bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Variations In Essential Medication Lists
Authors: Tejani Ali H. , Wertheimer Albert
Published: January 2018

Every nation in the world has established a National Medication Formulary to account for all the medications present in the country. Many countries follow the Essential Medication List provided by the World Health organization (WHO) when making their own National Medication Formulary. Our study looked at variations in the National Formularies when compared to the Essential Medication Lists. Different relationships such as missing and extra medications lists were formulated and the statistics analyzed. It was noted that on average most of the countries studied were lacking 47% of medications, and had 30% additional medications on their national formulary. Further studies need to be conducted as Essential Medications may be lacking, or harmful medications may be present in a country's formulary leading to severe health problems.

 

Type: Commentary
Pharmacist Perspectives on Medication Costs and Affordability: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shinde Shraddha , Shah Bupendra
Published: January 2018

Background- Research on pharmacist provided care and services has rarely focused on medication cost and affordability. This study aims to bridge the gap by examining pharmacists' perspectives of medication costs and affordability.

Objective- To explore pharmacists' perceptions about medication cost burden for patients, their communication with patients about i) ability to afford medications, ii) price, and iii) ways to reduce medication cost burden, their perceptions about ways to help improve affordability of medications and the barriers to communication.

Method- A cross sectional exploratory study design was utilized. A convenience sample of pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Brooklyn was approached and asked to complete a survey. The survey questions examined the extent to which pharmacists: 1) perceived medication cost to be a burden, 2) initiated discussion about i) ability to afford medications, ii) price of medications, iii) ways to reduce cost burden. Pharmacists were also asked to opine on how to improve affordability of medications and their perceived barriers for such communication with the patients. Questions were formulated to differentiate pharmacists' perceptions and behaviors in regards to dealing with patients with (PWI) and without insurance (PWOI). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.

Result- A total of twenty-six pharmacists out of 54 approached participated in the study. Majority of the pharmacists reported the cost of medication to be extremely/very burdensome for PWOI (73%) than PWI (23%). In contrast, more pharmacists reported initiating a discussion very often/always about affordability with PWI (35%) than PWOI (20%). Discussions about price of medications were more common than discussions about affordability and ways to reduce medication burden. On an average, 33% of the pharmacists suggested generics as a way to improve affordability of the medications for PWI and PWOI.

Conclusion- Patient-pharmacist communication on affordability and ways to reduce cost burden occurs very infrequently. Understanding the perspectives on patient-pharmacist communication on medication cost may help in developing effective strategies and may help reduce cost-related medication non-adherence.

 

Type: Student Project
Integrating Components of Medication Therapy Management Services into Community Pharmacy Workflow
Authors: Lester Corey A. , Helmke Jennifer L. , Kaefer Tana N. , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Goode Jean-Venable R.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a process for integrating components of medication therapy management services into a community pharmacy workflow. Secondary objectives were to evaluate outcomes as well as patient and pharmacist satisfaction with this change.

Methods: This prospective, 3-month observational study took place in a small, independent community pharmacy. This intervention included a redesigned work system that included a seated private desk area and focus on the pharmacist, rather than the technician, being the first contact when patients entered the pharmacy. Pharmacists participated in a focus group before and after the implementation of the new workflow to better understand the delivery of the intervention and assess satisfaction. Process outcomes included time spent with the patient, the number of medication-related problems identified and recommendations made, the type of disease education provided, type and number of immunizations administered, and health monitoring tests performed. Patient satisfaction surveys were distributed after completing the intervention during the third month of the study.

Results: A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study resulting in 82 encounters. Forty medication-related problems, including experiencing an adverse drug reaction and ineffective therapy, were identified with recommendations made to patients or prescribers. Disease education, such as goals of therapy, was provided 46 times. Health monitoring tests, such as blood pressure, were performed 16 times and eight immunizations were administered. The revised workflow incorporating components of MTM services was successful in that 39% of encounters were less than two minutes and 49% of encounters were between two and five minutes in length. Only 12% of encounters were greater than five minutes. Overall, patients were very satisfied with the intervention. Pharmacists responded positively, but expressed concern that the changes to the work system prevented them from overseeing technician functions.

Conclusion: Pharmacists in community practice are able to provide components of medication therapy management services during a brief, face-to-face interaction with patients. Overall, patients and pharmacists were satisfied with the changes to the pharmacy work system and that additional work system changes are needed to further expand the role of the community pharmacist and facilitate patient-pharmacist interactions.

