The Need for Competency-Based Education.

OBJECTIVES: While pharmacy education updates learning as new information arises, changes to learning experiences can trail behind current practices and technology. There have been multiple calls for radical changes in how health professions education is delivered to ensure patients are receiving high-quality care. Competency-based education has been one way discussed in the literature for how to handle this need to develop students who have a willingness to learn and can problem-solve. The goal of this review is to examine whether competency-based education is needed to drive the profession of pharmacy forward. FINDINGS: To address, we collaboratively identified stakeholder perspectives to evaluate the need. The following stakeholders achieved consensus among the committee members: patients/society, learners, workplace/profession, and academic institutions. SUMMARY: Based on those perspectives, needs, and gaps to address those needs were identified and are presented in this review.

Evaluation of Gabapentin and Pregabalin Use in Hospitalized Patients With Decreased Kidney Function.

Background: Gabapentin and pregabalin are well-tolerated medications primarily cleared by the kidney. Patients receiving higher gabapentinoid doses with decreased kidney function may be at an increased risk of adverse effects (AEs), but limited evidence exists evaluating gabapentinoid dosing and AEs in this population. Objective: To determine whether patients with decreased creatinine clearance (CrCl) experienced increased frequency of AEs related to gabapentinoid dose at hospital admission. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study in adults with a gabapentinoid prescription and serum creatinine measurement documented on hospital admission. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of gabapentinoid prescription based on CrCl (stratified by CrCl ≥60 mL/min, <60 mL/min, 15-29 mL/min, and <15 mL/min) at admission. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AEs related to gabapentinoids and concomitant opioid and psychiatric prescriptions. Results: A total of 286 patients were included in this study (gabapentin n = 234, pregabalin n = 52). Patients with a CrCl <60 mL/min and doses above the manufacturer's recommendation were prescribed gabapentin (34%) and pregabalin (22.7%). For patients with a CrCl of 15 to 29 mL/min and <15 mL/min groups, inappropriately high doses were prescribed for gabapentin (48.8%) and pregabalin (45%). A significant increase in recorded falls (P = 0.029) was identified in patients with a CrCl <60 mL/min. Concomitant opioid and psychiatric medications contributed to a higher prevalence of AEs regardless of CrCl. Conclusions: Patients with a CrCl <60 mL/min were frequently prescribed inappropriately high doses of gabapentinoids. The relationship between gabapentinoid dosing, kidney function, and the incidence of gabapentinoid-related AEs at hospital admission requires larger, multicentre studies.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury potentiated by a drug-drug interaction between cyclosporine, leflunomide, and rosuvastatin in a kidney transplant recipient: A missed opportunity for pharmacist involvement.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe a case of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury potentiated by a drug-drug interaction (DDI) between cyclosporine, leflunomide, and rosuvastatin in a kidney transplant recipient. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old male with end-stage kidney disease secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension received a deceased by cardiac death kidney transplant. The patient's medical history included coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia for which he was receiving rosuvastatin 40 mg daily. Five months after transplant, the patient developed BK viremia, which required multiple changes in immunosuppression and resulted in the initiation of leflunomide and cyclosporine modified. The patient used multiple pharmacies and coupon cards that delayed the identification of the DDIs between leflunomide, cyclosporine, and rosuvastatin. Approximately, 13 months after transplant, the biopsy report of the patient's allograft kidney showed acute cellular rejection Banff IB, hypertensive changes, and transplant glomerulopathy. This prompted the patient to receive a 3-day course of methylprednisolone 250 mg intravenous at the outpatient infusion center. Two weeks later, the patient presented to the transplant clinic with lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, bilateral eye drainage, and a decrease in appetite and was admitted to the hospital for further workup. On admission, creatine kinase was 2080 IU/L with myoglobin of 7601 ng/mL. The patient's diagnosis was statin myopathy with possible rhabdomyolysis acute kidney injury. Likely contributing factors included cyclosporine, leflunomide, and rosuvastatin DDI and administration of high-dose methylprednisolone. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This case demonstrates the importance of pharmacist involvement throughout all phases of care in a kidney transplant recipient.

