Class of 2010 Abstract / OBJECTIVES:The main purpose of this study was to review recent and good quality studies of the antimicrobial therapy of for moderate to severe (“limb threatening”) DFI. The analysis of these studies was to conclude with one or two “standard” approach to the routine management of this clinical entity. METHODS: This literature review study consisted of an evaluation of clinical trials that compare two or more active systemic antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of moderate to severe (i.e., “limb-threatening”) diabetic foot infections in human patients. Literature sources were identified primarily from OVID MEDLINE, but also included additional tertiary sources. The primary criteria for the clinical studies were: prospective, controlled, randomized and investigator blinded. Studies had to be published after the year 2003, and be available in full-text in English. RESULTS: Ultimately, only four studies were found that met the criteria for consideration. Trials differed in numerous features. All four studies were sponsored by the manufacturer of one of the comparator drugs. Three of the four were non-inferiority design. Evidence is lacking that any of the suggested regimens are superior. CONCLUSIONS: Instead of meeting our original goal of concluding that one or two regimens could be the “standard” management of DFI, we were limited to commentary on the quality and applicability of the current literature on this clinical entity. Numerous suggestions for improvement in the clinical information provided by DFI studies were offered. We eagerly anticipate the publication of the updated IDSA guideline document on DFI.

Class of 2015 Abstract / Objectives: Pharmacists’ level of training and experience in psychiatric pharmacy were compared for: 1) self-perceived preparedness to provide pharmacotherapy services; and 2) perceived barriers to providing services to individuals with psychiatric disorders. Methods: This study used data from an internet-based questionnaire. Respondents were divided into 2 groups: 1) completed the Arizona Pharmacy Association’s Psychiatric Certificate Program, and/or Board Certified in Psychiatric Pharmacy, and/or College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists member, and/or completed a PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency; and 2) no specialized training/experience in psychiatric pharmacy. A Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to compare the scaled responses for each group. A Bonferroni alpha correction was use in the case of multiple tests. Results: Compared to pharmacists without training/experience in psychiatry (N = 235), respondents with specialized training/experience in psychiatry pharmacy (N = 38) reported more frequent interactions with psychiatric patients and provided more counseling/drug information, monitoring for adverse drug reactions, recommending non-pharmacological treatments, screening for treatment issues, and making therapeutic recommendations (p < 0.05). Trained pharmacists in psychiatry reported being more prepared to provide all pharmacotherapy services (p = 0.003), except in addressing non-adherence, utilizing online resources, and providing pharmacotherapy services to patients with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. They reported fewer barriers (α = 0.005) except for time to provide services, having a private consultation area, and reimbursement for patient care activities. Conclusions: This study found that responding pharmacists without psychiatric training/experience may need additional education/training post-graduation and that they perceive more barriers in providing services to this population.