Implications For Pharmacists Research Articles

Updated vaccination and screening recommendations for hepatitis B: Implications for pharmacists

The number of new infections of hepatitis B is rising and a large number of cases are undiagnosed. These factors are contributing to hepatitis B-related liver complications, including liver cancer, and deaths that could be prevented. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated vaccination and screening/testing recommendations for hepatitis B. The updated recommendations remove the need for risk assessment before screening or vaccination. Pharmacists will play a key role in a concerted national effort to implement these updated recommendations. A multistakeholder advisory council convened by the Hepatitis B Foundation identified key barriers to screening and vaccination. The council also formulated strategies to optimize implementation of the updated recommendations. These strategies include educating pharmacists about the new recommendations and how they will help to reduce the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer. Pharmacists could explore establishing pharmacy-provider collaborative practice agreements and potentially leverage capacity built with COVID-19 vaccine implementation. Hospital systems and other clinic settings could update their electronic health records to include prompts for hepatitis B vaccination and screening. Pharmacy systems can implement different reminder options to help patients complete the hepatitis B vaccine series. To address a lack of vaccine confidence, pharmacists can emphasize the cancer prevention benefit of hepatitis B screening and vaccination and engage with patients on an individual level to understand their concerns, assess vaccine status, and discuss vaccine recommendations. Effective implementation of the new recommendations will help achieve national and global goals of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030.

A review of the use of machine learning in predictive analytics for patient health outcomes in pharmacy practice

Predictive analytics, empowered by machine learning, has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, offering unparalleled opportunities for enhancing patient outcomes. The primary focus is on understanding the implications, applications, and challenges associated with the use of machine learning algorithms in predicting patient health outcomes. The paper begins by establishing the context with an overview of predictive analytics in healthcare and its evolution. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of patient health outcomes in pharmacy practice. The review explores the current landscape of predictive analytics in pharmacy practice, detailing traditional approaches, their limitations, and the advantages that machine learning brings to the forefront. An in-depth examination of applications follows, focusing on areas such as medication adherence prediction, disease progression modeling, and personalized medication regimens. Real-world case studies and success stories illustrate the practical impact of machine learning on patient outcomes. Addressing the importance of data sources, the paper discusses the diverse types of data employed in predictive analytics, ranging from electronic health records to patient-generated data and wearables. Ethical and privacy concerns are thoroughly explored, emphasizing the need for responsible data usage. The implications for pharmacists and healthcare providers are discussed, highlighting the evolving role of pharmacists in predictive analytics and the potential benefits and challenges for healthcare providers. The conclusion summarizes key findings and issues a call to action, encouraging further research and adoption of machine learning in pharmacy practice to harness its potential for improving patient outcomes.

Pharmacy considerations: Use of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.

This article reviews current evidence for the approved anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, isatuximab and daratumumab, for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and the implications for pharmacists. We conducted a literature search on PubMed/Medline and other sources using the drug names and the terms CD38, multiple myeloma, and pharmacists. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the CD38 transmembrane glycoprotein offer a promising treatment approach for patients with RRMM. Isatuximab and daratumumab bind to different epitopes on CD38. In this review, we describe the similarities and differences in their mechanism of action, regulatory labeling, and the current guidelines for isatuximab and daratumumab use in RRMM. We review the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of these agents in combination with pomalidomide or carfilzomib and dexamethasone from the landmark phase 3 clinical trials that led to their approval. We discuss key differences in the eligibility criteria between the clinical trials, and differences in dosing, administration, available formulations, and pre- and post-infusion medications for the two agents. We outline recent data from pharmacoeconomic analyses comparing the cost-effectiveness of isatuximab-based regimens with that of daratumumab-based regimens. A brief overview of other anti-CD38 agents in the pipeline for the treatment of patients with RRMM is presented. Given that pharmacists play an integral role in driving cost-effective use of drugs without compromising efficacy and safety for the end user, educating pharmacists on the key differences between isatuximab and daratumumab can guide the selection of the appropriate anti-CD38 antibody.

AHA's new statement focuses on cannabis and brain health

AHA's new statement focuses on cannabis and brain health

Changes in Psychotropic Prescribing for Patients With Dementia, 2014-2016: Potential implications for Pharmacists.

