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General Insight
Developing a Hospital-Based Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Developing a Hospital-Based Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Mariel C. Pereda, PharmD, BCPS

Developing a pharmacy technician training program is one way for health systems to increase the availability of highly qualified pharmacy technicians.

Anticoagulation
Finding Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation: Why, What, Who and How

Finding Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation: Why, What, Who and How

James S. Kalus, PharmD, FASHP

Pharmacists can identify undiagnosed atrial fibrillation and prevent stroke. A plan for screening for atrial fibrillation.

Standardize 4 Safety
Standardize 4 Safety: How Did It Start and Where Is It Going?

Standardize 4 Safety: How Did It Start and Where Is It Going?

Deborah Pasko, PharmD, BSPharm, MHA

I became interested in standardizing oral liquid and intravenous medication concentrations after seeing and taking care of patients that had experienced adverse events related to medication errors involving the wrong concentration of the medication. I experienced this during my tenure as a Pediatric Intensive Care Pharmacy Specialist from 2003-2009. In addition, in 2005 we purchased new syringe pumps (aka “smart infusion devices”) that could be programmed with the concentration for the practitioner so they could choose from a menu instead of programming themselves. It was starting the era of smart bedside technology and pharmacies needed to catch up to the technology.

Standardize 4 Safety
A Plea for Standardization

A Plea for Standardization

Natasha Nicol, PharmD, FASHP

In the complex processes that make up the medication use system, every step offers an opportunity for error. Effective error reduction is possible if we look at each step and devise ways to reduce the human element, through strategies such as forcing functions (e.g., profiled automation), barriers (e.g., bar coding), and standardization.

Immunotherapy
What if we are the key? Pharmacist Roles for Oncology Palliative Care

What if we are the key? Pharmacist Roles for Oncology Palliative Care

Tonya Smith, PharmD, BCPS

Considering pharmacist roles for integration of palliative care services for oncology patients

C. difficile
Treatment of C. difficile infection in children and adolescents

Treatment of C. difficile infection in children and adolescents

Travis J. Carlson, PharmD, BCIDP

Evidence regarding the treatment of C. difficile infection in children and adolescents has recently emerged and the results may surprise you!

C. difficile
Prioritizing fulminant C. difficile infection research

Prioritizing fulminant C. difficile infection research

Travis J. Carlson, PharmD, BCIDP

Fulminant C. difficile infection is a deadly disease, yet no medication intervention has demonstrated the ability to reduce the risk of mortality.

Immunotherapy
The Pharmacist as Immunotherapy Educator: Focus on the Human Factor

The Pharmacist as Immunotherapy Educator: Focus on the Human Factor

Jordan McPherson, PharmD, MS, BCOP

Practical pharmacist education with a focus on early intervention, simplicity, and mutual trust can optimize immune-related adverse event management.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Potentially Big Concerns for Little Patients

Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Potentially Big Concerns for Little Patients

Erin Hamai Tom, Pharm.D., APh, MBA, BCACP

Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare disease, challenged further by its nonspecific symptomatic presentation and lack of treatment options.

Drug Diversion Prevention
Mitigating Drug Diversion in Ambulatory Procedural Areas

Mitigating Drug Diversion in Ambulatory Procedural Areas

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA

In order to prevent drug diversion in ambulatory settings pharmacy leaders must adapt their oversight to the changing practices of healthcare delivery.