Education Of Health Care Providers Research Articles

Misdiagnosis in breast imaging: a statement paper from European Society Breast Imaging (EUSOBI)-Part 1: The role of common errors in radiology in missed breast cancer and implications of misdiagnosis.

Misdiagnosis in breast imaging can have significant implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Some of the potential implications of misdiagnosis in breast imaging include delayed diagnosis or false reassurance, which can result in a delay in treatment and potentially a worse prognosis. Misdiagnosis can also lead to unnecessary procedures, which can cause physical discomfort, anxiety, and emotional distress for patients, as well as increased healthcare costs. All these events can erode patient trust in the healthcare system and in individual healthcare providers. This can have negative implications for patient compliance with screening and treatment recommendations, as well as overall health outcomes. Moreover, misdiagnosis can also result in legal consequences for healthcare providers, including medical malpractice lawsuits and disciplinary action by licensing boards. To minimize the risk of misdiagnosis in breast imaging, it is important for healthcare providers to use appropriate imaging techniques and interpret images accurately and consistently. This requires ongoing training and education for radiologists and other healthcare providers, as well as collaboration and communication among healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely care. If a misdiagnosis does occur, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate with patients and provide appropriate follow-up care to minimize the potential implications of the misdiagnosis. This may include repeat imaging, additional biopsies or other procedures, and referral to specialists for further evaluation and management. Question What factors most contribute to and what implications stem from misdiagnosis in breast imaging? Findings Ongoing training and education for radiologists and other healthcare providers, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, is paramount. Clinical relevance Misdiagnosis in breast imaging can have significant implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the entire healthcare system.

Misdiagnosis in breast imaging: a statement paper from European Society Breast Imaging (EUSOBI)-Part 2: Main causes of errors in breast imaging and recommendations from European Society of Breast Imaging to limit misdiagnosis.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of negligence claims in radiology. The objective of this document is to describe the specific main causes of errors in breast imaging and provide European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) recommendations to try to minimize these. Technical failures represent 17% of all mammographic diagnostic negligence claims. Mammography quality control protocol and dedicated training for technologists and radiologists are essential. Lack of consideration of the clinical context is a second critical issue, as a clinical abnormality is found in 80% of malpractice claims. EUSOBI emphasizes the importance of communication and clinical examination before the diagnostic investigation. Detection errors or misapplications of the lexicon or Breast Imaging Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) score account for 5% of malpractice claims and should be reduced by limiting radiologists' distraction or fatigue, and being aware of satisfaction of search errors and the importance of a personal systematic review. Errors related to pathological concordance and MDT review can be limited by the use of markers after biopsy and the use of standardized reports, which can aid communication with other specialities. Finally, errors related to tumor or patient factors should be discussed, considering the use of contrast-enhanced mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Several factors are responsible for misdiagnosis in breast cancer, including errors in the practice of the technician and/or radiologist (technical failures, lack of consideration of the clinical context, incorrect application of the BI-RADS score, false reassurances), lack of communication with other specialists or with the patient, and the type of tumor and breast parenchyma. Question What factors most contribute to and what implications stem from misdiagnosis in breast imaging? Findings Ongoing training and education for radiologists and other healthcare providers, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and communication is paramount. Clinical relevance Misdiagnosis in breast imaging can have significant implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the entire healthcare system.

Can Digital Technology Revolutionize Continuous Education in Diabetes Care?

Rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and telehealth with remote monitoring, are transforming continuous education for health care providers (HCPs) in diabetes management. These technologies improve patient care and necessitate innovative educational approaches to prepare HCPs for clinical integration. Digital education offers real-time, scalable, and cost-effective solutions, especially in areas with health care workforce shortages. However, the effect of digital education on HCPs' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and patient outcomes remains under-researched and necessitates further study. As technologies advance, achieving precision in diabetes continuous education becomes feasible. The 2024 ADA Standards of Care emphasize early adoption of advanced technologies and proficiency among HCPs. This commentary explores transformative trends, discussing limitations and proposing solutions to revolutionize continuous education in diabetes care.