To assess changes in psychotropic pharmacotherapy for patients with dementia over a three-year period.<br/> SETTING: National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, physician office visits from 2014 to 2016.<br/> PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Retrospective analysis of publicly available, nationally representative data on patient characteristics; diagnoses, including comorbidities; and treatments, including medications. Included were patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia who were 18 years of age or older. No sample exclusions were applied.<br/> INTERVENTION: Time period, comparing calendar year (CY) 2014 versus the calendar years 2015 and 2016 using Pearson chi-square tests.<br/> MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prescribing rates of psychotropic medications, grouped by therapy class.<br/> RESULTS: The sample included 647 patients (337 in 2014 and 310 in 2015-2016). A majority (69.5%) of the patients were 75 years of age or older; 62.4% were female. Prescribing rates remained relatively stable for antipsychotics (15.1% in 2014 to 12.9% in 2015-16; P = 0.607); antidepressants (35.0% to 27.7%; P = 0.263); acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (38.6% to 33.9%; P = 0.446); and memantine (19.4% to 16.8%; P = 0.551). Significant increases were noted for sedatives (11.9% to 21.7%; P = 0.037) and anticonvulsants (10.0% to 27.6%, P = 0.001).<br/> CONCLUSION: Clinically significant increases in the prescribing of anticonvulsants and sedatives suggest the possibility that these agents are used to combat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with dementia. Further research is required to assess the rationale, efficacy, and safety of these uses.

A case report of self-medication with over-the-counter fish antibiotic: Implications for pharmacists

ObjectiveThe human use of over-the-counter antibiotics intended for the treatment of pet animals has been recognized as a potential barrier to antibiotic stewardship efforts. The objective of this report is to describe a case of self-medication with a fish antibiotic resulting in delayed medical treatment and provide recommendations for pharmacists practicing in outpatient settings on how to best identify and manage nonprescription antibiotic use. Case summaryA 24-year-old man experienced dental pain and “flu-like” symptoms for which he attempted self-treatment with oral amoxicillin 250 mg daily purchased by a family member from a pet store. The amoxicillin was marketed for the treatment of bacterial infection in pet fish. After several days of increasing tooth pain despite the self-medication, the patient presented to an outpatient clinic where he was found to have a molar abscess requiring tooth extraction. The patient responded well to therapy and was counseled to discontinue antibiotic self-treatment. Practice implicationsUndocumented use of nonprescription antibiotics represents a threat to patient safety. Potential deleterious outcomes include resistance, adverse drug events, and delays in definitive infection treatment. Pharmacists should screen patients for nonprescription antibiotic use, provide them counseling on appropriate antibiotic use, and educate other health care professionals on underrecognized sources of nonprescription antibiotics to increase awareness of this growing issue. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance should be considered when recommending an antibiotic agent for the treatment of infections.

Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Portugal.

The central role of the Portuguese National Health Service (P-NHS) guarantees virtually free universal coverage. Key policy papers, such as the National Health Plan and the National Plan for Patient Safety have implications for pharmacists, including an engagement in medicines reconciliation. These primary health care reform, while not explicitly contemplating a role for pharmacists, offer opportunities for the involvement of primary care pharmacists in medicines management. Primary care pharmacists, who as employees of the P-NHS work closely with an interdisciplinary team, have launched a pilot service to manage polypharmacy in people living with multimorbidities, involving potential referral to community pharmacy. Full integration of community pharmacy into primary health care is challenging due to their nature as private providers, which implies the need for the recognition that public and private health sectors are mutually complementary and may maximize universal health coverage. The scope of practice of community pharmacies has been shifting to service provision, currently supported by law and in some cases, including the needle and syringe exchange program and generic substitution, remunerated. Key changes envisaged for the future of pharmacists and their integration in primary care comprise the development and establishment of clinical pharmacy as a specialization area, peer clinician recognition and better integration in primary care teams, including full access to clinical records. These key changes would enable pharmacists to apply their competence in medicines optimization for improved patient outcomes.

Frailty in the older person: Implications for pharmacists.