Examining Competency-Based Education Through the Lens of Implementation Science: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify evidence for the implementation and assessment of competency-based education (CBE) in health professions curricula using an implementation science framework. FINDINGS: Using the PRISMA framework, a systematic review of the literature applying a prespecified and piloted search strategy from 2017 to the present in PubMed and CINAHL was performed. References identified from the search strategy were imported into Covidence for title and abstract screening and full-text review by 2 researchers. A third researcher resolved discrepancies. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify key elements from the article related to implementation science, with a quality appraisal. A total of 25 studies out of 304 initially identified records were included. The studies covered a broad range of health professions and countries. Key findings were limited use of implementation science elements, including variability in CBE implementation, limited fidelity assessment, and partial examination of the process continuum. Programs with a more robust implementation approach have a team-based strategy to lead, implement, and support CBE. Motivation and training of faculty are also key components of successful CBE implementation. SUMMARY: Competency-based education is implemented differently across institutions, with variation among programs in their choice of elements of implementation science used. Further research is needed to examine CBE from an implementation science perspective and address remaining questions.

Stability and compatibility of intraperitoneal antimicrobials in peritoneal dialysate solutions.

To optimise antimicrobial administration in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis, healthcare providers need literature-based information to develop patient-centred pharmacotherapeutic plans. Traditional PD solutions promote osmosis using dextrose or icodextrin with a lactate buffer. Newer PD solutions have modified the osmotic vehicle and buffer. Knowledge of antimicrobial compatibility and stability with newer PD solutions will assist with determining the route of antimicrobial administration as compatible and stable solutions could be delivered directly to the peritoneum using intraperitoneal administration. This review updates the compatibility and stability of antimicrobial additives in newer PD solutions for PD-related peritonitis.

Recommendations and Next Steps For Competency-Based Pharmacy Education.

In July 2021, the chairs of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Council of Deans, Council of Faculties, and Council of Sections developed a task force to discuss potential ways to improve pharmacy education. The Competency-Based Education (CBE) Joint Task Force was created to explore the pros and cons of advancing a competency-based approach to pharmacy education (CBPE) and to determine ways to create more flexibility within pharmacy curricula to enable CBE. To achieve these goals, the Task Force systematically reviewed available resources and outlined the pros and cons of CBPE, best practices for implementation, strategies to minimize barriers, and recommendations on whether CBE should be implemented in pharmacy education. This commentary summarizes the Task Force's findings regarding whether CBPE is a suitable approach for pharmacy education and the next steps if implemented.

Intravenous Physical Compatibility of Heparin Sodium and Furosemide.

Continuous infusions of heparin and furosemide are often required for hospitalized patients to treat cardiac-related disease states. Concomitant infusion of heparin and furosemide through the same intravenous line minimizes the need for multiple intravenous sites. For concomitant infusions to be administered, knowledge of the physical compatibility for intravenous medications is imperative for patient safety and administering medications to maximize their effectiveness. Currently, heparin and furosemide are listed as Y-site compatible, but precipitation was reported at a large academic medical center, which questions this compatibility. This study investigated the in vitro physical compatibility of heparin sodium premix 25,000 units/250 mL in dextrose 5% water from two different manufacturers with furosemide 40 mg/4 mL at concentrations of 4:1 for heparin sodium and furosemide. The admixtures were prepared in triplicate using aseptic technique, stored at 19°C to 24°C and examined for visual precipitation, turbidity, and pH change at baseline, 1, 5, 8, 24, and 48 hours. Heparin sodium, B. Braun Medical Inc. or Hospira, Inc. solutions, and furosemide admixtures revealed changes over 48 hours. Changes in visual appearance, absorbance, and pH were observed at hour 5 compared to baseline for the B. Braun Medical Inc. admixture. The Hospira, Inc. admixture revealed visual changes by hour 48, but demonstrative changes in absorbance and pH did not occur. Our observations found demonstrative changes in physical compatibility in the admixtures of heparin sodium and furosemide at a ratio of 4:1. The findings suggest that a combination of the solutions in this study be avoided until further research is completed.

