Viewpoints of Residency Program Directors Regarding Depressive Symptoms in Pharmacy Residents.

Objective: Several publications have highlighted residency-specific factors being associated with depressive symptoms in pharmacy residents, but no studies have investigated the viewpoint of residency program directors (RPDs) regarding this issue. This study's primary objectives were to identify potential contributing factors, determine current resources, and outline possible solutions to decrease depressive symptoms among pharmacy residents from the point of view of RPDs. Methods: RPDs were asked to participate in a 45-60-minute semi-structured interview conducted via phone by the primary investigator, recorded, and transcribed using NVivo. Interviews were manually analyzed by study investigators to identify emerging themes. The investigators discussed findings and discrepancies to agree upon thematic interpretations of the transcripts. Results: Ten interviews were conducted between May 2019 and February 2020. RPD experience ranged from 2-15 years. Pharmacy practice PGY1 programs comprised 60% of interviews, 20% for community practice, and 10% each for managed care and ambulatory care. All RPDs indicated increased workload as a contributing factor to depressive symptoms in residents. The inability to accept and utilize constructive feedback and difficulties transitioning from student to resident were identified as contributing factors by 50% of the RPDs. Nine RPDs reported having employee assistance programs, stating the resource was underutilized, and identified the need for additional education regarding identification and triage, not necessarily management, to help residents. Conclusion: This study highlights consistency among RPDs regarding potential contributors to depressive symptoms in pharmacy residents and emphasizes the need for additional RPD and preceptor training to identify and help residents more effectively with these issues.

Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine the intentions to receive the influenza vaccine during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey of US adults.

Vaccine hesitancy, especially in the setting of an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming flu season, may pose a significant burden on US healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intentions of US adults to receive the influenza vaccine this flu season (2020-2021). A cross-sectional, population-based survey study of US adults age 18 years and older was distributed in early September 2020. The primary outcome was the intention to receive the flu vaccine assessed with a survey instrument based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Three-hundred sixty-four adults (59.1% female, 66.5% white), completed the survey. Twenty percent of participants had already received the flu vaccine, 54.3% indicated high probability of getting the flu vaccine this flu season, and 49% would get it at a doctor's office. Concerns regarding adverse effects from the flu vaccine was a major barrier to vaccination and family (58.1%) was the primary influencer in participants' decision to get vaccinated. Participants who indicated that getting the vaccine was beneficial to them and that their doctor thinks they should get the flu vaccine were significantly more likely to have the intent of getting vaccinated. Approximately half of US adults believed that the flu vaccine was beneficial to them and indicated intent to receive the vaccine this flu season. Doctors can help educate patients regarding the limited adverse effects of flu vaccines, and include patients and their families in vaccination discussions - because families are influential in the decision-making process - to increase flu vaccination uptake.

Assessment of drug utilization review activities within United States colleges of pharmacy.

INTRODUCTION: Limited literature exists regarding current practices in teaching and assessment of drug utilization review (DUR) skills in pharmacy schools. This manuscript aimed to: (1) examine how assessment is conducted for DUR activities using survey results and (2) summarize the assessment strategies of DUR activities via analysis of tools in colleges of pharmacy. METHODS: A survey was administered to members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Laboratory Instructors Special Interest Group via Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate survey results and the assessment tools (i.e. rubrics/checklists) collected were analyzed qualitatively to determine common content areas. RESULTS: Out of the 113 institutions emailed, 48 (42.5%) responses were complete and represented individual colleges. Thirty-four of those 48 both implemented and assessed DUR activities. Fourteen institutions (41%) utilized one DUR assessment tool throughout the entire curriculum. The majority (62%) used the assessment tool in the first professional year, with a paper tool being the most frequently utilized (74%). "Identification of drug-related problems" (97%) and "determination of the pharmacist's action" (85%) were listed as important components of the assessment tool. Faculty noted that the assessment tool was easy to use (55%) and adequately assessed students' knowledge/skills (55%). A validated assessment tool (85%) and inclusion of technology (50%) would improve delivery of student feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variability existed in how schools incorporated and assessed DUR activities. Developing a standardized method of teaching and assessing DUR is important to adequately prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