Frailty is an age-linked concept that defines a state of vulnerability characterized by the inability to adequately respond to stressors. Although primarily associated with the field of geriatrics, frailty has now been extended to multiple medical disciplines.1 In recent years, the paradigm of frailty in the elderly has expanded in both research and clinical practice. Oncologists, surgeons, and cardiologists, among other professionals, have begun measuring frailty in their elderly patients; practitioners have recognized the potential for frailty as a predictor for adverse events and health outcomes and thus who will benefit most from an intervention.2–6 Frailty has better predictive value for different adverse health outcomes than does chronological age, and the integration of this concept avoids ageism bias by allowing objective stratification according to needs and risks instead of exclusively by age.7,8 A frailty prevalence of around 11% has been estimated in people older than 65 years.9 Despite frailty conditions not being prevalent in community-dwelling elderly people, they are gaining importance at a public health level, attracting interest of policy makers, healthcare systems, and institutions such as the World Health Organization. This is because frailty is considered a potentially detectable and reversible step prior to disability and serves as a target for preventive interventions that contribute to successful aging in populations.10

Impact of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction

This research is intended to see how the access to pharmacy and drug delineates the substance abuse and the delinquent behavior (DB) among consumers relating to middle age group in Thailand. There are mainly two objectives of this research. The first is tosee the inverse effect of access to drug and pharmacy on substance abuse and (DB), the other objective is to see the mediating role of life satisfaction (LS) relating to the previous relationships of variables. The data is collected through the people of Thailand through structured questionnaires and purposive sampling to select only middle age people. The data analysis is run through SPSS and AMOS. The results considered the descriptive of the analysis, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis CFA to test the effects of variables through responses.The results showed that there had been a significant negative effect of access to drugs &pharmacy on substance abuse and (DB), and there had been a significant mediating effect of LS through access to drugs on substance abuse and delinquent behavior (DB). This research gives the direction to people as how the access to their medication can help them be satisfied. This research also gives implications for pharmacists as their access to health sector can be protective for other people. How to Cite this Article Pubmed Style Jermsittiparsert K, Saengchai S, Pattanapongthorn J. of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. SRP. 2019; 10(2): 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 Web Style Jermsittiparsert K, Saengchai S, Pattanapongthorn J. of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. http://www.sysrevpharm.org/?mno=302644921 [Access: March 31, 2021]. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 AMA (American Medical Association) Style Jermsittiparsert K, Saengchai S, Pattanapongthorn J. of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. SRP. 2019; 10(2): 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 Vancouver/ICMJE Style Jermsittiparsert K, Saengchai S, Pattanapongthorn J. of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. SRP. (2019), [cited March 31, 2021]; 10(2): 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 Harvard Style Jermsittiparsert, K., Saengchai, . S. & Pattanapongthorn, . J. (2019) of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. SRP, 10 (2), 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 Turabian Style Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak, Sakapas Saengchai, and Jintana Pattanapongthorn. 2019. of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Reviews in Pharmacy, 10 (2), 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 Chicago Style Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak, Sakapas Saengchai, and Jintana Pattanapongthorn. Impact of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 10 (2019), 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak, Sakapas Saengchai, and Jintana Pattanapongthorn. Impact of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 10.2 (2019), 34-43. Print. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07 APA (American Psychological Association) Style Jermsittiparsert, K., Saengchai, . S. & Pattanapongthorn, . J. (2019) of People Access to Public Drugs on Substance Abuse and Delinquency Behavior in Thailand: Mediating Role of Life Reviews in Pharmacy, 10 (2), 34-43. doi:10.5530/srp.2019.2.07

Influenza vaccination for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Implications for pharmacists.

