Key considerations in navigating ticagrelor's reported effect on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia functional assays in a landscape of limited data.

PURPOSE: This article discusses key considerations regarding ticagrelor's reported effect on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia functional assays, such as literature gaps and possible management strategies. SUMMARY: Limited data indicate that ticagrelor may induce false-negative results in functional assays used in the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. False-negative functional assays for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia could have catastrophic consequences. The manufacturer labeling of ticagrelor now includes a warning for this potential drug-laboratory interaction. This article suggests areas that would benefit from further research and strategies in navigating this possible interaction. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should exercise caution when evaluating functional assays for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients receiving ticagrelor. This article offers suggestions for future areas of research and potential management strategies.

The Value of Nutrition Support Pharmacist Interventions.

The PHarmacist Avoidance or Reductions in Medical Costs in CRITically Ill Adults: PHARM-CRIT Study by Rech et al demonstrated the value of critical care pharmacists' interventions. The services provided by nutrition support pharmacists were briefly mentioned. This article aims to highlight the value of interventions provided by nutrition support pharmacists.

Parenteral nutrition compatibility and stability: A comprehensive review.

Several guidance documents support best practices across the stages of the parenteral nutrition (PN) use process to optimize patient safety. The critical step of PN order verification and review by the pharmacist requires a contextual assessment of the compatibility and stability implications of the ordered PN prescription. This article will provide working definitions, describe PN component characteristics, and present a wide-ranging representation of compatibility and stability concerns that need to be considered prior to preparing a PN admixture. This paper has been approved by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Board of Directors.

The Role of a Simulation-Based Activity on Student Perceptions of Parenteral Nutrition Education.

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition (PN) education in pharmacy schools and postgraduate programs may not sufficiently prepare future pharmacists for clinical practice. Limited data exist regarding innovative teaching strategies in the area of PN. The purpose of this study was to identify students' perceptions of a simulated PN activity in a pharmacotherapeutics course. Methods: Second-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students from two cohorts (N = 84 for both cohorts) completed a PN assignment using simulated PN materials, which resembled those seen in clinical practice. Before and after the activity, students completed identical surveys about their perceived competence and interest in PN, which were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Following the simulation, the percentage of students affirming their perceived competence (selecting strongly agree or agree in the survey) in their ability to describe the process of combining ingredients to make a PN admixture (45.2% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.001) and calculate PN-related problems (58.3% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.001) improved. The proportion of students expressing interest in PN increased after the simulation (78.6% vs. 86.9%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: A simulated practicum experience in PN was viewed positively by PharmD students at this university, and may be a valuable active learning experience to incorporate in a PharmD curriculum.