Journal of Pharmacy Technology
Journal of Pharmacy Technology
- Thousand Oaks, California : Sage Publishing, c2023.
- 45 pages ; 28 cm.
- Journal of Pharmacy Technology, Volume 39, Issue 1, February 2023 .
Includes bibliographical references.
A Longitudinal Comparison of Pharmacy Documentation Platforms Using the Technology Acceptance Model: Experiences With Opioid Risk Screening -- Evaluating Weight Loss With Semaglutide in Elderly Patients With Type II Diabetes -- Hello Operator? A Pharmacy Practice Simulation to Increase Student Confidence in Telephone Communication Skills -- Evaluation of Risk of Cardiac or Cerebrovascular Events in Romosozumab Users Focusing on Comorbidities: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database -- Pharmacologic Management of Central Fever: A Review of Evidence for Bromocriptine, Propranolol, and Baclofen -- Tricyclic Antidepressants in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Their Analgesic Properties in Combination With Opioids -- Quick Response Codes: A Tool to Improve Access for Patients With Limited English Proficiency -- Azathioprine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
[Article Title: A Longitudinal Comparison of Pharmacy Documentation Platforms Using the Technology Acceptance Model: Experiences With Opioid Risk Screening/ Oliver C. Frenzel, Mark Strand, Allison Welsh, Heidi Eukel, Elizabeth Skoy, Jayme Steig and Amy Werremeyer, p. 3-9]
Abstract:
Background: Pharmacy practice continues to expand in scope, and technology platforms to assist with meeting the standards for documentation of billable services are needed. The ONE Program (Opioid and Naloxone Education) is an initiative centered on the community pharmacy focused on opioid risk screening for patients receiving opioid prescriptions.
Objective: Opioid risk screening results and pharmacist interventions were documented using first REDCap and later the DocStation platforms. This study compared pharmacy staff experience with these 2 platforms.
Methods: A survey using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was designed to compare usability, ease of use, social influence, and facilitating conditions.
Results: Analyses using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses showed similar results for each platform; however, pharmacy staff indicated that REDCap required less time when entering information, whereas the DocStation platform offered elevated pharmacy practice service opportunities, management support, and available informational technology support services.
Conclusion: Health care technology continues to advance in meeting the needs of expanded service provision through pharmacy. This longitudinal study shows the value of the TAM framework in identifying efficiencies and deficiencies of health care technology systems. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221128207 [Article Title: Evaluating Weight Loss With Semaglutide in Elderly Patients With Type II Diabetes/ Grace Huynh, Haley Runeberg and Rick Weideman, p. 10-15]
Abstract:
Background: Semaglutide is an effective agent indicated for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment and weight management. It is unknown if the magnitude of weight loss differs significantly between nonelderly (18-64 years old) and elderly (≥65 years old) patients diagnosed with T2DM.
Objective: To determine whether there is a significant difference in percent weight loss between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM and initiating semaglutide.
Methods: This institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study conducted at the VA North Texas Health Care System included adult Veterans with T2DM initiating semaglutide. Veterans with medications, procedures, or conditions that could significantly affect weight were excluded. The primary endpoint was the difference in percent weight loss 3 months after initiating semaglutide. Secondary endpoints were differences in percent weight loss at 6 months and differences of kilogram weight loss at 3 and 6 months. Safety outcomes were significant adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with semaglutide.
Results: In total, 177 Veterans were analyzed (n = 111 elderly, n = 66 nonelderly). For the primary endpoint, elderly Veterans lost a mean of 2.02% body weight versus 2.25% in the nonelderly with a mean difference of 0.23% (95% CI, –1.03% to 1.48%; P = 0.72). Secondary endpoints were also not statistically significant. Significant ADEs were gastrointestinal-related, leading to drug discontinuation or dose reduction.
