This article describes the development of an institutional quality improvement review board (QIRB) as an effective and efficient method for reviewing and overseeing institutional quality improvement (QI) initiatives. QI projects involve the systematic collection and analysis of data and the implementation of interventions designed to improve the quality of clinical care and/or educational programs for a distinct population in a specific setting. QI projects are fundamentally distinct from human subjects research (HuSR); however, the differences between them are subtle and highly nuanced. Determining whether a project meets the definition of QI or qualifies as HuSR, thus requiring institutional review board (IRB) review, can be confusing and frustrating. Nevertheless, this distinction is highly consequential due to the heavy regulatory requirements involved in HuSR and IRB oversight. Making the correct determination of a project's regulatory status is essential before the project begins. Project leaders may not realize that their work meets the definition of HuSR and, therefore, might conduct the project without appropriate IRB review. Therefore, best practices dictate that project leaders should not decide which type of institutional review is appropriate for their projects. In addition, when QI project teams attempt to disseminate the results of their work, documentation of formal review and approval is generally required by peer-reviewed journals and professional organizations. However, institutional review mechanisms are rarely available. Projects that do not meet the definition of HuSR fall outside the purview of IRBs and most institutions do not have an alternative review body. This creates frustration for both project leaders and IRB administrators. Apart from IRB review, a separate process for reviewing QI projects offers several benefits. These include (1) relieving the burden on busy IRB staff; (2) promoting scholarly activity; (3) protecting the institution, project leaders, and participants from HuSR conducted outside of appropriate IRB review; and (4) promoting rigorous QI methods.

Introduction: The HyFlex course structure allows students to attend class in-person or via syn-chronous videoconferencing technology. This model has been described, but no data are available in pharmacy curricula.Methods: Students enrolled in Grand Rounds (GR) were eligible. The GR Engagement Assessment Tool (GREAT) measured engagement three times during the semester. Eighteen statements across four domains were rated using a five-point Likert scale (1 = not true at all and 5 = completely true). Free-text responses were collected for qualitative analysis. The primary outcome was the difference in GR engagement between students attending in-person vs. remotely. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic information. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared Likert-scale responses between in-person and remote attendance.Results: Surveys included 128 responses from 88 unique students. There were no differences between remote and in-person attendance for the boredom and elaboration domains. In-person students reported listening more intently (median 4, IQR [3,4]; P = .03). In-person students felt the material was more practical (median 4, IQR [4,5]) than remote students (median 4, IQR [3,4]; P = .002) and more applicable to other situations (median 3, IQR [3,5]) than remote students (median 3, IQR [2,4]; P = .04). Qualitative analysis of the entire cohort demonstrated five themes for satisfaction: safety, flexibility, convenience, technology, and professionalism.Conclusions: There were subtle differences in student engagement or satisfaction using the HyFlex model. This study supports the expansion of this methodology to similar courses where remote instruction is needed.

Background: : Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are associated with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Impact of the route of administration is unknown. Research Design and Methods: Patients in Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database (MIMIC-II) from 2001 to 2008, >18 years old, admitted to medical, surgical, or cardiac ICUs were included. PPI exposures were omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole. PPI administration routes were oral or intravenous. Patients who received histamine receptor antagonists (H2RA) were the control arm. CDI was identified using ICD-9 diagnostic code 008.45. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR). Results: The study included 16,820 patients (57% male) with a mean age of 63 (SD +/- 17) years and hospitalization duration of 10.2 days (SD +/- 11). Pantoprazole was the most common PPI (94%). CDI occurred in 2.4% and more in patients receiving PPIs than H2RAs (3.0% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001). CDI prevalence increased with intravenous (95%CI = 1.69-3.39, OR 2.4) and oral (95%CI = 1.59-3.27, OR 2.3) PPI use compared to H2RAs. CDI prevalence was not associated with PPI route in the multivariable model (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.86-1.34). Conclusions: Both intravenous and oral PPI use in the ICU were independently associated with CDI.

