Student knowledge and confidence with prescribing hormonal contraception.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacists' scope of practice has expanded in several states to include independently prescribing and dispensing hormonal contraceptive products. The objective of this research was to assess student knowledge and confidence with prescribing hormonal contraception following a simulated patient case activity. METHODS: This was a descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study utilizing educational assessments and survey data from second professional year students during the 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 academic years. Student performance was assessed using a five-question readiness assurance test at the beginning of class, documented patient assessment and plan, and five-question post-activity quiz. Student confidence with interpreting legal regulations and following protocol instructions, performing a patient assessment, prescribing an appropriate contraceptive product, and providing verbal and written communication to patients and providers was assessed using a nine-question survey at the end of class. RESULTS: Average student performance was consistent on the readiness assurance test between the two years. Students scored an average of 84.2% and 91.6% on the documented assessment and plan and 96.4% and 91.2% on the post-activity quiz for each year, respectively. Students felt most confident with navigating and interpreting a prescription drug formulary, providing the patient with written documentation, and communicating with the patient's prescriber. Students were less confident with selecting an appropriate product based on patient-specific factors and providing education on missed doses. CONCLUSIONS: This case-based activity demonstrated student knowledge and confidence with prescribing hormonal contraceptives.

Telavancin: a novel lipoglycopeptide antibiotic.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical applications, and safety of telavancin, a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic. DATA SOURCES: Literature was obtained from MEDLINE (1966-April 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1971-April 2009) using the search terms telavancin and TD-6424, and also from Theravance, Inc., and Astellas Pharma US, Inc. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Available English-language articles were reviewed, as well as information obtained from Theravance, Inc., and Astellas Pharma US, Inc. DATA SYNTHESIS: Telavancin has rapid bactericidal activity against gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria through multiple mechanisms of action. In vitro and Phase 2 in vivo data support the efficacy of telavancin against antibiotic-resistant gram-positive organisms. On March 4, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted as complete for review Theravance's response to the October 19, 2007, New Drug Application approvable letter for telavancin to be used as treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) caused by gram-positive bacteria. QTc interval prolongation has been reported, although the clinical impact of this has not been determined. Drug interactions have not been identified as of yet. CONCLUSIONS: Telavancin is currently under review by the FDA for the treatment of cSSSIs caused by gram-positive bacteria. The completion of Phase 3 trials will determine whether telavancin will have a role in the treatment of other infections caused by resistant gram-positive bacteria.