Comparing Expectations: How Pharmacy Students View Physician Assistant and Medical Students.

Purpose: The aim of this prospective, perception scale study was to evaluate pharmacy student expectations and perceptions of student medical providers before and after interprofessional education (IPE).

Methods: Using pre- and postactivity surveys, the expectations and perceptions of 2 cohorts of third-year pharmacy students who worked with first-year physician assistant (PA) students and second-year medical (MD) students in an evidence-based, case-based IPE session were compared.

Results: Before engaging in the interprofessional activities, the pharmacy students' (N = 131) expectations were either similar for both student provider groups or greater for MD students.

Early skills laboratory warnings: Laboratory faculty perspectives on student barriers for progression to experiential education.

Introduction: This study characterized faculty perceptions of student barriers to achieving an Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) level 2 or higher in the Patient Care Provider domain.

Methods: Pharmacy skills laboratory faculty participated in a nominal group technique (NGT) session. Participants reflected on two questions: "What behaviors would result in a student not achieving a rank of EPA readiness level 2 or higher?" and "What knowledge and skills would result in a student not achieving a rank of EPA readiness level 2 or higher?" Participants developed a ranked list using silent brainstorming, idea generation, clarification, and discussion.

Effectiveness of an analogy-containing video project to reinforce pharmacy students' learning of kidney physiology.

Background And Purpose: Kidney physiology is one of the most difficult topics covered in health professions education. This study examined the effectiveness of an analogy-containing video project to reinforce pharmacy students' knowledge of kidney physiology.

Educational Activity And Setting: Students were assigned in groups to create a video that used analogy to explain kidney physiology processes.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prescribing of opioid and opioid use disorder medications within an academic medical center in California.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare operations affecting many patients with chronic pain and substance use disorder. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid and opioid use disorder (OUD) medication prescribing practices within a large academic health system in southern California.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who received a prescription for chronic opioids or therapy for OUD between November 1, 2019 and September 1, 2020.

Perspectives about Spiritual Care in Pharmacy Practice: A Community-based Survey.

Addressing religious and spiritual needs are important components of holistic healthcare. Little is known about the general public's perspectives about pharmacists providing spiritual care (SC). To explore how community members perceive, experience, and desire pharmacist-provided SC.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Based on Vancomycin Target Trough Attainment Strategy: Area-Under-the-Curve-Guided Bayesian Software, Nomogram, or Trough-Guided Dosing.

Background: Guidelines support area-under-the-curve (AUC) monitoring for vancomycin dosing which may lower overall doses and reduce acute kidney injury (AKI).

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare incidence of AKI across 3 vancomycin dosing modalities: AUC-targeted Bayesian pharmacokinetic software, AUC-targeted empiric dosing nomogram, and trough-guided dosing using clinical pharmacists' judgment.

Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients with a pharmacy dosing consult who received ≥1 dose of vancomycin and ≥1 serum vancomycin level documented between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019.

Methylnaltrexone for Opioid-Induced Dysmotility in Critically Ill Infants and Children: A Pilot Study.

Objective: Critically ill pediatric patients commonly experience opioid-induced dysmotility. Methylnaltrexone, a subcutaneously administered, peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, is a compelling adjunct to enteral laxatives in patients with opioid-induced dysmotility. Data for methylnaltrexone use in critically ill pediatric patients are limited.

Examining the impact of racial disparities on infection outcomes at a Southern California academic teaching hospital.

Racial differences in infection (CDI) outcomes have been reported. In this study, minoritized patients with CDIs had prolonged hospitalizations and increased intensive care unit admissions. Chronic kidney disease was shown to partially mediate the relationship between race or ethnicity and severe CDI.

Pharmacy students' attitudes and beliefs about spirituality and spiritual care in professional education in Zimbabwe.

Introduction: A majority of Zimbabweans are religious and/or spiritual. Spirituality and spiritual care (SC) are important parts of patient care. The study's objective was to investigate pharmacy students' attitudes/beliefs about spirituality and SC in pharmacy education and practice in Zimbabwe.

National survey of educational impact on pharmacy learners by volunteering at camps for children with diabetes.

Introduction: Current literature on pharmacy students' and residents' experience attending camps for children with diabetes focuses on the experience at an individual campsite. The objective of this study was to examine the demographics and gains in understanding that pharmacy learners achieve when volunteering as medical staff at camps for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: National listservs were used to identify pharmacists who precept pharmacy students and residents at diabetes camps.

Pharmacy students' perceived barriers to spiritual care: A qualitative study.

Background: Spiritual care (SC) is an important component of whole person care, a goal that many pharmacists embrace. Knowledge about barriers to incorporating SC in pharmacy practice may allow understanding of how to increase its provision.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate pharmacy students' perceived personal and professional barriers to incorporating SC in pharmacy practice.

