Evaluation of a Pilot Spanish Language Program for Student Pharmacists.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present findings from an evaluation of the Spanish Language Track (SLT) for student pharmacists, which assessed student outcomes and feedback. METHODS: A mixed-methods program evaluation was conducted with the first cohort of the SLT members (N = 10). Participants completed pre/post-surveys and focus groups. Quantitative data analysis used descriptive and frequency analysis, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: With a focus on qualitative themes, quantitative results support themes 1, 2, and 3 on the basis of findings from the self-assessment of participants' ability to speak and use the Spanish language. The following 5 themes were identified: (1) initial involvement and motivation to engage; (2) language skill development; (3) health-focused language immersion; (4) strong relationships within the SLT cohort; and (5) opportunities for improvement. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate students' active engagement with SLT while enhancing language skills through immersive experiences. Their connections with other cohort members, SLT team members, and Colombian pharmacists, and biweekly patient appointment simulations were key contributors to learning outcomes while offering suggestions for programming. The SLT provides a foundational model for health professional programs to offer students opportunities to understand and practice language-concordant health care delivery and promote improved health outcomes in Spanish-speaking populations.

Social determinants of health-based strategies to address vaccination disparities through a university-public health partnership.

A decline in routine vaccinations, attributed to vaccine hesitancy, undermines preventative healthcare, impacting health and exacerbating vaccine disparities. University-public health partnerships can improve vaccination services. This study describes and evaluates a university-public health use case employing social determinants of health (SDoH)-based strategies to address vaccination disparities. Guided by the Translational Science Benefits Logic Model, the partnership offered no-cost preventative vaccines at community-based organization (CBO) sites, collected CBO clientele's vaccination interest, hesitancy, and demographic data, and conducted descriptive analyses. One hundred seven vaccination events were held, administering 3,021 vaccines. This partnership enhanced health outcomes by addressing disparities through co-located vaccination and SDoH services.

Evaluation of Tricyclic Antidepressant Deprescribing in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy within Federally Qualified Health Centers.

BACKGROUND: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a treatment option for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Existing evidence demonstrates the prolonged use of TCA therapy increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, likely due to the anticholinergic effects of these medications. The anticholinergic activity is thought to contribute significantly to the observed increase in cognitive decline and dementia risks associated with long-term TCA use. There is little information available to describe the usage patterns of TCAs in DPN, particularly within underserved populations who receive care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize: 1) prescribing patterns of TCAs as a treatment for DPN and 2) evidence of deprescribing attempts in a FQHC population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of electronic medical record (EMR) data for patients at two different FQHCs was performed. A convenience sample of 100 adults ≥ 18 years of age was stratified into two age groups, 18-55 years, and 55+ years. All patients had a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and had been prescribed TCAs in the previous four years and had a visit with a primary care provider (PCP) in the past 12 months. RESULTS: The study population was comprised of 100 individuals. Seventy-four of 100 were persistent users of TCAs at the time of data collection, and the mean duration of utilization was 54.8 months. In total, 104 TCAs were prescribed across 100 individual patients. Of all 104 prescribed TCAs, 66 (63%) were prescribed at a rate that exceeded thresholds associated with a higher risk of dementia. Black older adults prescribed TCAs were more likely to exceed this dose threshold. CONCLUSION: 65% of patients used TCAs with a strength, frequency, and duration that exceeded risk thresholds for dementia in an older adult population. Interventions preventing use of or deprescribing TCAs in patients with DPN should be conducted for the potential benefits of preventing or delaying cognitive impairment and promoting equitable care.

An Assessment of Pharmacist Perceptions and Experiences with Community Health Workers.

