Medical Education Providers Research Articles

Online healthcare transition resources for pediatric neurosurgical care: supporting the journey of individuals living with spina bifida.

In the global environment in which neurosurgical providers practice, there is a pressing need to identify and highlight online resources to support families shifting from pediatric to adult-centered spina bifida (SB) care in general and neurosurgical care in particular. The purpose of this paper was to identify high-quality resources for clinicians and families of individuals affected by SB to be utilized during the transition years. With knowledge of, and access to, these online resources, neurosurgical providers can aim to make the transition process effective, to improve the quality of care for young adults with SB. All identified online resources were found on the GOT TRANSITION platform and by searching "spina bifida transition resources" between January and March 2024. Resources were coded for transition focus areas and stratified into predefined categories: 1) education for clinicians, 2) preparation for youth and families, 3) educational/school, and 4) employment and independent living. A total of 160 websites were cataloged; 11% of websites focused on medical provider education, 44% on preparation for youth, 29% on educational/school resources, and 16% on employment and independent living. In the global environment of today's medicine, online transition resources are available to assist clinicians and families in the transition process of individuals living with SB. With improved knowledge and utilization of online transition resources, neurosurgical providers can better serve individuals with SB and their families to improve quality of care with the aim of improving lifelong outcomes.

The Role of Pediatric Pharmacists in the Prevention and Treatment of Congenital Syphilis.

In recent years, rates of syphilis in adults have been on the rise resulting in an increase in the number of neonates born with congenital syphilis. National organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as The US Preventative Services Task Force recommend routine testing of pregnant persons to identify and provide maternal syphilis treatment prior to delivery. Significant variability exists between states for these screenings, resulting in some pregnant persons not being diagnosed prior to delivery. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) believes that pharmacists, along with other health care providers can help by ensuring optimal syphilis testing and treatment pathways for pregnant individuals and newborns are included in their workplaces. PPA also supports pharmacists working to increase treatment compliance by providing medication education and counseling regarding optimal treatment of syphilis infections, as well as work with state and local governments to standardize treatment recommendations.

Optimizing medication guidance support for patients with cancer pain: development and evaluation of a pharmaceutical care system for healthcare professionals.

Effective management of cancer pain critically depends on timely medication administration and adherence to precise medication guidelines. In the context of limited time and a busy healthcare environment, tailoring the optimal medication schedule for each patient with cancer pain presents a significant challenge for physicians and clinical pharmacists. To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of healthcare professionals' needs in guiding cancer pain medication. By developing core features based on key user needs and continuously updating them, we have created the Universal Medication Schedule System (UMSS). We invited 20 physicians and pharmacists specializing in oncology or cancer pain to trial the system and assessed UMSS usage through distributed questionnaires. We identified five key needs of healthcare professionals in cancer pain medication guidance. Based on these needs, we (1) constructed a comprehensive drug information database, including basic information for 1135 drugs, 130,590 drug interaction data entries, and 1409 individual medication timing constraints, and (2) developed a web-based system that provides essential reference information such as drug interactions and dietary restrictions. It can create medication schedules and provide medication education tailored to the patient's daily routine. Participating evaluators unanimously agreed (100%) that the system aids in accurately assessing the risks of polypharmacy and quickly scheduling medication regimens. UMSS, by offering personalized medication schedule support, assists healthcare professionals in better managing patients' medication treatment plans. However, further improvements are needed in the automation of database updates and maintenance, as well as in integrating it with electronic health records.

Improved Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Rate Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Team.

Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an underutilized resource in patients with ischemic heart disease, despite being a Class IA recommendation. In this study, a multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) team aimed to improve CR referrals by standardizing the ordering process at our hospital system. Method By using a collaborative approach involving the electronic medical record (EMR), medical provider education, and hospital protocols, our two-hospital healthcare system was able to successfully identify barriers to CR referral rates and implement interventions for these barriers. All physicians and medical providers, including ancillary staff, were educated on the EMR order sets to improve compliance by using automated order sets in the EMR. The CR referral order in the EMR included a statement regarding the application of evidence-based medicine, and a computerized provider order entry was included as a reminder to the ordering provider. The use of EMR was monitored monthly by the QI committee. Chi-square test and odds ratios were obtained for statistical analysis. Results Through provider-EMR education and patient education on discharge, CR referral rates significantly improved from 51.2 to 87.1% (p = 0.0001) in a 12-month period. The study included 1,499 patients in total. The improvement was statistically significant regardless of patient gender, race, or insurance coverage. Additionally, subgroup analysis in this study found that prior to standardization of the ordering process, African American patients were significantly less likely to be referred to CR compared to Caucasian patients. (51.2% vs. 41.0%, p=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the likelihood of CR referral between Caucasian and African American patients following the intervention (84.0% vs. 78.0%, p = 0.166). Conclusion This study shows that CR is an underutilized resource and that effective QI initiatives may not only increase CR referral rates but also close the gap between racial inequities in referral rates. Future research with multi-center randomized control trials is needed to further enhance its external generalizability to other institutions.

