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Bou-Saba A, Kassak KM, Salameh P. Adherence to Good Pharmacy Practices by Community Pharmacies in Lebanon and Opportunities for Quality Improvement: It is Time to Act. Integr Pharm Res Pract 2023; 12:25-35. [PMID: 36733974 PMCID: PMC9888014 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s377635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Good pharmacy practice is an important standard that highlight the quality of services in community pharmacies. In 2018, The Order of Pharmacists in Lebanon (OPL) published their own good pharmacy practices (GPP) guidelines. The need exists for investigational studies to assess GPP implementation status and the professional conduct of on-site staff towards these standards. Methods Data collection was carried out between February and August 2020 using a questionnaire covering: Socio-demographic variables; Indicator A (Attitude of the Community Pharmacists); Indicator B (Services and Facilities); Indicator C (Dispensing); Indicator D (Storage). Data analysis were performed on SPSS version 25, T-Test and ANOVA were used. A significant p value of <0.001, 95% confidence interval and variables with missing data counting less than 10% were considered. Results A total of 211 staffers from pharmacies were enrolled in the study, each representing one community pharmacy. The mean percent of adherence to GPP standards by community pharmacies in the South of Lebanon was below the recommended threshold of 75%. Only 65.09% adhered to all tested indicators (27% to Indicator A, 56.91% to Indicator B, 68.61% to Indicator C, 66.31% to Indicator D). Higher indicators were seen among providers who were aware of OPL standards (OR = 4.021), female (OR= 2.011) and being a licensed pharmacist (OR=3.506). Cronbach alpha of the overall score was 0.615. Conclusion Further steps shall be taken to improve the compliance to GPP standards. Steps shall include, identification of the core standards, such as dispensing, provision of adequate information, monitoring of storage conditions, and ensuring the presence of a licensed pharmacist. It is highly recommended that the OPL and the Ministry of Public Health develop a "Self-assessment tool" and an efficient training program to increase community Pharmacists' awareness status. Regular assessment shall be carried to monitor the progress overtime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alein Bou-Saba
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon,Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon,Correspondence: Alein Bou-Saba, Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon, Tel +961 70980978, Email
| | - Kassem M Kassak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon,Institut National de Santé Publique d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon,Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, 2417, Cyprus,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
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Deyhim N, Bhakta SB, Varkey AC, Metzen DL, Varkey D, Martinez RJ, Garey KW. Systemization of a pharmacy technician career ladder in a multi-hospital system. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 2:100036. [PMID: 35481131 PMCID: PMC9031433 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hospital consolidation into larger, systemized health systems has enabled system-wide standardization of promotion processes, including pharmacy technician career ladders. However, whether system standardization affects the job satisfaction or outcomes of pharmacy technicians is unknown. The purpose of this project was to assess pharmacy technician perceptions and outcomes after systemization of a pharmacy technician career ladder. Methods Pharmacy technician satisfaction scores and outcomes (promotion and turnover rates) were assessed in an eight-hospital health system before and after systemization of a pharmacy technician career ladder. Results Two hundred and forty-nine pharmacy technicians were employed during the pre-intervention (n = 104) and post-intervention (n = 145) time periods. One hundred and twenty-three of 145 (84.83%) pharmacy technicians completed a job satisfaction survey after implementation of the system-wide technician career ladder. Overall satisfaction for the career ladder averaged 3.8 ± 0.61 or between neutral to positive satisfaction. There was no difference in total satisfaction regardless of teaching (3.8 ± 0.59) or community hospital (3.8 ± 0.63) location (p = 0.53) or stratifying by Pharmacy Technician status. A total of 50 pharmacy technicians were hired during the study period, either during the pre-implementation (n = 36) or post-implementation (n = 14) time periods. Time to the first promotion averaged 1.73 ± 1.00 years in the pre-implementation period and 1.36 ± 0.55 years in the post-implementation period (p = 0.20). Technician voluntary turnover was similar between the time periods. Conclusion In conclusion, the standardization of a systems-level pharmacy technician promotion ladder from a single hospital to a systems-level was associated with positive job satisfaction and similar promotions and turnover rates as the historic, single hospital-based promotion ladder. Healthcare systemization has necessitated systemization of many processes including pharmacy technician career ladders. This project assessed pharmacy technician perceptions and outcomes after systemization of a pharmacy technician career ladder. Systems-level pharmacy technician promotion ladder was associated with positive job satisfaction and similar promotions and turnover rates.
