Use of a fall risk evaluation in a community-based pharmacy.

Background: Falls in older adults are a serious public health concern. They increase health care expenditure and account for more than $30 billion in direct medical costs. Medication-related problems can contribute to fall risk, and community-based pharmacists are well positioned to intervene, given their role in monitoring ongoing medications.

Retrospective analysis of drug therapy problems identified with a telephonic appointment-based model of medication synchronization.

Objectives: To describe the drug therapy problems (DTPs) identified for patients enrolled in an Appointment Based Model (ABM) for medication synchronization, describe the pharmacist-delivered clinical interventions, and assess what patient characteristics are associated with the number of DTPs identified.

Methods: A cross-sectional chart review of 1 month of pharmacist notes for telephone ABM encounters at one independent community pharmacy in the Midwest U.S.

Improving communication skills of pharmacy students through effective precepting.

Pharmacy students should be given opportunities to learn and practice interpersonal communication skills during their community advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Preceptors have the responsibility of setting the stage for the pharmacy students during their initial encounter. During this orientation to the site, students should become familiar with the history of the practice, the types of services provided, and the staff members.

An evaluation of managing and educating patients on the risk of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Objective: To assess the impact of risk management activities on patient risk of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Methods: Ninety-six adult patients taking chronic glucocorticoid therapy in 15 community pharmacies. Patients in the control group received usual and customary care.