bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Pharmacist-Provided Osteoporosis Screening and Education: Impact on Patient Knowledge
Authors: Brookhart Andrea L. , Brown Fountain K. Michelle , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Goode Jean-Venable R. 
Published: January 2018

Objective: To evaluate the impact pharmacist-provided screening and education had on patient knowledge of osteoporosis and preventive strategies.
Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted at 16 locations of a national supermarket chain pharmacy in the Richmond, Virginia area. Women 30 years and older with no history of osteoporosis were enrolled in the study. Patients self-selected into the study by agreeing to the bone density screening, pharmacist-provided education, and completion of a knowledge survey. Subjects were randomized to complete the osteoporosis-related knowledge survey either before (Group A) or after (Group B) the screening and education session. The survey was developed after guideline and literature evaluation and was pretested with a group of patients for content and clarity. The survey evaluated knowledge of osteoporosis, risk factors for the disease, appropriate age for testing, and preventive strategies. Groups A and B were compared using t-tests. Results: A total of 110 women were enrolled in the study. The mean (±SD) age was 52.5 ± 13.1 years in Group A (n=52) and 52.7 ± 11.5 years in Group B (n=58). Knowledge scores were higher in the group who received pharmacist-provided education prior to completing the survey in each category (knowledge of the disease, risk factors, preventive strategies, and appropriate age for testing) and overall (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Community pharmacist-provided osteoporosis screening and education increased patient knowledge about osteoporosis and preventive strategies. Community pharmacist involvement with increasing patient knowledge may empower patients to engage in prevention strategies to improve bone mass.

Type: Original Research
Smart Phone Apps: An Innovative Approach to Improving Pediatric Medication Adherence
Authors: Wytiaz Rebecca M. , Lee Hyung M. , Odukoya Olufunmilola K. 
Published: January 2018

Children suffering from chronic illnesses often struggle to adhere to their medication regimens and are rarely involved in the management of their medications. The use of innovative technology, such as medication adherence mobile apps, may be beneficial in increasing medication adherence rates and self-care knowledge in the pediatric population. Children serve as an optimal population with which to use mobile apps as intervention tools, as children utilize smart phone technology far more than most other populations. By striving to improve children’s medication perceptions, adherence and willingness to continue medication therapy for a chronic condition may improve during adolescent years and may persist as they transition into adulthood. As community pharmacists interact with children with chronic conditions during routine visits, they can also engage them in conversations about their medication adherence through use of mobile apps. Although many medication adherence apps are currently available on the market, none of these apps are tailored towards pediatric patients. Thus, further research should be conducted in order to develop mobile apps conducive to this population.

Type: Student Project
Integrating a Patient Care Development Model to Enhance Community Pharmacy Residency Programs
Authors: Rodis Jennifer L. , Ulbrich Timothy R. , Jennings Brandon T. , Elswick Betsy M. , Jackowski Rebekah 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe integration of a community-based patient care service development model, Partner for Promotion (PFP), within five community pharmacy residency programs (CPRPs) across the United States and provide insights and examples of methods for optimizing community pharmacy resident experiences, developing new patient care services, and achieving residency accreditation standards.
Summary: Five community pharmacy residency programs have integrated PFP that affiliated with Midwestern University – Glendale, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Ohio State University, University of Utah, and West Virginia University. Each college and residency program has identified different strategies through which PFP enhances their residency training and service development including completion of training modules, reflections and discussion on application of the PFP service development model to practice, research, and teaching, use of assignments to guide service creation, and mentoring of PFP student-pharmacist teams. All five sites directly link these activities to objectives required in PGY1 CPRP accreditation standards. PFP has resulted in resident-facilitated service development of a variety of patient care programs.
Conclusion: PFP applied to CPRPs enhances training on service development, builds new services within residency training sites, and assists programs with meeting residency accreditation standards. The experiences of five community pharmacy residency programs across the U.S. that have adopted the program has been positive, with creation of new services and residency sites, integration of novel teaching, practice, research, and learning opportunities for residents, and direct links from the PFP experience to achievement of residency objectives.