Influenza virus is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Specific populations are at higher risk for exacerbations from influenza virus, such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Influenza vaccination coverage among COPD patients is low. Pharmacists can improve influenza vaccination among COPD patients by recognizing factors that influence vaccination and addressing these factors. To (1) determine the recent influenza vaccination coverage among patients with COPD, (2) identify factors that were associated with immunization, and (3) interpret the results based upon Andersen's healthcare utilization model. The 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was accessed for the study. Among respondents age ≥ 25 years with COPD, presence of influenza vaccination was captured along with demographic, provider, insurance, and clinical variables. Weighted multiple logistic regression was used to identify significant factors associated with receiving influenza vaccination. The findings were interpreted according to predisposing, enabling, and need factors relevant to Anderson's model. Influenza vaccination rate was 53% among COPD patients. Older age was a significant predisposing factor that increased vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.4; 95% CI:2.02-2.88). Predisposing factors that decreased vaccination were being Black or Hispanic (AOR=0.72, 95% CI:0.59-0.86, and AOR=0.78, 95% CI:0.61-0.98 respectively), and being a non smoker (former and never smokers had higher vaccination rates [AOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.3-1.72, and AOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.19-1.55 respectively]). Significant enabling factors included having health insurance (AOR=1.68, 95% CI=1.37-2.06), a primary physician (AOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.30-2.02), and the ability to see a physician regardless of cost (AOR=1.33, 95% CI=1.17-1.52). Significant need factors included the presence of comorbidities such as asthma (AOR=1.18, 95% CI=1.1-1.3), or diabetes (AOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.20-1.53), activity limitation (AOR=1.16, 95% CI=1.04-1.29), and having the last medical checkup within less than one year (AOR=1.49, 95% CI=1.31-1.70). Influenza vaccination coverage among COPD patients is far below the Healthy People 2020 national goal. Several predisposing, enabling, and need factors influenced vaccination rate among COPD patients. Pharmacists can improve vaccination rate among COPD patients by recognizing these influencing factors and by acting as advocates, counselors, and administrators of influenza vaccine. Ultimately, with the collaborative efforts of other healthcare providers and public health initiatives, pharmacists can help achieve Healthy People 2020 objectives related to influenza vaccination.

Suspended particle and drug ingredient concentrations in hospital dispensaries and implications for pharmacists’ working environments

The aim of this study was to assess the present status of working environments for pharmacists, including the concentrations of suspended particles and suspended drug ingredients in dispensaries. We conducted a survey on the work processes and working environment in 15 hospital dispensaries, and measured the concentrations of suspended particles and suspended drug ingredients using digital dust counter and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively. Of 25 types of powdered drugs that were frequently handled in the 15 dispensaries surveyed, 11 could be quantitatively determined. The amounts of suspended particles were relatively high, but below the reference value, in three dispensaries without dust collectors. The sedative-hypnotic drug zopiclone was detected in the suspended particles at one dispensary that was not equipped with dust collectors, and the antipyretic and analgesic drug acetaminophen was detected in two dispensaries equipped with dust collectors. There was no correlation between the daily number of prescriptions containing powdered drugs and the concentration of suspended particles in dispensaries. On the basis of the suspended particle concentrations measured, we concluded that dust collectors were effective in these dispensaries. However, suspended drug ingredients were detected also in dispensaries with dust collectors. These results suggest that the drug dust control systems of individual dispensaries should be properly installed and managed.

The opioid abuse and misuse epidemic: implications for pharmacists in hospitals and health systems.

The current epidemic of prescription opioid abuse and misuse in the United States is discussed, with an emphasis on the pharmacist's role in ensuring safe and effective opioid use. U.S. sales of prescription opioids increased fourfold from 1999 to 2010, with an alarming rise in deaths and emergency department visits associated with the use of fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other opioid medications. Signs and symptoms of opioid toxicity may include altered mental status, hypoventilation, decreased bowel motility, central nervous system and respiratory depression, peripheral vasodilation, pulmonary edema, hypotension, bradycardia, and seizures. In patients receiving long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain, urine drug testing is an important tool for monitoring and assessment of therapy; knowledge of opioid metabolic pathways and assay limitations is essential for appropriate use and interpretation of screening and confirmatory tests. In recent years, there has been an increase in federal enforcement actions against pharmacies and prescription drug wholesalers involved in improper opioid distribution, as well as increased reliance on state-level prescription drug monitoring programs to track patterns of opioid use and improper sales. Pharmacies are urged to implement or promote appropriate guidelines on opioid therapy, including the use of pain management agreement plans; policies to ensure adequate oversight of opioid prescribing, dispensing, and waste disposal; and educational initiatives targeting patients as well as hospital and pharmacy staff. Pharmacists in hospitals and health systems can play a key role in recognizing the various forms of opioid toxicity and in preventing inappropriate prescribing and diversion of opioids.

