A Motivational Interviewing Intervention by Pharmacy Students to Improve Medication Adherence.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with comorbid hypertension (HTN) are at a higher risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular DM complications. Through guideline-driven recommendations, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are highly recommended for these patients. Unfortunately, medication adherence to these products, though crucial to achieving therapeutic benefit, is frequently suboptimal.

A Pharmacist Telephone Intervention to Identify Adherence Barriers and Improve Adherence Among Nonadherent Patients with Comorbid Hypertension and Diabetes in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Background: Patients with comorbid hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a high risk of developing macrovascular and microvascular complications of DM. Controlling high blood pressure can greatly reduce these complications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are recommended for patients with both DM and HTN by the American Diabetes Association guidelines, and their benefit and efficacy in reducing macrovascular and microvascular complications of DM have been well documented.

Development of a metrics dashboard for monitoring involvement in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Purpose: An electronic tool to support hospital organizations in monitoring and addressing financial and compliance challenges related to participation in the 340B Drug Pricing Program is described.

Summary: In recent years there has been heightened congressional and regulatory scrutiny of the federal 340B program, which provides discounted drug prices on Medicaid-covered drugs to safety net hospitals and other 340B-eligible healthcare organizations, or "covered entities." Historically, the 340B program has lacked a metrics-driven reporting framework to help covered entities capture the value of 340B program involvement, community benefits provided to underserved populations, and costs associated with compliance with 340B eligibility requirements.

Escitalopram (Lexapro) for depression.

Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the active s-enantiomer of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram (Celexa). It is labeled for the treatment of major depressive disorder.