CE PRN® Pharmacy Continuing Education Courses 2018

This lesson will focus on common vaccines administered by pharmacists. Information is provided that includes current rates of vaccination, changes in the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations for 2018-19, potential risks for vaccine errors and how to identify patients who would benefit from vaccines. In addition, information is provided on common vaccines for international travel.

PART 2: ANGINA PECTORIS: REVIEW & UPDATE. Angina pectoris is the term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. It is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. In this lesson (Part 2), and the previous one, we discuss a number of factors related to treatment of angina pectoris. Background descriptions and classification of the disease were discussed in the previous lesson. In this lesson, we provide a detailed synopsis of organic nitrate therapy. In this lesson (“Part 2: Angina Pectoris—Review & Update”), we also provide explanations and information regarding the other 3 classes of angina medications, along with summaries of therapeutic treatment rationale.

Angina pectoris is the term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. It is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. In this lesson (Part 1), and the next, we will discuss a number of factors related to treatment of angina pectoris. Background descriptions and classification of the disease are discussed in this lesson (“Part 1: Angina Pectoris–Review & Update”). Additionally, in this lesson, we provide a detailed synopsis of organic nitrate therapy.

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections are becoming more common and are a tremendous burden to patients and the healthcare system. The social, economic and personal costs related to them are overwhelming. Many researchers have demonstrated various interventions that decrease infection rates. A multi-faceted approach that includes staff education, minimizing patient risk factors and easy to understand institutional guidelines are needed to prevent these infections. This is an active area of research with advancements to patient care published frequently. In the last lesson (Part 1), we reviewed the definition of CRE infections, the risk factors associated with acquiring CRE infections, identification of CRE infections, and general treatment. In this lesson (Part 2), we review specific therapies, and we relate how CRE infections can be prevented.

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections are becoming more common and are a tremendous burden to patients and the healthcare system. The social, economic and personal costs related to them are overwhelming. Many researchers have demonstrated various interventions that decrease infection rates. A multi-faceted approach that includes staff education, minimizing patient risk factors and easy to understand institutional guidelines are needed to prevent these infections. This is an active area of research with advancements to patient care published frequently. In this lesson (Part 1), we review the definition of CRE infections, the risk factors associated with acquiring CRE infections, identification of CRE infections, and general treatment.

This lesson reviews the facts, legal conclusions, and practical significance of six court cases concerning pharmacy technicians and their relationship with the pharmacists who supervise their work. In many practice settings, pharmacy technicians have largely taken over the role of order processing, subject to pharmacist oversight and final check, of processed prescriptions. In these settings, pharmacists are more readily available for consultation with other health professionals, education of patients and their family caregivers, monitoring of drug therapy, and the provision of expanded health care services such as immunizations. Pharmacy technicians may also perform clerical roles, such as inventory control, ordering and check-in of drug stock and supplies, and processing of third party payments. The support role of the pharmacy technician is important, and it subjects the pharmacist and pharmacy to potential legal action should the technician fail in meeting the responsibilities of this role.

This is our biannual lesson on ‘Medication Errors.’ Errors cannot be eliminated, but they can be reduced and minimized. The general goal of this lesson is to review the concepts related to medication error reduction. This is a knowledge – based CPE activity. We shall include a situation that resulted in criminal charges and conviction against a pharmacist as a result of an error. Medication error reduction can, hopefully, be achieved with a program of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). We shall discuss this also.

In this lesson we review GERD & hiatal hernia. Specifically, we concentrate upon antacids, and OTC H2RAs and PPIs. Our goals are: (1) consideoation of therapeutic options, (2) comparisons of when to use H2 blockers versus PPIs, and finally (3) provide updated information that can improve communications with patients.

Infections that are facilitated within the hospital setting are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, the reaction to them by all members of the healthcare team are becoming more significant. Finally, third party payers are starting to ‘scrutinize reimbursement’ to hospitals for certain infections. These are just a few reasons why it is important to review and update this topic every 12 – 18 months. As always the overall goals are to provide safe and effective pharmacy care, while advising patients with reliable and important information.

Pharmacy has changed, but has it really? The mechanics are different, as are many drugs and, of course, the names of pharmaceutical manufacturers and “players in our profession.” Yet, the ultimate goal of pharmacy, pretty much, remains the same—providing important drug and healthcare information to patients. In this lesson, we review IBD. We primarily discuss CD & UC. The goal is to provide updated information that can improve communications with patients.