Student evaluation of an instructional video on how to use a national medicines information resource.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this project was to obtain students' perception of an educational companion video designed to increase the understanding of a national medicines information resource. METHODS: An instructional video was developed to guide students in utilizing the online version of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH). All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy program during 2021 were given access to this video. A cross-sectional electronic survey was administered to evaluate the video's effectiveness and its impact on students' confidence. The survey results were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, in addition to qualitative analysis to identify common themes. Ethics approval was obtained prior to conducting the study. KEY FINDINGS: Most students (78%; n = 72/92) reported that watching the video increased their understanding. The most growth in confidence was seen by students in their first or second year of study. Fifty-four percent (n = 48/89) of students was very likely or extremely likely to recommend the video to others, and 37% (n = 33/89) of students were somewhat likely. Students found the instructional video to be useful and expressed a desire for similar content to be integrated into other facets of teaching. The audio-visual mode of delivery was regarded as effective for this context. Constructive feedback included suggestions of incorporating more advanced educational features such as how to interpret comparative medication charts and interaction checkers. CONCLUSIONS: The 'How to use the AMH' video is a good introductory resource for undergraduate Australian healthcare students. Our results indicate that this video would be best suited to complement the teaching of students early on in their studies.

Multicentre audit of ACE-inhibitor associated angioedema (MAAAA).

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a commonly used class of medications that are generally well tolerated. However, angioedema, a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect, may occur. METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed on patients who presented with angioedema to two emergency departments in Adelaide, Australia. Case notes of patients presenting with angioedema who were using an ACE inhibitor were reviewed. This study examined the clinical features of presentation, treatment and outcomes of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were identified as having angioedema across the two emergency departments. Fifty-one (31%; 95% CI = 24-39) were found to be on an ACE inhibitor. The two main presenting symptoms were soft tissue swelling in the head and neck (98%), and respiratory distress (33%), both of which usually developed after several hours. Patients were commonly treated with steroids (70%), antihistamines (65%) and adrenaline (35%). Two patients developed airway obstruction. DISCUSSION: A substantial proportion of emergency department encounters with angioedema in South Australia are from patients who also use an ACE inhibitor. It is important that general practitioners are aware of this problem, to enable rapid recognition and appropriate patient education when prescribing these medications.