 

Type: Original Research
Promoting Scholarly Lines of Inquiry in Pharmacy Education Through Idea Papers and Case Study Reports
Authors: Janke Kristin K. , Kolar Claire
Published: January 2018

Type: Invitation
Experience and Outcomes of a Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Residency Program
Authors: Bartelme Kassandra M. , Bzowyckyj Andrew , Frueh Janice , Speedie Marilyn , Jacobson Gerald , Sorenson Todd D.
Published: January 2018

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy's Ambulatory Care Residency Program has graduated 22 residents from its Leadership Emphasis program from 1999 to 2014. The Leadership Emphasis program is unique in its design, providing a set of experiences over two years focused on developing leadership skills in practice development, establishing personal influence, advocacy in the profession, and teaching. The program's design has focused on bringing value to three distinct audiences: pharmacists enrolled in the program, the local pharmacy practice community, and the College of Pharmacy. This paper explores the program's contributions in each of these areas.

Program graduates from 1999-2009 were interviewed and cited the independent, yet mentored, activities of the program as instrumental to their professional and personal development. The program has provided significant value to the College of Pharmacy, primarily in the form of instructional support, service to faculty practice sites and development of new practice sites for APPEs. Teaching and precepting hours offset the salary of the residents, resulting in financial benefits for the College. In the second year of the program, residents pursue development of new practice sites, 15 of which have been sustained to provide at least a half-time pharmacist position, having a direct impact on pharmacy practice development in the region.

The program provides a win-win-win situation for all the stakeholders involved. Schools and colleges of pharmacy are encouraged to consider whether a similar program may assist in achieving its own goals in practitioner development, teaching and learning, and community engagement.

 

Type: Clinical Experience
Identifying barriers to influenza vaccination recommendation adherence in an academic outpatient primary care clinic setting
Authors: Buu Jenni , Mullin Shantel , McAdam-Marx Carrie , Solomon Margaret , Jennings Brandon T.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objectives of this study were to identify barriers to influenza vaccination recommendation adherence and determine potential methods to improve influenza vaccination rates at the outpatient primary care health centers within an academic health care system.

Methods: This descriptive study consisted of a questionnaire distributed to primary care providers at outpatient health centers within an academic health care system. The questionnaire assessed provider opinions regarding knowledge of influenza vaccination recommendations, barriers to following clinical guidelines, and methods to decrease delay of guideline use. Influenza vaccination rates at each of the health centers were also determined through documentation of vaccination for adults who visited a primary care provider during the 2011-2012 influenza season. Vaccination rates were used as a potential model for vaccination recommendation adherence.

Results: When providers were asked about barriers to guideline implementation, 75.0% stated lack of awareness that guidelines have been released and 62.5% identified insufficient time to learn new guidelines as barriers. When asked which would be useful to more quickly implement clinical guidelines, respondents selected education for providers of new guidelines (79.2%), reminders in the electronic medical record (62.5%), and involvement of other health care professionals including pharmacists (54.2%) as potential strategies. Most questionnaire respondents (70.8%) strongly agreed that well-developed guidelines would improve quality of care at their practice site. During the 2011-2012 influenza season, 26.0% of 67,827 adults with an office visit at all outpatient health centers had documentation of administration of an influenza vaccine.

Conclusion: Influenza vaccination rates at the outpatient primary care health centers at this academic health care system represent an area for improvement. Provider perceived barriers to clinical practice guideline implementation and adherence at the health centers include lack of awareness of new guidelines and lack of resources such as time and personnel to follow all recommendations. A health care system-wide process needs to be created to better identify strategies to improve adherence to influenza vaccination recommendations and vaccination documentation.

 

Type: Original Research
Differences in career paths and attributes of pharmacists completing a community pharmacy residency program (CPRP)
Authors: Ulbrich Timothy R. , Adams Alex , Bright David R. , Sullivan Donald L. , Schnur Evan , Bess D. Todd , Owen James , Bradley-Baker Lynette
Published: January 2018

Objective: To determine any differences in career paths and career attributes of pharmacists who have completed a PGY1 community pharmacy residency program (CPRP) as compared to those that have not completed a PGY1 CPRP.

Methods: A web-based survey evaluating various aspects of community pharmacists' careers was distributed to 274 CPRP graduates in addition to a random sample of 7,376 community pharmacists. The survey contained 32 questions evaluating various career attributes. Questions that assessed level of agreement were on a 6-point Likert-type Scale (1=strongly disagree; 6=strongly agree).

