System intervention in community pharmacy setting: Leading to better patient care through reducing harm associated with coprescribing benzodiazepines and opioids

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 445-453
Author(s):  
Angelina Vascimini, PharmD ◽  
Kevin Duane, PharmD ◽  
Stacey Curtis, PharmD
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
System Intervention ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Pharmacy Setting

Objective: The opioid epidemic is frequently discussed including the staggering numbers involved with coprescribing opioids and benzodiazepines associated with death. Community pharmacists, with the help of a system intervention, have a unique opportunity to help reduce the coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids and reduce the associated risk of death.Design: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted after a system intervention was placed, as a quality improvement project, from November 2019 to May 2020.Setting: Independent community pharmacy.Patients/participants: Data included demographics, dosing of each medication pre- and post-intervention, and naloxone status.Main outcome(s) measures: The primary outcome evaluated was reduction in dose/discontinuation of these prescriptions. The secondary outcome evaluated was the number of naloxone prescriptions ordered per protocol and picked up.Results: The primary outcome did not show statistical difference; however, the secondary outcomes showed statistical significance.Conclusion: In conclusion, community pharmacists, with the help of evolving technologies, can reduce harm associated with the coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Levetiracetam for Early Post-Traumatic Seizure Prophylaxis: A Level II Trauma Center Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy A. Amin ◽  
Steven F. Nerenberg ◽  
Osama A. Elsawy ◽  
Antai Wang ◽  
Jackie P. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Trauma Center ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce early or late post-traumatic seizures (PTS). While PTS incidence is low, prophylaxis is used despite a lack of consensus on agent or duration. Levetiracetam (LEV) for early PTS prophylaxis is preferred due to its safety and efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate LEV for early PTS prophylaxis.Methods: A single-center, retrospective chart review of TBI patients > 18 years who received LEV for early PTS prophylaxis between August 2018 - July 2019. The primary outcome was LEV duration. Secondary outcomes were incidence of seizure, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS).Results: Of the 137 included, mean age was 59±20 years and 69.3% were male. The mean admission GCS was 13±4 and 77.4% had mild TBI. Median LEV duration was 7 (IQR 4-10) days and 13.9% met recommended 7-day duration. Those prescribed LEV > 7 days had more than twice the median LEV duration than those prescribed ≤ 7 days (10.25 (8.5-15.5) vs 4 (1.5-4.5) days, p < 0.0001). EEG-confirmed PTS occurred in 2.2%, with an early PTS incidence of 0.73%. Median ICU and hospital LOS were 2 (IQR 1-7) and 7 (IQR 3-16) days, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of PTS was low as most patients in our study had mild or moderate TBI. Early PTS prophylaxis with LEV for 7 days is appropriate, although the majority of patients did not meet the recommended duration. Efforts to standardize and implement PTS prophylaxis protocols are needed.

Assessment of Safety of Remdesivir in Covid −19 Patients with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m^2

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662110705
Author(s):  
Shan Wang ◽  
Christy Huynh ◽  
Shahidul Islam ◽  
Brian Malone ◽  
Naveed Masani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Oxygen Requirement ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Review Study ◽  
T1 And T2

