A Qualitative Analysis of Rural Community Vaccination Barriers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background/objectives: Rural communities in the United States experience increased disparity of care for both general healthcare services and access to routine vaccines. Previous research has indicated a 40% lower vaccination rate in rural communities, as compared to urban counterparts. Having a better understanding regarding factors influencing lower vaccination rates in rural areas could help public health officials prepare for future vaccination efforts.

Education for Healthcare Providers: Impact of Academic Detailing on Reducing Misinformation and Strengthening Influenza Vaccine Recommendations.

Background: Recommendations from a trusted healthcare provider have been shown to be the most effective intervention for encouraging patients to be vaccinated. However, providers have reported feeling less prepared to address vaccination questions and having less time to discuss vaccines with patients than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers may benefit from a brief update about the available influenza vaccines and vaccination guidelines.

A Multisite, Longitudinal Study Assessing Prevalence of Anxiety in Student Pharmacists.

Objective: Conduct a multisite, survey-based study assessing rates of self-reported anxiety symptoms among student pharmacists enrolled in the first 3 professional years (PY1 to PY3) of a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula.

Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional observational design conducted at Washington State University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (WSU) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (UAMS). Student pharmacists in PY1 to PY3 of the PharmD curricula were invited to voluntarily complete the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale in order to self-report measures of anxiety.

Focused Preceptor Feedback Assessing Student Pharmacists' Ability to Administer Pediatric Immunizations.

Objective: To evaluate experiential pharmacy preceptor perceptions of student pharmacists' ability to administer pediatric immunizations.

Methods: Semi-structured, qualitative key informant interviews using the Outcomes Evaluation Framework were conducted with 10 pharmacist preceptors in outpatient community pharmacies where pediatric immunizations were provided. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deidentified prior to analysis by the research team.

Measuring Pharmacy Student Engagement in a Pharmacotherapy Course With Required Attendance.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate student engagement in a pharmacotherapy course with required attendance, identify intervals where students were most and least likely to be engaged, and assess student perceptions of the importance of engagement.

Methods: In 2022, the pharmacotherapy course faculty implemented a graded attendance policy. A survey instrument was developed to gauge student engagement throughout in-class sessions and included 3 questions regarding engagement to determine whether students were on-task, off-task-related, or off-task-unrelated.

A Systematic Review of Immunization Administration Training for African Pharmacists and Student Pharmacists.

Objectives: Recent calls to action have encouraged African pharmacists to become trained to administer immunizations with the goals of developing a strong pharmacy vaccination workforce, addressing a shortage of vaccinators, and improving vaccination access. However limited availability of training programs for pharmacists and student pharmacists to learn to administer immunizations may restrict the ability of African pharmacists and student pharmacists to meet these goals. This work sought to systematically identify literature published regarding immunization administration training for pharmacists and student pharmacists in Africa.

Training Student Pharmacists in Microaggressions and Gender Inclusive Communication.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe the implementation of a microaggression and gender inclusive communication (MGIC) module in a required course in a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum; and to evaluate the impact on student pharmacist knowledge, comfort, and confidence using gender inclusive communication and addressing microaggressions.

Methods: Students participated in MGIC module, which included training on microaggressions, and terminology related to gender. The module implementation was evaluated through a pre and post training knowledge assessment and survey of student confidence, comfort, and perceived importance of gender inclusive care.

A Pharmacist's Role in a Case of Allergy Labeling and Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis Treatment.

This case report describes a pharmacist's intervention with a 58-year-old female who presented with recurrent rhinosinusitis symptoms and limited treatment options due to a complicated allergy history. Using guidelines for treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis coupled with a thorough antibiotic allergy assessment, the pharmacist developed a treatment plan that was acceptable to both the patient and the provider. Pharmacists can play an essential role in verification of allergies to both medications and non-pharmaceutical products, which further ensures patient safety as well as optimization of appropriate treatment methods.

Role of the pharmacist in the management of postmenopausal breast cancer treatment with vasomotor symptoms: A case report.

This case report describes the pharmacist intervention with a 62-year-old woman who had postmenopausal breast cancer. The patient was experiencing severe vasomotor symptoms from her cancer therapy and wanted to discontinue her treatment despite her risk of cancer returning. Using guidelines for treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer and medication options to mitigate vasomotor symptoms, the pharmacist developed a treatment plan that was acceptable to the patient and approved by the oncologist.

A Case of : Update on Practice Guidelines.

This report describes a case of recurrent infection (CDI) and illustrates that pharmacist's role in selecting appropriate treatment. The report discusses CDI risk factors and reviews the guidelines for the pharmacological management of CDI.

Implementing Mental Health First Aid Training in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to describe the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training as a required curricular component in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program; and analyze the impact of MHFA training on student pharmacist's perceptions of stigma, comfort, confidence, and willingness to intervene when someone is experiencing a mental health issue.

Methods: Student pharmacists completed an all-day MHFA training as a required element of the PharmD curriculum during the spring of 2022. Pre- and post-survey was completed by students during the in-person training.

Hypothermia as a Possible Symptom of Serotonin Toxicity: A Case Report.

There are three commonly used sets of criteria to diagnose serotonin syndrome and all three diagnostic tools have all been shown to have shortcomings that do not fully encompass the possible symptoms of serotonin toxicity. To describe a case of an atypical presentation of possible drug-induced serotonin syndrome, characterized by hypothermia, night sweats, muscle tremors, and confusion. A rural and medically underserved area in eastern Washington State.