Conclusion: Weight loss differences between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM initiating semaglutide were not statistically significant. Age may not be a robust predictor of semaglutide’s influence on weight. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221137493 [Article Title: Hello Operator? A Pharmacy Practice Simulation to Increase Student Confidence in Telephone Communication Skills/ Tori A. Rude, Michael P. Kelsch, Mikayla Fingarson and Heidi N. Eukel, p. 16-22]
Abstract:
Background: Communicating interprofessionally using the telephone is an essential skill within pharmacy practice. Student pharmacists’ ability to perform this task effectively and efficiently may be hindered by generational changes, social anxiety, and very few opportunities to practice these skills.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a simulation allowing students to practice interprofessional communication and assess the simulation’s impact on students’ confidence in providing pharmacy-related interventions to another health care professional via telephone.
Methods: Faculty developed a simulation focused on interprofessional telephone communication. Baseline student information was collected to quantify pharmacy work experience in terms of practice setting, duration of employment, and skills. Presimulation and postsimulation surveys evaluated self-assessed telephone-related skills, attitudes, and confidence. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were evaluated through a thematic analysis of students’ reflective responses to 2 open-ended questions.
Results: Of the 53 pharmacy students that participated in the simulation, 44 (83%) and 43 (81%) completed the anonymous presimulation and postsimulation surveys. Students significantly improved as reflected in the following response: “I have confidence in my ability to provide pharmacy-related interventions to another health care professional in a logical and concise manner via telephone call.” Significant improvement also occurred in the ability to work independently, communicate an order change to another health care professional, justify recommendations, answer a drug information question, and discuss recommendations in a logical and concise manner.
Conclusion: The simulation discussed in this article provided students an opportunity to practice interprofessional telephone communication in a low-risk environment and resulted in significant growth in confidence and skills. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221135794 [Article Title: Evaluation of Risk of Cardiac or Cerebrovascular Events in Romosozumab Users Focusing on Comorbidities: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database/ Kazumasa Kotake, Satoru Mitsuboshi, Yuki Omori, Yukio Kawakami and Yasuhiro Kawakami, p. 23-28]
Abstract:
Background: Romosozumab is associated with an increased risk of cardiac or cerebrovascular events. Identifying the risk factors for these events could contribute to the safe use of romosozumab.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users.
Methods: First, disproportionality analysis was performed to compare the frequency of cardiac or cerebrovascular events, using data from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. Next, multivariate logistic analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users.
Results: In total, 859 romosozumab users were identified. A disproportionality of both cardiac and cerebrovascular events was observed in only romosozumab users. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the risk of cardiac events in romosozumab users was significantly increased in patients with cardiac disease (odds ratio [OR]: 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-9.9; P < 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.7; P = 0.047). In addition, the risk of cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users was significantly increased in the presence of cerebrovascular disease (OR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.2; P = 0.02) and hypertension (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.9; P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hypertension may increase the risk of cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users. Although additional studies are needed to assess other associated factors, these findings may contribute to the appropriate use of romosozumab and limit adverse events.
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221144960 [Article Title: Pharmacologic Management of Central Fever: A Review of Evidence for Bromocriptine, Propranolol, and Baclofen/ Justin P. Reinert and Zsanett Kormanyos, p. 29-34]
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the clinical data supporting bromocriptine, propranolol, and baclofen in the pharmacologic management of central fever.
Data Sources: A comprehensive literature review was performed between January 2018 and August 2022 using the following keywords: “central fever” NOT “fever” OR “infection” OR “infectious” AND “neurocritical” OR “neurology” AND “treatment” AND “medication” OR “medicine” OR “drug” OR “pharmaceutical.”
Study Selection and Data Extraction: A total of 6 case reports met specified inclusion criteria, with 2 reporting on each of the evaluated medications.
Data Synthesis: Significant heterogeneity exists regarding dosing strategies and duration of treatment with these medications for the management of central fever. Although each medication demonstrated the ability to restore normothermia, the variation in underlying cause of the fever and lack of cross-over evaluation between different medications makes a definitive treatment strategy for any of these agents elusive.