Results: A total of 353 participants completed the survey, with 224 indicating that they had not completed a CPRP. Pharmacists who completed a CPRP responded that they spend significantly more time on patient care services, teaching, and research, and spend less time dispensing medications compared to those that have not completed a CPRP. Compared to those that did not complete a CPRP, CPRP graduates were less likely to agree that current level of workload negatively impacts job performance, motivation to work, job satisfaction, mental/emotional health, and physical health.

Conclusion: Pharmacists completing a CPRP noted significant differences in their current employment and job responsibilities. Additional expansion and education regarding the importance of CPRPs should be considered.

 

Type: Original Research
A pilot project to assess community pharmacists' knowledge and caring behaviors for recurrent headache sufferers after a migraine-focused educational intervention
Authors: Murray Kelly A. , Skomo Monica L. , Carter Sandra M.
Published: January 2018

Objectives: (1) Compare pharmacists' self-assessed knowledge of migraine before and after an educational intervention; (2) Compare pharmacists' self-reported care behaviors following an educational intervention with a control group of pharmacists; (3) Identify interactions between the educational intervention results and individual independent variables.

Design: Quasi-experimental, parallel design.

Setting: Twenty community pharmacies in northeastern Oklahoma from March to May 2010.

Participants: 49 pharmacists at one of twenty community pharmacies, with active and in-good-standing Oklahoma pharmacy licenses.

Intervention: Two-hour educational session on migraine identification and current treatment.

Main outcome measures: Compare pharmacists' self-assessed knowledge of migraine before and after an educational intervention and compare self-reported care behaviors of these same pharmacists with a control group of pharmacists.

Results: Pharmacists' self-assessed knowledge mean scores were significantly higher post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p<0.0001). Self-assessed knowledge was higher in the intervention group post-questionnaire scores compared to the control group of pharmacists (p=0.004). Intervention group pharmacists were more confident in their ability to maintain knowledge of migraine (p=0.04). No difference was seen regarding difficulty in providing care for a migraineur (p=0.16) or in how the pharmacists perceived employer culture (p=0.79). No significant interactions were found between the educational intervention and demographic variables collected.

Conclusion: Attending an educational program on migraine improved pharmacists' knowledge and confidence when providing care to migraineurs.

 

Type: Original Research
Rules of Engagement: The Why, What, and How of Professional Engagement for Pharmacy
Authors: Aronson Benjamin D. , Janke Kristin K.
Published: January 2018

The development of student pharmacists must include inspiring within them a sense of engagement in their profession. This paper provides the rationale for and the potential implications of this concept, as well as an overview of experiences with professional engagement in student pharmacists at one college of pharmacy. Curricular-based experiences and research will be discussed, including the insights gained and suggestions for developing and encouraging professional engagement. Lastly, this article provides future direction for furthering professional engagement on both the conceptual and curricular level.

 

Type: Idea Paper
Comparing Vertical and Horizontal Screening Methods for Pharmacy Resident Candidates Before Interviews
Authors: Peeters Michael J. , Gundram Todd E. , Murphy Julie A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose: Prior studies have examined autobiographical screening methods among medical student applicants, and demonstrated halo bias with single-rater scoring; though others have questioned its practical significance. Comparing with traditional vertical screening method, we evaluated a horizontal method for initial screening of Post-Graduate Year-1 (PGY-1) pharmacy practice resident candidate applications prior to interviews.

Methods: Our screening rubric for PGY-1 pharmacy residency candidates consisted of eight criteria, each scored using a 5-point Likert scale. During the 2014 residency recruitment season, two single-evaluators (A&B) scored all eight criteria and their scores were summed into total application scores (vertical method). Meanwhile two other evaluators (C&D) each evaluated only two criteria for all applications. The four combined-evaluators (A-D) scores, on two criteria each, were summed together into total application scores (horizontal method). For statistical comparison of single-evaluator and combined-evaluators, inter-component reliabilities were analyzed for each evaluator, while inter-rater consistency was also examined. For practical significance, actual selection differences were reviewed.

Results:Forty-six applications were evaluated to determine 24 invitations for on-site interviews. Inter-component reliability differed among evaluatorA, evaluatorB, combined-evaluators A-D (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74, 0.73, 0.58, respectively; lower better). Among raters, inter-rater consistency was excellent (0.86 by intraclass correlation, p

Conclusion: Halo bias was seen with the single-evaluators (vertical method); two interview invitations were negatively impacted. For pharmacy resident screening, a horizontal screening method appears to be rigorous in promoting fairness for applicants. As pharmacy residency applications continue to grow, a fair and time-efficient method of screening seems imperative.