Patient-perceived understanding of home-going medication with transitions of care services at a pediatric institution

BackgroundTransitions of care (TOC) is the coordination and continuity of health care as a patient transfers between different settings. This can include a wide range of services, such as medication reconciliation, patient counseling, bedside delivery of medications, and others that meet individual patient needs. In the pediatric population, patients are at increased risk of potential medication errors and subsequent harm owing to reduced patient and caregiver health literacy, limited dosage form availability, and errors in medication administration. The use of TOC services at the time of hospital discharge in this population has the potential to make a positive impact on patient safety and the treatment of medical conditions. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to determine whether patient-perceived understanding of home-going medications was greater in patients and/or caregivers who received medication bedside delivery and education from a pharmacy-led TOC service at a large pediatric academic medical center. The secondary objective was to determine whether the primary practice area of the pharmacist providing medication education led to changes in understanding of home-going medication(s). MethodsUsing institution-wide, patient satisfaction surveys from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, patient and caregiver responses were queried for 2 questions about home-going medications, relating to the understanding of administration and the potential adverse effects. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on TOC services received, as documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). Survey responses for each of the 2 questions were categorized as top-box percentage by study group. Hypothesis testing between study groups for the primary and secondary outcomes were conducted using chi-squared tests at an alpha of 0.05. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4. ResultsOf the 1159 patients included in the study, 441 received TOC services, deemed the intervention group, and 718 did not receive TOC services, deemed the control group. When the intervention and control group were asked about understanding of medication administration, 96.37% versus 93.18% of patients (P = 0.007) gave the most favorable response of “yes, definitely,” respectively. Furthermore, 78.51% versus 77.44% of patients (P = 0.053) gave the most favorable response when asked about understanding potential medication adverse effects, respectively. ConclusionPatients receiving TOC services by a member of the pharmacy team had a greater score for understanding of both medication administration and adverse effects. Furthermore, this greater score was consistent among the education provided by the inpatient and outpatient pharmacist.

"It's On Me": Perspectives of College Students Without Complex Medical Needs Learning to Manage Their Healthcare.

Most of the transition literature examines adolescents and young adults with special healthcare needs, though many youth will eventually transition to adult healthcare providers, regardless of medical complexity. This study addresses this gap by examining transition needs and experiences specifically within a college student sample of emerging adults without complex medical needs. 108 college students (Mage=20.93 years, SD=1.14) completed interviews and questionnaires regarding transition. The most difficult and easiest aspects of healthcare self-management were thematically coded. Differences in questionnaires were assessed across sources of transition education. 52% of college students reported receiving education about managing healthcare from medical providers versus 95% from caregivers. Notably, 57% desired more support. Those receiving medical provider education reported higher responsibility. Students reported most difficulty managing health insurance. Results were similar across racial and ethnic groups and genders. Gaps in transition preparation include low rates of medical provider education and support regarding health insurance. College students receiving education from medical providers reported greater healthcare responsibility. Provider-led transition education is needed for college students without complex medical needs. This study suggests that college students without complex medical conditions experience gaps in transition preparation. Although half reported talking to their medical provider about transition to adult care, many desired more support, with the greatest difficulty reported in learning to manage health insurance.

Correlation Analysis of the Therapy Adherence to Long-Acting Inhalers Among Patients with Stable COPD.

Long-acting inhalers are the mainstay maintenance therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to inhalers among adults with COPD in China and to develop strategies to improve adherence for the next step. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 adult patients with COPD using long-acting inhalers to explore different demographic characteristics, disease characteristics and medication regimens. Adherence to inhalers was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Among the 246 patients included in the present study, 93 (37.80%) had good adherence, while 153 (62.20%) had poor adherence. From the comparison of patients with good and poor adherence, we found that the course of disease and education background had a significant effect on adherence (p < 0.05). Among the LAMA therapy group, inhaled tiotropium bromide spray (Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) with active release technology had better adherence than inhaled tiotropium bromide powder (Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) (p < 0.05). Moreover, COPD patients with good adherence had better pulmonary function and fewer moderate or severe exacerbations in the past year (p < 0.05). The factors affecting the use of inhalers in patients with stable COPD are complicated. Medical staff should select appropriate inhalers according to the patient's disease status and duration and provide medication education to improve adherence.

