An asynchronous learning approach for the instructional component of a dual-campus pharmacy resident teaching program.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the shift to an asynchronous online approach for pedagogy instruction within a pharmacy resident teaching program offered by a dual-campus college. DESIGN: The pedagogy instruction component of the teaching program (Part I) was redesigned with a focus on the content, delivery, and coordination of the learning environment. Asynchronous online learning replaced distance technology or lecture capture. Using a pedagogical content knowledge framework, residents participated in self-paced online learning using faculty recordings, readings, and discussion board activities. A learning management system was used to assess achievement of learning objectives and participation prior to progressing to the teaching experiences component of the teaching program (Part II). ASSESSMENT: Evaluation of resident pedagogical knowledge development and participation in Part I of the teaching program was achieved through the learning management system. Participant surveys and written reflections showed general satisfaction with the online learning environment. Future considerations include addition of a live orientation session and increased faculty presence in the online learning environment. CONCLUSION: An online approach framed by educational theory can be an effective way to provide pedagogy instruction within a teaching program.

Varenicline: a first-line treatment option for smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND: Varenicline acts as a partial agonist/antagonist with affinity and selectivity for alpha(4) beta(2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This activity at the nicotine-receptor level may help patients achieve smoking cessation by reducing cravings/withdrawal symptoms and smoking satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the literature on the pharmacologic properties, therapeutic efficacy, and tolerability of varenicline for smoking cessation. METHODS: Pertinent controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, meeting abstracts, case reports, and review articles published in English between 1966 and May 2008 were identified through searches of MEDLINE and OVID using the terms varenicline, smoking, tobacco cessation, and CP 526555. RESULTS: Eight clinical trials were identified that compared

Comparison of natural product use between primary care and nephrology patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of natural products is increasing, but healthcare professionals may underestimate the use of these agents by patients. It is unknown whether natural product use differs between primary care and specialty clinic patients, such as those in a nephrology clinic. OBJECTIVE: To compare patterns of natural product use between primary care and nephrology clinic patients. METHODS: One thousand adult patients from each clinic were randomly mailed an anonymous questionnaire to determine current and past use of natural products. RESULTS: A total of 491 surveys were returned, for an overall response rate of 26% (25% primary care; 28% nephrology clinic). Current use of natural products was similar between the primary care and nephrology groups (34% vs 29%, respectively; p = NS). Primary care patients were more likely to have taken a natural product in the past (57% vs 45%; p < 0.05); Echinacea was the most common product taken by those patients (26%). Green tea was the most common natural product taken by nephrology clinic patients (18%). More primary care patients took Echinacea compared with nephrology clinic patients (26% vs 12%; p < 0.01). Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of the natural product in 7% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Active use of natural products was similar between the survey respondents. Documentation and monitoring of natural product use by healthcare professionals working with primary care and nephrology clinic patients are recommended.

High-dose versus standard-dose amoxicillin for acute otitis media.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has led to a recommendation to use high-dose (HD) amoxicillin (80-90 mg/kg/d) rather than standard-dose (SD) amoxicillin (40-45 mg/kg/d) to treat children with acute otitis media (AOM). OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of HD versus SD amoxicillin among children with AOM who were considered at low risk for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, 3-year clinical trial was conducted using participants who met the following criteria: age >3 mo, weight