Pharmacy Closures and Medication Adherence: What’s the Link?
Pharmacy closures appear to impact cardiovascular medication adherence among older patients, according to findings from a retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Network Open.
Pharmacological Therapy
Medication Hoarding in Hospitals Prevalent During Shortages, Says Survey
Frequent medication shortages have led to various allocation and rationing methods by pharmacy practice managers and/or pharmacy leaders (PPMs), according to results of a survey published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Aetna-CVS Merger Approved
The companies involved in these mergers say they will improve coordination of care for consumers, but critics say consumers could be left with far fewer choices and potentially higher costs.
Components of Pharmacist-Led Discharge Counseling Vary
Two differences were identified: the use of a dosage schedule, which was more frequent in studies published in 2011 or before and in studies outside the United States, and the teach-back technique, which was used more frequently in the United States.
AMA: PA Process Delays Care, Negatively Impacts Clinical Outcomes
According to the results of the survey, 64% of respondents reported waiting at least one business day for a PA decision from health plans, with 30% waiting at least three business days.
Have Recent Guidelines Reduced Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing?
The researchers found that during the 3-year study period, about 98 million outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were filled by 39 million insurance beneficiaries. Azithromycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, and cephalexin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Most Physical Therapists Open To Integrated Model of Care With Pharmacists
One major reason reported for the lack of use was a perceived increase in workload (51%). Most respondents reported a positive perception of this model and interactions with pharmacists, and were also confident in their ability to safely recommend medication (63%).
Growing Pharmacist Burnout Needs To Be Addressed, Say Experts
Experts say strategies can be employed to help reduce stress while at the pharmacy; these include pharmacists taking a few minutes each day to talk to customers and refocus on why they chose this profession, as well as taking time for reflection before work or after the shift.
Automated Inventory System May Offer Time Savings for Pharmacists
Use of the technology at the Summa Health System-Barberton Campus in Ohio has been beneficial, saving time for pharmacists and technicians even though the amount of time savings has not been fully realized as use of the technology is in early phases.
The Major Challenges Facing Pharmacists in 2018
Drug affordability, nonadherence, and pharmacist compensation are major challenges for the year