Selected community pharmacists' extent of knowledge, actions, and confidence in medication education to people with hearing disabilities

Community pharmacists are accessible health care professionals to the public. With pharmacy services relying on communication, being proficient communicators enables them to provide medication education. However, it is a challenge for people with hearing disabilities to acquire medication education due to their unique language and preference in communication methods, thereby community pharmacists are needed to address the said issue. This study determined the selected community pharmacists’ extent of knowledge, actions, and confidence (KAC) in medication education to people with hearing disabilities through a descriptive quantitative-comparative research design. A convenience-purposive sampling technique was used to gather 200 Filipino community pharmacists who are currently working in the Philippines and had prior experience serving people with hearing disabilities. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data on their socio-demographic profile, seminar and/or training on disability sensitivity, and the extent of KAC in medication education to these people. Only the number of years in service (Sig.=0.029) had a significant difference in the respondents’ socio-demographic profile to the extent of confidence in communication methods. The respondents were also identified to be knowledgeable on the privileges in health services of these people. However, inappropriate communication strategies under action were still employed by the respondents, such as talking in a loud voice, speaking near the hearing ear, speaking solely to the companion, providing only written materials, and general use of Filipino Sign Language, despite their confidence in medication education to these people. Hence, improvement of their KAC through programs or training is important to ensure appropriate and more effective communication with people with hearing disabilities.

Opioids and Disability Among Women of Reproductive Age.

Background: Despite nearly one in five U.S. women of reproductive age reporting a disability, limited research exists on opioid behaviors in this vulnerable population. This study examined associations between disability and past-year prescription opioid use and misuse, and described types of opioids, sources, and motives for opioid misuse among nonpregnant women of reproductive age. In addition, the effects of social, medical, and behavioral determinants of health on opioid use and misuse were assessed in this population of women with disabilities. Materials and Methods: Data were used from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 93,679). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used in the analyses. Results: Overall, 48.0% of women with a disability reported past-year prescription of any opioid use compared to 32.3% of women without disabilities, and 10.4% of women with disabilities reported opioid misuse relative to 4.2% of women without disabilities. Hydrocodone was the most used (29.3%) and misused (5.87%) opioid. Women with disabilities had higher adjusted odds of opioid use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-1.67) and misuse (AOR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.82-2.21) than those without disabilities. Tobacco, alcohol use, and poor to fair health were all associated with higher odds of opioid misuse. For their last opioid misuse, 5.2% attained the opioids from a dealer or stranger, and 22.1% used opioids to get high. Conclusion: Women with disabilities are at an amplified risk for prescription opioid use and misuse. Improved medical provider education, training and capacity, and reinforcing related community-based support programs for this population are imperative.

OA03 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology training: results of the regional survey from the North West of England

Abstract Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery and provision of medical education and training worldwide. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology training experience in the Northwest and Merseyside deaneries of England. Methods Rheumatology trainees from the Northwest and Merseyside deaneries were issued links to an anonymous web-based survey on their training experience between August 2020 to April 2021, during the 2nd wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Results 34 of 42 trainees completed the survey. 31 were in clinical training: 13 (42%) in a pure rheumatology post and 18 (58%) in a dual post with general medicine. Most trainees attended 3-4 clinics per week (58%), with 23% attending ≤2 clinics and 19% attending 5 clinics. The proportion of face-to-face clinics ranged from 20% to 100% (median 60%). The reduced face-to-face clinical experience was not due to trainees’ needs to shield. The range of proportion of phone consultations was 0% to 80% (median 40%). Remote consultations were conducted by telephone only for 26 (84%) trainees and by video or phone for 3 (10%). The durations for both face-to-face and virtual consultations were ranged similarly at 15 to 45 minutes (median 30minutes) for new cases and 15 to 30 minutes (median 20 minutes) for follow-ups. Only 5 (16%) trainees felt confident with assessing new patients by remote consultation. 8 (26%) trainees had some form of formal training in a virtual consultation. However, only 4 (13%) reported being “aware” of how to guide a patient through self-examination of the joints, 17 (55%) trainees were “somewhat aware”, and 10 (32%) were “not aware”. 20 (65%) trainees reported reliance on radiological and serological investigations rather than clinical skills during remote consultations. Development of skills for patient communication, joint injections, time management, and prescribing immune-suppressive medications were mainly hampered. The majority of trainees agreed that virtual educational programs had improved opportunities for attendance at structured deanery teaching sessions. Conclusion The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology training has been significant both in terms of current rheumatology education programme delivery and training requirements. Our regional survey shows less than a third of trainees had formal training in conducting remote consultations resulting in low levels of confidence in assessing patients remotely. Less face-to-face patient contact negatively impacted clinical and procedural skills development. Restructuring the rheumatology curricula to include training in rheumatology-specific remote consultations and ensuring clinical and procedural competencies by including novel support modalities like simulation sessions may be options for consideration going forwards. Delivery of some structured teaching sessions through the virtual platform is here to stay. Disclosure E.P. Chua: None. Y. Tan: None. L.K. Mercer: None. S. Wig: None.