Digital Education for Health Care Providers: An Advanced Cardiac Life Support Resource

Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) refers to a set of urgent treatment guidelines for cardiac emergencies to improve patient outcomes. Strong evidence supports online interactive content in facilitating student learning and engagement. This project introduces an innovative approach to ACLS education, namely a digital ACLS simulation to promote medical resident learning of relevant protocols. No similar resource was found in existing literature, supporting the potential merit of creating this tool for medical education. A scoping review was conducted on current ACLS guidelines to inform interactive content creation with MEDLINE [PubMED] and Web of Science. From this review, a decision tree based on validated care guidelines was derived, guiding digital application development. An online prototype was constructed in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS frameworks. The creation allows users to input cardiovascular emergency patient information and output relevant care instructions based on American Heart Association guidelines. Evidence-based descriptions were provided for each decision, referencing credible external resources for further learning. This interactive application may enhance ACLS protocol learning. Next steps include simulation testing with medical residents to establish whether statistically significant benefits are observed. Long term, this project may inform the development and revision of similar digital resources to enhance medical education delivery.

Patient awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of antenatal perineal massage: A single-center cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and acceptability of antenatal perineal massage (APM) among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included 240 pregnant women who met the predefined inclusion criteria and attended the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 1 October to 31 December 2023. Participants answered seven knowledge questions, classified as having good knowledge if they answered ≥4 correctly and poor knowledge if <4 were correct. Most women (46.25%) reported it was their first encounter with APM. Common sources of information included the internet (39.58%), physicians/midwives (7.92%), and friends/family (3.75%). Nearly half (47.5%) had heard of APM, but only 8.75% had practiced it, and 3.75% attended related classes. Only 17.5% knew that APM could be performed by the woman or her partner, while 25.83% knew it should start at 34 weeks, and 17.92% recognized the recommended duration of 5 to 10 minutes daily. Additionally, 22.5%, 15.83%, and 35.42% acknowledged APM's benefits for labor duration, anal sphincter dysfunction, and perineal injuries, respectively. The average knowledge score was 1.39±1.84, with 84.17% classified as having poor knowledge. No significant differences were found between knowledge levels (p>0.05). Low acceptability was noted, with only 58% of patients and 37% of their partners willing to engage in APM. No significant differences in acceptability were found between poor and good knowledge groups (p>0.05). The study revealed low awareness, poor knowledge, and weak acceptability of APM among pregnant patients. Targeted education for patients and healthcare providers could enhance knowledge and improve maternal-fetal health outcomes.

Telehealth Research Strategies in a Post COVID-19 Era: A Roadmap for the Coming Decade.

An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-funded Think Tank, held at Michigan State University, brought together a wide range of subject matter experts in telemedicine, telehealth, digital health, digital access, and health care. The authors of this article represented a group focused on the research needs, constructs, and strategies in the post-COVID era. While telemedicine and telehealth grew exponentially during the pandemic, the challenges that have been with us for decades, while ameliorated to some extent, remain. To showcase the State of Michigan as a model, the authors reviewed challenges and opportunities related to telehealth and telemedicine usage and categorized them into seven areas of highest priority. Based on a review of the literature and consultation in the fields of telehealth, telemedicine, and digital access, we identified seven key categories where research would be most effective going forward. These categories include research into the impact of telehealth on clinical services, telehealth's use in administrative activities, education and training for health care providers and patients, telehealth policy implications at state and federal levels, the impact of future technology and innovation on telehealth services, patient characteristics and their experiences, and the ethical aspects of telehealth in the future. We have formulated this overview of our findings to act as a roadmap for future telehealth research. We recommend that ongoing studies should explore each of the seven categories identified above. The search for solutions to overcome the challenges within these topics must not be constrained to research that has been conducted recently; many of these challenges have faced telehealth researchers for decades, and numerous solutions have been proposed over the years. Some of these proposals should be explored once again in light of technological and societal advances. The findings from these studies should be shared in ways and through venues that can make them accessible outside the spheres of academic research, but also by practitioners, policymakers, and patients. Third, research into telehealth in all its incarnations must be prioritized, and leadership is needed to ensure these areas of study are continued to be spotlighted after the noise of the COVID-19 pandemic grows quiet.

