a bibliometric analysis of pharmacy practice department chairs at US schools and colleges of pharmacy to determine factors associated with their level of scholarly productivity. Scopus was searched for all publications by pharmacy practice chairs from all pharmacy schools through August 11, 2020. Publication metrics (total number of publications and citations and the Hirsch-index (h-index), and year of first publication), as well as characteristics of the individual chair and institution were collected.

Innovative partnership in Connecticut to expand health professional eligibility to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Background: On December 7, 2020, the Acting Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued an order authorizing eligible health professionals to administer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines provided they complete a vaccination training program. The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Pharmacy was approached to collaborate with DPH to create a certification program to meet the needs of this order.

Objectives: To use a unique, pharmacist-led practice model to increase the number of competent vaccinators to administer the COVID-19 vaccine and to reduce vaccine hesitancy with timely vaccine information.

Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate Co-suspension Metered Dose Inhaler: A Triple Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Objective: To review current evidence on the use of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGFF) triple therapy delivered via metered dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and offer clinical practice insights.

Data Sources: We used PubMed to conduct the literature search from 1946 through June 30, 2021, using budesonide, glycopyrrolate or glycopyrronium, and formoterol.

Study Selection And Extraction: We included clinical trials in patients with COPD along with pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic studies.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Underweight Hospitalized Patients.

There is limited evidence about optimal anticoagulant dosing for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in underweight patients. The purpose of this study was to characterize dosing strategies used in underweight patients and compare the incidence of bleeding and VTE to patients receiving a standard dose. This multi-center retrospective study evaluated medicine patients who weighed 45 kilograms or less and received VTE prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin.

Integration of a Virtual Dispensing Simulator "MyDispense" in an Experiential Education Program to Prepare Students for Community Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience.

Background: Technology is increasingly used to enhance pharmacy education. We sought to evaluate student learning and preparedness for community introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) after implementation of "MyDispense" into experiential education.

Methods: Both first-year pharmacy students and assigned community IPPE preceptors were eligible.

Influence of digoxin on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation: Overview of systematic reviews.

Once a routine part of atrial fibrillation (AF) management, digoxin use has declined. Likely hastening this decline are findings from several studies and systematic reviews identifying a potential association between digoxin use and all-cause mortality in AF populations. However, inconsistency exists within some of these studies potentially leading to confusion among clinicians.

Toxicity of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine following therapeutic use or overdose.

Introduction: While chloroquine, a derivative of quinine, has been used as an antimalarial for 70 years, hydroxychloroquine is now used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In 2020, hydroxychloroquine (and to a lesser extent chloroquine) also received attention as a possible treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During investigation for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2, concerns for serious adverse events arose.

Systematic Review of mHealth Applications That Interface with Inhaler Sensors in Asthma.

Background: A better understanding of outcomes associated with mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) for asthma self-management that pair with inhaler sensor technology is needed for clinicians to practice evidence-based medicine.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of mHealth apps that integrate with an inhaler-based sensor on outcomes of patients with asthma.

Methods: We performed a systematic review in GooglePlay and Apple App stores for consumer-facing mHealth apps for asthma management that pair with an inhaler-based sensor.

Cross-sectional analysis of consumer-facing mHealth apps associated with inhaler monitoring for asthma.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the current landscape of consumer-directed mHealth apps that communicate with inhalers for asthma.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional and systematic analysis of Google Play and the Apple App Stores to identify apps that are consumer-direct and available in English, intended for patients with asthma and communicate with an inhaler-based sensor. We collected information about each app using the app stores and publicly available manufacturer websites.

Myth Busters: Dietary Supplements and COVID-19.

News and social media platforms have implicated dietary supplements in the treatment and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this pandemic when information quickly evolves in the presence of contradicting messages and misinformation, the role of the pharmacist is essential. Here, we review theoretical mechanisms and evidence related to efficacy and safety of select supplements in the setting of COVID-19, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and silver.

The impact of non-medical switching among ambulatory patients: an updated systematic literature review.

: Non-medical switching (NMS) is defined as switching to a clinically similar but chemically distinct medication for reasons apart from lack of effectiveness, tolerability or adherence. : To update a prior systematic review evaluating the impact of NMS on outcomes. : An updated search through 10/1/2018 in Medline and Web of Science was performed.

Comparative Effectiveness of Analgesics to Reduce Acute Pain in the Prehospital Setting.

: The objectives of this study were to assess comparative effectiveness and harms of opioid and nonopioid analgesics for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in the prehospital setting. : We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central from the earliest date through May 9, 2019. Two investigators screened abstracts, reviewed full-text files, abstracted data, and assessed study level risk of bias.

Adverse Effects of Pharmacologic Treatments of Major Depression in Older Adults.

Objectives: To assess adverse effects of pharmacologic antidepressants for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults 65 years of age or older.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Specialist or generalist outpatient setting, rehabilitation facility, and nursing facilities.