The role of state boards of pharmacy is undergoing critical reevaluation amidst widespread reforms in healthcare oversight. This paper explores the evolution of pharmacy governance through the lens of Idaho, a state that has emerged as a national leader in regulatory innovation. In 2025, Idaho enacted legislation that essentially eliminated the quasi-legislative function of its Board of Pharmacy, restoring all policymaking authority to the state legislature and adopting a flexible, statutory-based model grounded in the "standard-of-care" framework. This restructuring reflects broader national trends influenced by legal challenges to antitrust immunity and efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. The paper examines the implications of Idaho’s approach, contrasting traditional quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial roles of pharmacy boards with emerging alternatives such as centralized adjudication systems and consolidated health professional oversight bodies. It argues that the Idaho model may serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to modernize pharmacy regulation, raising fundamental questions about the future necessity and structure of state pharmacy boards in an increasingly adaptive healthcare system.
The Filipino pharmacist is an important healthcare frontliner and can especially contribute meaningfully to the national response to HIV/AIDS in the country. However, national policies need to elaborate their roles and functions better. This review aims to summarize and synthesize the existing literature available in the country to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacists and their contribution to HIV prevention and management. Although their emerging roles have been internationally recognized, research and evidence in the Philippines remains limited. Furthermore, limitations in logistics, administration, regulation, professional practice, and patients are observed in many pharmacy-led programs and initiatives which can be anticipated in pharmacy-led HIV programs. On top of that, there needs to be a more effective translation of evidence into the context of the Philippines. This calls for a re-evaluation of current practices, standards, and guidelines to ensure pharmacists can be involved and become proactive in this area of healthcare. Collaboration with key stakeholders isimportant in ensuring the effective integration of the pharmacists in the current framework of HIV care continuum in the country
Introduction: Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for more than 80% of patients on the AD continuum. Objective: The objective of this study is to query patient concerns towards their risk of developing preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and assess patient beliefs and preferences towards screening and taking potential preventive therapies. Methods: An electronic survey assessed older adult perceptions towards their risk of developing preclinical AD, screening, and preventive therapies. Results: One-hundred eight patients aged 55 to 80 years completed the survey during routine care at a family medicine clinic. Overall, 89% of participants would undergo blood screening for preclinical AD, despite 75% not believing they are at higher risk than peers. When asked about treatment, 83% showed interest in medication treatments, with 71% interested in intravenous (IV) formulations and 61% in subcutaneous formulations. These data show a slight preference for IV formulations. There were no significant differences between demographic groups and willingness to test or treat preclinical AD. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for patient-centered approaches to preclinical AD screening and treatment.
Over the past decade, community pharmacists have remained among the most accessible healthcare professionals in the U.S. Their role has expanded significantly through regulatory changes and practice innovations, positioning them as trusted educators, public health providers, and essential access points for primary care services. Pharmacists now offer a broader range of patient care services—from test-to-treat programs to contraceptive prescribing—and are helping patients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system through culturally responsive, patient-centered communication. However, critical challenges remain. Pharmacy closures continue to deepen health disparities in underserved communities, medication affordability remains a barrier, and growing stress and burnout among pharmacy staff threaten the sustainability of the workforce. To realize the full potential of community pharmacy, targeted efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, support staff wellbeing, and ensure equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care for all.
Background: Pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare team members, are uniquely positioned to leverage technology to increase healthcare access. The increasing prevalence of technological innovations such as telemedicine, health hub programs, and e-visits, prompts the question of whether the public can benefit from pharmacist-provided care through technology. Objective(s): The primary aim of this investigation is to evaluate patients' awareness and readiness to use technology-based pharmacist-led patient care services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Arizona participants to assess patients' awareness and readiness levels to use pharmacist-provided care through technology-based solutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants' level of awareness of and readiness to use the services/platforms, their prior experience with the services/platforms, and demographics. Chi-squared tests were performed on the categorical variables (corresponding to each advanced service and technology platform) by participants' demographics. Results: Patients were most aware of pharmacists providing immunizations (61%) and over-the-counter medication recommendations (56%) and less aware of automated medication dispensaries (78%), HealthHub (44%), and video conferences/e-visits (42%). Despite their lack of awareness, most patients reported being ready to use technology platforms in the pharmacy. Participant gender, education, and access to primary health care were found to be significantly associated with their awareness while having health insurance or a chronic health condition was found to be significantly associated with their readiness to use a service and/or technology platform. Conclusion: The results of this study provide another promising contribution to the literature supporting the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, increase healthcare access, and inspire and motivate the healthcare community to continue to reduce health inequities in the United States. Further work is needed to expand knowledge into the perceptions, preferences, and access of patients to further address the use of advanced and technology-based pharmacy services.
