Intravenous push lacosamide: Successful implementation and patient outcomes across a health system.

Purpose: Intravenous administration of the antiseizure medication lacosamide can be delayed given operational challenges related to short beyond-use-dating and controlled substance requirements. The purpose of this study was to describe the steps required to successfully transition from intravenous piggyback administration to intravenous push administration and demonstrate that workflow changes improved time to administration without compromising patient safety.

Methods: This multicenter study had 2 components; the first portion was a prospective description of the implementation and operationalization process, while the second was a retrospective cohort analysis comparing patients who received intravenous piggyback and intravenous push lacosamide.

Institutional COVID-19 Protocols: Focused on Preparation, Safety, and Care Consolidation.

As the confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to grow with over 1 million documented infections in the United States alone, researchers and health care workers race to find effective treatment options for this potentially fatal disease. Mortality remains high in patients whose disease course requires mechanical ventilation and admission to intensive care units. While focusing on therapies to decrease mortality is essential, we must also consider the logistical hurdles faced with regard to safely and effectively delivering treatment while limiting the risk of harm to hospital staff and other noninfected patients.

Health Care Workers' Challenges in the Care of a COVID-19 Patient.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced us to new challenges with personal protective equipment, long shifts, and changes in regular routines. This has placed a tremendous stress on health care workers. This article defines the various health care worker challenges, both at the bedside and on a personal front.

Supportive Management and Interventions for Respiratory Failure Due to SARS-CoV-2.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can vary from asymptomatic to severe symptoms. It can lead to respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Triaging patients is key to prevent spread, conserving medical resources, and providing appropriate care.

Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an unprecedented pandemic, challenging practitioners to identify safe and effective therapeutic options in a limited amount of time. The rapid genomic sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provided a significant number of therapeutic targets. Repurposed and investigational agents are being studied for use in COVID-19.

Pharmacotherapy of sepsis.

Treatment of sepsis involves prompt recognition and treatment to optimize outcome. Several medication considerations are pertinent to patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Medications play a crucial role in providing resuscitation, hemodynamic support, resolution of infection, and reduction of complications of the disease.

Assessing student pharmacist impact on patient over-the-counter medication selection.

Objective: To evaluate the financial and clinical outcomes of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication consultation performed by doctorate of pharmacy student pharmacists in a community pharmacy.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Independent and chain community pharmacy locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.