A qualitative study evaluating barriers and enablers to improving antimicrobial use for the management of bacteriuria in hospitalized adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore barriers and enablers to improving the management of bacteriuria in hospitalized adults.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Nova Scotia, Canada.

Target users' acceptance of a pharmacist-led prescribing service for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a highly effective way to reduce virus transmission. There have been increasing calls to improve access to PrEP in Canada. One way to improve access is by having more prescribers available.

Community pharmacists' acceptance of prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention is highly effective. Pharmacists can increase PrEP accessibility through pharmacist prescribing. This study aimed to determine pharmacists' acceptance of a pharmacist PrEP prescribing service in Nova Scotia.

Prescribing Patterns and Patient Outcomes for Bone and Joint Infections Treated with Cefazolin and Probenecid: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Previous studies have described the use of cefazolin with probenecid to treat uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections. Some prescribers are extrapolating from this evidence to treat more invasive infections, which have a greater potential for poor outcomes, including treatment failure that could lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Information supporting cefazolin with probenecid as effective treatment in this context is needed.

Roles of Infectious Diseases Consultant Pharmacists and Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacists: A Survey of Canadian Tertiary Care Academic Hospitals.

Background: Infectious diseases consultant (IDC) pharmacists work within an IDC service to care for inpatients with complex infections. With Accreditation Canada's new Required Organizational Practice promoting the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, AMS pharmacists are being employed in acute care hospitals. There is potential for overlap in responsibilities between IDC and AMS pharmacists, but there is no literature outlining the current duties for each group in Canada.

A Systematic Review of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions in the Emergency Department.

Background/objective: To improve antimicrobial utilization, development and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in the emergency department (ED) has been recommended. The primary objective of this review was to characterize antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in the ED and to identify interventions that improve patient outcomes or process of care and/or reduce consequences of antimicrobial use.

Methods: This study was completed as a systematic review.

Corticosteroids in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Controversy surrounds the use of adjunctive corticosteroids in severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP) as current guidelines either do not address or discourage their use. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials examining systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of severe CAP were summarized and their impacts on patient-important outcomes assessed. Four trials describing systemic corticosteroid use in adults with severe CAP were identified.

Alcohol exposure among pregnant women in sub-saharan Africa: a systematic review.

Background: The prevalence of general alcohol use in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is high. However, research examining alcohol use in among pregnant women within this population is limited. A review of the current status of research examining the prevalence of alcohol exposed pregnancies (AEP) is required to inform future research aiming to decrease this occurrence and its subsequent socio-economic complications.