Supporting Shared Decision-making for Children's Complex Behavioral Problems: Development and User Testing of an Option Grid™ Decision Aid.

There is a lack of research to guide collaborative treatment decision-making for children who have complex behavioral problems, despite the extensive use of mental health services in this population. We developed and pilot-tested a one-page Option Grid™ patient decision aid to facilitate shared decision-making for these situations. An editorial team of parents, child psychiatrists, researchers, and other stakeholders developed the scope and structure of the decision aid. Researchers included information about a carefully chosen number of psychosocial and pharmacological treatment options, using descriptions based on the best available evidence. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 18), we conducted user testing with four parents and four clinical prescribers and field testing with four parents, four clinical prescribers, and two clinic administrators. The researchers coded and synthesized the interview responses using mixed inductive and deductive methods. Parents, clinicians, and administrators felt the Option Grid had significant value, although they reported that additional training and other support would be required in order to successfully implement the Option Grid and achieve shared decision-making in clinical practice.

Update to the Minimum Requirements for Core Competency in Pediatric Hospital Pharmacy Practice.

Colleges of pharmacy provide varying amounts of didactic and clinical experiential hours in pediatrics therapeutics, resulting in variability in the knowledge, skills, and perceptions of new graduates toward the pharmacist role in providing care to pediatric patients. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association continues to endorse a minimum set of core competencies for all pharmacists involved in the care of hospitalized pediatric patients of all ages. To that end, we have updated our 2015 Position Statement.

Medication Use in Schools.

This article serves as a Position Statement of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA), which supports safe and effective medication use in schools. PPA recommends that schools develop comprehensive medication use policies to support safe and appropriate administration of both chronic and emergency medication in schools. These policies must address issues specific to pediatric patients, including off-label and over-the-counter medication use, various pediatric dosage forms, as well as appropriate medication storage, administration, and disposal practices. PPA also advocates for continued staff development and education regarding laws, regulations, and policies surrounding medication use in school to ensure safe and effective care of children and adolescents in the school setting.

Medication Use in Schools: Current Trends, Challenges, and Best Practices.

There are a significant number of students on maintenance medications for chronic diseases or with diagnoses that may result in medical emergencies requiring administration of medications in school. With passing of legislation in all 50 states allowing self-administration of emergency medications for allergic reactions and asthma, the landscape of medication use in schools is changing. These changes have raised questions about the need for legislation or policy development relating to self-carrying and self-administration of medications for other disease states, undesignated stock of emergency medications, and administration of medications by non-medical personnel. Medication administration in the school setting has become a complex issue, and this review will discuss current legislation related to medication use in schools and provide best practices for administering medications to children and adolescents while at school.

Oseltamivir-Associated Supraventricular Tachycardia in an Infant.

Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is labeled for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. We describe a previously healthy 4-month-old infant who tested positive for influenza A and was started on oseltamivir. One hour after receiving his first dose of oseltamivir, the infant had a diaphoretic episode and appeared grey and clammy. The infant was subsequently seen by the primary care physician and referred for admission to the hospital. Approximately 40 minutes after the second dose of oseltamivir in the hospital, the infant's heart rate rose to greater than 300 bpm. An electrocardiogram was suggestive of supraventricular tachycardia. At the time of the event, the infant received 2 doses of adenosine, and oseltamivir was discontinued prior to transfer to a tertiary facility for a higher level of care.

Minimum Requirements for Core Competency in Pediatric Pharmacy Practice.

Colleges of pharmacy provide varying amounts of didactic and clinical hours in pediatrics resulting in variability in the knowledge, skills, and perceptions of new graduates toward pediatric pharmaceutical care. The Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) endorses the application of a minimum set of core competencies for all pharmacists involved in the care of hospitalized children.