BACKGROUND: The American Public Health Association defines a Community Health Worker (CHW) as "a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served." Both CHWs and pharmacists have shown they are well-equipped to produce positive outcomes in chronic disease management, but there is still a gap in the literature regarding the CHW-pharmacist relationship. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess and describe pharmacist perceptions and experiences with CHWs. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to pharmacists via state and national pharmacy organizations in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographics and pharmacist experiences with CHWs. RESULTS: The survey received 241 responses and 212 (88.0%) met inclusion criteria. Of the 212 eligible respondents, the survey was sufficiently completed by 163 (76.9%). These 163 complete responses were included in the data analysis. Fifty-eight (35.6%) respondents reported working with a CHW and 105 (64.4%) reported never working with a CHW. Fifty-two (89.7%) respondents who previously worked with a CHW were strongly interested or interested in continuing to work with a CHW. Sixty-one (58.1%) respondents without experience were strongly interested or interested in working with a CHW. The reported improvements seen with the addition of a CHW to the healthcare team included: improved patient empowerment, improved clinical patient outcomes, decreased workload of other healthcare professionals, increased healthcare knowledge, increased healthcare utilization, and increased medication and/or treatment plan adherence. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists recognize the benefit of working with a CHW and their contributions to patient care and want to continue working collaboratively. Collaborative pharmacist-CHW relationships should be a priority for optimizing care through community pharmacies and will require a shift in the current structure of community pharmacy services.

Pharmacist-Led Implementation of Brief Tobacco Cessation Interventions during Mobile Health Access Events.

To address gaps in care for individuals from under-resourced communities disproportionately affected by tobacco use, this pharmacist-led demonstration project evaluated the feasibility of implementing tobacco use screening and brief cessation interventions during mobile health access events. A brief tobacco use survey was administered verbally during events at two food pantries and one homeless shelter in Indiana to assess the interest and potential demand for tobacco cessation assistance. Individuals currently using tobacco were advised to quit, assessed for their readiness to quit, and, if interested, offered a tobacco quitline card. Data were logged prospectively, analyzed using descriptive statistics, and group differences were assessed by site type (pantry versus shelter). Across 11 events (7 at food pantries and 4 at the homeless shelter), 639 individuals were assessed for tobacco use (n = 552 at food pantries; n = 87 at the homeless shelter). Among these, 189 self-reported current use (29.6%); 23.7% at food pantries, and 66.7% at the homeless shelter (p < 0.0001). About half indicated readiness to quit within 2 months; of these, 9 out of 10 accepted a tobacco quitline card. The results suggest that pharmacist-led health events at sites serving populations that are under-resourced afford unique opportunities to interface with and provide brief interventions for people who use tobacco.

Changes in clinical markers observed from pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk reduction clinics in federally qualified health centers: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) have been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and savings in medical expenditures. One public health approach has involved pharmacists within primary care settings. The objective was to assess change in HbA1C from baseline after 3-5 months of follow up in pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk reduction (CVRR) clinics. METHODS: This retrospective cohort chart review occurred in eight pharmacist-managed CVRR federally qualified health clinics (FQHC) in Indiana, United States. Data were collected from patients seen by a CVRR pharmacist within the timeframe of January 1, 2015 through February 28, 2020. Data collected include: demographic characteristics and clinical markers between baseline and follow-up. HbA1C from baseline after 3 to 5 months was assessed with pared t-tests analysis. Other clinical variables were assessed and additional analysis were performed at 6-8 months. Additional results are reported between 9 months and 36 months of follow up. RESULTS: The primary outcome evaluation included 445 patients. Over 36 months of evaluation, 3,803 encounters were described. Compared to baseline, HbA1C was reduced by 1.6% (95%CI -1.8, -1.4, p<0.01) after 3-5 months of CVRR care. Reductions in HbA1C persisted at 6-8 months with a reduction of 1.8% ([95%CI -2.0, -1.5] p<0.01). The follow-up losses were 29.5% at 3-5 months and 93.2% at 33-36 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study augments the existing literature by demonstrating the health improvement of pharmacist-managed CVRR clinics. The great proportion of loss to follow-up is a limitation of this study to be considered. Additional studies exploring the expansion of similar models may amplify the public health impact of pharmacist-managed CVRR services in primary care sites.

