Suzanne G. Bollmeier

Impact of Online Lecture-capture on Student Outcomes in a Therapeutics Course

Objectives. To examine the correlation between students accessing recorded lecture files (audio and slides) online and course grades and class attendance. Methods. Second professional year (of 6-year program) students in a therapeutics course had access to recorded online lectures for 72 hours following live lectures. The number and duration of lecture accessions were compared to final course grades and class attendance. Course grades were compared to those of a historical control group. At the end of the semester, students completed a brief survey instrument regarding their use and perceptions of online lectures. Results. No correlation was found between final course grades and the number of lecture accessions (r = 0.0014) or total number of minutes lectures were viewed (r = 0.033), nor between class attendance and minutes viewed (r = 0.2158). Students with access to recorded lectures outperformed the historical control group on the final examination (p < 0.002). Seventy-two percent of students reported no influence of online files on class attendance. Conclusions. Posting lectures online did not affect student outcomes, but students did score higher on the final examination.

Long-Acting Bronchodilator Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: To review clinical data on the use of long-acting bronchodilator agents as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data Sources: A literature search was performed via MEDLINE (1966–April 2008). In addition, references from publications identified were reviewed. These searches were limited to human data published in the English language. Searches used the following terms: COPD, long-acting β2-agonisls, long-acting anticholinergics, combination therapy, pharmacoeconomics, safety, tiotropium, salmeterol, and formoterol. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant information on the pharmacology, safety, efficacy, pharmacoeconomics, adherence, and available agents used in the treatment of COPD was selected. Randomized clinical trials and retrospective reviews were included. Data Synthesis: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines provide general management recommendations to guide providers regarding treatment choices for COPD; however, they lack clarity regarding which long-acting bronchodilator to use and when combining agents becomes appropriate. Prospective trials evaluating short-acting anticholinergics and long-acting β2-agonists have utilized spirometric endpoints that relate most to short-term symptomatic relief. Tiotropium trials have focused more on patient-oriented outcomes, with data being reported for one year. Tiotropium significantly lowers exacerbation rates and improves health resource usage as well as health-related quality of life. Tiotropium also provides superior bronchodilation and improvement in dyspnea at all timo points, although onset of bronchodilation is slower than with long-acting β2-agonists. Combining these agents has been shown to decrease daytime rescue inhaler use, improve morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates, and improve bronchodilator efficacy compared with monotherapy. Pharmacoeconomic data lend support to the recommendation of tiotropium as a first-line long-acting agent. Conclusions: Tiotropium appears to be the best option as a first-line drug for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD because of its ability to sustain bronchodilator effect, improve quality of life, reduce COPD exacerbations, and reduce health resource usage. Patients who remain symptomatic may benefit from the addition of a long-acting β2-agonist to tiotropium monotherapy.

Combination of Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) and compare it with other inhaled combination corticosteroid/long-acting β2-receptor agonists for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data Sources: A PubMed and EMBASE search in June 2013 using the MeSH terms fluticasone and vilanterol identified trials using this combination for COPD. Additional information was gathered from references cited in the identified publications, the manufacturer, and package insert as well as the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Preference was given to randomized controlled clinical trials. Data from animal trials, clinical trials for asthma, and non-English sources were excluded. Data Synthesis: Given once daily, FF/VI improves trough forced expiratory volume at 1 s by about 230 mL in a 28-day trial versus placebo. However, a more modest increase (100-130 mL) was seen in 2 longer 28-week trials. In the longest trial of 1 year, a slight but significant decrease in the yearly rate of moderate plus severe exacerbations, the time to first moderate or severe exacerbation, and the frequency of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids was seen. There was no difference in the rate of exacerbations requiring hospitalization. The product appears to have the adverse effect profile typical of its class. Conclusions: Of the inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2 receptor agonist combinations, VI/FF is the first allowing once-daily dosing. Similar to the other combination products, it may slightly decrease the incidence of COPD exacerbations in the patient subset with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease risk category C or D. There are no direct safety or efficacy data comparing this with other available inhaled combination products. The once-daily dosing might improve adherence in select patients. The Ellipta delivery device may assist some who are unable to use other devices correctly.