Background: Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as accessible providers of sexual and reproductive health services, including sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and education. However, public comfort discussing sexual health in pharmacy settings remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess public willingness and comfort in engaging with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on sexual health topics. Methods: A 22-item cross-sectional survey developed and validated by the study investigators was distributed via Qualtrics to adults aged ≥ 18 years between September and November 2024. Recruitment occurred through Wayne State University communication platforms and an external consumer email list. Survey items included multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and yes/no questions across five domains: demographics, comfort discussing sexual health with pharmacy staff, willingness to use pharmacy-based sexual health services (PBSHS) (e.g., pharmacist-performed STI testing), provider preferences, and awareness of PBSHS. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 110 eligible respondents were included in the analysis (mean age 26 years; 71% female). Although 73% of participants reported being comfortable discussing sexual health topics in general, only 39% reported feeling somewhat or extremely comfortable discussing sexual health with a pharmacist. Most respondents preferred discussing sexual health with a primary care provider (64%), while only 2% preferred a pharmacist. Awareness of pharmacy-based STI testing services was limited, with 53% reporting they were unaware such services were available. Despite this, 57% indicated willingness to receive pharmacist-performed point-of-care STI testing, and 74% reported willingness to receive pharmacist follow-up counseling and treatment after testing. Willingness to discuss sexual health through telepharmacy was reported by 71% of respondents. Conclusion: Although willingness to utilize pharmacy-based sexual health services was moderate, awareness of available services and comfort discussing sexual health with pharmacists remain limited. Increasing public awareness of pharmacist-provided services and improving communication around pharmacists’ clinical roles may enhance patient engagement with PBSHS.
Background: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, an oral antiviral for COVID-19, was released under an Emergency Use Authorization in December 2021. Its complex drug-drug interaction (DDI) profile, combined with limited initial guidance on DDI management, created a critical need for pharmacist-led interventions to ensure safe use. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency, type, and interventions for DDIs identified by an ambulatory care pharmacist in a rural clinic during a period when comprehensive guiding literature on nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was unavailable. Methods: A retrospective electronic medical record review was conducted at a rural South Dakota clinic for patients seen January 1 to September 12, 2022. Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were assessed by the pharmacist for antiviral therapy eligibility were included. Pharmacist-identified DDIs and interventions were categorized by type, and time spent per evaluation was recorded. Results: Of the 141 included evaluations, 103 (73.0%) had at least one DDI identified, with a total of 195 interactions across 73 drugs. Most common drug classes involved were statins, opioids, and calcium channel blockers. Multiple DDIs were found in 52 evaluations and 32 evaluations required more than one drug intervention. Time spent on evaluations averaged 35 minutes. Despite incomplete guidance, pharmacist assessments aligned with later published data. Conclusion: In the absence of comprehensive resources, the ambulatory care pharmacist played a critical role in identifying and managing potential DDIs. This study highlights the clinical value and workload burden of pharmacists practicing in settings where DDI evaluation occurs prior to prescribing, such as this clinic-based model. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and appropriately reimbursing pharmacist contributions within ambulatory care practices.
Purpose: Pharmacy technicians in rural health systems face elevated risk of burnout, yet limited research has explored management perspectives on this issue. The objective of this study was to explore pharmacy management perceptions of technician burnout in South Dakota health systems. The secondary objective was to evaluate user engagement with a free, student-developed website containing technician-focused burnout resources. Methods: This qualitative study used virtual focus groups with pharmacy managers from three major rural health systems to identify perceptions of technician burnout. Inductive coding was used to analyze focus group transcripts. Additionally, students designed a website based on data from South Dakota-based technicians that contained links to targeted resources. Website usage was tracked for six weeks using Google Analytics. Results: Thirteen pharmacy managers from five hospitals participated. Themes included recognition of burnout indicators, emphasis on behavioral rather than structural solutions, and challenges in addressing technician needs. The website, organized around five technician-reported stressors, was accessed 140 times by 67 unique users. Engagement was brief (average 72 seconds per visit), with the “Inadequate Staffing” page receiving the most views. Conclusion: Pharmacy managers are aware of technician burnout but emphasize individual-level support over system-level change. A student-developed website was modestly utilized, suggesting that passive tools may have limited standalone impact without structural reinforcement or integration into practice.
