Preceptor perspectives on disability-related accommodations in pharmacy experiential education.

Introduction: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards require reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities in an educational setting. There is limited information regarding preceptor experiences and perspectives associated with accommodations in the pharmacy experiential learning environment. This study examined preceptor experiences and viewpoints and explored opportunities for schools/colleges of pharmacy (S/COP) to provide support and education for preceptors when meeting access needs.

Safety of Beta-Blocker Administration in STEMI Patients With Risk Factors for Cardiogenic Shock.

Beta-blockers are recommended in the first 24 hours after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) except in those at risk of cardiogenic shock. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess if early beta-blocker use was associated with cardiogenic shock development in STEMI patients. Cardiogenic shock was assessed in adult patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with guideline defined risk factors for shock (age above 70 years, systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg, and heart rate above 120 bpm or below 60 bpm) who did or did not receive a beta-blocker within 24 hours of PCI.

Use of Prophylactic or Therapeutic Anticoagulation in Critically Ill Patients With Pre-existing Atrial Fibrillation.

The optimal anticoagulation regimen for atrial fibrillation (AF) in critically ill patients is challenging as these patients may be at an increased risk for bleeding and clotting despite an absence or presence of anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to compare bleeding and thrombotic rates in critically-ill adults with pre-existing AF receiving therapeutic anticoagulation versus chemical or mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. A retrospective, observational study was conducted.

Act for the Future of Community Pharmacy.

Community pharmacies serve as a vital gateway to primary care and public health, offering face-to-face pharmacist expert care to assure safe and effective medication use. However, they are disappearing at an alarming rate, with 20-30% of all community pharmacy locations projected to close within the next year. The objective of this commentary is to highlight the critical need for systemic reforms and collective action within our profession to address the unique challenges faced by community pharmacies, ensuring their sustainability and continued role in providing essential healthcare services for patients.

Mitigating Misinformation Toolkit: Online Simulation and Standardized Patient Cases for Interprofessional Students to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation.

Introduction: Medical misinformation, which contributes to vaccine hesitancy, poses challenges to health professionals. Health professions students, while capable of addressing and advocating for vaccination, may lack the confidence to engage with vaccine-hesitant individuals influenced by medical misinformation.

Methods: An interprofessional in-person simulation activity (90 minutes) using standardized patients was developed and instituted for students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health programs.

Association between potentially inappropriate medications prescription and health-related quality of life among US older adults.

Background: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are associated with worse health outcomes among older adults. Our objective was to examine the association between PIM prescription and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults in the United States using nationally representative data.

Methods: This was a retrospective study utilizing 2011-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data.

A systematic review of therapeutic enoxaparin dosing in obesity.

Enoxaparin is a hydrophilic drug with obesity having little effect on its apparent volume of distribution, therefore patients with obesity receiving standard 1 mg/kg dosing may be at a higher risk of supratherapeutic dosing. Conversely, dose reducing patients with obesity could place already at risk patients at higher risk of a thrombotic event. Data and recommendations are variable for the most appropriate weight-based dose of therapeutic enoxaparin in obese patients, particularly those a weight > 100 kg or a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m.

Model-Based Prediction of Irinotecan-Induced Grade 4 Neutropenia in Cancer Patients: Influence of Incorporating Germline Genetic Factors in the Model.

Neutropenia is the major dose-limiting toxicity of irinotecan-based therapy. The objective of this study was to assess whether inclusion of germline genetic variants into a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model can improve prediction of irinotecan-induced grade 4 neutropenia and identify novel variants of clinical value. A semimechanistic population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was used to predict neutrophil response over time in 197 patients receiving irinotecan.

A Mixed Methods Study of Resources Available for the Professional Development of Mid-Career Faculty.

Objective: To determine what resources are available and useful for the professional development of mid-career faculty (MCF) in pharmacy education to foster career advancement.

Methods: A 37-question survey was sent to 7236 members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, an estimated 4640 of whom represented the target population of associate professors, full professors, and administrators. Semi-structured focus groups involving these 3 groups of faculty were held to provide additional insight.

NAPLEX Preparatory Perceptions from Recent Graduates at One College of Pharmacy.

Objectives: The current study assessed how students prepared for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), and examined factors associated with first-time pass rates. In addition, updated information on student perceptions of several currently available NAPLEX preparation resources was collected.

Methods: A survey was administered to 2022 graduates from 1 school, which collected data on student demographics, and NAPLEX-related items regarding when the exam was taken and how students prepared, including resources used.

Description and student perceptions of a medications dosing calculations course for non-healthcare majors.

Objectives: To describe and assess a dosing calculations course presented to first-year college honors students who are not healthcare majors. The primary objective is, can first year undergraduate college honors students, who have not enrolled in a professional healthcare program, be successful in a calculations dosing course? The secondary objective is, what are the students' perceptions of the course?