The National Clinical Care Commission Report to Congress: Recommendations to Better Leverage Federal Policies and Programs to Prevent and Control Diabetes.

The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) was established by Congress to make recommendations to leverage federal policies and programs to more effectively prevent and treat diabetes and its complications. The NCCC developed a guiding framework that incorporated elements of the Socioecological and Chronic Care Models. It surveyed federal agencies and conducted follow-up meetings with representatives from 10 health-related and 11 non-health-related federal agencies. It held 12 public meetings, solicited public comments, met with numerous interested parties and key informants, and performed comprehensive literature reviews. The final report, transmitted to Congress in January 2022, contained 39 specific recommendations, including 3 foundational recommendations that addressed the necessity of an all-of-government approach to diabetes, health equity, and access to health care. At the general population level, the NCCC recommended that the federal government adopt a health-in-all-policies approach so that the activities of non-health-related federal agencies that address agriculture, food, housing, transportation, commerce, and the environment be coordinated with those of health-related federal agencies to affirmatively address the social and environmental conditions that contribute to diabetes and its complications. For individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes, including those with prediabetes, the NCCC recommended that federal policies and programs be strengthened to increase awareness of prediabetes and the availability of, referral to, and insurance coverage for intensive lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention and that data be assembled to seek approval of metformin for diabetes prevention. For people with diabetes and its complications, the NCCC recommended that barriers to proven effective treatments for diabetes and its complications be removed, the size and competence of the workforce to treat diabetes and its complications be increased, and new payment models be implemented to support access to lifesaving medications and proven effective treatments for diabetes and its complications. The NCCC also outlined an ambitious research agenda. The NCCC strongly encourages the public to support these recommendations and Congress to take swift action.

The National Clinical Care Commission Report to Congress: Leveraging Federal Policies and Programs to Improve Diabetes Treatment and Reduce Complications.

The Treatment and Complications subcommittee of the National Clinical Care Commission focused on factors likely to improve the delivery of high-quality care to all people with diabetes. The gap between available resources and the needs of people living with diabetes adversely impacts both treatment and outcomes. The Commission's recommendations are designed to bridge this gap. At the patient level, the Commission recommends reducing barriers and streamlining administrative processes to improve access to diabetes self-management training, diabetes devices, virtual care, and insulin. At the practice level, we recommend enhancing programs that support team-based care and developing capacity to support technology-enabled mentoring interventions. At the health system level, we recommend that the Department of Health and Human Services routinely assess the needs of the health care workforce and ensure funding of training programs directed to meet those needs. At the health policy level, we recommend establishing a process to identify and ensure pre-deductible insurance coverage for high-value diabetes treatments and services and developing a quality measure that reduces risk of hypoglycemia and enhances patient safety. We also identified several areas that need additional research, such as studying the barriers to uptake of diabetes self-management education and support, exploring methods to implement team-based care, and evaluating the importance of digital connectivity as a social determinant of health. The Commission strongly encourages Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal departments and agencies to take swift action to implement these recommendations to improve health outcomes and quality of life among people living with diabetes.

The National Clinical Care Commission Report to Congress: Leveraging Federal Policies and Programs for Population-Level Diabetes Prevention and Control: Recommendations From the National Clinical Care Commission.

The etiology of type 2 diabetes is rooted in a myriad of factors and exposures at individual, community, and societal levels, many of which also affect the control of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Not only do such factors impact risk and treatment at the time of diagnosis but they also can accumulate biologically from preconception, in utero, and across the life course. These factors include inadequate nutritional quality, poor access to physical activity resources, chronic stress (e.g., adverse childhood experiences, racism, and poverty), and exposures to environmental toxins. The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) concluded that the diabetes epidemic cannot be treated solely as a biomedical problem but must also be treated as a societal problem that requires an all-of-government approach. The NCCC determined that it is critical to design, leverage, and coordinate federal policies and programs to foster social and environmental conditions that facilitate the prevention and treatment of diabetes. This article reviews the rationale, scientific evidence base, and content of the NCCC's population-wide recommendations that address food systems; consumption of water over sugar-sweetened beverages; food and beverage labeling; marketing and advertising; workplace, ambient, and built environments; and research. Recommendations relate to specific federal policies, programs, agencies, and departments, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others. These population-level recommendations are transformative. By recommending health-in-all-policies and an equity-based approach to governance, the NCCC Report to Congress has the potential to contribute to meaningful change across the diabetes continuum and beyond. Adopting these recommendations could significantly reduce diabetes incidence, complications, costs, and inequities. Substantial political resolve will be needed to translate recommendations into policy. Engagement by diverse members of the diabetes stakeholder community will be critical to such efforts.