Acute stroke care in low and middle-income countries.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the global impact of stroke, the disparities and barriers to implement stroke care, and the global efforts to improve access to acute treatments in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Disparities in access to stroke care are influenced by socioeconomic inequalities, geographic disparities, and limited healthcare infrastructure, particularly in LMICs. Effective stroke care requires a coordinated approach involving emergency services, rapid diagnosis, timely treatment, and early rehabilitation. However, there are significant delays in implementing evidence-based practices, particularly in areas where stroke care resources are scarce.Key barriers include geographic disparities, economic constraints, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, low public awareness, and weak policy frameworks. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening health systems, promoting universal health coverage, enhancing public and healthcare provider education, leveraging technology like telemedicine, and fostering international collaboration. Global efforts, including initiatives by the World Stroke Organization, focus on improving stroke care through infrastructure development, workforce training, and policy advocacy. These recommended strategies aim to make stroke care accessible and effective for everyone, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, ultimately helping to reduce the global burden of stroke.

Barriers and enablers to effective weight management for people living with overweight and obesity: A rapid scoping review.

A scoping review was conducted to identify barriers and enablers to effective weight management in healthcare settings for people living with overweight and obesity in English-speaking high-income countries. Peer-reviewed and gray literature were systematically searched in June 2024. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Of the 15,684 unique articles identified and screened for relevance, 216 studies were included. Healthcare-related barriers and enablers to weight management were organized under three themes: a) healthcare provider-related factors, b) provision of care, and c) policy/funding. Prominent barriers included healthcare provider knowledge deficits and low prioritization of obesity management, mainly in the primary care setting. Weight management beyond the primary care setting was found to be especially challenging, with poor referral pathways, service fragmentation, lack of multidisciplinary practice, and restricted eligibility criteria, hindering the accessibility of services. Developing consistent policies and guidelines, improving the education of healthcare providers, and increasing funding to provide low-cost comprehensive care, were identified as enablers to access and uptake of weight management services. Considerable overlap in the identified barriers existed across healthcare providers and settings. A whole health system approach to minimize barriers and strengthen enablers to weight management services is needed, to address rising obesity rates.

Initial Experiences with Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Insights from Survivors and Their Caregivers.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has a low incidence but is a life-threatening illness with a 10-15% mortality rate. Even with timely treatment, survivors may experience acute and long-term health complications. While meningococcal vaccines are recommended for adolescents and young adults in the USA, vaccination coverage remains uneven across serotypes. This study investigated the physical, social, psychological, and economic burden of IMD on survivors and their caregivers in the USA during the acute phase (Part1, presented in this manuscript) and the long-term phase (Part2, presented in a separate manuscript) of IMD. This study implemented a non-interventional, mixed-methods approach using a bespoke survey and qualitative interviews (designed on the basis of a preliminary conceptual model of IMD) with US survivors and their caregivers. A total of 11 survivors (1 adolescent, 10 adults) and 3 caregivers participated in the study. Survivors contracted IMD during infancy (n = 2), childhood (n = 3), or adulthood (n = 6), and often described leading healthy lives pre-IMD. At IMD onset, interactions with the healthcare system impacted participants' experiences; confusion and care delays were common, and procedures were often invasive (e.g., amputations). Survivors commonly experienced symptoms including skin rash (7/11), fever (6/11), and unconsciousness (6/11), consistent with caregivers' reports. Survivors able to report on the short-term impacts of IMD (n = 9) described functional limitations (9/9), emotional impacts (6/9) such as fear and trauma, and school (6/9), work (4/9), and financial (5/9) challenges. Caregivers also experienced emotional impacts (3/3) and family (2/3), work (3/3), and financial (3/3) impacts during the acute phase. IMD places a significant humanistic burden on survivors and their caregivers during the acute phase. Results from Part1 of this study indicate a need for increased disease awareness and healthcare provider education, expeditious diagnosis, and improved access to prevention methods such as available meningococcal vaccines. A video abstract is available with this article. Video abstract (MP4 1,24,432kb).