Introduction: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) outcomes but are often unaddressed in traditional care models. Diabetes-related distress (DD) also contributes to suboptimal disease control. Pharmacists in ambulatory settings are well-positioned to screen for and respond to these non-clinical barriers. Objective: To assess the prevalence of SDOH needs and DD among patients in a pharmacist-led clinic and describe interventions provided in response. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven-month period. Forty adult patients with T2DM attending in-person pharmacist-led visits were screened for SDOH and DD using validated tools. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations were used to analyze relationships among HbA1c, SDOH burden, and DD. Results: The majority of patients were female (72.5%) and African American (87.5%). SDOH needs were identified in 67.5% of patients, with the most common being lack of social support (44.4%), financial strain (40.7%), and food insecurity (29.6%). Moderate to high DD (T2-DDAS CORE ≥2.0) was present in 50.0% of patients. A significant, moderate positive correlation was observed between baseline HbA1c and T2-DDAS CORE scores (Spearman ρ = 0.423, p = 0.007; R² = 0.191). Pharmacists provided a mean of 1.9 ± 0.9 interventions per patient visit, which included both routine clinical actions and screening-prompted interventions. Routine care most commonly included medication adjustment (n=23) and diabetes self-management education and support (n=19), whereas referral to community resources were the most frequent screening-prompted interventions, driven by both SDOH (n=11) and DD (n=6) findings. The mean combined time to complete both screenings was 6.45 ± 2.32 minutes. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led screenings identified a high prevalence of unmet SDOH needs and DD. Interventions prompted by SDOH and DD screenings were feasible to implement and may support improved diabetes management.
Introduction: Injection drug use (IDU) increases risk for preventable infections and drug overdose. Within the Veterans Health Administration, dedicated syringe services programs (SSP) aim to reduce these harms; however, identifying and engaging Veterans with recent IDU remains challenging. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated a clinical pharmacist practitioner (CPP)-led outreach model designed to increase SSP engagement and harm reduction resource access among Veterans with IDU receiving care at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. Methods: This was a prospective single-arm cohort QI project completed July 2024-April 2025. Veterans with past-year IDU were identified via the national VA Syringe Service Program Dashboard and verified via retrospective chart review. A CPP-led team contacted Veterans by phone and in-person outreach, offered education, and provided harm reduction resources. The primary outcome was engagement with outreach; secondary outcomes included acceptance of infection screening, antimicrobial treatment/prophylaxis, and supplies for safer injection, infection prevention, safer sex, and overdose prevention. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate results. Results: Veterans (n=53) were age 57.6 ± 12.3 years, primarily assigned male at birth (n=51, 96.2%), unknown gender identity (n=32, 60.4%), White/Caucasian (n=27, 50.9%), and straight/heterosexual (n=31, 58.5%). Fourteen (26.4%) engaged with the CPP-led outreach. Among those, most (n=13, 92.9%) accepted ≥ 1 resource: supplies for overdose prevention (n=11, 78.6%), infection prevention (n=10, 71.4%), safer injection (n=9, 64.3%), and safer sex (n=4, 28.6%), plus infection screening (n=6, 42.9%) and hepatitis B virus vaccine (n=1, 7.1%). None accepted HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Among the remaining Veterans, 21 (39.6%) were not reached, 15 (28.3%) declined, and 3 (5.7%) were deceased. Conclusion: Approximately one in four Veterans with past-year IDU engaged with the CPP-led team. Outreach resulted in new linkages to resources that reduce infection and overdose risk. These findings highlight the potential value of low barrier, dashboard-driven harm reduction outreach, and further evaluation is warranted.
