A pilot study surveying the impact of pharmacist-led counseling on naloxone dispensing.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist counseling on patients purchasing naloxone and to highlight reasons for naloxone purchase refusal.

Design: A multisite study that was conducted from September 15, 2022, to January 11, 2023.

Setting: Independent community pharmacies.

Community Champions: The Crucial Contribution of an Independent Pharmacy in COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in an Underserved Community.

Historically, pharmacists in independent community pharmacies have been pivotal in promoting community health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they demonstrated their commitment by advocating for vaccination and providing accessible care, particularly in underserved communities. By addressing disparities, implementing strategies like mobile clinics and community outreach, and fostering trust and engagement, independent community pharmacists played a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare access for vulnerable populations and mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

System intervention in community pharmacy setting: Leading to better patient care through reducing harm associated with coprescribing benzodiazepines and opioids.

Objective: The opioid epidemic is frequently discussed including the staggering numbers involved with coprescribing opioids and benzodiazepines associated with death. Community pharmacists, with the help of a system intervention, have a unique opportunity to help reduce the coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids and reduce the associated risk of death.

Design: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted after a system intervention was placed, as a quality improvement project, from November 2019 to May 2020.

Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain.

For patients with low back pain, skeletal muscle relaxants are often initiated after failure of first-line analgesics. However, these medications (reviewed in this article) are controversial alternatives that carry risks of adverse effects and increased cost.

The distribution of endogenous epidermal growth factor after small bowel resection suggests increased intestinal utilization during adaptation.

Background/purpose: Although exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) amplifies adaptation after massive small bowel resection (SBR), the role for endogenous EGF is unclear. The authors sought to determine whether SBR was associated with changes in the levels of EGF in the serum, saliva, or urine and EGF receptor (EGF-R) signaling in the ileum.

Methods: Male ICR mice underwent 50% proximal SBR or sham surgery bowel transection/reanastomosis).