Pharmacist care for hypertension management among patients with diabetes: a systematic review

Abstract Background Improving blood pressure (BP) control is of major importance among patients with diabetes, due to their high risk of micro- and macrovascular complications. Community-based models of care with the involvement of pharmacists and other nonphysician healthcare providers can help manage hypertension. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of pharmacist interventions, alone or in collaboration, on BP among outpatients with diabetes and hypertension. Methods We conducted systematic searches of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of pharmacist interventions on BP among outpatients with hypertension and diabetes compared to usual care. The outcome was the systolic and diastolic BP change or BP control. We performed a meta-analysis with random effects models and results are presented by mean difference along with relative 95% CI.We will perform subgroup analyses for the types and intensity (duration, frequeny) of pharmacist interventions, patients’ characteristics, and healthcare settings. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021279751) and published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. Results Out of 2048 study records identified by electronic database searching, we included 9 studies, with 5067 participants, published between 2008 and 2022. These studies were conducted mainly in North America (n = 5; other regions: n = 4). The intervention was led by the pharmacist in 78% of the studies and in collaboration with other healthcare providers in 22%. Pharmacist intervention included patient education in 67%, healthcare providers education in 11% of studies and feedback to healthcare providers in 44% of the studies. Systolic and diastolic BP were reduced after pharmacist intervention by -5.6 mmHg (95% CI: -10.6 to -0.6) and -4.1 mmHg (95% CI: -7.1 to -1.2) respectively. Additional analyses will be presented at the congress. Conclusions Pharmacist interventions improve blood pressure control in hypertensive diabetic outpatients. Key messages • Recent hypertension guidelines recommend pharmacist involvement in hypertension care management. • This systematic review provide updated evidence on the effect of pharmacist interventions on hypertension management of patients with diabetes.

Prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental knowledge and consent

Abstract Background Sexually active adolescents may seek oral contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors’ confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents’ care. Methods Israeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training. Results Of the 177 responding gynecologists, 75% consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, most of them without any training on providing care to adolescents. More than a third of respondents believed that parental involvement wasn’t legally required, while only 8% thought it mandatory for all minors under the age of 18. Most (75%) would ‘almost always’ prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge upon request, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents’ practices and their perception of the legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor due to having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to minor’s autonomy consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the acts legal ramifications. The majority set the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement. Conclusions Access to contraceptives for mature minors without parental involvement is vital. There is great need for education and training for healthcare providers on providing medical treatment to adolescents, as well as for the development of policies and guidelines, addressing adolescents’ health disparities. Key messages • Israeli legal requirements challenge and hinder adolescents’ care as well contradict OBGYNs ethical and professional beliefs. • There is great need for education and training, as well as for the development of policies and guidelines, addressing adolescents’ health disparities.

Introducing the ELPIS scale: a novel tool for measuring emotional empathy toward cancer patients.

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, is crucial in the healthcare setting, particularly for patients with cancer who face significant psychosocial challenges. We aimed to develop a novel tool, the Empathy, Life with Cancer, and Psychosocial Skills (ELPIS) Scale that prioritizes emotional and cognitive components in order to determine the reflection of the negative stigmatization of cancer in societies on individuals, excluding the behavioral and ethical dimensions of empathy. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design with a sample of first- and second-year medical students in Türkiye. An initial pool of 48 items was developed based on an extensive review of the literature and existing empathy scales. Following expert review and pilot testing, the scale was refined to 24 items. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to establish the scale's factor structure and validate its reliability and validity. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure comprising "emotional empathy," "sympathetic responses," and "realistic approaches," with a total of 20 items after refinement. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model fit, with the scale demonstrating high internal consistency across all three dimensions. The scale's reliability was further supported by high Cronbach's alpha values. The results suggest that the ELPIS Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring emotional empathy toward cancer patients. It offers a nuanced approach by separately assessing emotional, sympathetic, and realistic components of empathy, making it a valuable tool for both educational and clinical applications. Future research should explore the scale's application in diverse populations and settings, as well as its utility in tracking empathy development over time. In conclusion, the ELPIS Scale, which focuses on the emotional and cognitive components of empathy, a multifaceted construct, fills a critical gap in the measurement of empathy in the context of cancer care and provides a comprehensive tool that can improve both patient care and the education of healthcare providers.