Reflux, Intraocular Pressure Variation and Pain Following Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injections Using 30-Gauge or 32-Gauge Needles for Patients With Retinal Pathologies: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare reflux, intraocular pressure (IOP) variation and pain following intravitreal (IV) injections using 30-gauge and 32-gauge needles in patients with retinal pathologies in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2018. Participants were randomized to receive IV injections of Ranibizumab using 30-gauge (Gr1) or 32-gauge (Gr2) needles. The amount of reflux of injected material, IOP before (IOP1) and five minutes after injection (IOP2) were measured. The patient-perceived pain score was assessed using a visual analogue score (VAS). Outcome variables were compared. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 86 eyes (86 patients) in each group. Gender (P=0.76), laterality (P=0.55) and age (P=1.0) were not different between groups. The reflux in Gr1 [34.9% (95% confidence interval {CI}, 24.8; 45.0)] was significantly higher compared to Gr2 [22.1% (95% CI, 13.3; 30.9)] (P=0.007). The median pain score was 1 in both Gr1 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.0: 3.0] and Gr2 (IQR 0.0; 2.0) (P=0.04). Among 56 eyes without reflux in Gr1, the IOP1 and IOP2 were 13.6±2.7 mmHg and 16.4±5.0 mmHg, respectively. Among 67 eyes without reflux in Gr2, the IOP1 and IOP2 were 13.6±2.9 mmHg and 17.0±5.2 mmHg, respectively. The change in percentage in IOP in Gr1 and Gr2 was not significantly different (Mann Whiney P=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: IV injection given by 30-gauge needle compared to 32-gauge needle resulted in greater patient-perceived pain and more reflux of injected material from the injection site. An increase in IOP was not associated with the gauge of the needle used for IV injection.

Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Changes to the Student Evaluation of Teaching Process.

Objective. To determine how changes to the student evaluation of teaching (SET) survey instrument and process at a college of pharmacy contributed to improved student response rates and to understand how the process could be further refined. Methods. Pharmacy students from the class of 2018 who had participated in both the old and new SET process were recruited to participate in one of four focus group interviews. An inductive approach was used for data collection and analysis. A focus group guide was created based on two major domains: comparing changes between the old and new SET process and survey form, and determining how the new SET process could be further refined. Results. In South Jordan, UT, six students participated in one of the focus groups and seven students participated in the other focus group. In Henderson, NV, seven students participated in each of the two focus groups. Twenty-seven total students participated in the four focus groups across two campuses. Students stated that reducing the number of questions on each SET survey instrument and using a 5-point rather than a 10-point Likert scale were positive changes. The changes also motivated them to complete the surveys, which improved overall response rates. Although students reported that the monetary incentive (contributions toward the cost of the class banquet) that had been added to the new SET process was a strong motivator, the incentive itself would have likely been insufficient without the other changes. Several participants stated that receiving feedback from faculty members on changes made to teaching materials based upon previous student evaluations was also an important motivator for students to continue completing the surveys. Conclusion. Students identified several motivators for SET participation. Improving the process for survey completion is essential to improve response rates to more accurately represent the feedback of the entire student body. Additionally, the evaluation process must ensure that the data gathered are robust, accurate, and insightful, to be of good use of student and faculty time.

A comparison of medication counseling evaluation tools utilized in colleges of pharmacy to three recognized guidance documents.

INTRODUCTION: A universal tool to assess proficiency in patient counseling has not been developed. The objectives of this project were to assess current practices in evaluating patient counseling at colleges of pharmacy and compare the results with three nationally recognized reference standards: the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists National Patient Counseling Competition Evaluation Form, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Guidelines on Pharmacist Conducted Patient Education and Counseling. METHODS: A cover letter and questionnaire were sent to all members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Laboratory Instructors Special Interest Group with an invitation to submit an evaluation tool. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the questionnaire items. An inductive approach was used to analyze the evaluation tools, which was completed independently by two members and then compared to build consensus to establish common content categories. RESULTS: Five major categories emerged with variability in content. More than 75% of tools included an introduction, almost 59% included collecting information, most included drug information (94%) and counseling points (88%), and most included verification of understanding (94%) and communication skills (94%). CONCLUSION: Although there was variability, most evaluation tools incorporated aspects of all three guidance documents. A limitation of this study was that data may be subject to non-response bias, as the response rate was limited to 17.8%. Future work should focus on creating and validating a standardized evaluation tool to ultimately promote consistency among student pharmacists.

