The richness of experiential education derives from the diversity and uniqueness of each practice setting. This same diversity presents challenges in delivery of the educational experience. Added to the complexity are differences in student content knowledge and skill set, readiness for practice, attitude, and motivation. Nonetheless, there are a number of best practices that can be universally employed to ensure that both preceptor and student alike benefit from a positive experience.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 years old every day.1 This alarming trend has been taking place since January 2011, and is expected to continue at the same rate to the end of 2030.
As a sixth-year pharmacy intern, it is important to prioritize your values when selecting a position as a pharmacist.
The most modifiable component of complications caused by antibiotic resistance, which leads to increased healthcare costs and poor health outcomes, is antibiotic use. It is estimated that up to 50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are inappropriate,2 and are most often indicated for acute respiratory infections.
Up until that point, I had joined clubs and organizations that I thought would help me in my journey: first, to get into a good college; then, to learn more about pharmacy; and later, to increase my chances of getting an internship.
In March 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved filgrastim-sndz (Zarxio), a biosimilar to filgrastim (Neupogen), representing the first biosimilar in the United States.
A 63-year-old man with multiple medical problems was seen by his primary care doctor for a routine follow-up appointment. Despite receiving psychotherapy, the patient admitted that he continued to struggle with anxiety. In light of these concerns, the primary care physician elected to prescribe an antianxiety agent, alprazolam. The clinic had just implemented electronic prescribing—the ability to electronically transmit a new prescription to a pharmacy. The physician reassured the patient that he didn’t need a paper prescription and could simply go to the pharmacy to pick up his medications.
The Case A 65-year-old man with schizophrenia receives his routine outpatient psychiatric care through an agency. His case manager visits him weekly regarding medication adherence, which includes biweekly visits to his clinic for administration of his risperidone depot injection. He receives all his oral medications dispensed in weekly blister packs from his local pharmacy; however, the risperidone is provided by a separate “specialty pharmacy” that dispenses all long-acting injectable antipsychotics for the agency.
James Beaumariage, RPh, editorial board member, Inside Patient Care, emphasizes the importance of communicating with patients.
Early each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases their Call Letter containing information on Part C and Part D programs that Medicare Advantage organizations and Part D sponsors need to take into consideration when preparing their 2015 bids.