Conclusions: The development of a central fever has been associated with poor outcomes in patients who have suffered a critical neurologic injury. Although their exact mechanism for this indication has not been fully elucidated, anecdotal evidence seemingly supports the use of bromocriptine, propranolol, and baclofen.
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221132678 [Article Title: Tricyclic Antidepressants in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Their Analgesic Properties in Combination With Opioids/ Justin P. Reinert, Michael A. Veronin and Christopher Medina, p. 35-40]
Abstract:
Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) as analgesics for nociceptive and neuropathic pain in combination with opioids.
Data Sources: A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the assistance of a medical reference librarian on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following search terminology: “Amitriptyline” OR “Doxepin” OR “Desipramine” OR “Imipramine” OR “Nortriptyline” OR “Clomipramine” OR “Trimipramine” AND “Analgesia.” Reports of adult patients who received any TCA as an adjunctive analgesic to opioids were included.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: A total of 293 results were obtained from the initial database inquiries, following which exclusion criteria were applied and 6 articles were included in this review. Three of the reports detailed the use of TCAs in the perioperative setting, whereas the remaining 3 evaluated their effect on different etiologies of neuropathic pain.
Data Synthesis: Tricyclic antidepressants were found to have modest, yet not insignificant, independent analgesic properties, although the ability to provide pain relief was relegated to a select few agents. Desipramine has the most data available for use in nociceptive, postoperative pain through its ability to potentiate and prolong the analgesic effects of opioids and was not associated with adverse drug effects.
Conclusions: The efficacy of TCAs for neuropathic pain was not corroborated by this review, and the anticholinergic adverse effects associated with this drug class were found to be significant. Further research is needed to quantify the efficacy of TCAs in the management of nociceptive pain. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221139699 [Article Title: Quick Response Codes: A Tool to Improve Access for Patients With Limited English Proficiency/ Jason Fine and Julie MacDougall, p. 41-42]
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221128204 [Article Title: Azathioprine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease/ Silvia Vázquez-Gómez and Lorena Vázquez-Gómez p. 43-44]
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221126353
8755-1225
Includes bibliographical references.
A Longitudinal Comparison of Pharmacy Documentation Platforms Using the Technology Acceptance Model: Experiences With Opioid Risk Screening -- Evaluating Weight Loss With Semaglutide in Elderly Patients With Type II Diabetes -- Hello Operator? A Pharmacy Practice Simulation to Increase Student Confidence in Telephone Communication Skills -- Evaluation of Risk of Cardiac or Cerebrovascular Events in Romosozumab Users Focusing on Comorbidities: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database -- Pharmacologic Management of Central Fever: A Review of Evidence for Bromocriptine, Propranolol, and Baclofen -- Tricyclic Antidepressants in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Their Analgesic Properties in Combination With Opioids -- Quick Response Codes: A Tool to Improve Access for Patients With Limited English Proficiency -- Azathioprine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
[Article Title: A Longitudinal Comparison of Pharmacy Documentation Platforms Using the Technology Acceptance Model: Experiences With Opioid Risk Screening/ Oliver C. Frenzel, Mark Strand, Allison Welsh, Heidi Eukel, Elizabeth Skoy, Jayme Steig and Amy Werremeyer, p. 3-9]
Abstract:
Background: Pharmacy practice continues to expand in scope, and technology platforms to assist with meeting the standards for documentation of billable services are needed. The ONE Program (Opioid and Naloxone Education) is an initiative centered on the community pharmacy focused on opioid risk screening for patients receiving opioid prescriptions.
Objective: Opioid risk screening results and pharmacist interventions were documented using first REDCap and later the DocStation platforms. This study compared pharmacy staff experience with these 2 platforms.
Methods: A survey using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was designed to compare usability, ease of use, social influence, and facilitating conditions.
Results: Analyses using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses showed similar results for each platform; however, pharmacy staff indicated that REDCap required less time when entering information, whereas the DocStation platform offered elevated pharmacy practice service opportunities, management support, and available informational technology support services.