Purpose Safety of remdesivir in patients with renal impairment is unknown. Incidence of liver injury secondary to remdesivir is also unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and to trend the liver enzymes during remdesivir treatment and change in eGFR from baseline to end of treatment as well as 48 h post completion of remdesivir therapy. Methods This is a retrospective chart review study including adult patients admitted with COVID-19 receiving remdesivir with a baseline eGFR < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m^2 from December 2020 to May 2021. The primary outcome was to assess the incidence of AKI and hepatic injury. The secondary outcome was to assess the efficacy of remdesivir defined by change in oxygen requirement. Results Seventy-one patients were included in the study. Patients experienced an improvement in eGFR from baseline (T0) to end of remdesivir treatment (T1), as well as 48 h after the end of the treatment (T2) ( + 30.3% and + 30.6% respectively, P < .0001). Creatinine reduced from baseline (T0) to T1 and T2 (-20.9% and −20.5% respectively, P < .0001). Creatinine clearance improved from baseline to T1 and T2 ( + 26.6% and + 26.2% respectively, p < .0001). Elevation of aminotransferase (AST) was observed at T1 ( + 2.5%, P  =  .727), however, AST reduction was seen at T2 (-15.8%, P  =  .021). Elevation in alanine transaminase (ALT) was observed at T1 and T2 ( + 25% and + 12%, P  =  .004 and P  =  .137 respectively). Both direct and total bilirubin remained stable and were not significantly changed from baseline. Conclusion Our study showed that remdesivir use in renally-impaired patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min is safe. Remdesivir may be considered as a therapeutic option in this population with COVID-19 infection.

Safety of Infliximab Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-world Clinical Setting: Description and Evaluation of Infusion Reactions

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 1539-1545 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN KELSALL ◽  
PAMELA ROGERS ◽  
GRISELDA GALINDO ◽  
MARY A. De VERA
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Reaction Rate ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Infusion Reaction ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Infliximab Treatment ◽  
Infusion Reactions ◽  
Acute Reaction

Objective.To describe acute and delayed infusion reactions in a large cohort of patients with inflammatory arthritis, treated with infliximab (IFX).Methods.We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated with IFX at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre between 2000 and 2008. The primary outcome was the occurrence of acute infusion reactions during infusions or 1–2 hours after each infusion, and secondary outcome was the occurrence of delayed infusion reactions 1–14 days after an infusion. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize study outcomes and identify trends over followup.Results.Since 2000, 376 patients were referred to the Mary Pack IFX clinic and 200 received 4399 IFX infusions over a mean 140 ± 132 weeks of followup. Of these, 135 were patients with RA who received 2977 IFX infusions over mean followup of 138 ± 132 weeks. In total 258 episodes of acute reactions were observed for an overall acute reaction rate of 5.8%. Acute infusion reactions were mostly mild (42.6%) and moderate (43.8%) and commonly affected sites were head and neck (31.5%) and cutaneous (21.1%). A total of 37 delayed infusion reaction episodes were observed (0.9% rate); reactions were also mostly mild (16.2%) and moderate (64.9%).Conclusion.These clinical data from 200 patients treated with IFX demonstrate that acute and delayed infusion reactions occur infrequently and are mostly mild to moderate in presentation.

scholarly journals Intermediate outcomes of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy and canaloplasty in POAG patients with prior incisional glaucoma surgery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaizhou Wang ◽  
Chen Xin ◽  
Ying Han ◽  
Yan Shi ◽  
Sarah Ziaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Filtering Surgery ◽  
Intermediate Outcomes ◽  
Topical Medications

Abstract Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy (ECT) and canaloplasty on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with failed filtering surgery and intact schlemm’s canal (SC). Methods : We conducted a retrospective chart review of POAG patients with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, who further received ECT and canaloplasty. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications at each follow-up point.The secondary outcome compared the quantified success rate at1-year follow-up between the groups. Results: Twenty-nine eyes were recruited in the ECT group and 19 eyes in canaloplasty group. The postoperative IOP and the number of topical medications decreased significantly in both groups(p<0.001). The IOP at 3-month and 6-monthwas significantly lower in the ECT group (p=0.039, p=0.001) than in the canaloplasty group. Although the IOP at 12-mon was similar between the two groups, the number of topical medications was less in the ECP group (p=0.040). Hyphema (72.4%) and ciliary body detachment (27.6%), which mainly resolve spontaneously, were two leading complications in the ECT group. The prevalence of hyphema was higher in ECT than in canaloplasty group (p<0.001). Conclusion: For POAG with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, canaloplasty may be safer, whereas ECT presented better IOP control.