 

Type: Original Research
More Evidence of Professionalism and Professional Engagement
Authors: Peeters Michael J. , Whitner Jangus B. , Bale Akeem O.
Published: January 2018

Type: Letter
Development of the Adherence Predictive Index (API) for Medication Taking
Authors: Schommer Jon C , Tieger Paul D , Olson Anthony W , Brown Lawrence M , Tomaszewski Daniel M
Published: January 2018

The objective for this study was to explore if characteristics of personality type using the Preferred Communication Style Questionnaire, in concert with the demographic characteristics of age, education, and race/ethnicity, are associated with, and help predict, individuals’ medication adherence behavior.

Data were collected via an on-line survey, sent to a sample of adults residing in the United States, between April 28 and June 22, 2015. Out of 26,173 responses to the survey, 16,736 reported taking one or more medications and were eligible for inclusion in this study.

The development of the Adherence Predictive Index (API) used mean Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) scores for each of eight personality types as a starting point. API scores were calculated by adding or subtracting specific values to each group’s mean MMAS-8 score based on personality type, age, education and race/ethnicity characteristics which were demonstrated to have significant effects on adherence. The weighting system was informed by linear regression, logistic regression, personality type literature, researcher experience, and previous qualitative and quantitative research. The resultant score was converted to an API score that ranged from 1 to 5 so that it would be feasible for health care providers to understand and use.

The findings showed that an Adherence Predictive Index (API) could be developed based upon a relatively small number of questions that focus on personality type and generational, educational, and cultural experiences. It was developed in order to be a component of a comprehensive program that has the goals of (1) identifying and describing specific behavioral strategies individuals are most likely to successfully employ, (2) motivating patients by using their preferred communication style, and (3) predicting each patient’s propensity to adhere. Future research is needed to evaluate the index’s validity, sensitivity, and effectiveness in actual practice compared with other risk indices.

 

Type: Original Research
Development and Evaluation of Students’ Skills Critiquing Clinical Documentation
Authors: Bartelme Kassandra M , Brown Michael C
Published: January 2018

Objectives: The main objective is to evaluate students’ ability to critique simulated clinical documentation containing intentional errors. Exploratory objectives include comparing student performance on two note critique activities and comparing performance of two consecutive student cohorts.

Methods: Students are introduced to the skills of clinical documentation in the second professional year. To uniquely develop students’ ability to identify challenges that may be present with notes in their future practice, students were taught specific skills in critiquing documentation, with an emphasis on the errors and omissions commonly seen in different sections of the note based on the previous literature. Students were assessed on their ability to correctly critique two notes containing intentional errors in two teaching laboratory courses.

Results: A total of 159 students completed two note critique activities, identifying 87.0% of intentional errors built into both activities. On the individual note components, students identified 97.9%, 73.0%, 78.8%, and 95.5% of the intentional errors in the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) sections, respectively.

Conclusion: Students perform fairly well when identifying errors in poorly written SOAP notes. They seem to struggle most with identifying intentional errors in the objective and assessment sections. Future instructional efforts will target improving students’ abilities critiquing these sections.

 

Type: Original Research
Imaginary Worlds: The Status of Simulation Modeling in Claims for Cost-Effectiveness In Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Langley Paul C , Rhee Taeho Greg
Published: January 2018

Over the past 20 years a number of simulations or models have been developed as a basis for tracking and evaluating the impact of pharmacological and other interventions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These models have typically tracked the natural course of these diseases generating long-term composite claims for cost-effectiveness. These claims can extend over the lifetime of the modeled patient cohort. Set against the standards of normal science, however, these claims lack credibility. The claims presented are all too often either immune to failure or are presented in a form that is non-testable. As such they fail to meet the key experimental requirements of falsification and replication. Unfortunately, there is a continuing belief that long-term or lifetime models are essential to decision-making. This is misplaced. The purpose of this review is to argue that there is a pressing need to reconsider the needs of health system decision makers and focus on modeled or simulated claims that are meaningful, testable, reportable and replicable in evaluating interventions in diabetes mellitus.