Impact of Hypoglycemia on Glucose Variability over Time for Individuals with Open-Source Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

This study investigates glucose conditions preceding and following various hypoglycemia levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes using open-source automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. It also seeks to evaluate relationships between hypoglycemia and subsequent glycemic variability. Methods: Analysis of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data from 122 adults with type 1 diabetes using open-source AID from the OpenAPS Data Commons was conducted. This study comprehensively analyzed the effects of hypoglycemia on glycemic variability, covering time periods before and after hypoglycemia. Results: Glucose variability normalization post-hypoglycemia can take up to 48 h, with severe hypoglycemia (41–50 mg/dL) linked to prolonged normalization. A cyclical pattern was observed where hypoglycemia predisposes individuals to further hypoglycemia, even with AID system use. A rise in glucose levels often precedes hypoglycemia, followed by an elevated mean time above range (TAR) post-hypoglycemia, indicating a ‘rebound’ effect. The experimental results are further validated on T1DEXI data (n = 222), originating from commercial AID systems. Different hypoglycemia categorization approaches did not show significant differences in glycemic variability outcomes. The level of hypoglycemia does influence the pattern of subsequent glucose fluctuations. Conclusion: Hypoglycemia, especially at lower levels, significantly impacts subsequent glycemic variability, even with the use of open-source AID systems. This should be studied further with a broader set of commercial AID systems to understand if these patterns are true of all types of AID systems. If these patterns occur in all types of AID systems, it underscores potential opportunities for enhancements in AID algorithms and highlights the importance of educating healthcare providers and people with diabetes about post-hypoglycemia glucose variability.

Fall prevention among psychiatric patients in an Iranian hospital: a best practice implementation project.

Falls are the main cause of disability among psychiatric patients, as well as being the most common adverse event in hospitals. The aim of this evidence implementation project was to improve fall prevention and management among psychiatric patients in a neurology ward in an Iranian tertiary psychiatric hospital. This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which recommends an audit, feedback, and re-audit strategy. A baseline audit was conducted to evaluate current fall prevention practices among 50 psychiatric patients and 20 health care professionals. The baseline audit was used to identify gaps in compliance. After the implementation of improvement strategies, a follow-up audit was conducted to measure any changes in practice. The baseline and follow-up audits revealed that compliance with best practices improved in ward transfer fall risk assessment (Criterion 2: 87% to 90%), patient participation in fall risk assessment (Criterion 3: 95% to 96%), revising patient fall risk status (Criterion 9: 50% to 86%), and person-centered education of health care providers (Criterion 11: 78% to 96%). Other audit criteria remained unchanged. However, for Criterion 6 on patient engagement in goal-setting and treatment planning, compliance dropped from 100% at baseline to 94% at follow-up. This project successfully increased evidence-based practices regarding fall prevention and management, as well as providing mechanisms for sustaining the practice changes. Future audits are required to further improve outcomes. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A267.

Suicide prevention safety planning in the US Department of defense: Qualitative assessment of training.