Anti-neuroinflammatory potential of Tylophora indica (Burm. f) Merrill and development of an efficient in vitro propagation system for its clinical use.

Neuroinflammation is a major risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed but their long term use is associated with adverse effects. Thus, herbal based medicines are attracting major attraction worldwide as potential therapeutic candidates. Tylophora indica (Burm. f) Merrill is a valuable medicinal plant well known in Ayurvedic practices for its immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-asthmatic and antirheumatic activities. The present study aimed to elucidate the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of water and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of micropropagated plants of T. indica using BV-2 microglia activated with lipopolysaccharide as an in vitro model system and development of an efficient reproducible protocol for its in vitro cloning. Non cytotoxic doses of the water and hydroalcoholic extracts (0.2µg/ml and 20µg/ml, respectively) were selected using MTT assay. α-Tubulin, Iba-1 and inflammatory cascade proteins like NFκB, AP1 expression was studied using immunostaining to ascertain the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of these extracts. Further, anti-migratory activity was also analyzed by Wound Scratch Assay. Both extracts effectively attenuated lipopolysaccharide induced microglial activation, migration and the production of nitrite via regulation of the expression of NFκB and AP1 as the possible underlying target molecules. An efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro cloning of T. indica through multiple shoot proliferation from nodal segments was established on both solid and liquid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) media supplemented with 15µM and 10µM of Benzyl Amino Purine respectively. Regenerated shoots were rooted on both solid and liquid MS media supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (5-15µM) and the rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and transferred to open field conditions showing 90% survivability. The present study suggests that T. indica may prove to be a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent and may be further explored as a potential therapeutic candidate for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Further, the current study will expedite the conservation of T. indica ensuring ample supply of this threatened medicinal plant to fulfill its increasing demand in herbal industry.

Measuring intraocular antibodies in eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the total intraocular aqueous humour antibody profiles in cases receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for retinal vascular disease compared with controls without retinal pathology. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS: 93 aqueous humour samples: 22 eyes undergoing cataract surgery (controls) and 71 eyes receiving intravitreal injections (IVI) (cases) for macular edema or neovascularization. METHODS: Antibody isotyping of aqueous humour was performed using Milliplex MAP Human Isotyping Multiplex Assay. Cases and controls were compared for several outcome measures. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure was total mean antibody isotype concentration quantified in the aqueous humour. Secondary outcomes included comparing aqueous humour concentrations with visual acuity, number of IVI received, type of anti-VEGF agent injected, and persistence intra-/subretinal fluid post injection. Mean immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations in cases were 19-fold higher compared with controls. Aqueous immunoglobulin G (IgG)1,2,3,4 and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were 2-4-fold higher in cases compared with controls. Disease-specific trends were observed, with diabetic retinopathy (DR) eyes containing the highest amounts of aqueous antibodies. Total number of injections correlated with higher titres of IgG1 (p < 0.001), IgG2 (p < 0.009), and IgG3 (p < 0.001) in all cases analyzed with the strongest correlations seen in DR eyes (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Presence of aqueous humour antibodies correlated with worse post-IVI best-corrected visual acuity; IgG1 (p < 0.01), IgG2 (p < 0.005), IgG3 (p < 0.01), and IgA (p < 0.003) in all cases analyzed, with the strongest correlations seen in DR eyes (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular antibodies are present in the aqueous humour at significantly higher concentrations in eyes receiving IVIs for retinal vascular diseases compared with controls.

[Effectiveness of platelet rich plasma in pain management of osteoarthritis knee: double blind, randomized comparative study]. / Efetividade do plasma rico em plaquetas no tratamento da dor em osteoartrite de joelho: estudo comparativo randômico e duplo­cego.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis have been successfully used in young patients. However in most of these studies the control and test knees were present in different patients thus incorporating a large amount of bias in the results. Therefore, the present study was designed in which patients with bilateral osteoarthritis knee were included and platelet-rich plasma was administered in one knee and normal saline in another knee of same patient. METHODS: 20 patients aged 30-65 years with bilateral osteoarthritis knees (ASA class I and II) of either gender were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive platelet-rich plasma and normal saline in one of the two knees. The primary outcome was VAS and WOMAC score at 6months after procedure. The secondary outcome included changes in joint stiffness, physical function, any adverse effects noted during the course of study. RESULTS: The baseline VAS score in platelet-rich plasma knee was 8.4 ± 0.88 which improved significantly to 4.85 ± 2.48 (p < 0.001) at 6months as compared to normal saline knee (p = 0.017). The WOMAC pain score also improved from baseline (14.5 ± 1.3) to over 6month 7.00 ± 4.24 (p < 0.001) in platelet-rich plasma knee while in the normal saline knee, no significant change occurred from baseline to six months (10.2 ± 1.2 to 10.05 ± 1.23). There was also significant decrease in stiffness and improvement of physical activity in the platelet-rich plasma knee as compared to normal saline knee. CONCLUSION: The present study showed significant decrease in pain and stiffness and improvement of physical functions of knee joint with intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection as compared to normal saline.