Racial disparities among candidemic patients at a Southern California teaching hospital.

Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) patients are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, including candidemia. REM patients with candidemia were significantly younger, with trends toward more risk factors for candidemia and longer lengths of stay. Although was more common in REM patients, there were no differences in mortality rates.

An exploratory qualitative study of pharmacy student perspectives of implicit bias in pharmacy practice.

Introduction: Implicit biases can contribute to unfair treatment in healthcare and exacerbate healthcare disparities. Little is known about the implicit biases that exist within pharmacy practice and their behavioral manifestations. The purpose of this study was to explore pharmacy student perspectives about implicit bias in pharmacy practice.

Potential Association of Holidays on Internationalized Normalized Ratio in Warfarin-Users at a Multidisciplinary Clinic.

Background: Warfarin is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for numerous clinical indications. The effectiveness of warfarin is highly dependent on the time-in-therapeutic range based on the international normalized ratio (INR) goal, which may be altered by changes in diet, alcohol intake, concomitant drugs, and travel, all of which are prevalent during the holidays. At this time, there are no published studies assessing the impact of holidays on INR in warfarin-users.

Use of dornase alfa in pediatric patients without cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: Literature regarding clinical benefits of dornase alfa (DNase) in pediatric patients without cystic fibrosis is lacking. In December 2020, the study institution implemented restrictions to limit DNase use in this patient population. The primary objective was adherence to DNase ordering restrictions.

Characteristics of Successful International Pharmacy Partnerships.

Recommendations for global pharmacy collaborations are predominately derived from US institutions. This study utilized semi-structured interviews of global collaborators to assess important partnership components. Interviewees stated personal connections and understanding of each other's programs/systems were key components.

Just DOAC: Use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in pediatrics.

Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current literature for direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use in pediatric patients and summarize ongoing trials.

Summary: In treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric patients, evidence supports use of both dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Dabigatran has been shown to be noninferior to standard of care (SOC) in terms of efficacy, with similar bleeding rates.

Exploring the intersection of racism, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine equity.

Structural racism and systemic health inequities have an overwhelming and deadly impact on racially and ethnically minoritized groups. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely considered a global public health threat, and concerns that minoritized groups are disproportionately affected are increasing. With the emergence and spread of AMR, novel therapies and prevention strategies are imperative.

Evaluation of Curricula Content on Kidney Disease in US Doctor of Pharmacy Programs.

Although pharmacists improve outcomes in the care of patients with kidney diseases and current guidelines advocate multidisciplinary care, pharmacist nephrology training is not well described. This study seeks to characterize required and elective coursework within US Doctor of Pharmacy curricula. This information will be valuable in identification and evaluation of educational gaps for pharmacists as best practices in the education and care of kidney diseases for pharmacists are established.

Optimal antipseudomonal ꞵ-lactam drug dosing recommendations in critically-ill Asian patients receiving CRRT.

Introduction: The average body weight is smaller in Asian patients compared with Western patients, but influence of body weight in antibiotic dosing is unknown. This study was to predict the optimal ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam doses in Asian patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH).

Methods: Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) were performed using published Asian demographics and pharmacokinetics parameters in 5000 virtual patients at three CVVH effluent rates (Qeff; 20, 30, 40 mL/kg/h).

The Effects of Magnesium Coadminstration During Treatment of Hypokalemia in the Emergency Department.

Background: Hypokalemia is a common disorder that can negatively affect organ function. Magnesium supplementation is frequently recommended despite limited evidence to support its use.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of magnesium coadministration in patients treated for hypokalemia in the emergency department (ED).

Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) than the general population. Many medications utilized for the treatment of IBD affect the immune system, potentially further increasing the risk of PJP. Recommendations for prophylaxis against PJP in this patient population are based upon limited evidence, and risk factors for PJP development are not well-agreed upon.

Renal Impairment Associated With Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Use in the Pediatric Population.

Objective: Limited studies describe acute kidney injury (AKI) in children receiving trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (SXT). The primary objective of this study was to describe AKI with SXT use in pediatric patients. Secondary objectives included describing the incidence of hyperkalemia and blood dyscrasias with SXT use.

Leveraging Black pharmacists to promote equity in COVID-19 vaccine uptake within Black communities: A framework for researchers and clinicians.

Black Americans are disproportionately represented among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related morbidities and mortalities. While the COVID-19 vaccines are positioned to change this disparity, vaccine hesitancy, attributed to decades of systemic racism and mistreatment by the United States health care system, heavily exists among this racially and ethnically minoritized group. In addition, social determinants of health within Black communities including the lack of health care access and inequitable COVID-19 vaccine allocation, further impacts vaccine uptake.