Suicide rates in the military are a significant public health concern. The suicide prevention safety planning intervention is a brief and effective intervention in which a provider and patient work collaboratively to recognize warning signs of a suicidal crisis and create a defined list of coping strategies and supports for use during future crises (Stanley & Brown, 2012). Implementation of safety planning has been supported by the Department of Defense (DoD), yet readily available training and continuing education for healthcare providers in this intervention is limited and passive in nature. Existing safety planning training experiences and needs of DoD behavioral health providers are unknown. The present study is an exploratory qualitative assessment of current safety planning in DoD to inform the design and development of an interactive virtual standardized training patient. Ten military behavioral health providers completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was conducted, and three themes are described in this paper: variety of training received, barriers to receiving suicide safety planning training, and desires for future training. Lack of protected time for training and a lack of access to training resources were identified as key barriers. Rich data obtained can help inform the key design features and relevance of new safety planning intervention training approaches.

The development of a tool for the assessment of oral health program in a pediatric cancer unit

Abstract Background Oral diseases and associated illnesses interfere with cancer treatment, increase morbidity, prolong hospital stay, and increase costs. Oral care of children with cancer is essential to prevent oral diseases and decrease its symptoms. Standardized oral health and hygiene (OHH) practices must be a priority and incorporated as a routine cancer care quality. To improve OHH, baseline information of practices, processes and institutional support are necessary. Here, we report the steps we followed to develop a tool for evaluating OHH practices, support, and resources available in a pediatric cancer unit. Methods We conformed a working group (WG) integrated by healthcare professionals in pediatric, infectious diseases, oncology, and dentistry acquainted with the care of children with cancer. The steps proposed by the WG included: (1) literature review of published surveys in OHH; (2) interviews with practicing healthcare providers regarding OHH in pediatrics; (3) identification, adoption and adaptation of the Hand Hygiene Self-assessment framework (HHSAF), a survey model based on the multimodal improvement strategy (MMIS); (4) building of OHH tool; (5) validation test of OHH tool; and (6) pilot testing in recruited pediatric hematology and oncology centers. Google form version 0.8. Microsoft office excel 2021 (18.0) was used to build the OHH survey and obtain the WG member responses. The final draft of the survey was approved by WG members. We will evaluate survey validity in the pilot test among members of the PRINCIPAL network, a community of pediatric infectious disease experts and preventionists of Latin America. Results We found few reports on OHH practices in children cancer surveys. The WG met virtually and monthly from March to December 2023 to build the OHH survey. Our final survey version was organized following the model of the HHSAF and integrated into five main sections. These sections had items (Q) that requested answers regarding OHH practices and resources and institutional support (6Q); training and education of patients, families, and healthcare providers (6Q); evaluation and feedback of OHH processes in pediatric oncology unit and OHH practices of patients (6Q); reminders of OHH practices in the workplace (3Q); and hospital leadership support (2Q). The survey was made up of multiple choice and Likert scale questions. Each of the answers had a weight, and if all the items were present, the total was 400 points. Based on the total points obtained, we categorized the quality of the OHH practices of the pediatric oncology unit in inadequate (0-100); basic (101-200), intermediate (201-300), advanced (&amp;gt;300). The survey tool must be answered by an assigned team of the pediatric oncology unit oral health including a family member representative, and it could take less than 15 minutes to complete. Conclusion We developed a 21-item OHH practices survey following the WHO recommendations to use a MMIS model. We found that our newly developed tool was comprehensive and potentially helpful to assess OHH practices and identify success factors in best practices in OHH in pediatric oncology units. Our next step is pilot testing to evaluate our survey tool validity and reliability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives from Providers of Continuing Pharmacy Education

Abstract: Although continuing education (CE) plays an important role in educating health care providers on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), little is known about the DEI initiatives promoted and implemented by providers of CE. Surveys were electronically administered to accredited pharmacy continuing education providers (CEPs) from 2021 to 2023. Survey items were assessed providers' current efforts and best practices for incorporating DEI into organizational culture and educational programming. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical responses, and a general interpretivist approach was used to code open-ended response items and describe themes. Overall, 50 and 33 responses were received in 2021/2022 and 2023, respectively. The most common step taken by programs to advance DEI was to engage pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians in DEI discussions. Qualitative analysis described categories and themes as follows: best practices (CE programming DEI strategies, organizational DEI strategies), DEI goals (mission statement and DEI strategic plan, developing CE, continuing pharmacy education committee and task force, and faculty development and guidance), and accrediting body support (sharing best practices and training and technical support). Although CEPs described current efforts and best practices related to DEI in CE, organizations involved in CE accreditation can continue to explore ways to support DEI initiatives.

Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Initiative to Educate Healthcare Providers and Patients in the United States about the Risk of Drug-Drug Interactions Associated with Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This case study describes the development of a comprehensive drug-drug interaction (DDI) education initiative for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid™) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Emergency Use Authorization in December of 2021, the rapid dissemination of information on identification and management of DDIs was needed to ensure appropriate use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir when treating patients with COVID-19 who were at an increased risk of progression to severe illness. The initiative included comprehensive outreach activities to compliantly inform healthcare providers and patients through the development of various educational materials and omnichannel engagement strategies. This case study may serve as an example to guide best practices for therapeutics requiring timely and comprehensive approaches to the dissemination of medical information in the future.

Antibiotic use in cesarean procedures in developing countries: current practices and improvements

Cesarean delivery, a common surgical procedure worldwide, is associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative infections compared to vaginal births. This risk is notably higher in developing countries due to varying practices in antibiotic prophylaxis and differences in healthcare settings. This study aims to evaluate the current practices and potential improvements in antibiotic use in cesarean sections within these regions. Our analysis revealed that cesarean sections are performed at an increased rate in developing countries, with infection rates ranging from 10% to 40%, primarily due to inconsistent and often inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. The most common postoperative infections include endometritis, wound infections, and urinary tract infections, largely influenced by factors such as the timing of antibiotic administration, the choice of antibiotic, and the presence of risk factors like prolonged labor and membrane rupture. The standard practice in many developing countries involves the administration of antibiotics post-cord clamping, which has been challenged by recent studies suggesting that preoperative administration can significantly reduce infection rates without adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. A shift towards a single dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cephalosporins administered 30-60 minutes before incision is recommended based on our findings. This approach aligns with the successful reduction of infectious morbidity observed in developed countries and supports the need for standardized guidelines. Furthermore, our study underscores the importance of healthcare provider education and the establishment of clear protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean sections. By adopting these improvements, developing countries can achieve a significant reduction in maternal morbidity and contribute to safer childbirth practices.

From Awareness to Action: Addressing Folic Acid Supplementation in Western India Among Women of Reproductive Age.

Background Folate, a vitamin B9, can be sourced naturally in the diet or the form of supplements. Studies highlight the prevention of neural tube abnormalities in women of reproductive age. To prevent these, low daily doses of FA (400-800 μg) are recommended for all women planning pregnancy, with higher doses for those with previous NTD-affected pregnancies. Folic acid supplementation lowers the risk of NTDs, other birth defects, and obstetrical complications. Methods The study explored awareness of and knowledge of folic acid supplements among women of childbearing age in Pune City, western Maharashtra, India. The cross-sectional survey was carried out at Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC), involving 300 female participants aged 16-44 years. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to evaluate participants' knowledge of folic acid supplements, their benefits, and usage patterns. Results Use as well as awareness of folic acid supplements was strongly associated with educational attainment. The awareness was low or none in participants who never attended school, and highest among the university graduates. The study included 300 women aged 16-45. About 43% of the study participants were between the ages of 23 and 29 years old; 57.7% were single, and 59.3% among them were university graduates. 59.7% of the study participants knew about folic acid supplements, but only 20% took them regularly. Knowledge about ideal timing and benefits was limited among them. 38% correctly identified prepregnancy as the ideal time to start. Only 18% knew it prevents neural tube defects, and 27% knew it could be obtained naturally. Conclusion The study highlights a lack of detailed knowledge about folic acid supplements among the study participants. Recommendations to enhance the supplement's intake include public health campaigns, enhanced healthcare provider education, easy-to-read informational materials, and strengthening government supplement programs to improve awareness and food fortification. Further research on consumption barriers for the supplement needs to be carried out.