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Kolesar JM, Vermeulen LC. Precision medicine: Opportunities for health-system pharmacists. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:999-1003. [PMID: 33693532 PMCID: PMC7989629 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY.,University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lee C Vermeulen
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.,UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
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Biddle MA, Hibbard A, O'Connor S, Wadsworth TG, Robinson R, Nguyen E. Implementation and assessment of a pilot module on billing for pharmacist-provided healthcare services in a doctor of pharmacy program. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2021; 13:403-408. [PMID: 33715803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To describe the implementation and assessment of a pilot module on billing to inform future comprehensive curricular integration of billing for pharmacist-provided healthcare services. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING A module (two-hour didactic session and two-hour lab), developed by a faculty member and pharmacy billing specialist, was piloted to teach second-year pharmacy students how to bill the medical insurance benefit for provided services. Web-based pre- and post-surveys and performance on knowledge assessment questions were used to evaluate the pilot module. FINDINGS Students' perceptions of their abilities and knowledge to provide and bill for healthcare services improved as a result of participation in the pilot module. SUMMARY This pilot module on billing was successful in improving students' knowledge and perceptions of abilities to provide and bill for healthcare services. However, further efforts to integrate billing education within individual institutions and the entire pharmacy academy will help better prepare pharmacists to provide sustainable clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Biddle
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, 1311 East Central Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642, United States.
| | - Andrew Hibbard
- Ambulatory Care Clinical Coordinator, 66612 Oriole Drive, North Bend, OR 97459, United States.
| | - Shanna O'Connor
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, 921 South 8(th) Avenue, Stop 8288, Pocatello, ID 83209, United States.
| | - Thomas G Wadsworth
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Alaska Anchorage/Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, 3211 Providence Drive, PSB 113, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States.
| | - Renee Robinson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Alaska Anchorage/Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, 3211 Providence Drive, PSB 108B, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States.
| | - Elaine Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, 1311 East Central Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642, United States.
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Flynn AJ, Fortier C, Maehlen H, Pierzinski V, Runnebaum R, Sullivan M, Wagner J, Stevenson JG. A strategic approach to improving pharmacy enterprise automation: Development and initial application of the Autonomous Pharmacy Framework. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:636-645. [PMID: 33585909 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allen J Flynn
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Hanna Maehlen
- Independent Management Consultant, Kufstein, Austria
| | | | - Ranee Runnebaum
- Department of Pharmacy, LCMC Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mark Sullivan
- Vanderbilt University Hospital and Clinics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeff Wagner
- Pharmacy, Respiratory Care, and ECMO Services, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James G Stevenson
- Omnicell, Mountain View, CA, and Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Vest MH, Colmenares EW, Pappas AL. Transforming data into insight: Establishment of a pharmacy analytics and outcomes team. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2020; 78:65-73. [PMID: 33325486 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The importance of a data management strategy is increasingly necessary for demonstrating value and driving performance within pharmacy departments. Data analytics capabilities often do not match the pace of data accumulation. At our organization, the establishment of an embedded pharmacy analytics and outcomes (PAO) team has been instrumental to pharmacy services in generating and demonstrating value and proactively supporting a business intelligence strategy grounded in a data-driven culture. SUMMARY The PAO team was established to support the operational and strategic needs of clinical, financial, and operational pharmacy services. The team is charged with implementing the vision of extending medication-use influence and data insight to drive value-based patient care outcomes while decreasing waste, optimizing therapeutic decisions, and achieving medication management standardization across the continuum of healthcare. The PAO team is composed of 3 pharmacist full-time equivalents (FTEs), 5 business analyst FTEs, 1 biostatistician FTE, 0.2 pharmacy intern FTE, and 1 pharmacy manager FTE. Pharmacy services leaders believe it is necessary to have a mix of both clinical and analytical skill sets, given the clinical nature of the data managed by team and complexities of the medication-use process. CONCLUSION Pharmacy reporting and analytics should require the same depth of scrutiny and overview as any other step in the medication-use process where pharmacists are held accountable. For our organization, it was critical to establish pharmacist-level oversight into every portion of the analytics process where medication data are involved. This structure has led to measurable improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Haston Vest
- UNC Health, Chapel Hill, NC, and UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Evan W Colmenares
- UNC Health, Chapel Hill, NC, and Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy (PhD student), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC
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Carr-Lopez SM, Strohecker L, Mai Y, Miyahara RK, Shek A. A Module in Medication Safety Involving Remote Access and Review of Veterans' Health Records. