Adherence to Treatment in Patients after Kidney Transplantation Author: Barbora Vaňková Tutor: PharmDr. Josef Malý, Ph.D. Consultant: PharmDr. Kateřina Ládová, Ph.D. Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University Introduction and aims: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best treatment option for patients with end- stage renal disease. However, despite its numerous benefits it requires a lifelong medical regimen of immunosuppressive treatment (IS) with a special emphasis on a strict medication adherence (MA). The objective of our study was to analyse MA in KT outpatients. We also intended to analyse non- adherence as one of the drug-related problems. Furthemore, we focused on analysis of the main self- management tasks. Methods: The prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in one year period from March 2016 to March 2017 at the Haemodialysis Centre in the Teaching Hospital Hradec Králové. Patients ≥ 18 years old and at least 3 weeks after KT were addressed within their regularly scheduled visit to the nephrologist. Structured interview was performed by pharmacist to determine patients' self-reported MA to IS using validated Czech version of Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-CZ). In addition, patients were interviewed about other...

Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University Pulse check in pharmacies III Author: Ivana Vasilišinová Supervisor: PharmDr. Anna Rejmanová, Ph.D. Consultant: PharmDr. Kateřina Malá, Ph.D. Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. It is often asymptomatic. If left untreated, the patient is at significant risk of complications, especially of ischemic stroke (IS) and heart failure. These complications can be effectively prevented by early detection of AF and initiation of treatment. Population screening activities performed at pharmacies could serve as an useful tool for detection of latent arrhythmias. Objective: The aim of this diploma thesis was to analyze the heart rate, blood pressure, selected symptoms and risk factors for IS in real patient population and to raise their awareness in the field of heart rate monitoring. Methodology: The measurement took place in a public pharmacy at an outpatient clinic in Prague during the one-day campaign "Pharmacy Day" (18/6/2020) and subsequent data collection (12/2020-02/2021). During this time, education in atrial fibrillation, the heart rate and blood pressure measurement and also evaluation of the selected symptoms and risk factors for the possible future...

Background: Pharmacy academicians have noted the need to develop research skills in student pharmacists. At the Gatton College of Pharmacy, significant focus has been placed on the development of research skills through offering elective research courses. In order to evaluate the impact of participation in the research elective(s), we analyzed college records and surveyed faculty members with regard to the number of poster/podium presentations, published peer-reviewed manuscripts, and funded projects. Results: Student enrollment in the research elective sequence has increased over time and has resulted in 81 poster presentations, 14 podium presentations, and 15 peer-reviewed publications. Conclusions: Implementation of a research elective sequence and fostering of a research culture amongst the faculty and students has resulted in increased student engagement in research and related scholarly activities.

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-physician collaboration in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with severe insulin resistance, using 500 U/mL concentrated regular insulin (U-500) in a primary care clinic that is not staffed by an endocrinologist. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted searching for patients who were prescribed U-500 insulin from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2014. Subjects were included in the analysis if the pharmacist initiated U-500 insulin therapy, received treatment for at least 6 months, and who attended at least one follow-up visit with the pharmacist. Anyone who received U-500 insulin before the initial pharmacist consultation, managed by an endocrinologist, or who was missing follow-up hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) laboratory values during the follow-up period was excluded. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from U-500 initiation to 6 months later. Secondary endpoints included changes in weight, confirmed hypoglycemia events, changes in other anti-DM medications and the number of pharmacist and primary care physician visits during the follow-up period. Results Eighty-one patients were identified and screened, and 44 patients were included in the analysis. Baseline HbA1c (mean ± standard deviation) was 9.7% ± 1.6% and decreased to 8.6% ± 1.6% after 6 months of follow-up, representing a reduction of 1.1% (95% confidence interval -1.6 to -0.6, P < 0.001). Body weight increased (mean ± standard deviation) by 6.7 ± 15.1 lb from baseline (P = 0.005). The frequency of confirmed hypoglycemia events was low (0.8 events per patient). Treatment with metformin was preserved, whereas most other DM medications were discontinued. A similar number of pharmacist and physician follow-up visits were completed by the end of the study period (2.0 and 2.7 visits, respectively; P = 0.805). Conclusions Initiation of U-500 insulin by clinical pharmacists collaborating with primary care physicians results in improved DM control in patients with severe insulin resistance. Our findings suggest this interprofessional partnership provides an alternative referral approach for primary care physicians when endocrinology services are absent or limited.