Introduction: Obtaining a residency has become more competitive as more pharmacy students seek postgraduate training. This is likely due to pharmacist positions increasing in clinical settings. To be fully prepared, students seeking residency positions should be trained for the interview process by their pharmacy school. Methods: Mock residency interviews (MRI) were conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy which included components of typical residency interviews. The primary outcome compared residency match rates for MRI participants vs. non-participants. Secondary outcomes evaluated student preparedness, student and faculty feedback, and satisfaction/benefit of the event along with comparison of school vs. national match rate and assessment of those matching compared to grade point average (GPA). Results: Match rates were similar between MRI participants vs. non-participants (75% vs. 73%) with significant difference in Phase I match rates between MRI participants vs. non-participants (75% vs. 51%, P = .007). MRI was significantly associated with Phase I matching in the multivariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.81, 95% CI 1.27-6.22 ). The overall school's match rate exceeded the national two out of three years in the quality improvement project period. GPA was the only other factor independently associated with Phase I matching (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.32). Students and faculty consistently reported positive feedback following participation. Conclusions: MRI are valuable and are making a difference as indicated by improved Phase I match rates for those that participated. Students and faculty reported an increase in preparedness and overall satisfaction after attending MRI. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION:Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)is a common pathogen in acute bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (ABSSSIs), nosocomial pneumonia, bacteremia, endocarditis, as well as diabetic foot, bone, and joint infections. Areas covered: This review summarizes the randomized controlled trials that evaluated the clinical efficacy of tedizolid in ABSSSIs, which is currently the only United States Food and Drug Administration-labeled indication for tedizolid. Expert opinion: Tedizolid has several potential advantages over linezolid including once-daily dosing, shorter duration of therapy, and increased tolerability. However, its cost will likely limit its adoption for ABSSSIs with MRSA because other oxazolidinone antibiotics are available in less costly generic versions. Tedizolid is also currently being investigated for its use in other MRSA infections including nosocomial pneumonia as well as diabetic foot, bone, and joint infections and tedizolid's use in these disease states appears more promising. Potential indications for future clinical investigation of tedizolid's efficacy and safety include bacteremia and meningitis.

ABSTRACT Sepsis in older adults has many challenges that affect rate of septic diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring parameters. Numerous age-related changes and comorbidities contribute to increased risk of infections in older adults, but also atypical symptomatology that delays diagnosis. Due to various pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic changes in the older adult, medications are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated at different rates as compared to younger adults, which increases risk of adverse drug reactions due to use of drug therapy needed for sepsis management. This review provides information to aid in diagnosis and offers recommendations for monitoring and treating sepsis in the older adult population.

Copyright © 2016 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sepsis in older adults has many challenges that affect rate of septic diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring parameters. Numerous age-related changes and comorbidities contribute to increased risk of infections in older adults, but also atypical symptomatology that delays diagnosis. Due to various pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic changes in the older adult, medications are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated at different rates as compared to younger adults, which increases risk of adverse drug reactions due to use of drug therapy needed for sepsis management. This review provides information to aid in diagnosis and offers recommendations for monitoring and treating sepsis in the older adult population.

Crit Care Med 2015 • Volume 43 • Number 12 (Suppl.) PT was 16.2 seconds, while the median pretreatment INR was 1.5. The median PCC dose was 42.7 units/kg (IQR 27.4–50.1). The observed percent change in PT and INR after PCC administration was 17.5% (IQR 11.6–26.0) and 17% (IQR 11.8–25.7), respectively. Intracranial hematoma expansion was observed in 16.7% (6/36) of patients and 5 patients received ≥ 2 doses. Thrombotic complications occurred in 12.8% (6/47) of patients. The hospital LOS was 4 days (IQR 2–6) and mortality was 19.1% (9/47). Conclusions: Administration of PCC resulted in improvement, but not normalization, of coagulation parameters. The correlation between PCC administration, hemostasis, and thrombosis warrants further evaluation.