The Emerging Role of Tiotropium for Patients with Asthma

OBJECTIVE To review clinical data on the use of the long-acting anticholinergic agent tiotropium in patients with asthma. DATA SOURCES A literature search was performed via EMBASE and MEDLINE (1966-November 2012). The search was limited to human data published in the English language. Search terms included asthma, tiotropium, and long-acting anticholinergics. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Relevant information related to the use of tiotropium in patients with asthma was reviewed. Randomized controlled trials and open-label trials were included. The references of published articles identified in the search were also examined for additional studies appropriate to include in the review. Data were prioritized if they originated from human studies, especially if derived from randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Trials and case reports involving the use of long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium in asthma patients were included; conversely, trials involving ipratropium were not. DATA SYNTHESIS Two large randomized controlled trials support the safety and efficacy of adding tiotropium to the treatment regimen of select patients with poorly controlled asthma already receiving combination high-dose glucocorticosteroid/long-acting β-agonist (LABA) therapy. Pharmacogenomic studies have shown that patients with polymorphisms of the β2-adrenoreceptor (ADRB2; 16 Arg/Arg and 16 Arg/Gly) are particularly responsive to treatment with tiotropium. Smaller studies indicate that the advantages may be most pronounced in patients with a predominance of sputum neutrophils and that tiotropium can assist with decreasing the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose. An increased risk of cardiovascular events was not identified. CONCLUSIONS Tiotropium should be considered in patients with asthma who remain symptomatic while receiving high-dose ICS and LABA therapy. Specifically, patients with high sputum neutrophil levels or with 16 Arg/Arg or 16 Arg/Gly polymorphism of the ADRB2 gene appear to respond best.

Patient perspectives on fluticasone–vilanterol versus other corticosteroid combination products for the treatment of asthma

Objective Fluticasone furoate (FF), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and vilanterol (VI), a long-acting beta2 receptor agonist (LABA), is a new combination used in an Ellipta® device. This article compares FF–VI to other ICS–LABA combinations available, particularly emphasizing product selection from the patient perspective. Data sources A PubMED and EMBASE search completed in October 2015 identified trials using the MeSH terms “fluticasone”, “vilanterol”, and “asthma”. Additional information was gathered from references cited in the identified publications, the manufacturer, package insert, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Study selection/data extraction Preference was given to randomized controlled clinical trials. Animal trials, trials for COPD, and non-English sources were excluded. Data synthesis Seven efficacy trials of FF–VI in asthma were identified. Only one (24 weeks) trial compared FF–VI to another ICS–LABA combination (fluticasone propionate–salmeterol). Primary outcomes (usually lung function) and secondary outcomes (eg, quality of life and symptom scores) were comparable. In three FF–VI safety trials, the type and frequency of common adverse reactions (ie, thrush and dysphonia) were similar to those in clinical trials. Over 90% of subjects rated the Ellipta® device as “easy to use” and demonstrated correct device technique initially and at 4 weeks. Conclusion Individuals may have drug- and device-specific preferences that should be incorporated into therapeutic decision making. Limited data indicate that clinical and patient-oriented efficacy/safety outcomes of FF–VI are likely comparable to other available combinations for adults with asthma. Patient-friendly features include once-daily dosing, flexibility of dose timing, and design/ease of the use of the device. Additional larger and long-term comparative studies are needed to determine whether these features translate into greater efficacy, safety, patient preference, or adherence versus other ICS–LABA combinations. In the next few years, the availability of less expensive generic ICS–LABA products may strongly influence patient preference.