Exploring Perceived Barriers to Medication Adherence and the Use of Mobile Technology in Underserved Patients With Chronic Conditions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that the prevalence of medication nonadherence is greater in medically underserved, low-income communities. There is paucity of qualitative data examining the potential use of mobile health (mHealth) in underserved patients. This study aimed to explore barriers to medication adherence and identify opportunities and challenges for the potential use of mHealth adherence interventions in an underserved population. METHODS: A qualitative cross-sectional focus group was conducted. Focus groups were conducted with underserved patients recruited at a federally qualified health center. The Health Belief Model was used as theoretical framework to develop the focus group guide. Audio-recorded data were transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify common themes across the data set. RESULTS: Seventeen patients participated in 4 focus groups. Findings were organized by the following themes: (1) perceived barriers to medication adherence, (2) everyday practices used to improve medication adherence, and (3) perceived benefits and barriers to technology use. Use of text messages seemed beneficial; however, not carrying a phone always was a significant barrier for patients. Some patients expressed willingness to try smartphone applications but stated that they would not be able to afford them. Changes in daily routine and complexity of medication regimens were seen as barriers to medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the importance of considering diverse experiences when engaging patients in mHealth for medication adherence. Providing patient-centered approaches to assist patients construct their individualized medication adherence strategies may lead to better outcomes.

Establishing a New Ambulatory Care Practice Site as a Pharmacy Practice Faculty.

There is an imminent need to identify and develop new ambulatory care practice sites with the increase in the number of colleges of pharmacy across the nation. This manuscript provides recommendations to help clinical faculty determine whether a potential pharmacy practice site will be able to provide adequate resources and support to establish a successful practice. This may be challenging to pharmacy practice faculty in settings where clinical pharmacy services have never been utilized. Topics include the pre-work needed prior to approaching a new practice site, assessing the need for physical requirements, meeting key personnel, marketing clinical skills and services, implementing, and evaluating practice site. Preparation includes having a clear vision of the pharmacist services, ensuring that stakeholders have an understanding of the pharmacy services inquiring the site support and resources for the pharmacist, and regularly communicating.

Evaluation of a Modified Debate Exercise Adapted to the Pedagogy of Team-Based Learning.

Objective. To assess the impact of a debate exercise on self-reported evidence of student learning in literature evaluation, evidence-based decision making, and oral presentation. Methods. Third-year pharmacy students in a required infectious disease therapeutics course participated in a modified debate exercise that included a reading assignment and readiness assessment tests consistent with team-based learning (TBL) pedagogy. Peer and faculty assessment of student learning was accomplished with a standardized rubric. A pre- and post-debate survey was used to assess self-reported perceptions of abilities to perform skills outlined by the learning objectives. Results. The average individual readiness assessment score was 93.5% and all teams scored 100% on their team readiness assessments. Overall student performance on the debates was also high with an average score of 88.2% prior to extra credit points. Of the 95 students, 88 completed both pre- and post-surveys (93% participation rate). All learning objectives were associated with a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-debate surveys with the majority of students reporting an improvement in self-perceived abilities. Approximately two-thirds of students enjoyed the debates exercise and believed it improved their ability to make and defend clinical decisions. Conclusion. A debate format adapted to the pedagogy of TBL was well-received by students, documented high achievement in assessment of skills, and improved students' self-reported perceptions of abilities to evaluate the literature, develop evidence-based clinical decisions, and deliver an effective oral presentation.

Motivators, barriers, and strategies to improve response rate to student evaluation of teaching.

