A 39-item survey instrument was distributed to faculty and students at Wingate University School of Pharmacy to assess student and faculty drug information (DI) resource use and access preferences. The response rate was 81% (n = 289). Faculty and professional year 2 to 4 students preferred access on laptop or desktop computers (67% and 75%, respectively), followed by smartphones (27% and 22%, respectively). Most faculty and students preferred using Lexicomp Online for drug information (53% and 74%, respectively). Results indicate that DI resources use is similar between students and faculty; laptop or desktop computers are the preferred platforms for accessing drug information.

Objective. To implement an integrated module on death and dying into a 15-week bioethics course and determine whether it increased student pharmacists' empathy. Design. Students participated in a 5-week death and dying module that included presentation of the film Wit, an interactive lecture on hospice, and a lecture on the ethics of pain management. Assessment. Fifty-six students completed the 30-item Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) before and after completing the module and wrote a reflective essay. Students demonstrated an appreciation of patient-specific values in their essay. Quantitative data collected via BEES scores demonstrated significant improvement in measured empathy. Conclusion. A 5-week instructional model on death and dying significantly increased student empathy.

Pharmacists can use the Medicare.gov Web site to assist Medicare Part D plan enrollees in reducing their out-of-pocket annual expenditures.

Antidepressant drug development first began in the mid-twentieth century with the discovery of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Soon after, additional molecular targets and drug entities were created, eventually leading to the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Today, antidepressants now rank among the top 10 most commonly used medications in the United States (US) and account for over $11 billion in annual sales. To help ensure the safety and efficacy of these commonly used products, in 1977 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created guidelines to standardize antidepressant studies and the approval process. Although many of the recommendations outlined by FDA are still relevant, the document remains vague when describing key aspects of antidepressant trial design and much of the clinical information is outdated by today's standards. This paper will provide a general overview of the FDA-approval process, summarize FDA's position related to antidepressant trial design, and discuss the need for updates in the approval process.

BackgroundThe pressures of general practice contribute to high levels of stress, low morale, and burnout in some GPs. In addition, rurally-based doctors may experience significant professional isolation. Participation in continuing medical education (CME) appears to reduce stress, and may improve the retention of rural GPs.AimAs part of a larger study devised to examine the effectiveness of regular participation in CME small group learning (SGL) on rurally-based Irish GPs, this study explored whether CME-SGL had any impact on GP stress, morale, and professional isolation.Design & settingThis was a qualitative study involving four CME-SGL groups based in rural Ireland.MethodSemi-structured focus group interviews were conducted in established CME-SGL groups in four different rural geographical locations. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.ResultsAll members of these CME-SGL groups (n = 43) consented to interview. These GPs reported that regular meetings with an established group of trusted colleagues who are ‘in the same boat’ provided a ‘safe space’ for discussion of, and reflection on, both clinical concerns and personal worries. This interaction in a supportive, non-threatening atmosphere helped to relieve stress, lift morale, and boost self-confidence. The social aspect of CME-SGL sustained these rural GPs, and served to alleviate their sense of professional isolation.ConclusionDelivery of CME through locally-based SGL provides as an important means of supporting GPs working in rural areas. The non-educational benefits of CME-SGL, as described by these Irish GPs, are of relevance for rural doctors in other countries.