Type: Idea Paper
Association Between Perceived Health Care Provider Support and Satisfaction with Insulin Pumps in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Opportunities for Pharmacists
Authors: Jowers Laura Brooke , Shahpurwala Zainab , West-Strum Donna , Strum Matthew W. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to describe parents’ perceived healthcare provider support for integrating technology, satisfaction with insulin pump use in their child with T1DM, and the relationship between parents’ perceived healthcare provider support and satisfaction with insulin pump use.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to collect data for the present study. The study was conducted through an Internet survey among Mid-South parents who have a child with T1DM, 18 years old or younger using an insulin pump and/or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Frequencies, descriptive statistics, and correlation coefficients were calculated.
Results: Most of the parents surveyed used an endocrinologist/pediatric endocrinologist as their primary diabetes healthcare provider and considered three to four healthcare professionals as part of the diabetes healthcare team who helped them utilize insulin pumps and advanced technologies. Parents (23.4%) indicated a pharmacist was part of the healthcare team who helped them utilize technology. Parents appeared to perceive support for using insulin pumps; however, there is room for improvement. The more perceived support for integrating technology, the more satisfied the parents were with using insulin pumps (r=0.431, p=0.005).
Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that parents and children need continued education, support and training to integrate insulin pumps into diabetes self-management. As more patients attempt to adopt insulin pumps and other advanced technologies, it will be important for pharmacists to support the adoption and integration of these technologies and be knowledgeable and helpful if asked about technology-related challenges.

Type: Student Project
Evaluating Pharmacy Student Attitudes Toward the Medium of Comics for Providing Information on Adult Immunizations
Authors: Muzumdar Jagannath M. , Nania Anthony M. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives: This study aimed at designing and assessing educational materials for adult immunizations through the medium of comics. The study design evaluated the effects of two vaccine information flyers (a CDC flyer vs a flyer designed in Comic medium) on participants’ attitude towards the flyers.
Methods: A between-group, randomized trial was used to compare the effectiveness of two vaccine information flyers on participants’ attitude towards the flyers. Upon approval from the human subjects review committee, student participants (age ≥18 years) were randomly assigned either the CDC or comic flyer. They were then asked to respond to survey items developed to measure the flyers’ effect on participants’ attitude towards the flyer. Items were measured using a 7-point semantic differential scale. Cronbach’s alpha was computed for reliability testing of the study instrument. Independent-samples t-test was used to compare means of the two groups with respect to their attitudes toward the flyer.
Results: A total of 170 third-year pharmacy students participated in the study (N = 91 for Comic flyer & N = 79 for CDC flyer). There was a significant difference in attitudes toward the flyer between students who read comic flyers (mean = 6.14; SD = 0.62) and those who read CDC flyers (mean = 4.93; SD = 1.20). Additional comments provided by students further confirmed the quantitative findings of the study. Student responses to the use of comics as a medium of providing information on adult immunization were constructive and encouraging.
Conclusion: The study findings showed that the flyer with comics was evaluated more attractive than the CDC flyer. The positive findings of our study could provide a new direction for developing educational materials about adult immunizations. Future research on comics, as a medium of communication, could explore its use as a tool for providing healthcare information to consumers.

Type: Original Research
An Interdisciplinary Experience focused on Pharmacogenetics: Engaging pharmacy and physician assistant students in conversations about antiplatelet therapy with respect to CYP2C19 genotype
Authors: Calinski Diane M , Kisor David F 
Published: January 2018

Objective: The goals of the interdisciplinary laboratory were to educate and engage pharmacy and physician assistant (PA) students in a discussion focused on the collection, interpretation, and application of pharmacogenetic data.
Design: Interdisciplinary teams participated in a one-hour, case-based discussion and provided a therapeutic recommendation using the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines.
Assessment: All students were surveyed before and after the laboratory on knowledge and application of pharmacogenetics and working in interdisciplinary teams. The interdisciplinary laboratory successfully enhanced the student’s knowledge about sample collection and interpretation of pharmacogenetic information. Additionally, the laboratory improved student confidence in working in interdisciplinary teams to apply pharmacogenetic information to clinical decision making. Furthermore, the majority of students indicated that the interdisciplinary laboratory is valuable and useful in healthcare curriculums.
Conclusion: The laboratory highlighted the differences between pharmacy and PA education regarding PGt, and brought to light several important uncertainties: (1) What is the depth of PGt knowledge that healthcare practitioners need? (2) What are best practices for conveying PGt information?