 

Type: Commentary
Imaginary Worlds: The European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Recommendations for Health Economic Evaluations
Authors: Langley Paul C
Published: January 2018

The European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) guidelines for health economic evaluations represent a consolidated view of non-binding recommendations for assessments of the relative effectiveness of pharmaceuticals or other health technologies. EUnetHTA views itself as the scientific and technological backbone of the development of health technology assessment in the European Union and among its member states and other partners. Unfortunately, the standards for health technology assessment proposed by EUnetHTA do not meet the standards of normal science. They do not support credible claims for the clinical and comparative cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals. In rejecting the standards of normal science the guidelines put to one side the opportunity not only to re-assess and replicate clinical and cost-effectiveness claims but to provide meaningful feedback on claims assessment to health care decision makers. The purpose of this review is to make the case that, in failing to support standards for experimentation, EUnetHTA is advocating its partners support the creation of modeled or simulated imaginary or false worlds. While EUnetHTA is not alone in recommending the construction of imaginary worlds to support formulary decisions, there is still the opportunity to revisit these recommendations and decide whether or not to encourage a scientifically rigorous approach to health technology assessments - to abandon a commitment to intelligent design in favor of natural selection.

 Conflict of Interest

None

 

Type: Commentary
A Pharmacist’s Reflection: Living a week, when death’s four seconds away
Authors: Wenzel Richard
Published: January 2018

Conflict of Interest

I declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the author or members of his immediate family have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.

 

Type: Commentary
Review of Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013: The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)
Authors: Gjini Elona , Wertheimer Albert I
Published: January 2018

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) signed into law in November 27, 2013 by president Obama creates a uniform national standard for tracing drug products through the supply chain. The goal of DQSA is to enhance FDA’s ability to help protect consumers by detecting and removing potential dangerous products from the pharmaceutics distribution supply chain. A new electronic, interoperable system will identify and trace only prescription drugs in the finished form for human use while distributed in the United States. The purpose of this review was to shed light on a complex and complicated process that it will require cooperation between FDA and drug manufactures, wholesale drug distributors, repackagers and dispensers. The implementation of the DSCSA is based on several law requirements and FDA has developed a schedule with time frames for each of them to be executed over a 10-year period. From this review, FDA recommendations are provided through the FDA Guidance on Identifying Suspect Product document to help trading partners and provide information about the risk of suspect drugs entering the supply chain. Moreover, FDA organized on April 5-6, 2016 in Silver Spring, MD a public workshop to gather valuable feedback from stakeholders who shared their input about the implementation of the new electronic system and its requirements. By the end of 2023, a unified system will provide easier data exchange and less errors, and will increase the safety and security of the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain.

 

Type: Student Project
Relationship between Health Information Sharing Behavior Using Social Media and Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Deshpande Maithili , Look Kevin A
Published: January 2018

Background: Despite established screening guidelines, breast cancer screening rates are below targeted goals. Pharmacists and other health care providers can promote breast cancer screening using tools such as social media. However, little is known about the use of social media among the breast cancer screening eligible population.

Objective: To describe the health information sharing behavior using social media of the breast cancer screening eligible population, and to identify if sharing health information on social media was associated with breast cancer screening.

Methods and materials: Data from the 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression to evaluate the association between sharing health information on social media and receipt of a mammogram.

Results: Women sharing health information via social media were significantly younger than those who did not. A significantly higher percentage of Hispanics (17.8%) and other races (27.0%) chose to share health information on social media compared to African Americans (8.6%) and Whites (12.9%). Mammogram rates did not differ based on social media health information sharing habits.

Conclusion: Race and age differences were noted in health information sharing behavior. No association was found between health information sharing behavior and breast cancer screening.

Conflict of Interest

We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties

 

Type: Original Research
Novel Considerations about Diabetes Management Strategies in Chinese Immigrants in America: Possible Corollaries of the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicines
Authors: Devonish Julia A , Singh Supreet , Tomkinson Emilie , Morse Gene D
Published: January 2018