Methods: The instructor facilitated an in-person dosage calculations course, 1 h per week over 14 weeks. Small teams of students were created to facilitate learning throughout the semester.

Urinary biomarkers as indicators of acute kidney injury in critically ill children exposed to vancomycin.

Study Objective: The standard of care for detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) is change in serum creatinine (SCr) and urine output, which are limited. This study aimed to compare urinary biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) with kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) in critically ill children exposed to vancomycin who did and did not develop AKI as defined by changes in SCr.

Design: Single-center, prospective, clinical, observational cohort study.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Residency Preparation Program for Fourth-Year Doctor of Pharmacy Students.

Objective: To describe the impact of a formal residency preparation program on student match rates, and to evaluate student-reported advisement activities and perceptions of the residency application process.

Methods: An optional, noncredit-bearing, residency preparation program was implemented in professional year 4 (PY4) of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. The program consisted of 4 residency preparation presentations and/or workshops: curriculum vitae writing, navigating the residency application process and American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy Midyear Clinical Meeting, letter of intent writing, and interview skills.

A descriptive survey of specialty pharmacy team members' perceptions of interactions with field representatives from pharmaceutical companies.

It is not well understood in literature what the time spent between health care professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and pharmaceutical field specialists equates to in terms of changes in productivity or lost time, the educational value provided, or the nature of the resources provided in terms of improving patient care. To evaluate the volume of, and time spent in, pharmaceutical field representative (PFR) meetings by members of an integrated specialty pharmacy team at a large academic medical center. A 16-item survey tool used skip and branching logic comprising binary, multiple-choice, multiple-select, and open-ended items was distributed to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at a health-system specialty pharmacy on the south side of Chicago, Illinois.

A Call to Action for the Professional Development of Mid-Career Faculty.

Despite taking on heavier teaching and service loads, an expanding research program, and serving as mentors to junior faculty, mid-career faculty often feel unsupported. Providing a solid foundation through resource allocation and sharing between and within institutions can facilitate establishment or improvement of faculty development initiatives, workload equity, transparent policies, routine performance evaluation, a process for faculty recognition, and a system of mentoring to create an environment where this essential group of faculty can continue to grow. The following discussion, which includes suggested methods to achieve these goals with a focus on mid-career faculty, serves as a call to action for pharmacy school administrators to assess the state of mid-career faculty at their institution, and if indicated, implement systems that promote success among this group.

Comparison of bleeding and ischemic events with apixaban vs. rivaroxaban in triple antithrombotic therapy regimens.

Objective: To compare the risk of readmissions for major bleeding within one year between apixaban and rivaroxaban as a component of triple antithrombotic therapy.

Methods: This study was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study conducted at two academic medical centers in the Western New York and New York City region between July 1, 2011 and September 25, 2019. Adult patients were included if they were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism and discharged on new triple antithrombotic therapy.

Educational game improves systems thinking, socialization, and teamwork among students of 13 health professions programs.

Systems thinking and interprofessional collaborative practice competencies are critical to inculcate in students of health professions programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that an interprofessional education (IPE) experience consisting of an educational game, Friday Night at the ER (FNER), and structured debriefing had on students' systems thinking and self-assessed interprofessional socialization and teamwork skills. Systems thinking was evaluated using the Systems Thinking Scale (STS), and interprofessional socialization and teamwork were evaluated using a modified Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale-9 (ISVS-9) and Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Attainment Scale (ICCAS) question #21.

Contraception for transgender and gender diverse individuals in pharmacy education: A cross-sectional survey and select resources.

Introduction: Pharmacists must be knowledgeable to care for all patients, including transgender and gender diverse individuals. Some institutions may have gaps in their pharmacy school curriculum specific to transgender contraceptive care. The current study evaluated and offered recommendations regarding the current state of transgender contraceptive care education within pharmacy curricula.

Survey of colleges and schools of pharmacy to determine restrictions for teaching, research, and advocacy related to contraception.

Introduction: The pharmacist's role in reproductive health is evolving. Since 46 states allow providers to refuse to provide reproductive health services, it is important to consider whether learning is impacted by institution restrictions on contraception teaching, advocacy, and research.

Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to deans of all pharmacy schools on the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Institutional Membership list with a request to share with faculty teaching women's health content within their curriculum.

Multiple Sclerosis and Use of Medical Cannabis: A Retrospective Review of a Neurology Outpatient Population.

Background: Patients diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a wide range of symptoms requiring pharmacologic management, and many do not achieve adequate symptom control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of medical cannabis (MC) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with MS.

Methods: A retrospective medical record review of 141 patients with MS receiving MC for symptom management was conducted.

Medical Cannabis in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Objectives: Medical cannabis (MC) has recently garnered interest as a potential treatment for neurologic diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). A retrospective chart review was conducted to explore the impact of MC on the symptomatic treatment of patients with PD.

Methods: Patients with PD treated with MC in the normal course of clinical practice were included (n = 69).