Retrospective assessment of chemotherapy/biotherapy toxicity in a Hispanic/Latinx population versus published study population.

INTRODUCTION: Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. services diverse communities in Central Indiana, including the Hispanic/Latinx community. It has been postulated that this population experiences toxicities at a higher rate and with a faster onset than the general population when treated with chemotherapy or biotherapy. The published clinical trials that have evaluated chemotherapy/biotherapy efficacy and toxicity have not adequately represented the Hispanic/Latinx population. This retrospective analysis aims to analyze the incidence and severity of adverse drug events in the Hispanic/Latinx population compared to the general study population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review included patients reported as Hispanic/Latinx in the electronic medical record who had breast cancer, colon cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, or multiple myeloma currently receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy and/or received chemotherapy/biotherapy during the study period. Seventy-three instances of patients receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy and 46 unique patients were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Of the 73 instances, 29 (40%) had toxicity at baseline prior to chemotherapy/biotherapy received during the study period. Of those 29 baseline toxicities, 26 (90%) of them had new toxicity during the study period. Of the 73 instances, 62 (85%) experienced toxicities during the study period. CONCLUSION: Ethnicity has a proven effect on medication efficacy and safety, but the specific impact of ethnicity on chemotherapy/biotherapy toxicity risk has not been well elucidated. This study found that a majority (85%) of Hispanic/Latinx patients treated with chemotherapy/biotherapy experienced toxicity of any grade, and the majority (90%) patients who had prior toxicity experienced another toxicity.

Pharmacist-Managed Diabetic Retinopathy in Hispanic/LatinX Population.

There are three major microvascular complications of diabetes, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, among which diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common. Several studies suggest that the Hispanic/LatinX population exhibit the highest cases of both diabetes and DR. Strategies aimed at reducing risk factors that could minimize the likelihood of DR development or progression could be beneficial. This retrospective study assessed DR in the Hispanic/LatinX population in pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk reduction services. A chart review was conducted for 60 individuals who visited clinics led by both a pharmacist and a primary care physician (intervention group) and 178 individuals who saw physicians only (control group). Demographics, metabolic parameters, DR severity, and pharmacist appointment data were collected. The highest benefit of pharmacist intervention was observed in terms of a greater but insignificant decrease in HbA1c; however, there was no benefit of pharmacist's intervention on DR in general, likely due to the longer duration of diabetes and higher HbA1c at the beginning of the study. When the DR progression was examined based on the frequency of pharmacy visits, individuals who met a pharmacist more than two times per year showed more stable and lesser worsening of DR. Overall, our studies suggest that pharmacist intervention could benefit retinopathy outcome; however, well-known determinants of DR such as good glycemic control and duration of diabetes still play a critical role, in addition to challenges in receiving healthcare by the Hispanic/LatinX population. Future strategies in a prospective manner could help retinopathy outcomes in these at-risk patient populations.

Indiana community health workers: challenges and opportunities for workforce development.