INTRODUCTION:Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the critically ill. Clinicians use a range of duration for antibiotic treatment from 7 to 14 days or longer. Failure to de-escalate antimicrobial therapy in a timely manner may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance, increased risk of side effects, and increased cost.OBJECTIVE:To investigate potential methods to improve treatment of pneumonia for patients in 4 intensive care units (ICUs).METHODS:A retrospective descriptive chart review was conducted at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). Veterans aged 18 to 90 years admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of pneumonia were included. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. Current management was reviewed to identify markers such as length of antibiotic therapy, ICU length of stay, and inpatient mortality. Secondary objectives included appropriateness and accuracy of the empiric regimen.RESULTS:Of the 1,854 Veterans admitted, 107 met inclusion criteria. Antibiotic choices for positive cultures were appropriate in 45 out of 46 (98%) patients, with an average length of therapy of 8.6 ± 6.3 days. De-escalation of antibiotics based on sensitivity data occurred in 73% of positive cultures.CONCLUSIONS:Pneumonia in the VANTHCS ICUs is initially treated with empiric antibiotics. Empiric antibiotic therapy for pneumonia was appropriate and accurate over this time period. Opportunities exist for de-escalation in patients with or without positive cultures. The procalcitonin assay is now being utilized at VANTHCS to optimize patient care.

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of enteral naloxone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the medical intensive care unit (MICU).Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included patients aged 18 to 89 years admitted to the MICU between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2012, who received scheduled opioids and at least 1 dose of enteral naloxone. All data were obtained from electronic charting systems. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating time to bowel movement (BM), number of naloxone doses until BM, and ability to tolerate tube feeds after receipt of enteral naloxone. Safety was assessed by comparing opioid requirements, heart rates, and systolic blood pressures before and during naloxone treatment.Results: Fifteen of the 16 patients included in the final analysis passed BMs during the study period. The median time to BM was 24.4 hours. The median number of naloxone doses received prior to passing a BM was 3. Seventy-eight percent of patients who were not receiving tube feeds at the time of naloxone administration received continuous tube feeds after naloxone initiation. No adverse effects associated with use of enteral naloxone were noted.Conclusions: Enteral naloxone appears safe for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the MICU. Enteral naloxone may be effective in treating opioid-induced constipation; however, further studies are warranted. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is an active ingredient of mothballs, deodorizers and fumigants. Due to the easy availability of this chemical, there is a considerable risk for accidental or intentional toxic exposure. Recently, multiple cases of PDCB toxicity due to mothball ingestion were reported. PDCB toxicity can affect multiple organ systems including liver, kidneys, skin, lung and the central nervous system (CNS). CNS toxicity often results in leukoencephalopathy and heterogeneous neurological manifestations. Objectives: The objective of this study was to illustrate the clinical presentation, imaging findings, diagnosis and management of PDCB toxicity. Methods: We carried out a literature review of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of PDCB. Conclusions: PDCB and other aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of CNS tissue damage and in promoting functional neurological decline. While very little is currently known about prevalence of PDCB addiction, it cannot be ruled out that its illicit use among young people is under-recognized. The number of cases of PDCB toxicity might also rise due to the increasing industrial and domestic use of this chemical.

This retrospective cohort study investigated the impact and predictive factors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization in 180 patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit between July 2009 and June 2010. No significant associations between MRSA nasal colonization and the incidence of health care-associated multidrug-resistant-related infections, intensive care unit length of stay, or inpatient mortality were found. Significant risk factors for MRSA colonization included previous medical history of diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure.

Introduction: Fluid resuscitation to a central venous pressure (CVP) goal of ≥ 8 is a key component in the early management of septic shock; however, there are no specific recommendations that address the amount of fluids and duration of time patients must be maintained at the targeted CVP goal. The purpose of this study was to determine if meeting a target CVP goal during the first six hours of severe sepsis and septic shock treatment had an impact on 28-day mortality. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort analysis of critically ill adults who met criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock and had CVP recordings documented during the period from September 2011 to September 2012. Patients were identified as maintaining a CVP goal for ≥ 50% of the six-hour fluid resuscitation period or