A cross sectional survey on the effect of COVID-19 related restrictions on undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in Qatar

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has affected all dimensions of day to day life across the world and medical education was no exception. With this study, we aimed to understand the effect of nationwide restrictions on medical education in Qatar, the models of education adopted during this period and perceptions of participants to the same.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire distributed via convenience sampling between April–October 2020. Study participants were faculty and trainees in governmental undergraduate and postgraduate medical education institutes. Two sets of questionnaires were designed for each group. They were asked a series of questions to assess pre- and post-COVID pandemic educational practices, their preferred teaching methods, and their familiarity with electronic teaching platforms. Faculty respondents were asked about their perceived barriers to delivery of medical education during the pandemic and their agreement on a 5-point Likert scale on specific elements. Trainees were asked a series of multiple-choice questions to characterize their pre- and post-COVID pandemic educational experiences. Both groups were asked open-ended questions to provide qualitative insights into their answers. Data were analysed using STATA software version 12.0.ResultsMajority of trainees (58.5%) responded that the pandemic has adversely affected medical education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Trainees (58.5%) and faculty (35.7%) reported an increased reliance on e-learning. Trainees preferred face-to-face education, while faculty preferred a combination of models of education delivery (33.5% versus 37.1%, p = 0.38). Although 52.5% of the faculty had no previous experience of delivering education through e-learning modalities, 58.9% however felt confident in using e-learning software.ConclusionsFaculty and trainees agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the provision of medical education and training in Qatar, with an increased dependence on e-learning. As trainee’s prefer face-to-face models of education, we may have to consider restructuring of medical curricula in order to ensure that optimum learning is achieved via e-learning, while at the same time enhancing our use, knowledge and understanding of the e -learning methods. Further research is warranted to assess if these changes have influenced objective educational outcomes like graduation rates or board scores.

Strengthening Tuberculosis Services for Children and Adolescents in Low Endemic Settings.

In low tuberculosis-burden countries, children and adolescents with the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) infection or disease are usually those who have immigrated from high-burden countries. It is, therefore, essential that low-burden countries provide healthcare services to immigrant and refugee families, to assure that their children can receive proper testing, evaluation, and treatment for TB. Active case-finding through contact tracing is a critical element of TB prevention in children and in finding TB disease at an early, easily treated stage. Passive case-finding by evaluating an ill child is often delayed, as other, more common infections and conditions are suspected initially. While high-quality laboratory services to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis are generally available, they are often underutilized in the diagnosis of childhood TB, further delaying diagnosis in some cases. Performing research on TB disease is difficult because of the low number of cases that are spread over many locales, but critical research on the evaluation and treatment of TB infection has been an important legacy of low-burden countries. The continued education of medical providers and the involvement of educational, professional, and non-governmental organizations is a key element of maintaining awareness of the presence of TB. This article provides the perspective from North America and Western Europe but is relevant to many low-endemic settings. TB in children and adolescents will persist in low-burden countries as long as it persists throughout the rest of the world, and these wealthy countries must increase their financial commitment to end TB everywhere.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding human papillomavirus and its' vaccination among the young medical professionals and students of Bangladesh.