Falls are caused by many factors in older patients. Medications have been shown to be a risk factor for falls, and studies have shown that patients taking more than five total medications may have a two-fold increased risk of impaired balance. A more recent model suggests only medications with sedating and anticholinergic properties contribute significantly to physical impairment. The authors of this paper helped to develop a multidisciplinary clinic to evaluate the risk of falls in at-risk patients. We present the case of a woman on multiple medications that increased her risk of falling. Of note, this patient was taking a total of 14 prescription medications, seven of which were considered sedating. Based on a comprehensive medication evaluation, six specific changes were recommended to improve this patient's medication regimen and reduce her risk of falling.

Background: One approach to increasing the reach of syringe programs in rural areas could be through provision of syringes at community pharmacies. This study evaluated relationships between state-specific syringe policies, pharmacy, and pharmacist characteristics and pharmacists’ nonprescription syringe dispensing behaviors in a 3- state Appalachian region at high risk for HIV and HCV transmission. Methods: We conducted a telephone census of community pharmacies in the Appalachian counties of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia from April–June 2018. Behaviors studied included having ever sold syringes without a prescription, quantity of individuals to whom nonprescription syringes were dispensed in the past 30 days, having ever denied a request for nonprescription syringes, and past 30-day denial of nonprescription syringe requests. Behavioral intention and perceptions of legality were elicited. Results: A response rate of 52.3 % was achieved (N = 391). North Carolina pharmacists reported increased past 30-day dispensing, less denial of nonprescription syringe requests, and decreased justification for syringe dispensing (proof of medical need) as compared to Tennessee and Virginia pharmacists. Behavioral intention to dispense did not vary by state but did vary by political affiliation. Perceptions of syringe dispensing legality in NC were significantly different from those in TN and VA. Conclusions: Significant differences in pharmacists’ perceptions and behaviors were noted across state lines with North Carolina pharmacists reporting more engagement in syringe dispensing as compared to pharmacists in Tennessee and Virginia. Policy allowing pharmacists to dispense syringes to people who inject drugs appears to foster some but not all pharmacist engagement in this harm reduction intervention.

Anticoagulation risks in older adult, long-term care patients are known to be high, especially in those with frequent transitions between care environments. Introduction of collaborative practice agreements (CPA) in specific settings is encouraged in the United States and has provided an additional option for the care of medically challenging patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the time in therapeutic range (TTR) in a Medicare Part A sponsored long-term care environment managed by pharmacists through a collaborative practice agreement in South-Central Appalachia. A retrospective review of all warfarin patient admissions from a large long-term care pharmacy’s anticoagulant clinic was conducted for residents over an 18-month period. For all patients (n = 104), the overall TTR was 46.7% (INR 43% in range). Average management duration was 19.5 days per patient. Further studies are required to optimize CPA and transition strategies for complex, advanced age warfarin patients.

Medication complexity and nonadherence are significant risk factors for avoidable hospitalizations and health care spending for older adults in the United States. However, limited empirical research has investigated pharmacist-run telephonic medication management programs as a potential solution to the problem of reducing medication complexity while improving medication adherence. This quantitative study employed the behavioral change model to analyze archival data from a sample of 1,148 participants, examining the relationship of a pharmacist-run telephonic consulting program on medication adherence and medication complexity for one pharmacy benefit management firm's Medicare Part D recipients. The primary research questions investigated the relationship of medication therapy management programs to medication adherence and complexity. Data were assessed using correlation and regression analysis to determine the association between receiving pharmacist counseling, medication adherence, and medication complexity, and to assess the strength of any relationships identified. No linear relationship was found between pharmacists' counseling, medication complexity, and medication adherence. However, the study found a weak correlation between medication complexity and comorbidities, and between medication complexity and medication adherence. This study promotes positive social change by identifying information that can be used to reduce pharmaceutical industry liability by improving proper management of medications, by reducing the burden of comorbidities related to poor management of chronic disease, and streamlining health services and improving their outcom

A general nurse may, without clinical supervision, administer medicinal products with the exception of intravenous injections (IV) or infusions in newborns and children under 3 years of age and with the exception of radiopharmaceuticals. This activity is regulated in Decree No. 55/2011 Coll. by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. The preparation and administration of the medicinal product is an integral part of the everyday practice of a l nurse; however, the dimensions of this procedure are very broad, and it does not start and end with the administration of the prescribed medicinal product. In the wider context, this is a multi-disciplinary process, in which other health professionals can participate with their well-founded roles. Determining individual roles and collaboration in the multi-disciplinary team composed of a doctor, a nurse and a clinical pharmacist has an effect on the correct pharmacological treatment of the patient. Of all professions, nurses spend time with patients. 40 % of their time administering medications; therefore, they play a key role in the reduction of medication errors. (Miller et all, 2016). The aim of the research is to analyze the current role of the nurse in the administration of medicinal products from the perspective of a clinical pharmacist. The research...

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