Treatment disparities for major depressive disorder: Implications for pharmacists

ObjectivesTo determine whether differences exist in overall antidepressant use and specific antidepressant drug class (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]/serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [SNRI] versus other) use among patients of different race/ethnicity groups (blacks and Hispanics compared with whites) with a diagnosis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) 12-month major depressive disorder (MDD) and to discuss ways in which pharmacists can decrease the gap in treatment disparities. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingUnited States from February 2001 through April 2003. ParticipantsRespondents of the National Comorbidity Survey–Replication with DSM-IV 12-month MDD. InterventionNot applicable. Main outcome measuresPrevious 12-month overall antidepressant use and previous 12-month specific antidepressant drug class (SSRI/SNRI versus other) use. ResultsFor respondents who screened positive for 12-month MDD (n = 362.3), only 34% reported antidepressant use in the previous 12-month period. Blacks (17.5%) and Hispanics (21.8%) reported significantly (P < 0.0001) lower overall use of antidepressants in the unadjusted analysis compared with whites (37.6%). Although not statistically significant, odds ratios (ORs) indicated that blacks and Hispanics were 61% and 47% less likely to report use of antidepressants (OR = 0.39 [95% CI 0.20–0.77], P = 0.10, and 0.53 [0.31–0.91], P = 0.61, respectively). ConclusionAmong respondents with a diagnosis of MDD, race/ethnicity plays an important role in the use of antidepressants. The results of this study indicate a need for pharmacists to proactively interact and manage their patients’ antidepressant therapy.

Characteristics of a nontreatment-seeking sample of over-the-counter codeine users: Implications for intervention and prevention

Recently, there has been considerable policy and public interest in the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine. Case reports demonstrating severe harm from OTC codeine have been published. However, few studies have examined how people use these products and who develops dependence. The aim of this study was to better understand who develops problematic use of OTC codeine. The authors conducted a web-based survey with people who self-reported OTC codeine use. Eight hundred participants completed the survey that examined codeine use and dependence, pain, and general physical and mental health. Codeine-dependent people differed from nondependent codeine users on a range of characteristics. They were younger, had lower levels of employment and education, and were more likely to report family history of substance dependence. They were more likely to have taken well above recommended doses of OTC codeine and have taken codeine for considerably longer periods of time than recommended. Codeine-dependent people in this study differed markedly from other populations of opioid-dependent people recruited to research in Australia and were more similar to the general population, suggesting that a web-based survey may have reached an under-researched population of opioid-dependent people. How best to use these findings to identify at-risk OTC codeine users requires consideration. Approaches aimed at reducing harm from prescription opioids may be difficult to implement in pharmacy settings. Implications for pharmacists and other health professionals are discussed.

Adaptive trial design: Its growing role in clinical research and implications for pharmacists

Current trends and recent developments in use of adaptive trial design methodology for pharmaceutical research, as well as barriers to wider acceptance and implications for pharmacists, are discussed. Traditional clinical drug trials typically take many months or years to complete. In contrast, trials incorporating adaptive design elements allow researchers to make midstudy adjustments so that trial objectives are addressed more efficiently. Properly designed adaptive trials can enable researchers to conclude trials of unsuccessful treatments earlier or bring effective drugs to market sooner, improving patient safety and yielding substantial time and cost savings. Challenges and concerns with adaptive trial methodology include inadequate knowledge of adaptive design techniques among health care professionals and increased potential for bias or misinterpretation of trial results stemming from earlier access to data. Over the past decade, U.S. and European regulatory bodies have issued a number of documents to better define acceptable practices for designing, conducting, and reporting the results of adaptive trials, including updated Food and Drug Administration guidance released in 2010. Pharmacists need to stay current with developments in the field to properly assess and interpret trial results. Adaptive trial design is an emerging study methodology that allows for design modifications during a study, with the objective of implementing trial data as early as possible for the benefit of patients and the drug development process.

Risk-based regulation of healthcare professionals: What are the implications for pharmacists?

