Empowering competence: A program-wide active learning framework for a pharmacy program.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a program-wide active learning framework to guide active learning and assessment efforts in an entry-to-practice competency-based Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Methods: The development of the framework involved 3 stages: creation of a framework aligned with the program's guiding principles, provision of training and support to faculty and students, and evaluation of the students' and academic staff satisfaction using an online survey over 2 academic years (2022-2023). Data from this survey were analyzed descriptively.

External Validation of Obese/Critically Ill Vancomycin Population Pharmacokinetic Models in Critically Ill Patients Who Are Obese.

Obesity combined with critical illness might increase the risk of acquiring infections and hence mortality. In this patient population the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials vary significantly, making antimicrobial dosing challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive performance of published population pharmacokinetic models of vancomycin in patients who are critically ill or obese for a cohort of critically ill patients who are obese.

Effectiveness, safety, and cost of vancomycin and linezolid in Kuwait: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: The effectiveness, safety, and cost of vancomycin and linezolid for managing gram-positive bacterial infections in Kuwait are unknown. This study assessed the effectiveness, safety, and cost of vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid for managing gram-positive bacterial infections in Kuwait.

Research Design And Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients who were prescribed antibiotics (vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid) for the treatment of gram-positive infections at five hospitals in Kuwait.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Topiramate in Patients with Epilepsy Using Nonparametric Modeling.

Background: Topiramate (TPM) is used for the treatment of various epileptic seizures and the prevention of migraine. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and identify covariates that influence TPM behavior in patients with epilepsy in Kuwait.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from 108 patients (2 years old and above) with epilepsy who were treated with oral TPM and 174 TPM blood samples from 3 hospitals in Kuwait from 2009 to 2016.

Development and Refinement of a Matrix Competency Framework, with Associated Entrustable Professional Activities, to Support Initial Pharmacy Education in Kuwait.

The development of competency frameworks serves as the foundation for the development of competency-based education. It is vital to develop a country-specific framework to address the specific needs of the local population for pharmacy services. This study aimed to describe the development process of a competency framework for undergraduate pharmacy education in Kuwait with a unique matrix structure.

Practices, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Nephrologists Towards Prescribing and Monitoring Vancomycin at Dialysis Centers.

Background: Vancomycin dosing protocols are varied in the literature for hemodialysis patients. This study sought to determine nephrologists' practices, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward prescribing and monitoring vancomycin at dialysis centers.

Methods: A cross-sectional and multi-center study was conducted in Kuwait using a validated self-administered questionnaire among 168 nephrologists.

Transforming pharmacy practice in Kuwait.

In the last few decades, pharmacy services have expanded to fulfil the need for more complex health needs from population worldwide. Moving from 'product-centred' to a 'patient-centred' profession, pharmacists are required to master more professional competencies to deliver high quality pharmaceutical services to their patients and community. In Kuwait pharmacy practice has long been identified as a sector yet to be developed.

Awareness, perception, and barriers of healthcare providers toward the revised consensus guideline for therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin.

Background: A revised consensus guideline published in 2020 recommended transitioning vancomycin monitoring to the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC). The decision to transition to AUC/MIC monitoring or to continue trough-based monitoring is made at the institutional level and is influenced by several factors, including healthcare providers and system-related factors. Changing current practices is expected to be difficult, and it is important to understand healthcare providers' perceptions and potential barriers before the transition.

Pharmacy practice in hospital settings in GCC countries: Dispensing and administration.

Purpose: To outline dispensing and administration practices in hospital pharmacy across the Gulf Cooperation Councils (GCC) countries' hospitals. Paucity of data in appraising hospital pharmacy practice in GCC regions motivated us to conduct this study.

Methods: A modified survey questionnaire was prepared from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP) survey questions.

Knowledge, Confidence, and Perception Toward Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Among Physicians and Pharmacists in Kuwait.

Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) helps ensure an efficient and safe therapeutic outcome. This study assessed physicians' and pharmacists' knowledge, confidence, and perception regarding clinical pharmacokinetics and TDM.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered questionnaire was used.

Pharmacy practice in hospital settings in GCC countries: Prescribing and transcribing.

Purpose: To outline hospital pharmacy practices across the Gulf Cooperation Councils (GCC) countries' hospitals.

Methods: A modified survey questionnaire was prepared from the original 2019 American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP) survey questions. Survey details were discussed with some pharmacy directors for clarity and relevance.

Introduction of an Ambulatory Care Medication Reconciliation Service in Dialysis Patients: Positive Impact on Medication Prescribing and Economic Benefit.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the implementation of medication reconciliation (MedRec) and medication-related costs in dialysis-dependent patients.

Methods: Completed best possible medication history and reconciliation forms were collected within 6 months from 77 patients' file at the dialysis center. Outcome measures were number and types of medication discrepancies, medication-related problems (MRPs), and their potential to cause harm, in addition to the type and number of interventions conducted during MedRec and the resulted medication costs reduction.

Monitoring Tacrolimus Trough Concentrations During the First Year After Kidney Transplantation: A National Retrospective Cohort Study.

There is a lack of data in the literature on the evaluation of tacrolimus (TAC) dosage regimen and monitoring after kidney transplantation (KT) in Kuwait. The aim of the present study was to evaluate TAC dosing in relation to the hospital protocol, the achievement of target TAC trough concentration (C), the prevalence of TAC side effects (SEs), namely, posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), denovo hypertension (HTN), and dyslipidemia, and factors associated with the occurrence of these SEs among KT recipients. A retrospective study was conducted among 298 KT recipients receiving TAC during the first year of PT.

Evolving to Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE): Transitional experience in an undergraduate pharmacy program in Kuwait.

Background: Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) can assess professional competencies in a structured manner and facilitate objective evaluation of clinical performance. With limited data from the Eastern Mediterranean region, this study aims to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of OSCEs for final year pharmacy students in Kuwait. The study also aims to compare students' performance in two academic years (2015-2016 and 2016-2017).

The impact of omeprazole on mycophenolate pharmacokinetics in kidney transplant recipients.

Background: The absorption rates of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) may be influenced by the concomitant use of omeprazole.

Methods: One hundred kidney transplant patients were recruited during their outpatient visits, including 50 on MMF and 50 on EC-MPS. At the clinic, a predose mycophenolic acid (MPA) sample (C0) was collected; subsequently, the participants received the proton-pump inhibitor omeprazole along with either MMF or EC-MPS.

Saudi lung cancer prevention and screening guidelines.

Background: While lung cancer is the leading cancer cause of death, it is largely preventable. Furthermore, early diagnosis enhances the chance of cure. Therefore, we developed guidelines for lung cancer prevention and early detection.

Influence of multiple courses of therapy on aminoglycoside clearance in adult patients with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: To investigate factors affecting aminoglycoside clearance in adult patients with cystic fibrosis who received multiple courses of antibiotic therapy over a period of up to 15 years.

Methods: Aminoglycoside concentration-time data and relevant clinical characteristics were collated from clinical pharmacokinetic databases established in Glasgow, Scotland and The Hague, The Netherlands. Data from Glasgow (1993-2009) were used for population model development; data from The Hague (2002-11) were used for model validation.

Reading chest radiographs in the critically ill (Part II): Radiography of lung pathologies common in the ICU patient.

This is part II of two series review of reading chest radiographs in the critically ill. Conventional chest radiography remains the cornerstone of day to day management of the critically ill occasionally supplemented by computed tomography or ultrasound for specific indications. In this second review we discuss radiographic findings of cardiopulmonary disorders common in the intensive care patient and suggest guidelines for interpretation based not only on imaging but also on the pathophysiology and clinical grounds.