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2020; 84:ajpe7664. [PMID: 34283783 PMCID: PMC7779886 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To describe and assess the effectiveness of an ambulatory care introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) module in medication safety monitoring that was conducted remotely for first- and second-year pharmacy students in collaboration with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.Methods. A module in medication safety was developed and piloted as part of a required, one-unit IPPE in ambulatory care. The module encompassed three sessions of the 15-week course. Working remotely at the school under the direct supervision of VA clinical pharmacists, students accessed the electronic health records (EHRs) of veterans for whom methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists had been prescribed as such patients require ongoing laboratory monitoring to screen for adverse drug effects. After reviewing the record, students ordered laboratory tests under the prescriber's name, documented notes in the patient's EHR, and sent laboratory reminder letters to patients. Students completed a brief survey at the beginning and end of the course. Differences in survey responses were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.Results. Fifty-eight students reviewed 148 patient records, including non-VA electronic records, and ordered laboratory tests for 79 patients. On the follow-up survey at course completion, students reported significant changes in their ability to monitor laboratory tests, use an actual (non-simulated) EHR to perform patient care, and explain the role of a clinical dashboard to conduct population health activities.Conclusion. Remotely conducting an ambulatory care IPPE course in which pharmacy students used an actual EHR to participate in medication safety monitoring for ambulatory patients expanded the pharmacy school's ability to provide crucial practice experience. Other pharmacy schools struggling with logistical challenges and limited resources should explore this approach to fulfilling the experiential education requirements for pharmacy students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian M Carr-Lopez
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California
- University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
| | | | - Yvonne Mai
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California
- University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
| | - Randell K Miyahara
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California
- University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
| | - Allen Shek
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California
- University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
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Pillinger KE, Trawinski AC, Melaragno JI. Comment on Haase et al. Addressing burnout in clinical pharmacy: What can we learn from other health care disciplines? JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Mattingly AN, Mills R, Leber MB, Pereda MC. Implementation of a pharmacy technician career ladder. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2020; 77:709-712. [PMID: 32338282 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Portillo E, Gallimore CE. Application of Absorb-Do-Connect learning framework to foster experiential, practice, and career-ready learners. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2020; 12:251-254. [PMID: 32273059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As educators, we have the opportunity to produce experiential-ready, practice-ready, and career-ready practitioners. Student attitudes and values influence how learned knowledge and skills will be enacted, and therefore are key determinants of career-readiness. However, attitudes and values can be challenging to see and measure in learners. In this commentary, the authors propose purposeful selection and application of an educational framework to foster those less tangible, but powerful, factors. PERSPECTIVE To illustrate this perspective, authors describe key components of the Absorb-Do-Connect learning framework and provide rationale for the framework's alignment with self-efficacy theory. The authors propose that Absorb-Do-Connect can be applied within pharmacy education to design learning activities that establish relevance in learning and subsequently foster self-efficacy through growth in attitudes and values. IMPLICATIONS The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards emphasize connecting current education to past experiences and future practice to establish relevance in learning. In this manner, authors suggest Absorb-Do-Connect can be used by schools and colleges of pharmacy to inform new innovations and revise existing coursework to meet the standards. Opportunity exists to formally assess the relationship between absorbing, engaging with and purposely connecting knowledge and skills, and the development of self-efficacy in student pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Portillo
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, United States of America
| | - Casey E Gallimore
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, United States of America.
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ASHP long-range vision for the pharmacy workforce in hospitals and health systems. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 77:386-400. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxz312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Hill JD, Fenn NE. The future of pharmacy leadership: Investing in students and new practitioners. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 76:1904-1906. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxz224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John D Hill
- Central Pharmacy The Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, MD
| | - Norman E Fenn
- The University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy Tyler, TX
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Youmbi KV, Shane R. Implementation of a pharmacy technician residency program in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 76:543-550. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Shane
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, and UCSF School of Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA
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Cobaugh DJ. Embarking on AJHP's next 75 years. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 76:70. [PMID: 31361793 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxy053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Shalansky S. The Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner: A New Series in the Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. Can J Hosp Pharm 2019; 72:42-48. [PMID: 30828093 PMCID: PMC6391237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shalansky
- , BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, FCSHP, is Clinical Coordinator with the Pharmacy Department, Providence Healthcare, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, and Clinical Professor with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also the Editor of the Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
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Knoer SJ, Swarthout MD, Sokn E, Vakharia N, Pfeiffenberger T, Greskovic GA, Kelley LR, Thompson A, Achey TS, Calabrese SV. The Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy Population Health Management Summit. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2018; 75:1421-1429. [PMID: 30190296 DOI: 10.2146/ajhp180081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghan D Swarthout
- Ambulatory and Care Transitions, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Erick Sokn
- Transitions of Care, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | | | | | - Gerard A Greskovic
- Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Programs, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA
| | | | - Amy Thompson
- Innovations and Partnerships, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Thomas S Achey
- Inpatient Pharmacy Services, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC
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