Evaluation of a Sepsis Teaching Rounds Simulation for Pharmacy Students

Background and purpose The goal of this prospective, observational cohort study was to determine if simulated interdisciplinary teaching rounds improved student perceptions of confidence and attitudes towards working as part of a team. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate changes in student knowledge of the management of sepsis. Educational activity and setting Students participated in a traditional sepsis lecture followed by a simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience. Confidence and collaborative attitudes were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Changes in knowledge were measured using multiple choice questions. Students completed these tools at three points in time: pre-lecture, post-lecture, and post-simulation. Findings Student confidence and attitudes related to interdisciplinary rounds improved following the simulation (2 of 4 items, p = 0.003; 2 of 5 items, p \u3c 0.05). Also, most students agreed or strongly-agreed that the simulation reinforced knowledge gained from lecture (94.7%), that lecture followed by a simulation was the most effective way to learn about sepsis (94.7%), and that the simulation helped reinforce critical-thinking skills (94.7%). Knowledge improved between the didactic lecture and the simulation, but these differences were not found to be statistically significant. Summary A simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience may increase student confidence during teaching rounds and improve attitudes towards working alongside other healthcare professionals. Incorporating rounding simulations into pharmacy curricula may be beneficial towards student success on rounds

Assessing Student Empathy for Hemodialysis Patients

Hemodialysis is a treatment process utilized by kidney patients to filter their blood. These patients are required to undergo an intensive regimen including hemodialysis treatments multiple times per week lasting 3-5 hours each. As a result of hemodialysis, patients experience decreased autonomy, freedom, and independence. An estimated 50% of these patients do not adhere to their treatment regimen. Patients on hemodialysis may be more compliant to their treatment if they are satisfied with the level of care and empathy they perceive from their healthcare providers. Currently there is no literature measuring empathy levels of healthcare professionals or students towards patients on hemodialysis. Examining student empathy levels toward this patient population provides a good representation of future healthcare professional empathy levels. Attitudes developed during school impact the future of patient-focused healthcare and ultimately, patient outcomes. The objectives of this study include: to determine the factors influencing medical, nursing, and pharmacy students; to determine empathy levels for medical, nursing, and pharmacy students; and to design and implement an intervention based on determined factors to increase student empathy in pharmacy students. This study will be conducted in two phases. The first phase involves contacting different medical, nursing, and pharmacy schools in Ohio. We will assess medical, nursing, and pharmacy student’s empathy towards patients on hemodialysis. A survey will be created consisting of the Kiersma Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) to assess empathy and questions addressing factors influencing student empathy. An educational intervention will then be developed in the second phase based on phase one results. The intervention will be implemented in Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy second year professional students. A pre-post test will be administered to these pharmacy students in order to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention in increasing their empathy levels. Data from phase one will be exported from Qualtrics software to IBM SPSS 22® for statistical analysis. Analysis will be performed to determine possible factors influencing student empathy and compare difference between students in medical, nursing, and pharmacy health professions

Integration of the Saline Process on Holistic Patient Care to Improve Student Understanding of Interprofessional Team Roles, Values, and Ethics

Description of the Problem: Healthcare practitioner students currently report feeling underprepared to provide holistic and spiritual care to their patients upon transitioning into practice, and there is currently little data on the efficacy of holistic care-focused interventions on interprofessional outcomes. The goal of this research was to assess the impact of an interprofessional training session on holistic care on student perceptions of interprofessional 1) roles/responsibilities and 2) values/ethics. The Innovation: A live, interactive interprofessional training session to address holistic patient care was implemented in fall of 2017. Students’ pre- and post-training perceptions of their confidence in study outcomes were assessed using a survey instrument. Critical Analysis: Significant positive changes were seen in students’ perceived ability to participate in team discussions and clarify misconceptions regarding their role in healthcare following the training. Students had high confidence in interacting ethically at pre-test and sustained that confidence. Next Steps: Live, interactive educational interventions with skills practice and group discussions can help to increase students’ awareness of team roles and responsibilities, as well as expand their understanding of the values and ethics within healthcare professions

The Impact of Free Health Screenings at Community Pharmacies on Diabetes

Diabetes is a prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 8.1 million people un-diagnosed as of 2012. Health screenings have been proven to identify diseases earlier, thereby resulting in earlier and more satisfactory treatment. Community pharmacies can offer many of the same screenings as those in doctor offices. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of free health screenings in community pharmacies on patient follow-up, perceptions, and knowledge of diabetes through blood glucose screenings and patient education. The study design was a pre-post observational study using surveys, blood sugar screenings, and patient education on diabetes. Participants were voluntary patients from four REM Corporation pharmacies in Ohio who were 18 or older, not recently tested for diabetes, non-diabetic, not pregnant, and without disorders that could hinder survey responses and education. Pre- and post-surveys assessed both patient perceptions on free health screenings in community pharmacies and on diabetes knowledge. Results among the 26 participants showed there was no statistically significant difference between patient perception pre- and post-surveys (all p-values ≥ 0.05), however there was a statistically significant difference between pre and post diabetes knowledge surveys (p \u3c 0.001). Limitations of this study were the small sample size due to the relatively small pharmacies utilized and short length of study time. Future directions should focus on using more demographically diverse pharmacies and a longer study time. Due to patients already having highly positive perceptions of health screenings in community pharmacies, future research should assess patient knowledge of diseases and the impact of patient education on overall health outcomes. Results of the study showed patients had positive opinions on free health screenings in community pharmacies and these screenings can help patients understand disease states and be more aware of their health