Introduction: In 2023, 339,000 Minnesota residents (3.8% of the state’s population) lacked healthcare insurance. In that same year, approximately 32% of 1,400 Minnesota residents surveyed who earned less than US$50,000 indicated that they did not get a prescription filled, split tablets, or skipped doses due to the cost of their medications. RoundtableRx, Minnesota’s medication repository program regulated by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, receives unopened, in-date, no-longer-needed medications donated by healthcare facilities and individuals. These medications are distributed to local RoundtableRx partner repositories (pharmacies or clinics), repackaged and dispensed at low cost/no cost to patients unable to afford the medication. As of the time of this report, of RoundtableRx’s 42 local repositories, 15 are located in Minnesota’s 49 rural counties. RoundtableRx desired to expand its services to additional rural counties, particularly areas of the state defined as Pharmacy Deserts, located 10 or more driving miles (16 kilometers) from the nearest pharmacy. Most local repositories are recruited through in-person visits by RoundtableRx leaders. To efficiently plan visits to potential repository partners in Minnesota’s most socially vulnerable rural areas, interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was employed to identify existing rural RoundtableRx partner repositories, rural pharmacies not currently participating with RoundtableRx, rural pharmacy deserts, and clinics within those rural pharmacy deserts. Methods: RoundtableRx partnered with University of Minnesota’s (UMN) U-Spatial, two UMN first-year (PGY1) pharmacy residents and the UMN College of Pharmacy to generate a map of pharmacy deserts in socially vulnerable Minnesota rural counties. Community and hospital pharmacies located in rural Minnesota were identified through a list from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacy deserts were defined as rural areas either 10 miles (16 kilometers) by road or 30 minutes driving time from the nearest pharmacy. Outlets of national chain pharmacies were included in identifying pharmacy deserts; however, these pharmacies were not considered as potential partners due to lack of corporate responsiveness to earlier RoundtableRx overtures to recruit repository sites in either rural or urban communities. Clinics located within rural pharmacy deserts were identified through an internet search for primary care clinics in Minnesota. The University of Wisconsin’s Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to determine an area’s level of social vulnerability instead of the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The ADI more explicitly addresses measures of socioeconomic status than does the SVI. Staff from U-spatial incorporated each of the above data sets as individual layers in a web-based interactive GIS map that the team used to interrogate the data. Findings: The resulting GIS map was used by RoundtableRx leaders to efficiently plan driving trips to rural pharmacies or clinics that might be recruited as RoundtableRx local repositories in Minnesota’s most socially vulnerable counties. Conclusions: GIS mapping enabled Minnesota’s prescription drug repository program to efficiently plan in-person visits to potential RoundtableRx local repositories in socially-vulnerable rural communities. The map also suggests that a mail-order pharmacy option would further increase prescription drug access for patients living in rural Minnesota’s medically-underserved pharmacy deserts.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the United States Food and Drug Administration's 2008 warnings on the use of fluoroquinolones in patients with lung cancer. Methods: The impact of the 2008 FDA warnings on fluoroquinolone use in patients with lung cancer ≥ 60 years old in the VA system (2002-2022) was evaluated. Patients ≥ 60 years of age with lung cancer from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2022, were included. The number of patients with a fluoroquinolone prescription or inpatient order for each calendar year was standardized as a percentage of newly diagnosed patients. Patients receiving a fluoroquinolone were also evaluated for the concomitant use of corticosteroids and QTc-prolonging medications, which were also standardized as a percentage of newly diagnosed patients. Interrupted time series analyses were used to evaluate the impact of the FDA warnings issued in 2008. The pre-period was 2002-2007, and the post-period was 2009-2022. Results: Statistically significant reductions were observed in fluoroquinolone use for patients with lung cancer aged ≥ 60 years as well as the use of concomitant QTc-prolonging agents. Numerical reductions in the concomitant use of fluoroquinolones and corticosteroids were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The use of fluoroquinolones and concomitant medications associated with safety risks has decreased over time. Healthcare providers caring for veterans with lung cancers have been responsive to the 2008 FDA warnings.
