Brandon Sucher

The relationship between asthma, asthma control and economic outcomes in the United States

Abstract Objective: Asthma, a serious chronic lung disease affecting approximately 26 million Americans, remains clinical and economic burdens on the healthcare system. Although associations between uncontrolled asthma and poor health outcomes is known, the extent of this impact of uncontrolled asthma on economic outcomes in the United States (US) is unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between asthma, asthma control and economic outcomes in the US. Methods: The 2008–2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were used to estimate the impact of uncontrolled asthma (asthma-related emergency department [ED] visit, use of >3 canisters of quick-relief inhaler in past 3 months or asthma attack in past 12 months) on medical expenditures, utilization and productivity. Estimates were generated using multivariate regression controlling for sociodemographics and comorbidity. Results: Medical expenditures attributable to asthma were up to

Prevnar 13, the New 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

4423 greater for those with markers of uncontrolled asthma compared with those who did not have asthma. Frequency of hospital discharges were up to 4.6-fold greater for those with uncontrolled asthma than those without asthma (p < 0.01), while all others with asthma did not have significantly more discharges. ED visits were up to 1.8-fold greater for those with uncontrolled asthma compared with those without asthma (p < 0.01). Productivity was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased (more likely to be unemployed, more days absent from work and more activity limitations) for those with uncontrolled asthma. Conclusions: In recent national data, individuals with asthma and markers of uncontrolled asthma had higher medical expenditures, greater utilization and decreased productivity.

An Elective Course in Leader Development

Objective: To review the immurtogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for use in pediatric patients. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (2000-September 2011) was conducted using the key words Streptococcus pneumoniae and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for clinical trials, limited to studies conducted in humans and published in English. Studv Selection And Data Extraction: Randomized, controlled, multicenter trials were reviewed and included to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PCV13, Literature on the epidemiology and pathology of pneumococcal Infections and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were also reviewed. Data Synthesis: PCV13 is approved for routine vaccination of all infants as a 4-dose series at age 2,4,6, and 12–15 months for children who previously received 1 or more doses of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), and for children with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for pneumococcal disease or its complications. PCV13 has comparable immunogenicity to the serotypes common with PCV7 and also provides protection against 6 additional pneumococcal serotypes. PCV13 has also been shown to have a comparable adverse reaction profile to PCV7. Conclusions: Based on published immunogenicity and safety data, as well as the recent recommendations by the ACIP for routine use in infants and indications for high-risk pediatric patients, PCV13 is a revised formulation of pneumococcal vaccine that should be included on pharmacy formularies.

Including Emotional Intelligence in Pharmacy Curricula to Help Achieve CAPE Outcomes

Objective. To describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a leader-development elective course. Design. Students discovered, reflected on, and enhanced their leadership skills by participating in leadership quality presentations, selecting and facilitating team-building activities for pharmacy-based scenarios, creating a personal mission statement, maintaining a journal, creating pharmacy performance matrices, facilitating leadership discussions and activities, and completing a variety of leader-development inventories to identify their strengths and opportunities for growth. Assessment. Students successfully completed 98% of the assignments. The most valued topics and assignments involved validated instruments, which promoted self-discovery and development. End-of-course survey results revealed all students agreed the course achieved all learning outcomes except preventing conflict from escalating (9% disagreed) and applying knowledge of core values to achieve greater effectiveness in interpersonal communication (4% disagreed). Conclusions. Students perceived this leader-development elective course was effective in achieving learning outcomes. Assignments guided the creation of personalized leader-development tracks, ultimately promoting lifelong learning.

Orientating Nonpharmacist Faculty Members to Pharmacy Practice

The importance of emotional intelligence (EI) for effective teamwork and leadership within the workplace is increasingly apparent. As suggested by the 2013 CAPE Outcomes, we recommend that colleges and schools of pharmacy consider EI-related competencies to build self-awareness and professionalism among students. In this Statement, we provide two examples of the introduction of EI into pharmacy curricula. In addition, we provide a 4-phase process based on recommendations developed by EI experts for structuring and planning EI development. Finally, we make 9 recommendations’ to inform the process of including EI in pharmacy curricula.

Health-related quality of life associated with systemic corticosteroids

Objective. To design, implement, and evaluate a faculty development program intended to orient nonpharmacist faculty members to pharmacy practice. Design. A multifaceted program was implemented in 2012 that included 4 shadowing experiences in which faculty members visited acute care, ambulatory care, hospital, and community pharmacy settings under the guidance of licensed preceptors. Itineraries for each visit were based on objective lists of anticipated practice experiences that define the role of the pharmacist in each setting. Assessment. The 4 shadowing experiences culminated with reflection and completion of a survey to assess the impact of the program. All of the faculty participants agreed that the experience improved their conceptual understanding of contemporary pharmacy practice and the role of the pharmacist in the healthcare setting. The experience also improved faculty comfort with creating practice-relevant classroom activities. Conclusions. A shadowing experience is an effective way of orienting nonpharmacist faculty members to the practice of pharmacy. This program inspired the creation of an experience to introduce pharmacy practice faculty to pharmaceutical science faculty research initiatives.

DeCoske MA, Tryon JE, White SJ. The Pharmacy Leadership Field Guide: Cases and Advice for Everyday Situations. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2011. 274 PP,

AbstractBackgroundSystemic corticosteroids (SCS) are commonly used but are associated with adverse effects. Given their prevalent use, the potential impact of SCS use on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important to characterize.Objective To assess the HRQoL of patients taking SCS.MethodsThe 2000–2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was used to examine EQ-5D and SF-6D scores associated with SCS use in adults. The study sample was restricted to those with a condition for which SCS are prescribed. SCS use was categorized into three levels: none; 1–3; and ≥4 prescriptions per year. HRQoL scores were regressed on SCS use (1–3 or ≥4 annual prescriptions) controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, income category, geographic region, number of ER visits, number of outpatient visits, total number of chronic conditions (for which SCS are not used) and conditions for which SCS are clinically indicated. ResultsThere were 54,856 individuals with no SCS exposure, 2245 with 1–3 and 624 with ≥4 annual SCS prescriptions. In adjusted analyses, use of ≥4 annual SCS prescriptions appeared to be associated with significantly lower EQ-5D (US), EQ-5D (UK), SF-6D and EQ-5D VAS scores compared to no exposure: −0.032, −0.047, −0.036, and −7.58.ConclusionWhile SCS are efficacious and widely used for numerous conditions, results suggest that their use may be associated with a substantial deleterious impact on HRQoL. This potential negative effect should be considered in balance with the cost and efficacy of comparable treatments.

37.00 (paperback). ISBN: 978-1-58528-249-4.

Graduating pharmacists often find themselves in leadership positions early in their careers. In response to stakeholder feedback, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) updated guidelines for Standard 9: The Goal of the Curriculum, with the addition of Guideline 9.3. Guideline 9.3 states, “The college or school curriculum should foster the development of students as leaders and agents of change. The curriculum should help students embrace the moral purpose that underpins the profession and develop the ability to use tools and strategies needed to affect positive change in pharmacy practice and health care delivery.” The Pharmacy Leadership Field Guide: Cases and Advice for Everyday Situations is a casebook designed to equip students, residents, and new practitioners with an “in-print mentor” as they face leadership challenges.