Bivalirudin in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mechanical support treatment modality used in patients with refractory cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. Bleeding and thrombotic complications associated with ECMO are inherent concerns that require careful management. Anticoagulation optimization may help mitigate these risks by providing more adequate therapeutic anticoagulation and lessen the bleed risk.

The Perfect Storm: Barriers to Heart Failure Treatment Optimization.

Despite advances in heart failure therapies with proven positive outcomes, treatment gaps in clinical practice persist and heart failure morbidity and mortality remain high. The lack of treatment intensification to evidence-based targets accounts for a significant portion of unattained treatment goals and has been characterized to involve 3 main elements: the provider initiating and titrating the medication(s), the patient themselves, and the system that serves as the gatekeeper and facilitator for health care needs. This article will examine the mechanisms and impact of these 3 factors, and present targeted initiatives to help improve patient outcomes and quality of care.

Which SSRI is safest for patients with CVD and major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder is a common mood disorder and presents increased morbidity and mortality risks for patients with comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a cornerstone of treatment for major depressive disorder, given their relative safety and affordability compared with other antidepressant classes, and SSRIs frequently are used in patients with CVD. However, clinicians should carefully weigh safety considerations before prescribing SSRIs in these patients.

Evaluation of a Council Structure and Meeting Format for Pharmacy Student Government in the Co-Curriculum.

To evaluate student perceptions of a transformed pharmacy student government structure and meeting format. The structure and general assembly meeting format of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Eshelman School of Pharmacy Student Senate (ie, student government) underwent a transformation from that of a forum to that of a council in an effort to address concerns regarding limited information exchange, minimal discussion, and unengaged meeting participants. To evaluate student perceptions of the new senate council format, members who attended at least one council meeting during the academic year were asked to complete a 12-item survey evaluating interorganizational relations, communication, collaboration, and efficiencies.

The Psychology of Following Instructions and Its Implications.

The ability to follow instructions is an important aspect of everyday life. Depending on the setting and context, following instructions results in outcomes that have various degrees of impact. In a clinical setting, following instructions may affect life or death.