BACKGROUND: An interest in, and the need for, Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the United States is growing exponentially. CHWs possess a unique ability to relate to and build trust with communities in order to improve clinical outcomes, while building individual and community capacity. Given their critical role in addressing social determinants of health, expanding the CHW workforce is crucial. However, creating CHW jobs, facilitating training and certification, and establishing sustainable financing models to support this workforce has been challenging. METHODS: A mixed-methods study consisting of an online survey and focus group discussions assessed the strengths, practices, and challenges to CHW workforce sustainability and expansion in the state of Indiana, including perspectives from both CHWs and employers. RESULTS: Across 8 topics, mixed data analysis revealed 28 findings that were both complementary and unique across focus group and survey results. Results highlighted CHW skills and attributes, illustrated the recruitment and hiring process, and provided insight into measuring outcomes and outputs. Findings also indicated a need to build position validation, professional development, and billing and reimbursement capacity. CONCLUSION: Building and sustaining the CHW workforce will require creating an evidence base of roles and impact, increasing awareness of existing reimbursement mechanisms, and sharing best practices across employer organizations to promote optimal recruitment, training, supervision, career development, and funding strategies.

Assessment of clinical inertia in people with diabetes within primary care.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical inertia, defined as a delay in treatment intensification, is prevalent in people with diabetes. Treatment intensification rates are as low as 37.1% in people with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values >7%. Intensification by addition of medication therapy may take 1.6 to more than 7 years. Clinical inertia increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The primary objective was to evaluate rates of clinical inertia in people whose diabetes is managed by both pharmacists and primary care providers (PCPs). Secondary objectives included characterizing types of treatment intensification, HbA1c reduction, and time between treatment intensifications. METHOD: Retrospective chart review of persons with diabetes managed by pharmacists at an academic, safety-net institution. Eligible subjects were referred to a pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk reduction clinic while continuing to see their PCP between October 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018. All progress notes were evaluated for treatment intensification, HbA1c value, and type of medication intensification. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-three eligible patients were identified; baseline HbA1c 9.6% (7.9, 11.6) (median interquartile range [IQR]). One thousand one hundred ninety-two pharmacist and 1739 PCP visits were included in data analysis. Therapy was intensified at 60.5% (n = 721) pharmacist visits and 39.3% (n = 684) PCP visits (P < .001). The median (IQR) time between interventions was 49 (28, 92) days for pharmacists and 105 (38, 182) days for PCPs (P < .001). Pharmacists more frequently intensified treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist involvement in diabetes management may reduce the clinical inertia patients may otherwise experience in the primary care setting.

Implementation of primary care clinical pharmacy services for adults experiencing homelessness.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that on any given night in the United States, more than half a million individuals experience homelessness. Within the homeless population, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and human immunodeficiency virus are found at rates 3-6 times higher than in the general population. Despite this, access to appropriate treatment and preventive care remains difficult for those experiencing homelessness, and many barriers exist to achieving positive health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the clinical impact and sustainability of implementing clinical pharmacy services in a clinic for adults experiencing homelessness. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: As a pilot service, a postgraduate year 2 ambulatory care pharmacy resident attended the Pedigo clinic for adults experiencing homelessness 1 half-day per week to provide independent cardiovascular risk reduction (CVRR) disease state management under a collaborative practice agreement. PRACTICE INNOVATION: The existing CVRR model was applied at a clinic location that did not previously have clinical pharmacy services. The provision of these services was adapted to meet the unique health needs of the homeless population. EVALUATION METHODS: The outcomes from having a clinical pharmacist in this clinic setting were retrospectively reviewed from September 2019 to March 2020. RESULTS: During the pilot period, the pharmacist conducted 28 encounters for 14 unique patients and made a mean of 4 clinical interventions per patient encounter. A total of 124 interventions occurred, including comprehensive medication review (n = 23; 82.1%), patient education (n = 21; 75%), medication regimen optimization (n = 18; 64.3%), and tobacco cessation (n = 18; 64.3%), among several others. Clinical outcomes (glycosylated hemoglobin level, blood pressure, and weight) remained stable with pharmacist management throughout the pilot period. CONCLUSION: The addition of a clinical pharmacist to the interdisciplinary care team for patients experiencing homelessness addresses a health care disparity and enhances the care provided to this vulnerable population.

