The continued evolution of the ambulatory care pharmacy specialty: Results and analysis from the 2019 Role Delineation Study.

OBJECTIVES: Consistent with certification best practices, update the board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist (BCACP) certification content outline and examination blueprint. METHODS: Qualitative (i.e., focus group) and quantitative (i.e., survey) methods were used to assess, shape, and empirically validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities characterized by the practice performance domain of the BCACP certification content outline and its associated examination blueprint. RESULTS: Survey responses were collected from 434 BCACPs and then reviewed by a representative panel of subject matter experts in ambulatory care pharmacy in addition to psychometric analyses. Using statistical summaries of rating scale data, the panelists recommended revisions to the certification content outline and examination blueprint. Descriptions of how the survey results were used to develop test specifications are also provided. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides validity evidence for the content scope for the BCACP certification and the specifications (i.e., domain weight percentages) of the high-stakes examination. In particular, the study reaffirmed the BCACP examination as a clinically relevant, patient-focused credential, consistent with the BPS mission.

Effect of a multifaceted stewardship intervention on antibiotic prescribing and outcomes for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections.

BACKGROUND: Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) are a leading cause of hospitalization, but are often treated inappropriately in the inpatient setting. A multifaceted stewardship intervention was implemented to encourage prescribing of guideline-concordant therapy (GCT). OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of this initiative on antimicrobial prescribing practices and patient outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of adult inpatients admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of ABSSSI, classified by type and severity based on signs of systemic infection. Patients treated during the pre-intervention period (pre-IP) were compared with patients treated during the post-intervention period (post-IP). The primary endpoint was receipt of GCT. Secondary endpoints included receipt of anti-anaerobic antibiotic (AAA) or broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA). RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included, 64 in the pre-IP and 61 in the post-IP. There was a statistically significant increase in prescribing of GCT during the post-IP compared with the pre-IP (14% versus 56%, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in use of AAA (56% versus 34%, p = 0.01). No difference was observed with use of BSA (16% versus 15%, p = 0.89). Use of the computerized order set during the post-IP was low (18%). There was a numerical, but non-significant reduction in 30-day readmission (14.1% versus 6.6%, p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: The multifaceted intervention was effective for improving prescribing of GCT for ABSSSI. Given low use of the computerized order set, improved prescribing seemed to be driven by provider education. Strategies around ongoing education may be key to sustain positive results of stewardship interventions.