Worldwide, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its related management costs have increased over time. The latest predictions anticipate this trend to continue during the next few decades. As individuals with T2DM in the United States (US) are burdened with escalating prescription drug expenses, the appeal and use of cost effective alternatives may also increase. Herbal supplements are an example of such an alternative, but are unregulated and mostly lacking scientific evidence of advertised claims. In general, plant based herbal preparations are often advertised as ‘natural’, ‘less-toxic’, ‘medicines’ and are widely available from public retailers throughout the country. Over half of the US adult population report the use of supplements. Eastern countries, and especially China, have a long history of the use of herbal preparations as traditional medicine to prevent and treat diabetes. Recently the US has experienced a growth in the number imports of herbal supplements and other Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to the country as well as the most rapid population growth in individuals who identify themselves as Asian. To date, little is known about the prevalence TCM use in the management of T2DM either alone or in combination with prescription medicines in the US. Knowledge of possible implications to patient safety (e.g., interactions, adverse effects) with concurrent use of both TCM and prescription medicines is also lacking. This review begins with summaries of the T2DM management strategies employed in traditional modern medicine (TMM) and Chinese medicine (TCM). A review of literature follows where the most commonly used TCM herbal preparations and their ingredients are identified and found along with any published reports of their proposed mechanisms of action, efficacy, adverse effects, and contraindications.

Conflict of Interest

We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.

 

Type: Review
An Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Assess Pharmacy Resident Performance
Authors: Cauthon Kimberly A.B. , Attridge Rebecca L. , Urteaga Elizabeth M. , Witte Amy P.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective was to utilize an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for assessment of pharmacy residents.

Innovation: Post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) and post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residents completing multiple, local residency programs were invited to participate in an OSCE. A total of eight PGY1 residents and one PGY2 resident completed the OSCE. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) residency program goals were aligned for each case, which were originally developed for a fourth-year pharmacy student OSCE. Station design included outpatient and inpatient settings with patient and physician interactions. Median communication and clinical skills scores were evaluated.

Critical Analysis: The OSCE allows for assessment of all residents on common scenarios. Pharmacy residents met competency requirements and demonstrated excellent communication skills. The OSCE was able to evaluate both physician-pharmacist communication and patient-pharmacist communication. Baseline performance related to the ASHP goals and objectives was not completed; however, the OSCE could highlight resident strengths and weaknesses in communication and clinical skills. The OSCE could simulate independent practice, may reduce bias, and could provide an evaluation of the resident by a patient. However, the OSCE incurs higher resource utilization, specifically monetary and time, than other assessment methods.

Next Steps: The pilot study results provide a beginning for further study of OSCEs for pharmacy residents. Further study should include surveying the residency directors about use of the OSCE, a comparison of performance between the OSCE and preceptor evaluations of residents on ASHP goals and objectives, and an evaluation of OSCE implementation at different time points within the residency.

Conflict of Interest

We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties

 

Type: Note
The Imaginary Worlds of ISPOR: Modeled Cost-Effectiveness Claims Published in Value in Health from January 2016 to December 2016
Authors: Langley Paul C , Rhee Taeho Greg
Published: January 2018

In 2016, a review of modeled cost-effectiveness studies published in Value in Health between January 2015 and December 2015 was presented. The purpose of the review was to consider whether these modeled claims for cost-effectiveness met the standards of normal science: were the claims made credible, evaluable and replicable? The review concluded that none of the 16 studies assessed met this standard. They should be seen as thought experiments; the construction of imaginary worlds which should be categorized as pseudoscience. The reader, or health care decision maker, would have had no idea, and would never know, whether the claims were right, wrong or misleading. Similar reviews were undertaken in Pharmacoeconomics and the Journal of Medical Economics and came to the same conclusion. The purpose of this second review is to consider the modeled claims published in Value in Health between January 2016 and December 2016, applying the same criteria. Unfortunately, for those who subscribe to the standards of normal science, we must come to the same conclusion. Of the 13 economic evaluations reviewed, 12 simulated claims that were immune to failure. The model structures ensured that the claims were neither evaluable nor replicable. They were categorized as pseudoscience; they failed to meet the standards of normal science. Five of these studies were supported by manufacturers and all supported the manufacturer’s product. Three systematic reviews were also evaluated. Once again, there was a failure to consider meeting the standards of normal science in presenting modeled claims for cost-effectiveness.

 

Type: Commentary
Third-Year Pharmacy Students’ Work Experiences and Attitudes
Authors: Siracuse Mark V , Clark Bartholomew E
Published: January 2018

Objectives. To describe pharmacy students’ work experience for pay; examine student attitudes towards work; examine student perceptions of how pharmacist preceptors feel about their jobs; and determine how pharmacy student work environment influences career aspirations and whether or not gender or academic pathway have any influences.

Methods. An electronic survey was administered to third-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students at a Midwestern school of pharmacy over five consecutive years.

