Comparison of Neonatal Outcomes With and Without Prophylaxis With Indomethacin in Premature Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Historically, prophylactic indomethacin (pINDO) has been used in some institutions for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely low birthweight neonates while other institutions have used it as prophylaxis for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of IVH and PDA with or without pINDO in premature neonates. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study comparing neonatal outcomes in neonates weighing 1250 grams or less who received pINDO (pINDO group) to those who did not (No pINDO group) after our institution discontinued its routine use. RESULTS: A total of 399 infants were included for analysis (pINDO, n = 141; No pINDO, n = 258). No difference was found between pINDO and No pINDO groups in incidence of any IVH (18% vs 14%, respectively) or severe IVH (7% vs 3%, respectively) when adjusting for gestational age and antenatal corticosteroids. Although the incidence of moderate-to-large PDA was lower in the pINDO group (13% vs 23%, respectively, adjusted p = 0.002), there was no significant difference for PDA requiring surgery (4% vs 3%, respectively). Results demonstrated a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the pINDO group (55% vs 41%, respectively, adjusted p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: No difference in the incidence of IVH, severe IVH, or PDA requiring surgery was observed between groups, whereas an increase in BPD was seen with use of pINDO. These data support our institutional practice change to discontinue routine use of pINDO in premature neonates. Further research is needed to guide clinical practice.

Survey of residency program directors' perceptions of nontraditional pharmacy residency applicants.

PURPOSE: The attitudes and expectations of residency program directors (RPDs) regarding nontraditional residency applicants (NTAs) were evaluated. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study targeting RPDs of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists-accredited residency programs. A 14-question survey requesting information related to demographics, perceptions of NTAs compared with traditional applicants, advantages and disadvantages of NTAs, and advice for NTAs was administered electronically to RPDs. The primary outcome of this study was to determine RPDs' perceptions of NTAs as suitable residency candidates. The secondary outcome evaluated the rate of NTA acceptance into residency programs and a qualitative assessment of RPDs' advice for NTAs. RESULTS: Of the 1,414 RPDs contacted to participate, 328 (23%) completed the survey. RPDs were primarily affiliated with postgraduate year 1 pharmacy practice (52%) or postgraduate year 2 specialty residencies (30%), and 35% reported having an NTA in their program. Most respondents (87%) reported that NTAs are given equal consideration relative to traditional residency applicants. RPDs rated work experience as the most important quality of an NTA, followed closely by the ability to work with others and teachability. Most (277 [85%]) RPDs agreed that NTAs should possess experiences beyond work experience, such as research, leadership, and community service. The biggest concern regarding NTAs was significant time since graduation prior to application. CONCLUSION: The majority of RPDs did not perceive NTAs differently from traditional applicants in the selection process of prospective candidates.

Evaluation of targeted human papillomavirus vaccination education among undergraduate college students.

Objective: To design and evaluate pharmacy student-led educational sessions to improve health beliefs about the HPV vaccine in college-aged students. Participants: Students aged 18-26 attending a large, urban university, including 545 respondents to a December 2014 needs assessment survey about HPV-related health beliefs, 131 students participating in educational sessions during 2015-2016 (intervention group), and 369 undergraduate respondents completing the needs assessment survey (control group). Methods: A needs assessment survey was conducted to inform design and implementation of pharmacy student-led educational sessions. A similar survey was administered to students after attending educational sessions. Health beliefs were compared for the intervention versus control group. Results: The intervention group was less likely to report high perceived barriers to HPV vaccination and more likely to report high perceived benefits and intention to vaccinate (if previously unvaccinated). Conclusions: Pharmacy student-led, health belief-based educational sessions were associated with improved health beliefs about HPV vaccination.