Type: Case Study
Description of the methods for describing and assessing the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing and adherence to published treatment guidelines in an academic medical clinic
Authors: Klepser Michael E , Altom Ashley , MacCallum Colleen , Nordquist Eric , Klepser Donald G 
Published: January 2018

Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics have been associated with increased rates of antimicrobial resistance and increased healthcare expenditures. Tracking inpatient antimicrobial use has helped quantify the value of stewardship programs aimed at improving the rational use of antibiotics among hospitalized patients. Unfortunately, similar methods for tracking and assessing antibiotic use in the outpatient setting have not been well described. We developed a novel method to capture trends and assess appropriateness of antibiotic usage. This strategy is based on identification of antimicrobial prescriptions in an electronic medical record system, linking prescribing to patient data, and capturing information regarding dosing and indications for use. Using information on dose, frequency, and duration of the antibiotic prescribed, a parameter to quantify antibiotic exposure (Prescribed Therapeutic Regimen, PTR) is calculated. This parameter is compared to a database of information on agents recommended in published guidelines (Recommended Therapeutic Regimen, RTR). By linking an ICD-9 code and the prescribed antibiotic we determine the appropriateness of the PTR by comparing it to the RTR for a given indication. Data are used to establish a baseline pattern of antibiotic use in the clinic to gauge the impact of future stewardship activities. Additionally, individual clinics and prescribers are given a snapshot of their antibiotic use compared to other clinics and prescribers. This is a novel means of describing antibiotic use in the outpatient setting that could serve as a standardized model for various adult and pediatric outpatient practices.

Type: Original Research
Pharmacist Behavior Changes Following a Medication Counseling Training Program Targeting Teach-Back and Plain Language
Authors: Hager David R , Hartkopf Katherine , Margolis Amanda , Martin Beth A 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To evaluate whether active learning-based training in teach-back and plain language (TBPL) techniques can lead to observable changes to patient-centered practices in pharmacist-patient counseling.
Methods: All pharmacists in direct patient care roles, inpatient and outpatient, were required to complete a didactic module and a workshop / webinar or small group training. The workshop / webinar and small group modalities incorporated elements of adult education theory. Following completion, pharmacists were surveyed to assess their ability, confidence and commitment to incorporating TBPL techniques into practice. Evaluation of pharmacist-patient counseling was completed pre- and post- training through direct observation. Student pharmacists were trained to evaluate pharmacists’ consultations on patients with ≥2 new medications. Students recorded completeness rates for 39 communication techniques.
Results: One-hundred and eighteen pharmacists completed the TBPL training program and 59 pharmacists completed an evaluation. A total of 84 direct observations were completed (40 pre-training and 44 post-training). Skills improved included: using plain language (p
Conclusion: Implementing a TBPL training program improved observable pharmacist-patient consultation skills. This approach is replicable and could be utilized as a model for other competencies.

Type: Original Research
Engagement in a Diverse Urban Community to Describe Community Residents’ Perceptions of Pharmacists as Immunizers
Authors: Pattin Anthony , Rowe Zachary , Kilgore Paul E , Farhat Nada , Kaurala Stephen , Kaljee Linda 
Published: January 2018

Objective: To describe the perceptions of pharmacist-delivered vaccination services among community members that live in a diverse urban metropolitan area and to identify potential strategies to improve the use of vaccines provided by pharmacists.
Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Metropolitan urban diverse community in Wayne County, MI. Participants: Individuals 50 years of age and older that reside in a defined urban metropolitan community. Intervention: Four, 45-minute, focus group discussions were conducted to gather the experiences and perceptions of participants around pharmacists that immunize. A focus group guide was developed to facilitate focus group sessions. Main Outcome Measures: Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to analyze data and identify relevant themes. Results: Three main themes were identified related to the use of pharmacist-delivered vaccination services: trust with vaccine providers, interaction with pharmacy personnel, and the factor of accessibility. Conclusion: Study participants expressed views that will guide the development of interventions aimed to reduce disparities in vaccine utilization. It is suggested that future efforts improve accessibility to pharmacy-delivered vaccines in this community and enhance the interaction between patients and pharmacists.

Type: Original Research
Nullius in verba: The University of Minnesota Social and Administrative Pharmacy Program proposed Guidelines for Formulary Evaluations
Authors: Langley Paul C 
Published: January 2018