Results. Four hundred eighty nine students (response rate = 61.0%) completed the electronic survey instrument. Over 90% reported working in a pharmacy by the time their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) began. Of these respondents, 67.4% reported working in a community pharmacy while 23.0% reported working in hospital inpatient pharmacy. Students working for independent pharmacies were most likely to feel that this type of practice site would offer an optimal work schedule and work environment for their career.

Conclusions. Most students are working in community pharmacy practice. Having a fulfilling career and a desirable work schedule was the variable most strongly associated with optimal career choice.

Conflict of Interest

We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.

 

 

Type: Original Research
Using Your VOICE(S): Adding Telephonic Communication to Pharmacy Education
Authors: Grieve Lorin B , Berenbrok Lucas A , Pater Karen S
Published: January 2018

Pharmacists utilize a myriad of communication methods to deliver patient care. One of the most prevalent communication methods is the telephone. The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy created a novel instructional and assessment technique to enhance student pharmacist training experiences in telephonic communication within the PharmD curriculum.

Conflict of Interest

We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties

 

Type: Note
Utilizing an Innovative Preceptor Video Mini-Series to Prepare Students for Experiential Rotations: Does it Work?
Authors: Cox Craig D , Samuel Nephy G
Published: January 2018

Objectives: To determine whether an innovative Mini-Series training model originally developed for preceptors could be beneficial to pharmacy students prior to and/or after beginning their introductory or advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

Methods: This program consists of twelve incremental video episodes, each ranging from five to eight minutes in length. It tells the story of a young pharmacy preceptor as she guides a third and fourth year student through a challenging six-week clinical hospital rotation. Two to three reflection questions were written for each individual episode, focusing on student issues portrayed in the videos. Two-hour viewing sessions, consisting of all (12) video episodes and facilitated student reflection were held for 2nd – 4th year professional students on two campuses. At conclusion of each session, students completed a short evaluation to gauge the effectiveness and potential application of the Mini-Series program.

Results: Fifty-six (56) students (22 fourth-year, 6 third-ear, and 28 second-year) participated in the voluntary viewing sessions. All students either agreed or strongly agreed that the Mini-Series program was entertaining and educational. In addition, 82% of students strongly agreed this program would be beneficial for students prior to taking their first experiential rotation, while only 47% strongly agreed it would be beneficial after they had started rotations. On a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree), participants reported a mean of 4.6 that this medium is more effective than traditional lecture orientations held by the Office of Experiential Programs. On three open-ended questions, students provided a diversity of suggestions for enhancing the Mini-Series to make it more effective for students.

Implications: The “Mini-Series” model was well received by students as a training medium to deliver educational content. As a result, more programs are being developed utilizing this innovative teaching method to help prepare students for future experiential rotations.

Conflict of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest or financial incentives to disclose related to this project. Dr. Craig D. Cox conceptualized, developed, and directed the Mini-Seriesprogram described in the manuscript. All funding for and all income generated by the program studied is the property of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy.

 

Type: Original Research
An Approach for the Development and Implementation of an Assessment Tool for Interprofessional Education Learning Activities
Authors: Salvati Lisa , Bright David , De Voest Margaret , Meny Lisa , VanLangen Kali , Vavra Janes Kari , Young Mark
Published: January 2018

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards 2016 state that colleges of pharmacy must assess student achievement and readiness to contribute as a member of an interprofessional collaborative patient care team. There are a limited number of assessment tools available to achieve this part of the Standards. The purpose of this Case Study Report is to describe the process that one college of pharmacy took to develop an interprofessional education (IPE) assessment tool to be used for their longitudinal assessment approach for IPE in the didactic portion of the curriculum. Strategies for the development of an assessment tool are provided through three themes: continuous refinement, collaboration and streamlining. Next steps for the implementation of the assessment tool, as well as evaluating its validity and reliability, are discussed.

 

Type: Case Study
Evaluation of Pharmacists' Knowledge of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medication Drug Plan Star Ratings
Authors: O'Leary Alyson , Mehta Bella , Porter Brianne , Lehman Amy , Rodis Jennifer L.
Published: January 2018

Objectives: 1) Evaluate Ohio pharmacists’ awareness about Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s (CMS) Medication Drug Plan (MDP) Star Ratings, 2) identify gaps in knowledge about CMS MDP Star Ratings, and 3) determine interest in continuing education (CE) opportunities with CMS PDP Star Ratings.

Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted in February 2015. The 16-question, pilot-tested survey targeted licensed pharmacists in Ohio practicing in the ambulatory care or community setting. Respondents were surveyed on their self-assessed and actual knowledge on CMS MDP Star Ratings. Respondent’s interest in and preferred source and delivery of CE were evaluated. Data were collected in aggregate; descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to characterize and evaluate data. Responses were summarized for all 16 questions using frequencies and percentages.

Results: Of 13,235 licensed Ohio pharmacists, 913 pharmacists completed the survey (6.9% response rate). 454 (49.7%) respondents were eligible to complete the survey based on practice setting and of those, 390 (85.9%) were aware of CMS’s MDP Star Ratings. Respondents’ self-assessment of their knowledge regarding CMS Star Ratings aligned with their actual knowledge as defined by performance on three multi-statement knowledge-based assessments. Significant differences existed between self-assessed knowledge groups in their ability to answer greater than 50% of questions correctly (p < .001). The majority of respondents (81.2%) indicated interest in receiving further education on CMS Star Ratings.

Conclusions: Survey respondents are aware of CMS MDP Star Ratings, yet few indicated high knowledge levels on the topic. Gaps in knowledge were identified in development and utilization of the rating system, identifying quality measures, and sources utilized to measure achievement of ratings. Respondents indicated interest in opportunities to improve knowledge on the subject and would prefer education provided by their employer with a live presentation.

 

Type: Student Project
Leadership for Cultural Transformation: Addressing Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya
Authors: Abuya Kerubo
Published: January 2018

The cultural practice of female genital mutilation persists, with grave implications for girls’ and women’s health. The cultural reasons behind the practice are complex. It is therefore essential that critique of the practice come from members of the affected communities. This paper presents a thoughtful review of current community views and proposes an alternative cultural narrative using cultural transformation theory to shift community norms.
Intergalactic Leadership: Practical Tips for Leading Where No One Has Gone Before
Authors: Lonnquist Peg A
Published: January 2018

Most of the transformational, inclusive, partnership leadership literature, while brilliant and inspirational, does not provide day-to-day ideas for practitioners. Drawing on several key leadership theories and theorists (Kouzes and Posner’s five core behaviors of successful leaders, the Athena Model based on research on women leaders, Centered Leadership from the McKinsey Project, the Research-Productivity and Engagement Model, Burn’s and Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory, Riane Eisler’s partnership leadership, multicultural leadership theorist Juana Bordas, and feminist leadership theorists), the author describes how she has translated and implemented day-to-day leadership practices which she calls Intergalactic Leadership.
Caring International Research Collaborative: A Five-Country Partnership to Measure Perception of Nursing Staffs’ Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Caring for Self
Authors: Itzhaki Michal , Treacy Margaret , Phaladze Nthabiseng , Rumeu Carmen , Vernon Rachael , Marshall Bob , Seboni Naomi M , Fealy Gerard , Ehrenfeld Mally , Larkin Philip , McNamara Martin , Dignam Denise , Rollins Gantz Nancy , Nelson John
Published: January 2018

Partnering in research across disciplines and across countries can be challenging due to differing contexts of practice and culture. This study sought to demonstrate how central constructs that have application across disciplines and countries can be studied while concurrently considering context. Groups of nurses from Botswana, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, and Spain partnered to identify how to measure the constructs of caring for self, burnout, and compassion fatigue, replicating a study by Johnson (2012), who found that caring for self had a moderately strong negative relationship with both compassion fatigue and burnout. While these constructs were of interest to all five groups, the conversation of contextual influences varied. All five groups used the same instruments to measure the central constructs. Levels of burnout and compassion fatigue varied by country but were moderated by caring for self. Partnering across countries made it possible to understand that caring for self moderates the negative impact of burnout and compassion fatigue in all five countries. This study gives insight into methods for partnering across disciplines and contexts.
Partnership Studies: A New Methodological Approach to Literary Criticism in World Literatures, Languages and Education
Authors: Riem Natale Antonella
Published: January 2018

This article briefly describes the innovative research undertaken by the Partnership Studies Group based at the University of Udine (Italy), which, since 1998, has been investigating the possible configurations of a partnership model within contemporary world literatures, language, and education. Partnership Studies draw upon non-binary and trans-disciplinary paradigms as propounded by Riane Eisler, and have been demonstrating their strength and potentialities as epistemological and methodological instruments of transcultural consciousness and awareness, capable of fostering harmonious understanding and relations of reciprocity rather than domination among different cultures.