Embarking as "Captain of the Ship" for the Curriculum Committee.

This commentary examines the curriculum chair's responsibilities and discusses considerations when assuming this role, using a "captain of the ship" metaphor. From knowing the crew to managing a diverse set of responsibilities, the path to becoming an effective chair is challenging and each captain's stripe must be earned. Advice is provided to assist with understanding the curriculum and governance processes, as well as the chair's various roles and professional development. The need for leadership and management is also emphasized.

Physical Compatibility, Antimicrobial Activity, and Stability of Cefazolin Combined with Gentamicin or Ethanol in Sodium Citrate as a Catheter Lock Solution.

BACKGROUND: Catheters provide vascular access for patients requiring intravenous treatments, but frequently are a source of infection and/or thrombosis. Instilling a solution of an antimicrobial agent with an anticoagulant into the catheter lumen may salvage-infected catheters. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the physical compatibility, antibacterial activity, and stability of varying combinations of cefazolin (10 mg/mL), 40% ethanol, 4% sodium citrate with or without gentamicin (1 mg/mL) as a catheter lock solution over 48 h. METHODS: Admixtures were prepared using aseptic technique and stored under four conditions with or without light at 25°C or 37°C. Prepared admixtures were assessed for physical compatibility, antimicrobial susceptibility, and chemical stability in triplicate at 0, 24 and 48 h. Admixture physical compatibility was determined by visual clarity, pH, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The chemical stability of cefazolin and gentamicin were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography and UV spectroscopy, respectively. RESULTS: All admixtures maintained clarity for 48 h. All admixtures stored at 25°C and the admixture containing 10 mg/mL cefazolin-4% sodium citrate stored at 37°C sustained antimicrobial activity and were chemically stable. A significant change in pH, antimicrobial activity, cefazolin concentration (<95% of baseline), were observed in admixtures containing ethanol stored at 37°C after 24 h. Gentamicin concentrations remained stable throughout the study. CONCLUSION: The admixture of 10 mg/mL cefazolin-4% sodium citrate sustained antimicrobial activity over 48 h and was chemically stable. However, admixtures containing ethanol stored at 37°C showed incompatibility with decreased antibacterial activity and cefazolin degradation after 24 h.

Novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) involves multifaceted pathophysiology which increases the risk of cardiorenal events and mortality. Conventional therapy is limited to renin-angiotensin aldosterone system inhibition and management of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated promising nephroprotective effects of antihyperglycemic agents thus modifying guideline treatment recommendations for type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. AREAS OF COVERED: Relevant studies and clinical trials were searched via PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov through August 2020. Authors offer an update on clinical evidence regarding nephroprotective effects and side effects of sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists and dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors. They discuss the potential benefits of novel therapy targeting DKD pathogenic processes including inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and vasoconstriction shown in early phases of clinical trials and offer an opinion on key challenges and directions for future progress. EXPERT OPINION: SGLT2 inhibitors are the most promising agents for DKD and improving cardiorenal outcomes. Mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists and janus kinase inhibitors are also promising investigational therapies that target oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthesis, and inflammation. Novel therapeutic targets and the identification of clinically useful biomarkers may provide future therapies that detect early stages of DKD enabling a slower kidney function decline.

The Physical Compatibility of Clinically Used Concentrations of Diltiazem Hydrochloride With Heparin Sodium.