PurposeSexually transmitted infections are a major worldwide concern, and human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the significant risk factors. Many populations suffer from various diseases caused by HPV, and the overall death toll due to cervical carcinoma is remarkable. Despite vaccine availability, perception about vaccine safety and efficacy, its’ preventive outcome is still inferior among the health professionals and vaccine providers. So, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice level of HPV and its’ vaccination among doctors, dentists, and medical students.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was carried out between April to August 2021, where 626 participants from all types of medical institutions of Bangladesh were interviewed using a validated and structured questionnaire that consists of four extensive areas; socio-demographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding vaccination.ResultsThe knowledge and practice standards showed very poor outcomes where 43.29% of the participants showed good knowledge and only 11.82% conveyed good practices. Nevertheless, the attitude towards HPV vaccination was revealed high (75.88%). Female participants showed more positive attitudes than males.ConclusionPhysicians and dentists play vital roles in raising public knowledge about HPV and awareness regarding HPV vaccination programs. The provision of medical education on HPV must be prioritized, and current training techniques must be re-evaluated. Thus, by implementing this strategy, improvement in national vaccination policy can be expected.

Orthopedic manifestations of child abuse.

Child abuse is common in the United States but is often undetected. The incidence of this form of abuse is difficult to quantify, but children with a history of abuse are at risk of chronic health conditions. Medical providers are in the unique position of triaging trauma patients and differentiating unintentional from abusive trauma, as well as having the important position of being a mandated reporter of abuse in all states. Obtaining a detailed history and screening for risk factors can help identify children at risk of abuse. Certain orthopedic injuries may be related to abuse, which may trigger clinical suspicion and lead to further workup or intervention. By increasing awareness, through medical provider education and increased screening, earlier detection of abuse may prevent more serious injuries and consequences. This review evaluates current literature regarding the orthopedic manifestations of child abuse in hopes of increasing medical provider awareness. IMPACT: Child abuse is common in the United States but often remains undetected. Medical professionals are in the unique position of evaluating trauma patients and identifying concerns for abusive injuries. Certain orthopedic injuries may raise concern for abuse triggering clinical suspicion and further workup or intervention.

Pharmacist Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: The PRIMA-ACS Study

Despite ample evidence of benefit, adherence to secondary prevention medication therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is often suboptimal. Hospital pharmacists are uniquely positioned to improve adherence by providing medication education at discharge. To determine whether a standardized counselling intervention at hospital discharge significantly improved patients' adherence to cardiovascular medications following ACS. This single-centre, prospective, nonrandomized comparative study enrolled patients with a primary diagnosis of ACS (January 2014 to July 2015). Patients who received standardized discharge counselling from a clinical pharmacist were compared with patients who did not receive counselling. At 30 days and 1 year after discharge, follow-up patient surveys were conducted and community pharmacy refill data were obtained. Adherence was assessed using pharmacy refill data and patient self-reporting for 5 targeted medications: acetylsalicylic acid, P2Y purinoceptor 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-blockers, and statins. Thirty-day and 1-year medication utilization, cardiovascular readmission rates, and all-cause mortality were also assessed. Of the 259 patients enrolled, 88 (34.0%) received discharge counselling. Medication data were obtained for 253 patients (97.7%) at 30 days and 242 patients (93.4%) at 1 year. At 1 year after discharge, there were no statistically significant differences between patients who did and did not receive counselling in terms of rates of nonadherence (11.9% versus 18.4%, p = 0.19), cardiovascular readmission (17.6% versus 22.3%, p = 0.42), and all-cause mortality (3.4% versus 4.2%, p > 0.99). Overall medication nonadherence was 2.8% (7/253) at 30 days and 16.1% (39/242) at 1 year. Discharge medication counselling provided by hospital pharmacists after ACS was not associated with significantly better medication adherence at 1 year. Higher-quality evidence is needed to determine the most effective and practical interventions to ensure that patients adhere to their medication regimens and achieve positive outcomes after ACS.

Pharmacological Management of Hyperlipidemia in Older individuals.

To provide an up-to-date review of current hyperlipidemia guidelines and discuss pharmacotherapeutic management of hyperlipidemia in older individuals. A PubMed search of articles published through October 2020 was performed using a combination of the following words: older adults, hyperlipidemia, statin, ezetimibe, fibrate, fish oil, niacin, bile acid sequestrant, and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. Relevant original research, review articles, and guidelines were assessed for the management of hyperlipidemia in the older individuals. References from the above literature were also evaluated. Articles were selected for inclusion based on relevance to the topic, detailed methods, and complete results. Hyperlipidemia is a common chronic disease state in the elderly population, though there is limited evidence for clinical outcomes in older people when compared withwith the general adult population. Statins have the most evidence for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older people, though ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors have a role as add-on or monotherapy in patients who do not tolerate statins. Optimal management of hyperlipidemia in older people is important in order to avoid further complications and improve outcomes. Pharmacists can help improve management in the elderly by incorporating up-to-date evidence from guidelines and providing medication education specifically for this population.