Background: Postoperative recovery is frequently compromised by poor medication adherence and suboptimal pain control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study evaluated the combined impact of structured Medication Therapy Management (MTM) and optimized analgesic regimens on postoperative outcomes. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Medax Hospitals, Bengaluru, between June and August 2024. Ninety-five postoperative patients aged ≥18 years, undergoing multidisciplinary surgeries, receiving postoperative pain management, and with complete clinical records were enrolled. Patients unwilling to participate, undergoing emergency or non-surgical procedures, aged <18 years, or with psychological illness were excluded. Participants were randomized to receive either MTM (n = 48) or standard care (n = 47). MTM interventions included personalized medication reviews and patient counseling. Pain regimens comprised opioid-based (tramadol), steroidal, NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) combinations (diclofenac + paracetamol), or paracetamol monotherapy. Medication adherence was measured using the MARS-5 (Medication Adherence Report Scale), and pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ordinal logistic regression, and mixed-effects modeling. Results: MTM significantly improved adherence, with 100% of MTM recipients achieving moderate to high adherence versus 100% low adherence in controls (χ² = 95.0, p < 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression identified MTM as a strong predictor of adherence (OR >10¹³, p < 0.001). For pain management, tramadol yielded the lowest mean NRS score (0.78), outperforming steroids (2.00), diclofenac + paracetamol (3.68), and paracetamol alone (6.67) (p < 0.001). Mixed-effects models confirmed significant between-group differences (F = 99.54, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pharmacist-led MTM substantially enhanced postoperative medication adherence, while opioid-based regimens provided superior analgesia compared to non-opioid strategies. Integrating MTM with individualized analgesic protocols markedly improved surgical recovery, particularly in LMICs. Larger multicenter trials were warranted to validate these findings and explore scalable digital adherence solutions
Introduction: Hospital pharmacy has evolved to include advanced roles such as medication therapy management, pharmacogenomics, and collaborative prescribing. Advanced pharmacy practice and specialisation (APPS) plays a crucial role in improving healthcare access, reducing costs, enhancing the quality of care, and achieving better patient outcomes. This study assessed the extent of APP and specialisation at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), identified key challenges, and proposed recommendations for improving APP in Nigeria Method: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study collected quantitative data through a self-administered online questionnaire, while qualitative data was collected through five interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS (v23) and inductive thematic analysis. Census sampling was employed, and ethical approval was granted by the UATH Ethical Review Board (UATH/HREC/PR/2024/0/9192). Results: Of the 48 respondents, 79% expressed interest in specialisation, although only 37% had commenced residency training and 44% held advanced certifications. Engagement in advanced pharmacy practice was limited to 50%, and pharmacists lacked prescribing rights. Interest in specialisation was significantly influenced by qualification, with B.Pharm/M.Pharm holders showing greater interest (p=0.014). Younger pharmacists expressed less interest in pursuing specialization. Motivations for pursuing specialisation included career advancement (54%), personal interest (50%), and improved patient care (40%). Qualitative data revealed that limited financial support, insufficient institutional support, and professional barriers such as the absence of a structured specialisation pathway, limited recognition of APP, and limited interprofessional collaboration were major obstacles. Conclusion: Improving access to funding for specialisation training, implementing supportive policies such as the consultancy cadre, and increasing awareness and education on the value of APP are essential towards its wider adoption in Nigeria.
Background: Blood pressure (BP) control can be influenced by patients’ knowledge of hypertension treatment and medication adherence. Adherence can be influenced by patients’ knowledge. In Ghana, a resource-limited setting, the relationship between these variables is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate hypertension treatment knowledge and medication adherence and their relationship with BP control among hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adult hypertensive outpatients using a structured questionnaire. Medication adherence was evaluated based on the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale. Systematic sampling was used. SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: Majority (72.8%) of respondents were females. Nearly half (48.5%) were aged 65 years and above. The proportion of patients with adequate knowledge was 3.7%. About 40% of patients had high adherence. Moderate knowledge of hypertension treatment was insignificantly associated with 1.57 times higher odds of BP control (COR: 1.57; CI 0.98-2.53). Moderate knowledge was 4.73 times more likely to result in adherence than low knowledge (COR: 4.73; CI 2.49-9.01; p<0.001). Higher medication adherence (≥ 80%) was 1.98 times more likely to result in BP control than lower adherence (COR: 1.98; CI 1.03-3.80; p<0.05) Conclusion: This study revealed that hypertension treatment knowledge and medication adherence were inadequate, and BP control was low. Knowledge was not significantly associated with BP control but was significantly associated with medication adherence. Adherence significantly predicted BP control. These findings underscore the need to take steps to improve antihypertensive treatment knowledge and adherence to lead to better BP control. These findings also suggest the need for patient care providers to prioritize patient education and counseling in the management of hypertension.