Conclusion: Health care technology continues to advance in meeting the needs of expanded service provision through pharmacy. This longitudinal study shows the value of the TAM framework in identifying efficiencies and deficiencies of health care technology systems. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221128207 [Article Title: Evaluating Weight Loss With Semaglutide in Elderly Patients With Type II Diabetes/ Grace Huynh, Haley Runeberg and Rick Weideman, p. 10-15]
Abstract:
Background: Semaglutide is an effective agent indicated for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment and weight management. It is unknown if the magnitude of weight loss differs significantly between nonelderly (18-64 years old) and elderly (≥65 years old) patients diagnosed with T2DM.
Objective: To determine whether there is a significant difference in percent weight loss between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM and initiating semaglutide.
Methods: This institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study conducted at the VA North Texas Health Care System included adult Veterans with T2DM initiating semaglutide. Veterans with medications, procedures, or conditions that could significantly affect weight were excluded. The primary endpoint was the difference in percent weight loss 3 months after initiating semaglutide. Secondary endpoints were differences in percent weight loss at 6 months and differences of kilogram weight loss at 3 and 6 months. Safety outcomes were significant adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with semaglutide.
Results: In total, 177 Veterans were analyzed (n = 111 elderly, n = 66 nonelderly). For the primary endpoint, elderly Veterans lost a mean of 2.02% body weight versus 2.25% in the nonelderly with a mean difference of 0.23% (95% CI, –1.03% to 1.48%; P = 0.72). Secondary endpoints were also not statistically significant. Significant ADEs were gastrointestinal-related, leading to drug discontinuation or dose reduction.
Conclusion: Weight loss differences between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM initiating semaglutide were not statistically significant. Age may not be a robust predictor of semaglutide’s influence on weight. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221137493 [Article Title: Hello Operator? A Pharmacy Practice Simulation to Increase Student Confidence in Telephone Communication Skills/ Tori A. Rude, Michael P. Kelsch, Mikayla Fingarson and Heidi N. Eukel, p. 16-22]
Abstract:
Background: Communicating interprofessionally using the telephone is an essential skill within pharmacy practice. Student pharmacists’ ability to perform this task effectively and efficiently may be hindered by generational changes, social anxiety, and very few opportunities to practice these skills.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a simulation allowing students to practice interprofessional communication and assess the simulation’s impact on students’ confidence in providing pharmacy-related interventions to another health care professional via telephone.
Methods: Faculty developed a simulation focused on interprofessional telephone communication. Baseline student information was collected to quantify pharmacy work experience in terms of practice setting, duration of employment, and skills. Presimulation and postsimulation surveys evaluated self-assessed telephone-related skills, attitudes, and confidence. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were evaluated through a thematic analysis of students’ reflective responses to 2 open-ended questions.
Results: Of the 53 pharmacy students that participated in the simulation, 44 (83%) and 43 (81%) completed the anonymous presimulation and postsimulation surveys. Students significantly improved as reflected in the following response: “I have confidence in my ability to provide pharmacy-related interventions to another health care professional in a logical and concise manner via telephone call.” Significant improvement also occurred in the ability to work independently, communicate an order change to another health care professional, justify recommendations, answer a drug information question, and discuss recommendations in a logical and concise manner.
Conclusion: The simulation discussed in this article provided students an opportunity to practice interprofessional telephone communication in a low-risk environment and resulted in significant growth in confidence and skills. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221135794 [Article Title: Evaluation of Risk of Cardiac or Cerebrovascular Events in Romosozumab Users Focusing on Comorbidities: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database/ Kazumasa Kotake, Satoru Mitsuboshi, Yuki Omori, Yukio Kawakami and Yasuhiro Kawakami, p. 23-28]
Abstract:
Background: Romosozumab is associated with an increased risk of cardiac or cerebrovascular events. Identifying the risk factors for these events could contribute to the safe use of romosozumab.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users.