The University of Minnesota Social and Administrative Pharmacy Program proposed Guidelines for Formulary Evaluations (GFE) are designed to focus on the credibility of clinical and cost-outcomes claims in formulary decision making. The last few years have witnessed increasing concern over the credibility of trial based efficacy claims, with a surprisingly high proportion of claims falling short. At the same time cost-outcomes claims, where comparative clinical claims are a key input, have been presented where the claims made are not open to experimental or observational assessment. This follows from standards recommended for modeled and simulated claims. In the absence of cost-outcomes claims being presented in an evaluable form, it is impossible not only to replicate the claim or to judge whether or not it is credible. Claims for product value based on such claims are unacceptable. The guidelines proposed here are designed to overcome these limitations and support an evidence base that is both credible and replicable for formulary decisions. This is achieved by focusing on short-term modeled or simulated claims for cost-effectiveness. The requirement for modeled or simulated claims that are evaluable within a time frame that is meaningful for formulary decisions marks a major departure from format submissions already in play, not only in the US but in other developed economies. Rather than subscribing to the gold standard of long term or lifetime cost-per-QALY claims a short-term time horizon of no more than 2-years is recommended. This allows products to be provisionally placed on formulary but subject to a protocol that supports an evaluation to be reported back to a formulary committee as part of ongoing disease area or therapeutic class reviews. The place of the product and its contracted price can then be reviewed.
Conflict of Interest
None
Type: Commentary
Imaginary Worlds: A Systematic Review of the Status of Modeled Cost-Effectiveness Claims Published in the Journal of Medical Economics from January 2015 to December 2015
Authors: Langley Paul C , Rhee Taeho Greg 
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the credibility of modeled claims for cost-effectiveness studies published in the Journal of Medical Economics (JME) in the period January 2015 to December 2015. Credibility is assessed in terms of the standards of normal science. Are the claims made capable of falsification and replication? Following the PRISMA-P recommendations, abstracts of all papers published in the JME were evaluated by both authors independently against a MeSH terms checklist: cost, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, outcomes, QALY and Markov. A total of 32 studies were identified. A systematic review of each study was then evaluated. The consensus was that all studies be included in the review. Each study was judged against four criteria: (i) Is the model capable of generating evaluable claims? (ii) did the author(s) attempt to generate evaluable claims? (iii) did the author(s) suggested how the claims might be evaluated? and (iv) did the author(s) caution readers as to the implications of generating non-evaluable clams for the credibility of the analysis? None of the studies presented their claims or projections in an evaluable form and none suggested how they might be evaluated. None met the standards of normal science. The claims made for cost-effectiveness were either impossible to verify, or if potentially verifiable, were not presented in an evaluable form. The studies lacked credibility. There was no basis for assessing whether the claims were right or even if they were wrong. The JME is not alone. As part of an ongoing systematic review program, covering the leading journals and focusing on chronic condition areas, it is clear that the majority of cost-effectiveness papers also fail the test of credibility. Of course, it might be that the consensus opinion among practitioners is that non-evaluable projections are acceptable. Evidence is not discovered, but is constructed through models and simulations. This lack of scientific credibility is a major concern. If medical economics is to advance through the formulation and testing of hypotheses, then editors of journals should consider whether or not to set standards for the acceptance of publications to include the requirement for evaluable claims and the results of claims assessment. If this is not acceptable, then it should be made clear that published papers are simply imaginary worlds or thought experiments.

Type: Commentary
Comparison of Reading Levels of Pharmacy Students and Reading Level of Primary Literature
Authors: Ficzere Cathy H , Hagan Angela , Ness Genevieve Lynn , Greene Elisa M. , Hill Kayla 
Published: January 2018

Objectives: The project purpose was to evaluate pharmacy students’ reading levels using the Nelson-Denney Reading Test (NDRT) and compare these results with the reading level of primary literature to investigate incongruities between student’s comprehension ability and the readability level of assigned reading in the curriculum.
Methods: The NDRT was administered to first- through third-year student pharmacists to determine grade equivalents (GE) for vocabulary and reading comprehension. Twenty articles previously identified as Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters (POEMs) were analyzed to determine the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Gunning-Fog Score. Student demographics, information regarding language spoken, and reading habits, were also assessed. Pearson product moment correlations, t-tests, ANOVA, and descriptive statistics were used to assess relationships between demographic data and NDRT scores.
Results: One hundred students participated. The mean NDRT total grade equivalent (±SD) was 16.95 ± 2.1 (median = 17.3). NDRT grade equivalents were statistically different for students with different racial or ethnic backgrounds (t(98)=3.74, p=0.026), English as a second language (ESL) students (t(98)=5.19, p=0.021), and students that read works of fiction for pleasure (t(98)=4.31, p=0.002). The average Gunning-Fog Score for all primary literature articles was 11.48, with the introduction section being the most complex. The average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 17.04, with the results section scoring the lowest average grade level.
Implications: While the overall reading grade level of our pharmacy students suggests that they are capable of comprehending reading assigned in the pharmacy curriculum, minority students and students for whom English is a second language may struggle with comprehending complex text.
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