Community pharmacy-based asthma services: current perspectives and future directions

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The Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) Opting for a Standard of Excellence in Asthma Care

Introduction: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of individuals with asthma in the United States has increased by 4.3 million, or 12.3%, between 2001 and 2009, creating an increasing burden on our health care system. Effective patient education is a key component of asthma management. The National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) promotes “optimal asthma management and quality of life by advancing excellence in asthma education through the Certified Asthma Educator process.” Methods: Following completion of the asthma educator certification examination, applicants were invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous Web-based survey. The survey was developed and approved by the Executive and Research Committees of the NAECB, with the objective of reviewing the experience of applicants seeking initial certification and of those seeking recertification. Results: Completed surveys were obtained from 988 applicants. Seventy-six percent of respondents were first-t...

Fluticasone-formoterol: a systematic review of its potential role in the treatment of asthma

Background The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and evaluate the available published data regarding the efficacy and safety of a combination product containing fluticasone propionate/formoterol (FP-F) in order to establish its potential role compared with other inhaled combination corticosteroid/long-acting beta2 receptor agonists for the maintenance treatment of asthma. Methods A PubMed and EMBASE search was conducted using the terms “fluticasone propionate”, “formoterol fumarate”, “Flutiform®”, and “asthma” in July 2014 to identify trials using this combination specifically for the treatment of asthma. Additional information was gathered from references cited in the identified publications, the package insert, and the ClinicalTrials. gov registry. All randomized controlled clinical trials for humans in asthma were evaluated for inclusion. Data from animal trials, clinical trials for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and non-English sources were excluded. Results Seven short-term safety and efficacy trials of FP-F compared with its individual components and two comparison trials of FP-F versus other combination products were identified. Generally, the incidence of drug-related adverse events was low and consistent with previously reported drug class-related adverse events (ie, pharyngitis, dysphonia, and headache). The combination of FP-F was shown to be noninferior to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol for improving predose forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and 2 hours post dose FEV1. FP-F was also noninferior to budesonide/formoterol in improving predose FEV1. Other clinical endpoints, including various symptom scores, asthma control, quality of life, and subjects’ assessment of the medications were not significantly different. Conclusion Poor asthma control is common. The data from short-term studies indicate that this inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 receptor agonist combination product is non-inferior to similar combination products available. As FP-F is available in different strengths, the corticosteroid dose can be titrated without changing devices. A potential advantage is that those with good technique, the same type of device could be used for both their controller and rapid relief inhaler medicines. The choice of this combination versus other similar products may be based primarily on cost.

The pharmacist’s role in controlling asthma

Objective: To provide a review of the asthma management guidelines issued by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) and identify strategies pharmacists can implement to help patients meet the goal of asthma control. Summary: Asthma affects approximately 8.2% of the adult population and 9.5% of children in the United States. The burden of the disease on individuals and the health care system is high. Each year, asthma accounts for approximately 15 million missed school days, 12 million missed work days, 14 million physician office visits, 1 million hospital outpatient visits, nearly 2 million emergency department visits, 400,000 hospitalizations, and more than 3,000 deaths. In response to this need, NAEPP issued asthma diagnosis and management guidelines with the goal of improving asthma control in affected individuals. Components of the guidelines include assessment and monitoring of severity and control, patient education, control of environmental factors and comorbid conditions, and medical management. The NAEPP guidelines call on all members of a patient’s health care team to be involved in asthma management. Pharmacists can play an active role in helping patients meet the goal of asthma control through education, monitoring, and consultation. Services already included in medication therapy management services may be adapted to include asthma-related patient and clinician partnerships. Conclusion: Pharmacists are an integral part of the patient’s health care team throughout long-term asthma management. Strategies to increase their involvement include identifying patients with undiagnosed or inadequately controlled asthma, consulting with clinicians on recommended medications, reviewing written asthma action plans, teaching patients how to use peak flow monitors and inhalation devices, reviewing adherence, encouraging influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and increasing awareness of environmental triggers.