A qualitative evaluation of pharmacy technician opinions about administering immunizations.

Introduction: Pharmacy technicians began administering immunizations in Idaho State as part of a new administrative rule in 2017. Rapid expansion of pharmacy technicians as immunizers occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies demonstrate the success of having technicians as immunizers but, the opinions of technicians themselves about immunizing have not been explored.

The role of community pharmacies in the HIV and HCV care continuum.

Introduction: In 2019, there were over 1.1 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 2.4 million people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States.

Examining Routine Pediatric Vaccination Availability in Community Pharmacies in Washington State.

To address diminishing pediatric vaccination rates resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act allows pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy interns to administer any vaccine that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines recommend for all patients aged 3 years and older. A survey was conducted to evaluate the role of pharmacy personnel in the community setting providing immunizations for the pediatric patients. Sixty-seven pharmacies were contacted in a state where pharmacists are allowed to administer vaccinations to any patient over the age of six months.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Patient Self-Advocacy for Osteoporosis Screening.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. Commonly prescribed medications have the potential to contribute to bone loss and fracture risk. Providers may be unaware of effects of other commonly used medication classes, which can lead to inadequate prevention or a lack of screening.

Cultures of support and resilience are associated with certified pharmacy technicians embracing new roles.

Background: Various technological, economic, and regulatory factors are creating opportunities for pharmacy technicians to take on additional responsibilities. Technicians in the broader sense have indicated a preference for expanded scope of duties; however, it is not known what drives technicians' greater inclinations to accept these new roles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of various work-related factors, such as co-worker support, pharmacist-leadership style, future uncertainty, their own organizational commitment, and personal characteristics of technicians, including their resilience, on pharmacy technicians' willingness to take on emerging responsibilities in pharmacy.

Technicians' perception of pharmacist leadership behaviors on their own commitment and turnover intention.

Purpose: To evaluate technicians' perceptions of how they are supported and supervised by pharmacists through assessment of various components of pharmacists' leadership behaviors in developing the technician workforce. Additional objectives included evaluating levels of pharmacy technician uncertainty about their future, job commitment, and turnover intention in relation to perceived pharmacist leadership behaviors.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving administration of an online questionnaire survey.

Correlations to and potential implications of resilience among certified pharmacy technicians.

Objectives: To assess resilience among a sample of certified pharmacy technicians in the United States and evaluate associations between resilience and various personal and work-related characteristics and conditions, including coworker support and pharmacist leadership behaviors, and to assess the relationship between technicians' resilience and support from coworkers and commitment to their organization.

Methods: This study employed the use of a self-administered questionnaire survey electronically in a cross-sectional design. The questionnaire was delivered with a response portal open for approximately 6 weeks during the spring of 2022 to a sample of 3000 technicians certified through the National Healthcareer Association.

Design, Implementation, and Assessment Approaches Within an Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Elective Course.

An estimated 38 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. Pharmacists are well positioned to provide care to patients with HIV, but gaps in HIV education among pharmacists exist. Recognizing the need to educate and prepare future pharmacists, a 2-credit advanced HIV elective course was created for Doctor of Pharmacy students at Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the United States, and Masters of Clinical Pharmacy students from University of Western Cape School of Pharmacy in South Africa.

Training student pharmacists to administer pediatric immunizations.

Background And Purpose: To describe the implementation of a pediatric vaccination training for student pharmacists and to assess student confidence in providing pediatric vaccinations after taking part in a mixed media, traditional lecture, and active learning, formatted training course.

Educational Activity And Setting: Student pharmacists were trained with a two-hour pediatric immunization training module which consisted of materials to detail administration techniques. Students were assessed using a live skills assessment and a multiple-choice knowledge examination.

Utilizing an optional cumulative examination in a skills-based lab course series to assess student performance and knowledge retention.

Introduction: In the doctor of pharmacy curriculum, students are subjected to scenarios where success is contingent upon accurate retention of information learned during class. To provide incentive to students and simultaneously gauge student retention of course material, an optional honors examination was created for a skills laboratory course. The objectives of this research were to determine student pharmacist performance on the examination and to assess student pharmacist interest and motivation for taking (or not taking) the optional examination.

Erratum to "Pharmacist-led HIV and hepatitis C point-of-care testing and risk mitigation counseling in individuals experiencing homelessness" [Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy 1C (2021) 100007].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.

Comparing trained student peers versus paid actors as standardized patients for simulated patient prescription counseling.

Background: Simulation can be a useful tool for teaching and assessing clinical skills, but can also be costly and faculty-time intensive. It is defined as a technique to create an activity to portray a real experience for purpose of practicing or evaluating. Simulations can use standardized patients (SPs), which can be paid actors (PASPs), staff and faculty, manikins, volunteers, or students from higher level cohorts, also known as advanced class standardized patients (ACSPs).

Pharmacist-led HIV and hepatitis C point-of-care testing and risk mitigation counseling in individuals experiencing homelessness.

Introduction: Over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night in the United States. As a result of increased exposure to disease, violence, stigma, substance misuse and limited accessibility to health services, individuals experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by communicable diseases such as HIV and HCV with prevalence estimates as high as 21% and 36%, respectively. Pharmacists, being some of the most trusted and accessible healthcare providers, are in a unique position to have a significant impact on the nationwide initiatives in and the by offering preventative testing services and patient-centered risk mitigation counseling and education.