Metabolic monitoring of second-generation antipsychotics: Evaluation of a pharmacist- and nurse-driven protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Second-generation antipsychotic therapy can lead to metabolic abnormalities, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in patients with serious mental illness. However, the literature suggests there is a lack of appropriate monitoring in individuals receiving these therapies. This study aims to evaluate whether the implementation of a pharmacist- and nurse-driven metabolic monitoring protocol will increase monitoring in patients prescribed second-generation antipsychotic therapy in an outpatient community mental health clinic. METHODS: A retrospective review of adult outpatients in a community mental health clinic who were prescribed second-generation antipsychotics was conducted from October 1, 2017, to March 31, 2019. Pre- and postprotocol implementation groups were compared to assess the impact of the protocol on the primary outcome of appropriateness in monitoring for metabolic parameters. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected and reviewed, allowing for 80 individuals in each group. Improvement in the appropriateness of monitoring was found for 4 of 5 metabolic parameters after protocol implementation, including blood pressure (17.5% to 43.8%, P < 0.001), weight (17.5% to 43.8%, P < 0.001), hemoglobin A1C (27.5% to 42.5%, P = 0.044), and lipid levels (17.5% to 31.3%, P = 0.04). Primary care physicians ordered most of the laboratory values (44.5% to 46.2%); however, pharmacists and nurses ordered 7% of laboratory tests after the protocol implementation. CONCLUSION: Despite the knowledge that second-generation antipsychotic therapies commonly lead to metabolic syndrome and therefore increased cardiovascular disease risk, monitoring for metabolic effects remains poor, and there is a lack in diversity of strategies to improve this monitoring. Although further research on the effectiveness of a pharmacist- and nurse-driven metabolic monitoring protocol in this setting is warranted, this protocol serves as an example of a novel strategy with the potential to improve metabolic monitoring of second-generation antipsychotic therapy.

The evolving role of the pharmacist for individuals with serious mental illness.

Adults with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression encounter many barriers in receiving appropriate health care services and are at a markedly increased risk of premature mortality. A range of clinical pharmacist roles in community mental health may help offset the increasing issues related to access to care and contribute to recovery-oriented systems of care for individuals with serious mental illness. In this commentary, we offer a description of one such model operationalized within a large community mental health center. Clinical pharmacists provide substantial contributions toward optimizing care for individuals with serious mental illness through medication therapy management, cardiovascular risk reduction, and various other interventions to help positively impact the health disparity these individuals face.

Global collaboration to deliver a live pharmacy teaching and learning curriculum.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Indiana Pharmacy Teaching Certificate Program (IPTeC) offered a live, two-day conference to pharmacy residents, fellows, and preceptors in Indiana, while simultaneously live-streaming to participants in Doha, Qatar. Participants engaged in longitudinal activities for a one-year period. The purpose is to evaluate this pilot extension of a teaching and learning curriculum (TLC) to experienced preceptors in a global partnership and determine whether global and local participants perceive similar quality of programming. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Upon completion of the two-day conference, all pharmacists from two years of the program were encouraged to complete the standard course evaluations, consisting of nine items, in order to obtain continuing education (CE) credit. Evaluations of the program were analyzed by location cohort. FINDINGS: A total of 206 eligible pharmacists attended the program, with 154 completing the course evaluations (response rate 75%). "Good" or "outstanding" median ratings were given to each learning objective by both location cohorts, with domestic participants more likely to give "outstanding" ratings (6/9 items versus 0/9 items). SUMMARY: This pilot extension was successful in providing educational content satisfying learning objectives from the perspective of domestic participants and remote participants in Qatar. This type of global collaboration can meet the needs of trainees and experienced preceptors to advance pharmacy education and training.

2019 Endocrine Society Measures Set for Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Who Are at Risk for Hypoglycemia.