scholarly journals Intermediate Outcomes of ab Externo Circumferentialtrabeculotomy and Canaloplastyin POAG Patients with Prior Incisional Glaucoma Surgery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaizhou Wang ◽  
Chen Xin ◽  
Ying Han ◽  
Yan Shi ◽  
Sarah Ziaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Filtering Surgery ◽  
Intermediate Outcomes ◽  
Topical Medications

Abstract Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy (ECT) and canaloplasty on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with failed filtering surgery and intact schlemm’s canal (SC).Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of POAG patients with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, who further received ECT and canaloplasty. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications at each follow-up point.The secondary outcome compared the quantified success rate at1-year follow-up between the groups. Results:Twenty-nine eyes were recruited in the ECT group and 19 eyes in canaloplasty group. The postoperative IOP and the number of topical medications decreased significantly in both groups(p<0.001). The IOP at 3-month and 6-monthwas significantly lower in the ECT group (p=0.039, p=0.001) than in the canaloplasty group. Although the IOP at 12-mon was similar between the two groups, the number of topical medications was less in the ECP group (p=0.040). Hyphema (72.4%) and ciliary body detachment (27.6%), which mainly resolve spontaneously, were two leading complications in the ECT group. The prevalence of hyphema was higher in ECT than in canaloplasty group (p<0.001). Conclusion: For POAG with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, canaloplasty may be safer, whereas ECT presented better IOP control.Translational Relevance:

Evaluating the impact of CPAP weaning procedures on total days on nasal CPAP: A retrospective chart review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Z.B. Puthattayil ◽  
G.P. Moore ◽  
K. Tang ◽  
N. Huneault-Purney ◽  
S.L. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Stability Criteria ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Duration Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on how to wean infants from Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP). We hypothesized that ceasing NCPAP abruptly would decrease the duration required, compared with a gradual wean. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included preterm infants requiring NCPAP for over 48 hours. Cohort1 weaned NCPAP by cycling on and off, while cohort 2 ceased NCPAP abruptly. The primary outcome was total days on NCPAP. Secondary outcomes included rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, weight gain, duration of hospital stay, and compliance with the use of stability criteria. RESULTS: 81 infants met inclusion criteria in cohort one, and 89 in cohort two. Median days on NCPAP were 17.0 and 11.0 days, respectively, not significant. There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant association between the two NCPAP weaning protocols and the outcomes studied.

scholarly journals Intermediate outcomes of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy and canaloplasty in POAG patients with prior incisional glaucoma surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaizhou Wang ◽  
Chen Xin ◽  
Ying Han ◽  
Yan Shi ◽  
Sarah Ziaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Filtering Surgery ◽  
Intermediate Outcomes ◽  
Topical Medications

Abstract Background To compare the efficacy and safety of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy (ECT) and canaloplasty on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with failed filtering surgery and intact schlemm’s canal (SC). Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of POAG patients with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, who further received ECT and canaloplasty. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications at each follow-up point. The secondary outcome compared the quantified success rate at1-year follow-up between the groups. Results Twenty-nine eyes were recruited in the ECT group and 19 eyes in canaloplasty group. The postoperative IOP and the number of topical medications decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). The IOP at 3-month and 6-monthwas significantly lower in the ECT group (p = 0.039, p = 0.001) than in the canaloplasty group. Although the IOP at 12-mon was similar between the two groups, the number of topical medications was less in the ECT group (p = 0.040). Hyphema (72.4%) and ciliary body detachment (27.6%), which mainly resolve spontaneously, were two leading complications in the ECT group. The prevalence of hyphema was higher in ECT than in canaloplasty group (p < 0.001). Conclusion For POAG with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, canaloplasty may be safer, whereas ECT presented better IOP control. Translational Relevance: Suggestions for surgical choice for POAG with failed filtering surgery.