Understanding the expanding role of pharmacy services in outpatient cystic fibrosis care.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients utilize an average of 10 (±5) medications per day. Given the complexity of the medication regimen, the CF Foundation (CFF) recommends pharmacists as members of the CF care team. The areas of pharmacy services have been identified in the literature. "Limited access pharmacists" are consulted to answer questions, assist in evaluating serum drug concentrations, provide medication education, and monitor for drug-drug interactions. Reduction in hospital length of stay has been shown through this collaboration. "Full access pharmacists" provide comprehensive medication therapy management resulting in medication adherence and access improvements, sustainability of treatments, improved provider communication, reduced medication errors and costs, expedited medication refill authorization, increased utilization of respiratory therapists, enhanced discussion of medications with CF team members, and reduction in the number of pharmacies utilized by patients to fill CF medications. An integrated CF pharmacy team are essential members of the multidisciplinary CF care team that have been shown to improve in CF medication access, increases in body weight and body mass index, reduction in prior authorization submission times, reduction in medication delivery times, expedited medication refill authorizations, increased collaboration with respiratory therapists, augmented discussion of medication with CF team members, and reduction in the number of pharmacies utilized by CF patients. There is a need to further evaluate the impact of outpatient CF pharmacy services due to the improvements in the care on patients and families affected by CF, and as the number of CFF-accredited care centers integrates CF pharmacy teams throughout the country increases.

The knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital pharmacists on the safety issues of antitumor agents for the patients discharged in China.

BackgroundPatient safety is a serious global public health concern, especially for those patients undergoing chemotherapy. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among hospital pharmacists in China towards the safety issues of antitumor agents for the patients discharged.MethodsThe pilot study was processed using an online questionnaire targeting hospital pharmacists in China. Ten, five and four questions were used to investigate pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) respectively.ResultsA total of 360 questionnaires by pharmacists out of 412 (87.4%) were qualified and enrolled. It was found that 58.7% were familiar with safety-related knowledge; 32.2% believed that safety risks exist and 85.3% were willing to provide medication education to patients with cancer who take medication at home after discharge; 91.4%have sometimes taken the initiative to promote safety-related knowledge to their patients.ConclusionsThe research firstly provided some insights into the hospital pharmacists’ KAP regarding the safety issues of antitumor agents for patients with cancer discharged in China. Attention should be paid to the knowledge of pharmacists, the awareness of the safety risks of patients with cancer who take medication at home after discharge, and the accessibility to consult with pharmacists after discharge.

Deprescribing: A Tool to Optimize Medications Across the Continuum of Care

Deprescribing: A Tool to Optimize Medications Across the Continuum of Care

Survey of Pharmacists' Knowledge, Actions and Confidence in Medication Education to Patients with Hearing Disabilities

Health professionals should adopt best practices that are cognizant of the communication skills of their patients. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about hearing disabilities to effectively provide medication education to deaf and hard-of-hearing (HH) patients. The Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities requires pharmacists to take the appropriate actions to their patients. However, awareness about the appropriate actions for eliminate discrimination has not increased among medical professionals. This survey examined the knowledge about hearing disabilities, practice of appropriate actions and confidence in medication education to deaf and HH patients on 216 pharmacists in Yahata Pharmaceutical Association in November 2019. Pharmacists had poor awareness about hearing disabilities and about 30% of participants misunderstood appropriate actions in communication to deaf and HH patients. Practice of appropriate action in medication education were taken by only about half of the participants. In particular, placing Ear symbol had not be taken at all. Participants felt that they could provide medication education sufficiently by written materials in spite of poor understanding about the literacy of deaf individuals. On the other hand, they felt unconfident due to lack of understanding about hearing disabilities and how to communicate with their patients. This survey suggests that pharmacists need to learn about hearing disabilities for effective communication and practice of appropriate action in medication education to patients with hearing disabilities. Learning hearing disabilities may enable them to take the actions that are necessary to eliminate discrimination and enhance their confidence in providing medication education.