Background: Acute treatment of atrial fibrillation often requires concomitant intravenous (IV) continuous infusions of unfractionated heparin and diltiazem. Concomitantly infusing these medications through the same IV line minimizes multiple IV sites. Diltiazem and heparin visual compatibility have been previously investigated but with limited drug dwell times and differing drug concentrations leading to inconsistent published results. Objective: To investigate the physical compatibility of diltiazem hydrochloride at concentrations of 5 and 1 mg/mL combined with an equal volume of heparin sodium 100 units/mL. Methods: Using a 0.22-µm filter, 15 mL of heparin sodium were placed into a polyvinyl chloride infusion bag followed by 15 mL of either diltiazem hydrochloride 5 or 1 mg/mL. Admixtures were prepared in triplicate. Each admixture was investigated for visual precipitation, spectrophotometric absorbance, and pH change at baseline and 1, 5, 8, and 24 hours after mixing. Physical incompatibility was determined by visual observation, increased spectrophotometric absorbance, and demonstrative pH changes. Results: Each diltiazem 5 mg/mL admixture exhibited a slight haze and enhanced absorbance readings indicating turbidity while none revealed a demonstrative pH change. None of the diltiazem 1 mg/mL assessments revealed visual precipitation or suggested turbidity. Only one pH reading at 5 hours revealed a demonstrative change from baseline. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that infusing diltiazem hydrochloride 5 mg/mL with heparin sodium 100 units/mL in the same IV line cannot be advocated. In contrast, our findings suggest that heparin sodium 100 units/mL infused with diltiazem hydrochloride 1 mg/mL is physically compatible but chemical stability was not assessed.

Compatibility, Stability, and Efficacy of Vancomycin Combined With Gentamicin or Ethanol in Sodium Citrate as a Catheter Lock Solution.

Background: Indwelling catheters deliver lifesaving medical treatments for many chronically ill patients but are frequently a source of infection. Treatment may include an antimicrobial agent(s) and anticoagulant solution dwelling within the catheter. In vitro determinations of solution compatibility and stability are necessary prior to use in patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the physical compatibility, chemical stability, and antimicrobial activity of vancomycin (5 or 10 mg/mL) with gentamicin (1 mg/mL) or 40% ethanol in 4% sodium citrate lock solution over 72 hours. Methods: All solutions were prepared per manufacturer's instructions. Samples were studied under 4 conditions: (1) 25°C with light, (2) 25°C without light, (3) 37°C with light, and (4) 37°C without light. Physical compatibility and chemical stability were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted at 0 and 72 hours. All studies were carried out in triplicate. Results: All solution combinations under each condition remained patent from baseline to 48 hours. One solution combination of vancomycin (5 mg/mL) and ethanol (40% v/v) in 4% sodium citrate revealed a slight turbidity at 72 hours. Clarity and pH remained stable in all other solutions during the entire study period. Chemical compatibility and antibiotic activity ranged from 95% to 105% and 95% to 106% of initial baseline values, respectively, for all solutions under 4 storage conditions. Conclusions: All antibiotic-anticoagulant lock solutions were found to be physically, chemically, and microbiologically stable during the 72-hour study period except vancomycin (5 mg/mL) and ethanol (40% v/v) in 4% sodium citrate solution which showed slight turbidity at 72 hours.

Vibration enhances clearance of solutes with varying molecular weights during in vitro hemodialysis.

This proof of concept pilot study was performed to determine whether vibration can increase solute clearance when applied to an in vitro dialysis model. Urea, creatinine, gentamicin, and vancomycin transmembrane clearances were calculated at a blood flow rate of 200 ml/min, dialysate flow rates of 2 and 8 L/hr, and no concurrent ultrafiltration at various vibration intensities. Dialyzer integrity was determined by measuring transmembrane pressure, filter drop pressure, and albumin clearance, and by visually inspecting the dialysate. Comparing the highest vibration modality with no vibration, the median percentage increase in urea, creatinine, gentamicin, and vancomycin clearance was 18% (all p < 0.005). The transmembrane clearance of albumin was negligible for all experiments. When measuring transmembrane pressure and filter drop pressure, no significant differences were found between nonvibration and vibration dialysis. The addition of vibration during dialysis increased transmembrane clearance for solutes with molecular weights of 60-1450 Daltons.

Use of an in vitro model of renal replacement therapy systems to estimate extracorporeal drug removal.

The use of in vitro modeling to predict in vivo drug and solute clearance during renal replacement therapy has evolved to reflect the different dialytic therapies available in clinical practice. This area of renal replacement therapy research is representative of translational research that demonstrates a correlation from bench to bedside where results generated in the laboratory can assist with clinical decisions in the absence of in vivo studies. This review describes in vitro renal replacement therapy models and compares the findings of several in vitro and in vivo studies.