CONTEXT: Hypoglycemia in the outpatient setting has a significant financial impact on the health care system and negative impact on a person's quality of life. Primary care physicians must address a multitude of issues in a visit with a person with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often leaving little time to ask about hypoglycemia. OBJECTIVE: To develop quality measures that focus on outpatient hypoglycemia episodes for patients 65 and older with T2DM, which facilitate a clinician's ability to identify opportunities to improve the quality of care and reduce hypoglycemic episodes. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCESS: A technical expert panel established by the Endocrine Society in March 2019, which includes endocrinologists, primary care physicians, a diabetes care and education specialist/pharmacist, and a patient, developed 3 outpatient hypoglycemia quality measures. The measure set is intended to improve quality of care for patients with T2DM who are at greatest risk for hypoglycemia. The measures were available for public comment in July 2019. A fourth measure on shared decision-making was removed from the final measure set based on public feedback. CONCLUSION: A lack of outpatient hypoglycemia measures focusing on older adults with T2DM is a barrier to improving care of people with diabetes and reducing hypoglycemic episodes. This paper provides measure specifications for 3 measures that may be used to focus quality improvement efforts on patients at greatest risk for hypoglycemia.

A pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk-reduction clinic for individuals experiencing serious mental illness.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective analysis sought to: (1) characterize a cardiovascular risk-reduction clinic (CVRRC) patient population with serious mental illness (SMI); (2) analyze clinical outcomes of CVRRC patients over a 2-year period; and (3) compare outcomes for individuals prescribed different antipsychotic treatments in the CVRRC patient population over a 2-year period. EVALUATION METHODS: In 2016, A pharmacist-managed CVRRC was implemented within a primary care clinic for patients with SMI. The CVRRC operates under a collaborative practice agreement allowing the pharmacist to initiate and change medications and order laboratory tests. Baseline data collected included demographic information, referring provider, tobacco use, and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Data collected at subsequent visits included date of visit, A1C, estimated average glucose (eAG), blood pressure, weight, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, statin and dose, tobacco use, amount smoked, and current antipsychotic treatment. Number of times that treatment for diabetes was initiated or intensified by the pharmacist or primary care provider was also collected. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: A total of 101 patients were referred to the CVRRC over the 2-year period. Of these, 81 (80.2%) had at least 1 subsequent visit and were included in the A1C analysis. CVRRC patients had a statistically significant improvement in A1C over time. Mean A1C decreased by an increment of 0.06% for each month increase in follow-up time (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in A1C values between patients on different antipsychotic treatments (P = 0.74). CONCLUSION: The pharmacist-managed CVRRC demonstrated beneficial outcomes for individuals diagnosed with diabetes and SMI. Results provide promising evidence supporting future larger studies to confirm these findings. Considering the morbidity and mortality disparities for individuals with SMI, health care organizations should consider similar models to improve diabetes outcomes.

Pharmacy educator evaluation of web-based learning.

BACKGROUND: Web-based learning (WBL), instruction facilitated through the Internet, has demonstrated utility in classroom and clinical education settings; however, there is a void of literature about the use of WBL by clinical educators within pharmacy. The purpose of this research is to evaluate a WBL initiative within clinical pharmacy education. METHODS: Based on the results of a pilot survey, 10 asynchronous WBL clinical modules (videos and interactive patient cases) were developed for pharmacy educators and students in clinical education affiliated with two schools of pharmacy in the midwest USA. A 21-item, cross-sectional, electronic survey was administered to pharmacy educators within acute and primary care to assess the use of WBL within clinical pharmacy education. RESULTS: Of the 115 eligible clinical educators, 69 participated in the survey (60% response rate), with the majority working within acute care; 38% of educators encouraged the use of WBL. Respondents not using WBL stated a lack of awareness (48%) or existing student time commitments (33%) as reasons. For educators encouraging WBL, 87% agreed that it enhanced student clinical knowledge, 68% stated that it decreased direct instruction time commitments and 100% stated they would encourage its use for future clinical education. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pharmacy educators reported that the WBL initiative resulted in a perceived stronger student clinical foundation, and all pharmacy educators using WBL encouraged its continued use for future clinical education. Web-based learning provides clinical educators with a learning tool to augment clinical experiences by reinforcing student knowledge, at the same time minimising direct instruction time.