Using the Pharmacist Interaction Tracking Tool for Capturing Student-Patient Interactions in Direct and Simulated Patient Care Activities.

Objective. To create and implement a standardized data collection tool for capturing student-patient interactions in direct and simulated patient care activities. Design.

Patients' Experiences Using a Brief Screening Tool for Medication-Related Problems in a Community Pharmacy Setting.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore patient perceptions and the practical implication of using a brief 9-item scale to screen for medication-related problems in community pharmacies.

Methods: Semistructured, audio-recorded, telephonic interviews were conducted with 40 patients who completed the scale and reviewed its results with their pharmacist. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative methods to identify themes.

Utility of a brief screening tool for medication-related problems.

Background: Medication therapy management (MTM) services position pharmacists to prevent, detect, and resolve medication-related problems (MRPs.) However, selecting patients for MTM who are most at risk for MRPs is a challenge. Using self-administered scales that are practical for use in clinical practice are one approach.

Predictors of medication-related problems among medicaid patients participating in a pharmacist-provided telephonic medication therapy management program.

Study Objective: To identify predictors of medication-related problems (MRPs) among Medicaid patients participating in a telephonic medication therapy management (MTM) program.

Design: Retrospective analysis of data from patients enrolled in a previously published study.

Data Sources: Two Medicaid administrative claims file databases (for health care utilization and prescription dispensing information) and one pharmacy organization file for MTM program information.

Best practices for implementing team-based learning in pharmacy education.

Colleges and schools of pharmacy are incorporating more team-based learning (TBL) into their curriculum. Published resources are available to assist instructors with implementing TBL and describing it in the health professions literature. The 7 core elements include: team formation, readiness assurance, immediate feedback, sequencing of in-class problem solving, the 4 "S" structure for developing team application exercises (significant problem, same problem, specific answer choice, simultaneous reporting), incentive structure, and peer evaluation.

Pilot assessment of patient satisfaction and clinical impact of Medicare Part D in diabetic geriatric patients.

Objectives: To assess patients' 1) satisfaction with their decision to enroll or not enroll in the Medicare Part D program, and 2) clinical status of diabetes before and after decision to enroll in Medicare Part D.

Methods: Patients 65 years or older were enrolled in the study from November 2006 through February 2007. Patients were screened by a clinical pharmacist at their clinician visit and administered a Medicare Part D satisfaction survey.

Peripheral arterial disease: a review of disease awareness and management.

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic condition affecting approximately 27 million people in North America and Europe. Albeit a common clinical malady, it is underrecognized and undertreated.

Objective: The goal of this article was to review the pathophysiology, clinical implications, diagnosis, and management of PAD.