INTRODUCTION: Student evaluation of teaching (SET) is a tool that most pharmacy schools use to evaluate faculty. After multiple years of low response rates to SET, Roseman University began a process to identify motivators, barriers, and strategies to improve SET response rates. Multiple strategies were implemented and response rate was analyzed to determine if the changes were effective. METHODS: A modified Delphi process was used to identify motivators, barriers, and strategies to improve SET response rates. Faculty, students, and administration engaged in a year-long process involving four distinct phases to build consensus regarding SET implementation and processes. The process was implemented and then response rates were evaluated the following academic year. RESULTS: Barriers included frequency of surveys, length of surveys, length of rating scale, ambiguity of questions, misunderstanding on importance of SET, and lack of perceived benefit for completion of SET. For each pharmacy class, response rates increased two to three times baseline (p < 0.05). For all classes combined, response rates significantly increased from 24% to 66%. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Delphi process successfully identified barriers, motivators, and strategies for improving SET. Additionally, the process built consensus that led to successful implementation of the new SET with significantly improved response rates.

Metamorphopsia and vision-related quality of life among patients with age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess subjective and quantified metamorphopsia, as well as vision-related quality of life (QOL), in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to determine whether there is a correlation between quantified metamorphopsia and vision-related QOL in patients with AMD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patients with AMD. Patients who had a best-corrected visual acuity less than 20/200, vitreomacular adhesion, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, macular edema by causes other than AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, previous retinal surgery, glaucoma, amblyopia, or strabismus were excluded. Subjective perceptions of metamorphopsia were captured by a validated 10-item questionnaire. M-CHARTS (Inami, Japan) was used to detect quantified metamorphopsia. Quantified metamorphopsia was scored horizontally and vertically. The mean values of 3 repeated examinations were used for data analysis. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to assess vision-related QOL. RESULTS: Among 102 eyes with AMD, the most commonly reported subjective perception of metamorphopsia included lines of words on books, newspapers, or computer displays (45.1%), followed by frames of windows or bookshelves (22.6%), lines of tiles on bathroom wall (21.6%), and people's faces (18.6%). Eyes with wet AMD had significantly higher horizontal and vertical metamorphopsia scores compared with eyes with dry AMD (p < 0.0001). The higher horizontal metamorphopsia score and the higher vertical metamorphopsia score between the 2 eyes were both negatively correlated with the NEI VFQ-25 composite score (Spearman rank correlation r = -0.3207, p = 0.0010; Spearman rank correlation r = -0.3190, p = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the most common subjective metamorphopsia was distortion of lines of words on books, newspapers, or computer displays. Compared to eyes with dry AMD, those with wet AMD had higher quantified horizontal and vertical metamorphopsia. Between the 2 eyes, both the higher horizontal and vertical metamorphopsia scores were correlated with the NEI VFQ-25 composite score.

Rare Coexistence of Acute Monoblastic Leukemia with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Acute monoblastic leukemia (AMoL) is a rare hematopoietic neoplasm, and simultaneous occurrence of acute monoblastic leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is very rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We here report a rare case of dual hematological malignancy in an 85-year-old male. The peripheral blood and bone marrow examination revealed dual population of atypical cells, comprising large cells with opened-up chromatin having monocytic appearance and small mature-appearing lymphocytes. Flowcytometric immunophenotyping confirmed the monocytic lineage of cells, whereas small lymphocytes showed the immunophenotype consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The final diagnosis was made as acute monoblastic leukemia with associated CLL. This is a rare case scenario, and this highlights the importance of careful morphological examination and flowcytometric immunophenotyping in the exact characterization of hematopoietic malignancies.

Transient global amnesia in immediate postoperative period: A diagnostic dilemma.

INTRODUCTION: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is short-term inability to form new memories despite otherwise normal neurological function. There is associated anterograde and retrograde amnesia. The memory loss is often accompanied by repetitive questioning and temporal disorientation while higher cognitive functions are preserved. The symptoms usually resolve by 24h. CASE REPORT: We present an interesting case of 31year old female who was planned for robotically assisted right sided pyeloplasty. 30min after emergence from anaesthesia patient was disoriented, with retrograde and anterograde amnesia, but neurological function was intact. Neurologic imaging revealed no abnormality. 36h later patient was able to recall everything. DISCUSSION: The pathogenesis of TGA has more recently been attributed to cerebral venous hypertension resulting from retrograde jugular venous flow. Precipitating events are Valsalva manoeuvre, emotion/stress/pain, Excessive exertion, sexual intercourse and swimming in cold water. CONCLUSION: TGA presents dramatically, it needs to be differentiated from cerebral event. It resolves on its own. But one needs to be aware of existence of such an entity.