Increasing Home Health Face-to-Face Certification: Impact of a Hospital-Based Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-115
Author(s):  
Kimberly Pelland ◽  
Emily Cooper ◽  
Alyssa DaCunha ◽  
Kathleen Calandra ◽  
Rebekah Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Hospital Physicians ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Community Physician ◽  
Home Health Agencies

Medicare requires that home health patients have a face-to-face visit with a physician when services are initiated and that physicians provide certification of this encounter before home health agencies (HHAs) can be reimbursed. We assessed an intervention to increase completion of face-to-face certification by hospital physicians at discharge using a retrospective chart review. We found a shift in the source and timeliness of certification among intervention hospitals. Pre-intervention, hospital physicians completed face-to-face certifications for 18.7% of patients and community physicians completed certifications for 47.2% ( p < .001), compared with 44.4% and 24.3% ( p < .001) post-intervention. Shifting the source of certification from community to hospital physicians helped HHAs by reducing the burden of tracking down certification from community physician offices and facilitating timely care for recently hospitalized patients.

scholarly journals A Virtual Reality-Based Self-Help Intervention for Dealing with the Psychological Distress Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Effectiveness Study with a Two-Week Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8188
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Riva ◽  
Luca Bernardelli ◽  
Gianluca Castelnuovo ◽  
Daniele Di Lernia ◽  
Cosimo Tuena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel self-administered at-home daily virtual reality (VR)-based intervention (COVID Feel Good) for reducing the psychological burden experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 40 individuals who had experienced at least two months of strict social distancing measures followed COVID Feel Good between June and July 2020 for one week. Primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, perceived stress levels, and hopelessness. Secondary outcomes were the experienced social connectedness and the level of fear experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, we also performed a clinical change analysis on primary outcome measures. As concerning primary outcome measures, participants exhibited improvements from baseline to post-intervention for depression levels, stress levels, general distress, and perceived stress (all p < 0.05) but not for the perceived hopelessness (p = 0.110). Results for the secondary outcomes indicated an increase in social connectedness from T0 to T1 (p = 0.033) but not a significant reduction in the perceived fear of coronavirus (p = 0.412). Among these study variables, these significant improvements were maintained from post-intervention to the 2-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Results indicated that the intervention was associated with good clinical outcomes, low-to-no risks for the treatment, and no adverse effects or risks. Globally, evidence suggests a beneficial effect of the proposed protocol and its current availability in 12 different languages makes COVID Feel Good a free choice for helping individuals worldwide to cope with the psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 crisis, although large scale trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy.

The Mania Pathway Protocol: An Application of Evidence-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Acute Mania on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

2020 ◽  
pp. 107839032091654
Author(s):  
Avishay A. Adri
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Acute Mania ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Psychiatric Unit ◽  
Young Mania ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Mood Stabilization ◽  
Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

INTRODUCTION: Acute manic episodes are a psychiatric emergency related to violence and poor patient outcomes. Combination psychotropic therapy utilizing a mood stabilizer and an atypical antipsychotic has been shown to be more efficacious for treating acute mania compared to monotherapy with either mood stabilizers or antipsychotics alone. This quality improvement project implemented evidence-based interventions for treating acute mania. The mania pathway protocol was created as a comprehensive clinical guide for guiding mania treatment. The protocol was implemented on an inpatient psychiatric unit for patients with mania diagnoses including manic/mixed episodes of bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder. AIMS: (1) to improve the treatment of mania by using evidence-based interventions for rapid mood stabilization and (2) to educate psychiatric providers on up-to-date interventions for treating acute manic states. METHOD: Psychiatric providers were evaluated for knowledge enhancement through a pre-/post–educational session quiz. A retrospective chart review was used for data collection for patients treated with the mania pathway protocol. The retrospective chart review spanned 8 weeks post project implementation. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores were analyzed to measure the effect on mania severity. RESULTS: The percentage decrease in mean Young Mania Rating Scale scores from admission to the fifth day of hospitalization was 61%. All psychiatric providers proved knowledge attainment by scoring 100% on the postintervention quiz. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid mood stabilization may be achieved by using a combination therapy–based mania protocol. Educational sessions can enhance psychiatric provider knowledge with regard to evidence-based treatments for mania.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document