OBJECTIVE: To discuss treatment options that can be used for treatment of Acinetobacter infections. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-November 2010) was conducted to identify English-language literature on pharmacotherapy of Acinetobacter and the bibliographies of pertinent articles. Programs and abstracts from infectious diseases meetings were also searched. Search terms included Acinetobacter, multidrug resistance, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, nosocomial pneumonia, carbapenems, polymyxins, sulbactam, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, tigecycline, rifampin, and fluoroquinolones. DATA SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles were critically evaluated and all pertinent information was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter, defined as resistance to 3 or more antimicrobial classes, has increased over the past decade. The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter is also increasing, leading to an increased use of dose optimization techniques and/or alternative antimicrobials, which is driven by local susceptibility patterns. However, Acinetobacter infections that are resistant to all commercially available antibiotics have been reported. General principles are available to guide dose optimization of aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and tigecycline for infections due to gram-negative pathogens. Unfortunately, data specific to patients with Acinetobacter infections are limited. Recent pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic information has shed light on colistin dosing. The dilemma with colistin is its concentration-dependent killing, which makes once-daily dosing seem like an attractive option, but its short postantibiotic effect limits a clinician's ability to extend the dosing interval. Localized delivery of antimicrobials is also an attractive option due to the ability to increase drug concentration at the infection site while minimizing systemic adverse events, but more data are needed regarding this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Increased reliance on dosage optimization, combination therapy, and localized delivery of antimicrobials are methods to pursue positive clinical outcomes in MDR Acinetobacter infections since novel antimicrobials will not be available for several years. Well-designed clinical trials with MDR Acinetobacter are needed to define the best treatment options for these patients.

With the continuing evolution of pharmacy as a clinical profession, the need to prepare well‐trained clinicians beyond the knowledge gained from a doctor of pharmacy degree program is magnified. Such training is afforded by pharmacy residency programs, which have expanded from hospital sites to practice settings as diverse as managed care organizations and public health departments. Although the resident benefits from the intensive training program, the sponsoring institution also derives many benefits from hosting the residency. Fundamentally, residents are licensed pharmacists who provide several contributions to the organization at generally a much‐reduced direct cost. Federal funding for graduate medical education, often referred to as Medicare pass‐through funds, is a common source of support for the conduct of postgraduate year one residency programs in health system settings; other sources of funding may be found in organizational and academic outlets. Residents may be integral in expanding the revenue of an organization by serving as patient care providers, developing or enhancing services, and billing for services delivered. By virtue of the roles they can assume, residents can facilitate the redeployment of existing pharmacists to other areas, tasks, or projects, thus expanding the capabilities of the department. Increasing the capacity to conduct experiential education for pharmacy students, and the compensation for such activity, can be an additional benefit. Practice sites that conduct residency training often experience a greater degree of employee satisfaction and higher employee retention rates. Engaging in quality improvement and assessment activities, assisting in staff development, and supporting innovative approaches to care are additional activities that pharmacy residents can support. This primer from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy was developed to highlight the value an organization can realize by conducting pharmacy residency training.

PURPOSE:The findings of an academic symposium as they relate to the history and role of the academic pharmacy clinician, the strengths and limitations of the academic pharmacy clinician model, and the framework for future synergistic work relations among clinical pharmacy practitioners are summarized.SUMMARY:On April 23, 2008, a symposium was convened to bring key thought leaders together to discuss the relationship of the academic-based pharmacy clinician and the practice-based pharmacy clinician. Participants included clinical faculty and administrators from two colleges of pharmacy, practice-based clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers from seven health care institutions, and representatives from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Symposium participants discussed the roles and expectations of clinical pharmacists based on primary affiliation within the contemporary practice model for academic- and practice-based pharmacy clinicians and identified sources of conflict for academic- and practice-based pharmacy clinicians. Symposium participants agreed that in order to succeed, the academic-based and the practice-based pharmacy clinicians must function in a true partnership as each individual has strengths, resources, and benefits to bring to the relationship. Furthermore, knowledge, consideration, and an understanding of the potentially different goals and objectives of each institution are critical.CONCLUSION:A symposium attended by clinical faculty members and administrators from two colleges of pharmacy, practice-based clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers from seven health care institutions, and representatives from three national pharmacy organizations was conducted to discuss the roles of and cooperation between academic- and practice-based pharmacy clinicians.