Background: In 2021, Africa imported 99% of its vaccines and 70% of its pharmaceuticals. As such, there has been a growing concern about and acknowledgement of the need for Africa to produce its own medicines. There are, however, only 375 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Africa, most of which are in North Africa, leaving a dearth in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the youthful population of sub-Saharan Africa, with 33% of its population between the ages of 10 and 35, youth are not actively involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This commentary explores the barriers to and opportunities for youth inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa’s local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Methods: This commentary synthesises findings from existing literature and case studies of youth engagement in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. It also explores current regional policies relevant to youth involvement in the local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: Several barriers hinder the involvement of youth in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, including a lack of financial capacity among young persons, inadequate training and mentorship, and regulatory hurdles. In addition, policy frameworks from key stakeholders like the WHO rarely include plans for youth involvement in local manufacturing. Conclusion: Youth participation in local manufacturing is important for the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in sub-Saharan Africa and for achieving local self-sufficiency in medicine and vaccines. Future policy revisions should explicitly prioritise youth inclusion in pharmaceutical manufacturing across the region, steps should be taken to promote industry-academia collaborations, and incubation hubs for youth-led pharmaceutical startups should be established. These efforts will enable the region to maximise its demographic advantage and achieve sustainable local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Purpose: Adequate bowel preparation is crucial for successful colonoscopy, preventing delays, missed findings, and higher costs. This study compared small-volume preparation (SVP) and large-volume preparation (LVP) in hospitalized patients. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study included 107 patients (SVP: 56, LVP: 51). Primary outcome: time from bowel preparation to colonoscopy. Secondary outcomes: time from admission to colonoscopy, need for additional cleansing, rate of morning colonoscopies, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results: Median time to colonoscopy was similar (SVP: 21.2 hours, LVP: 19.9 hours; p=0.99). Hospital LOS (SVP: 5.7 days, LVP: 7.1 days; p=0.74) and time from admission to colonoscopy (SVP: 3.6 days, LVP: 3.1 days; p=0.60) showed no significant difference. More LVP patients needed adjunctive laxatives (41% vs. 13%; p<0.001). No significant difference in morning colonoscopies (p=0.25) or additional preparation (p=0.29). Conclusion: SVP and LVP had similar times to colonoscopy and LOS, but LVP required more adjunctive laxatives, indicating lower cleansing efficacy. Further studies are needed.
Description of the Problem: Educational delivery has been greatly impacted by the recent advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and the expected further exponential advances within the field. While many studies have discussed the impact of GAI, it is commonly framed as either how faculty can make GAI work for them or how to “GAI-proof” educational assessment. A less considered option would be to partner with students on GAI use to augment their studying. The Innovation: Students partnered with the course instructor to design and evaluate GAI-powered question sets to supplement the course material in a first-year pharmacy class of both on-campus and distance pathway students (n=54). The primary objective was to design a potential mechanism to openly collaborate with students in using GAI. Outcomes measured included question utilization, student perceptions of using the question sets, accuracy of the questions, and cost/time to create the question sets. Critical Analysis: The student and faculty collaborative review questions were positively rated by the students and were feasible to design and implement, at no expense and of minimal time to create. Additionally, only 3 out of 425 questions were found to be incorrect upon faculty review. Of the 50 students who completed the author-developed survey, over 90% used the GAI question sets, perceived them to be helpful and perceived that they enhanced their learning; and 70% of students agreed that a professor should review GAI material before it is used. These findings suggest that a student-faculty partnership in the use of GAI may be one way to develop practice test items in pharmacy education, while addressing common concerns about GAI use, implementation, and accuracy. Next Steps: Future steps include evaluating the success of these question sets in comparison to traditionally made questions as well as initiating student-faculty collaboration in other uses of GAI in pharmacy education.
Aims: This study aims to evaluate dispensing errors identified in final check of dispensed medications recorded and identify potential trend over a twelve-month period, to compare the common type and prevalence of the near miss involved in the dispensing error and to obtain institution specific error for future staff education. Methods: Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database was used to collect errors identified in the final check of dispensed medicines daily in the study hospital. Over a 12-month period between January 2023 and December 2023, dispensary staff recorded errors in an online form on the database. Results: A total of 98 entries were recorded in REDCap database over the 12-month period, which included 106 errors. During this time, 38,781 medications were dispensed through i.Pharmacy dispensing system. The cumulative rate of dispensing error in 2023 was 0.27%. The highest rates of dispensing errors were recorded in August and October 2023. Over 3,400 items were dispensed in each month, which is comparatively higher than other months. Four errors contributed to 66.04% of all errors identified: incorrect instructions (n=27, 25.47%), other (n=16, 15.09%), incorrect quantity dispensed (n=15, 14.15%) and incorrect quantity packed (n=12, 11.32%). Conclusion: The reporting and learning system enabled the identification and analysis of the type of dispensing errors in the dispensary. The analysis promotes reflective learning to prevent repeating similar dispensing errors. It also enables targeted education for staff members which is valuable in improving medication safety.