Clinically significant laser in situ keratomileusis flap striae.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes before and after irrigation of clinically significant laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap striae. SETTING: Multisurgeon multicenter standardized protocol practice. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control series. METHODS: Eyes with striae necessitating flap relift and irrigation were identified. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 109 403 eyes that had LASIK, the incidence of striae-treated eyes was 0.79% (n = 875), with 8.7% irrigated the first hour after surgery. The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) and ablation depth exponentially increased the striae risk (R2 = 0.9674; P < .001). Striae induced a small hyperopic shift that reversed after the relift (mean 0.22 diopter [D] ± 0.52 [SD] versus -0.02 ± 0.45 D) (P < .001). After relifting, 68.0%, 87.0%, and 96.0% of eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20, 20/25, 20/40 or better versus 25.0%, 55.0%, and 84.0%, respectively, before the relift (P < .001). Thirteen percent fewer striae-treated eyes achieved a UDVA of 20/20. Before relifting, 51.0% of striae eyes lost 1 or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity, with a safety index reverting to control values (0.99 versus 1.00) (P > .05) after the relift. A laser refractive enhancement was performed in 6.28% of relifted striae eyes versus 3.04% in nonstriae control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Flap striae requiring surgeon intervention occurred in 0.79% of eyes. Higher preoperative SE values were associated with an exponential increase risk for striae. Treatment by lifting and irrigation significantly improved the accuracy, efficacy, and safety to a level close to that of contralateral control eyes, although striae-treated eyes were more likely to need excimer laser retreatment.

Impact of a web-based intervention on the awareness of medication adherence.

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is a widely recognized problem that leads to adverse outcomes and increased health care costs. Reasons for medication nonadherence are multifactorial, and patient awareness of the salience of medication adherence is critical. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of a pharmacist-led, web-based video presentation in increasing patients' awareness of the importance of medication adherence. METHODS: Patients aged 35 years and above, taking at least 1 chronic prescription medication were included in the study (n = 166). Patients completed a pre-survey, watched a pharmacist-led web-based video presentation educating them on the importance of medication adherence, then completed a 1-month follow-up survey. The primary outcome was measurement of change in patients' awareness of the importance of medication adherence. RESULTS: Results indicated a statistically significant increase in the primary outcome of increasing awareness of the importance of medication adherence. More patients in the follow-up survey indicated that it was important for their health to take their medications around the same time daily (P = 0.002), and more patients identified that their family will be impacted as a result of their medication nonadherence (P = 0.001) as compared to the pre-survey. More patients in the follow-up survey reported that they expected to experience fewer emergency room visits (P = 0.0001) and anticipated that they would get more time to spend with friends and family (P = 0.0039) as benefits of taking medications as prescribed. CONCLUSION: A pharmacist-led web-based video presentation may be a low-cost intervention to increase patients' awareness of the importance of medication adherence.

Evaluation of differences in percentage of international normalized ratios in range between pharmacist-led and physician-led anticoagulation management services.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of warfarin depend on maintaining the international normalized ratio (INR) in an established range. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine whether a coordinated pharmacist-led approach improved percentage of INRs in therapeutic range in comparison to a physician-led anticoagulation management service (AMS). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients at a multisite primary care organization. INR data for patients receiving warfarin management by a physician were collected from December 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010. These were compared to INR results from December 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011, during which patients received warfarin management from a pharmacist. The primary end points were percentage of INRs within a goal range of 2.0 to 3.0 and an expanded goal range of 1.8 to 3.2 for the physician-led group versus the pharmacist-led group. RESULTS: The percentage of INR results within the goal range (2.0-3.0) was greater among patients in the pharmacist-led group (n = .130) than the physician-led group (n = 96; 57.5% vs 50.0%, respectively; P = .0004). The percentage of INR results <1.5 (7.3% vs 5.1%) and >3.5 (11.4% vs 7.1%) was also statistically significant in favor of the pharmacist-led AMS, with P values of .03 and .0004, respectively. CONCLUSION: A pharmacist-led AMS improved the percentage of INRs in range, with significantly less out-of-range results.