The Impact of Free Health Screenings at Community Pharmacies on Diabetes

Diabetes is a prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 8.1 million people un-diagnosed as of 2012. Health screenings have been proven to identify diseases earlier, thereby resulting in earlier and more satisfactory treatment. Community pharmacies can offer many of the same screenings as those in doctor offices. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of free health screenings in community pharmacies on patient follow-up, perceptions, and knowledge of diabetes through blood glucose screenings and patient education. The study design was a pre-post observational study using surveys, blood sugar screenings, and patient education on diabetes. Participants were voluntary patients from four REM Corporation pharmacies in Ohio who were 18 or older, not recently tested for diabetes, non-diabetic, not pregnant, and without disorders that could hinder survey responses and education. Pre- and post-surveys assessed both patient perceptions on free health screenings in community pharmacies and on diabetes knowledge. Results among the 26 participants showed there was no statistically significant difference between patient perception pre- and post-surveys (all p-values ≥ 0.05), however there was a statistically significant difference between pre and post diabetes knowledge surveys (p \u3c 0.001). Limitations of this study were the small sample size due to the relatively small pharmacies utilized and short length of study time. Future directions should focus on using more demographically diverse pharmacies and a longer study time. Due to patients already having highly positive perceptions of health screenings in community pharmacies, future research should assess patient knowledge of diseases and the impact of patient education on overall health outcomes. Results of the study showed patients had positive opinions on free health screenings in community pharmacies and these screenings can help patients understand disease states and be more aware of their health

The Impact of Free Health Screenings at Community Pharmacies on Diabetes

Background: Health screenings can be beneficial when looking to detect diseases early on, thus making treatment easier. Free health screenings are typically performed in the community pharmacy setting. This makes it convenient because it is easily accessible and there is no appointment required. Diabetes is currently one of the most significant health issues faced today, with an estimated 7 million Americans going undiagnosed. Health screenings in community pharmacies are valuable to detect high blood glucose levels for patients to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies related to health screenings have focused on hypertension and cholesterol, and few have been conducted on diabetes alone. Extensive research has not been performed regarding patient knowledge of diabetes or on the impact of health screenings. Due to this lack of research and the prevalence of diabetes, it is essential to explore the impact of free health screenings in regards to this growing health care issue. Objective: To assess the impact of free health screenings in community pharmacies on patient follow-up, perceptions, and knowledge of diabetes through blood glucose screenings and patient education. Methods: Data will be collected from local Kroger pharmacies. Patients will be purposefully selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected patients will be given a pre-survey at baseline prior to blood glucose testing and diabetes education. Individuals with abnormally high blood glucose levels will be referred to see a physician. Referred participants will be called a month after referral regarding the follow-up with their physician and potential diabetes diagnosis. All of the subjects will be called after a month to remind them to complete the post-survey. The post-survey will be sent to individuals by mail or email a month after the pre-survey. These surveys will contain the exact same questions as the pre-survey

The Impact of Free Health Screenings at Community Pharmacies on Diabetes

Title: The Impact of Free Health Screenings at Community Pharmacies on Diabetes Authors: Jacques Allou, Jessica Amtower, Nicholas Daniels, Jeniffer George, Anna Smith, Jeb Ballentine, Pharm.D., and Emily Laswell, Pharm.D. Background: Health screenings can be beneficial when looking to detect diseases early on, thus making treatment easier. Free health screenings are typically performed in the community pharmacy setting. This makes it convenient because it is easily accessible and there is no appointment required. Diabetes is currently one of the most significant health issues faced today, with an estimated 7 million Americans going undiagnosed. Health screenings in community pharmacies are valuable to detect high blood glucose levels for patients to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies related to health screenings have focused on hypertension and cholesterol, and few have been conducted on diabetes alone. Extensive research has not been performed regarding patient knowledge of diabetes or on the impact of health screenings. Due to this lack of research and the prevalence of diabetes, it is essential to explore the impact of free health screenings in regards to this growing health care issue. Objective: To assess the impact of free health screenings in community pharmacies on patient follow-up, perceptions, and knowledge of diabetes through blood glucose screenings and patient education. Methods: Data will be collected from local Kroger pharmacies. Patients will be purposefully selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected patients will be given a pre-survey at baseline prior to blood glucose testing and diabetes education. Individuals with abnormally high blood glucose levels will be referred to see a physician. Referred participants will be called a month after referral regarding the follow-up with their physician and potential diabetes diagnosis. All of the subjects will be called after a month to remind them to complete the post-survey. The post-survey will be sent to individuals by mail or email a month after the pre-survey. These surveys will contain the exact same questions as the pre-survey

Discharge Medication Counseling and its Correlation with Reducing Readmissions for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Objective: To determine the impact of pharmacist-provided discharge medication counseling on 30 and 90 day hospital readmissions and ED visits in patients admitted with COPD exacerbation. Methods: A hospital-wide improvement was initiated, where COPD patients received discharge medication counseling and follow up phone call by a pharmacist. A pilot study was implemented, and data on readmission rates at 30- and 90-days were collected and compared to a hand-matched, retrospective control group that had not received discharge counseling by a pharmacist. Differences in readmission rates were analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Results: A total of 28 patients received discharge counseling by the pharmacist and were compared to 28 retrospective patients. Differences in 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were not significant (p=1.000 and p=0.589, respectively). After thirty days, 7 (25%) intervention and 7 (25%) retrospective group patients had been readmitted. After ninety days, 11 (39.3%) intervention and 13 (46.4%) non-intervention patients had been readmitted. Since a small cohort of patients received discharge counseling, the study did not meet power. Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, patients who received discharge medication counseling provided by a pharmacist had lower 90-day readmission rates post discharge. As regulations are implemented that penalize hospitals for readmissions that occur within 30 days of discharge, it is imperative that health care systems develop new strategies aimed at reducing readmission rates. Further studies that are adequately powered are needed to assess the impact pharmacists can have on readmission rates.   Type: Original Researc