One of the key drivers of regulatory reform is minimising the risks associated with healthcare. In order to achieve this, there is a need for the regulatory bodies to have a clear understanding of what comprises risk in the professions under their remit. The current paper examines ways in which risk could be conceptualised, assessed and managed in one of these professions: pharmacy. The authors review studies in healthcare management, safety science and human factors, and consider a range of views about the nature of risk and its relationship to pharmacy practice. This leads to an exploration of the implications for risk-based regulation (for example, revalidation), and of issues to be addressed in further work in thisarea.

Threatening and violent incidents in community pharmacies: (2) Implications for pharmacists and community pharmacy services

Abstract This paper reports the second stage of a study into threatening and violent incidents in community pharmacies. The first stage, an investigation of the frequency and nature of incidents, found that a high proportion of practising pharmacists had been threatened and/or assaulted while at work (see p136). The implications of security issues for pharmacists, and how these affect the services they are prepared to offer, are addressed in this paper. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews with pharmacists who had reported one or more threatening or violent incidents. Many respondents described serious events with lasting psychological effects, including anxiety about their own safety and changed attitudes towards clients. Pharmacists' concerns about personal safety influenced them in their decisions regarding the services they offered. Pharmacists felt vulnerable at opening and closing times and believed that services to intravenous drug users increased the risks of an event; many incidents did actually occur at these times and involve this group of people. Concerns about safety and security affected late-night and out-of-hours dispensing, services to IV drug users and domiciliary visits. More surprisingly, pharmacists also reported effects on their general dispensing and advice-giving activities. The role of pharmacists in primary health care is becoming more prominent as the Government promotes community based care and encourages individuals to take more responsibility for their own health. Concerns about safety and security could hamper the continuation and development of professional services. The profession must acknowledge the potential impact of these issues in its aspirations and recommendations regarding its future primary care role.

Health-Care Policy 2011: Implications for Pharmacists

The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 set the stage for a new era. The 2010 Congressional election results and recent court rulings challenging the constitutionality of various provisions of the Act suggest that implementation will be anything but straightforward. The proposed changes in health insurance, along with modifications in current reimbursement models, will alter the health-care environment. It is important for pharmacists to be aware of these opportunities and the resultant changes in public expectations. It is with these considerations in mind that The Annals announces the creation of a Health Care Policy expert panel to initiate commentary and discussion regarding health-care policy issues of relevance to the pharmacy community.

Health-Care Reform 2010: How Will It Impact You and Your Practice?

There are several transformative features of the 2 landmark health-care reform laws passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President in March. The most critical elements that will impact pharmacists and patients are categorized into 6 key areas in this commentary: health insurance reform; improvements in Medicare and Medicaid; pharmacy practice expansion; health professions education and workforce initiatives; prevention and wellness; and enhanced access to affordable medications. The relevant features of these new opportunities are presented and the implications for pharmacists and their patients are discussed.

Using Personal Strengths with Intention in Pharmacy: Implications for Pharmacists, Managers, and Leaders

The importance of allowing individuals to use their strengths in a work environment has been articulated through research focused on general audiences as well as by thought leaders within pharmacy. In particular, the work of Gallup has described how organizations that foster an environment in which employees frequently use their strengths achieve increased productivity, customer and employee satisfaction, and improved success at meeting goals. Despite acknowledging the importance of such an environment, little has been articulated in the pharmacy literature regarding how pharmacists can identify and apply their unique strengths within their profession. To provide an overview of the concept of individual strengths, the value of utilizing strengths in the profession, and the authors' experiences facilitating an awareness of this concept with student pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacists. Discovery and application of strengths has become a foundational theme in leadership development activities at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. The learning process begins with building awareness and identifying individual talents using the Clifton StrengthsFinder Profile and reflecting on previous use of these talents. Throughout the activities, participants are encouraged to examine how professional experiences that correlate with their talents intersect and affect their knowledge and skills. Finally, participants are encouraged to utilize and maximize their talents in a team environment. Experience has been gained delivering this educational process to 225 student pharmacists, 39 ambulatory care residents, and 22 practicing pharmacists. Participants have viewed this program favorably and articulated that utilization and growth of strengths is valuable to their career. In order to achieve our potential as a profession, it is critical to identify and apply the strengths that individual pharmacists bring to their practice settings. The identification, understanding, and application of strengths have the potential to increase professional satisfaction, enhance leadership, and empower change that will evolve patient-centered care.