Pilot Evaluation of Pharmacists’ and Pharmacy Technicians’ Knowledge and Understanding of a Medication Synchronization Program

Background: Medication synchronization (MS) improves adherence by allowing patients to pick up all medications at the same time. Pharmacy staff need training to utilize a MS program effectively. Objective: Evaluate the impact of a video tutorial with decreased extraneous and intrinsic load on pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ knowledge and understanding of a MS program. Study Method: Participants completed a prequestionnaire to assess knowledge and understanding of the MS process. They then watched a step-by-step video tutorial and were reassessed by a postquestionnaire 2 weeks later. Study participants included pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed at 1 of 2 pharmacies in 1 regional division of a large community-based chain pharmacy. Participants were eligible if they were registered and in good standing with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and employed for greater than 30 days since July 1, 2018. Results: Twenty participants were included in the final analysis. The median age was 36 years, 14 (70%) were female, 13 (65%) were pharmacy technicians, and each study site had equal representation. Most participants, 15 (75%), had previously completed the standard MS training. There was a significant improvement in number of correct responses after the intervention with a prequestionnaire score of 61.3% to postquestionnaire score of 70% ( P=.002). Significant improvement in knowledge was seen in participants who completed the previous training as well as first-time learners of the MS process. Conclusion: Optimizing training on MS processes by decreasing extraneous and intrinsic load improved the pharmacy team’s knowledge and understanding of the MS process.

Spinal Mobility with Concept of the Combination of Motion Spheres in the Body

In recent years, the importance of physical rehabilitation has been more emphasized. The authors and colleagues have continued practice and research for long. Furthermore, we have given workshops for various subjects. The content included how to perform walking, jogging, and running associated with stretching, pole exercising, standing straight, leaning forward and others. How can person keep a good standing attitude at all times? Firstly, make the body relax without muscle tension. Secondly, make your back bone stretch straight. It is important to conduct the following three operations slowly in this order.

Edification through the Memory of Sins

The article explores the practical uses of Eastern Orthodox indulgences as certificates of absolution with a dual function (as mnemonic tools and as public certificates of good standing with the church) in the early modern period.

New and Emerging Religious Communities

This chapter summarizes the trends revealed in CARA’s three directories of new and emerging religious communities in the United States, compiled in 1999, 2006, and 2017. Each directory listed Catholic communities and lay movements that were in good standing in their diocese, had at least three or four members, and had been founded and headquartered in the United States since 1965. The chapter describes the wide variations in membership criteria, in spiritual traditions, in community lifestyles, and in the ministries or apostolates the members perform. Trends in membership growth/decline and the community characteristics associated with attracting new members are also covered. The chapter concludes by outlining some implications of its findings.

The Wartime Transformation of Student Visitors into Refugee Citizens, 1943–1955

This chapter explores how the Chinese people present in America on temporary visas as students, technical trainees, diplomats, sailors, and so forth suddenly found themselves stranded by the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War. For instance, C.Y. Lee, the author of Flower Drum Song, was rescued from refugee status by changes in immigration laws and procedures that allowed resident Chinese in good standing to receive permanent status. On behalf of this group of elite, highly educated Chinese, the State Department and Congress made accommodations rather than force such usefully trained workers to return to a now hostile state. Lee's transformation from student to refugee and then to legal immigrant mirrors that of thousands of other Chinese intellectuals who received American assistance to remain, enter the U.S. workforce, and become citizens.

Amman will quietly boost cooperation with Damascus

Significance The US-Russian-Jordanian July 9 agreement on a ceasefire in southern Syria has achieved calm in the area for now. The southernmost ‘de-escalation zone’ on the Syria-Jordan border is part of a wider normalisation of the prospect of continued rule by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Impacts Renewed trade with Damascus could facilitate the recovery of Jordan’s suffering mining sector. Jordan will use improved stability to promote tourism, reaching out to Asian as well as European markets. Amman’s role in negotiating the southern Syria ceasefire will cement its good standing in Washington. Jordan’s internal stability will be vulnerable to fluctuations in Israel-Palestinian tensions.