Hyperglycemia Post-Influenza Vaccine in Patients With Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: There are more than 350 reports of hyperglycemia post-influenza vaccine according to the Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System. Only one case report has been published detailing unusual post-vaccination hyperglycemia. The mechanism as to why hyperglycemia may occur post-vaccination has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: Primary: To identify hyperglycemia within the first 24 hours of influenza vaccine. Secondary: To identify transient property of hyperglycemia within 4 days after vaccine. METHODS: Multicenter prospective cohort study. Recruitment conducted throughout San Antonio, Texas, during 2018-2020 influenza seasons. Patients were included if 18 years or older, had diabetes mellitus, and currently checking their blood glucose daily. Patients excluded if they had a recent medication change that would effect their blood glucose readings. Patients had hemoglobin A1c and blood glucose measured prior to vaccination with a single dose (0.5 mL) of the tri-valent influenza vaccine intramuscularly. Glucose readings were collected within 24 hours post-vaccination and subsequent mornings for 4 days. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included. Average patient age was 75 years with 60% white, 30% black, and 10% Hispanic. Median fasting glucose pre-vaccination was significantly lower than the median value 0 to 24 hours post-vaccination (140 vs 203 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Hyperglycemia was noted 0 to 24 hours post-vaccination and was transient in nature with a return to baseline by post-vaccination day 2. This trial was conducted to close a potential gap in counseling regarding the flu vaccine and decrease any potential concern surrounding the vaccine in patients with diabetes that could lead to reduced vaccination rates.

Adherence to Insulin Therapy.

IN BRIEF Six million people with diabetes use insulin either alone or in combination with an oral medication. Many barriers exist that lead to poor adherence with insulin. However, there is an underwhelming amount of data on interventions to address these barriers and improve insulin adherence. Until pharmacological advancements create easier, more acceptable insulin regimens, it is imperative to involve patients in shared decision-making.

The Validation of a Case-Based, Cumulative Assessment and Progressions Examination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess content and criterion validity, as well as reliability of an internally developed, case-based, cumulative, high-stakes third-year Annual Student Assessment and Progression Examination (P3 ASAP Exam). METHODS: Content validity was assessed through the writing-reviewing process. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing student scores on the P3 ASAP Exam with the nationally validated Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). Reliability was assessed with psychometric analysis comparing student performance over four years. RESULTS: The P3 ASAP Exam showed content validity through representation of didactic courses and professional outcomes. Similar scores on the P3 ASAP Exam and PCOA with Pearson correlation coefficient established criterion validity. Consistent student performance using Kuder-Richardson coefficient (KR-20) since 2012 reflected reliability of the examination. CONCLUSION: Pharmacy schools can implement internally developed, high-stakes, cumulative progression examinations that are valid and reliable using a robust writing-reviewing process and psychometric analyses.

Evaluation of Clinical and Communication Skills of Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists with an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

Objective. To evaluate how effectively pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists communicate and apply knowledge to simulations of commonly encountered patient scenarios using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Design. Second-, third-, and fourth-year pharmacy students completed an OSCE as part of their required courses in 2012 and 2013. All students in both years completed identical OSCE cases. Licensed pharmacists were recruited to complete the OSCE and serve as controls in 2012. A survey assessed student perception and acceptance of the OSCE as well as student confidence in performance. Assessment. Licensed pharmacists had significantly higher clinical and communication skills scores than did pharmacy students. Student progression in communication and clinical skills improved significantly over time. Survey results indicated that students felt the OSCE was well-structured and assessed clinical skills taught in pharmacy school; 86% of students felt confident they could provide these skills. Conclusion. Objective structured clinical examinations can evaluate clinical competence and communication skills among professional students. Implementation of OSCEs may be an effective tool for assessment of the Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education domains.