Methods: First, disproportionality analysis was performed to compare the frequency of cardiac or cerebrovascular events, using data from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. Next, multivariate logistic analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users.
Results: In total, 859 romosozumab users were identified. A disproportionality of both cardiac and cerebrovascular events was observed in only romosozumab users. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the risk of cardiac events in romosozumab users was significantly increased in patients with cardiac disease (odds ratio [OR]: 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-9.9; P < 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.7; P = 0.047). In addition, the risk of cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users was significantly increased in the presence of cerebrovascular disease (OR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.2; P = 0.02) and hypertension (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.9; P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hypertension may increase the risk of cardiac or cerebrovascular events in romosozumab users. Although additional studies are needed to assess other associated factors, these findings may contribute to the appropriate use of romosozumab and limit adverse events.
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221144960 [Article Title: Pharmacologic Management of Central Fever: A Review of Evidence for Bromocriptine, Propranolol, and Baclofen/ Justin P. Reinert and Zsanett Kormanyos, p. 29-34]
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the clinical data supporting bromocriptine, propranolol, and baclofen in the pharmacologic management of central fever.
Data Sources: A comprehensive literature review was performed between January 2018 and August 2022 using the following keywords: “central fever” NOT “fever” OR “infection” OR “infectious” AND “neurocritical” OR “neurology” AND “treatment” AND “medication” OR “medicine” OR “drug” OR “pharmaceutical.”
Study Selection and Data Extraction: A total of 6 case reports met specified inclusion criteria, with 2 reporting on each of the evaluated medications.
Data Synthesis: Significant heterogeneity exists regarding dosing strategies and duration of treatment with these medications for the management of central fever. Although each medication demonstrated the ability to restore normothermia, the variation in underlying cause of the fever and lack of cross-over evaluation between different medications makes a definitive treatment strategy for any of these agents elusive.
Conclusions: The development of a central fever has been associated with poor outcomes in patients who have suffered a critical neurologic injury. Although their exact mechanism for this indication has not been fully elucidated, anecdotal evidence seemingly supports the use of bromocriptine, propranolol, and baclofen.
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221132678 [Article Title: Tricyclic Antidepressants in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Their Analgesic Properties in Combination With Opioids/ Justin P. Reinert, Michael A. Veronin and Christopher Medina, p. 35-40]
Abstract:
Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) as analgesics for nociceptive and neuropathic pain in combination with opioids.
Data Sources: A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the assistance of a medical reference librarian on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following search terminology: “Amitriptyline” OR “Doxepin” OR “Desipramine” OR “Imipramine” OR “Nortriptyline” OR “Clomipramine” OR “Trimipramine” AND “Analgesia.” Reports of adult patients who received any TCA as an adjunctive analgesic to opioids were included.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: A total of 293 results were obtained from the initial database inquiries, following which exclusion criteria were applied and 6 articles were included in this review. Three of the reports detailed the use of TCAs in the perioperative setting, whereas the remaining 3 evaluated their effect on different etiologies of neuropathic pain.
Data Synthesis: Tricyclic antidepressants were found to have modest, yet not insignificant, independent analgesic properties, although the ability to provide pain relief was relegated to a select few agents. Desipramine has the most data available for use in nociceptive, postoperative pain through its ability to potentiate and prolong the analgesic effects of opioids and was not associated with adverse drug effects.
Conclusions: The efficacy of TCAs for neuropathic pain was not corroborated by this review, and the anticholinergic adverse effects associated with this drug class were found to be significant. Further research is needed to quantify the efficacy of TCAs in the management of nociceptive pain. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221139699 [Article Title: Quick Response Codes: A Tool to Improve Access for Patients With Limited English Proficiency/ Jason Fine and Julie MacDougall, p. 41-42]
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221128204 [Article Title: Azathioprine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease/ Silvia Vázquez-Gómez and Lorena Vázquez-Gómez p. 43-44]
https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221126353
8755-1225