A Cross-Sectional Study of Vaccination-Related Education in Pharmacy Programs in the Middle East.

Objective: Pharmacists play pivotal roles in improving vaccination rates. However, absence of vaccination-related undergraduate education impedes their ability for these roles. The study aims were to scope vaccination-related education in pharmacy colleges in the Middle East (ME) and to describe potential facilitators and barriers to vaccination administration education using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Efficacy and Safety of Colistin versus Tigecycline for Multi-Drug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens-A Meta-Analysis.

Background: We intended to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of colistin versus tigecycline as monotherapy or combination therapy against multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and in the grey literature (i.e.

Investigating pharmacy students' therapeutic decision-making with respect to antimicrobial stewardship cases.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) play a big role in minimizing antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacists are essential members of the health care team and in order for them to fulfill roles on ASP teams and become antimicrobial stewards, they must be prepared adequately by pharmacy schools prior to entry into actual practice. Although programming has been implemented into entry-to-practice programs worldwide, little is known about how students interpret antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) data and arrive at clinical decisions.

A Scoping Review of Antimicrobial Stewardship Teaching in Pharmacy Education Curricula.

To conduct a scoping review of the existing literature to identify published studies on innovative teaching and assessment practices for antimicrobial stewardship in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum and to provide a foundation for future scholarly research in this important area. Seven studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Two of the studies explored the extent, content, and methods of delivery of antimicrobial stewardship, four studies described elective courses in antimicrobial stewardship, and one study described an interprofessional module.

Assessment of antimicrobial stewardship programs within governmental hospitals in Qatar: a SWOC analysis.

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide public health issue that requires emergent action. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been proposed as a strategy to minimise resistance. Although ASPs were implemented in governmental hospitals in Qatar since 2015, a formal evaluation of these programs has not been conducted.

Exploring the gaps between education and pharmacy practice on antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study among pharmacists in Qatar.

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health issue and is the focus of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams within health care institutions. However, AMS is not comprehensively and fully taught in medical or pharmacy curricula and little is known about the relevance of pharmacist training to meet AMS needs in the Middle East region. We aimed to explore the discord that may exist between infectious diseases education and actual clinical practice with regard to AMS knowledge and training skills in Qatar.

Exploring the Influence of Language on Assessment Given a Mismatch Between Language of Instruction and Language of Practice.

A phenomenon is occurring in international settings where the language of program delivery and assessment does not match the primary language of practice. It is unknown whether determining competence in English disadvantages students for practice in non-English settings. As such, we conducted a pilot study to determine student performance and perceptions after completion of two Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) examinations, one conducted in English and one conducted in Arabic within an Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern setting.

Introducing problem-based learning into a Canadian-accredited Middle Eastern educational setting.

Background And Purpose: Adaption of active learning strategies into new cultures and contexts requires careful consideration to maximize effectiveness and meet intended objectives. The aim of this paper was to describe the adaption and implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) within a pharmacy curriculum in a Middle Eastern context.

Educational Activity And Setting: PBL was implemented into the curriculum at Qatar University in 2014 and expanded in subsequent years to include differing courses and contexts.

Critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia.

Objectives: To critically appraise published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for management of febrile neutropenia in adult patients with cancer and to determine opportunities for improved development and reporting.

Methods: A literature search identified CPGs for adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Four independent assessors evaluated each included CPG according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument.

A Review of Clinical Outcomes Associated with Two Meropenem Dosing Strategies.

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that exhibits time-dependent bactericidal activity, traditionally dosed intravenously at 1 g every 8 h. In order to maximize its pharmacodynamic activity and reduce costs, an alternative regimen employed by many institutions is 500 mg every 6 h. The objective of this review was to summarize and evaluate published literature comparing clinical outcomes associated with these two meropenem dosing regimens.

Bridging theory and practice: Mixed methods approach to instruction of law and ethics within the pharmaceutical sciences.

Professional responsibilities are guided by laws and ethics that must be introduced and mastered within pharmaceutical sciences training. Instructional design to teaching typically introduces concepts in a traditional didactic approach and requires student memorization prior to application within practice settings. Additionally, many centers rely on best practices from abroad, due to lack of locally published laws and guidance documents.

Levetiracetam for seizure prevention in brain tumor patients: a systematic review.

Seizures are common complications for patients with brain tumors. No clear evidence exists regarding the use of antiepileptic agents for prophylactic use yet newer agents are being favoured in many clinical settings. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of levetiracetam for preventing seizures in patients with brain tumors.