This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and professional practices of pharmacists regarding addiction and patient use of controlled medications. This research project explored the relationship between pharmacy education, perceived and actual knowledge, and professional interactions as it pertains to problems surrounding dependency and addiction. A questionnaire of 25 items was administered at three separate continuing education programs in Florida in 2005. A total of 484 surveys were completed. Pharmacists (67.5%) reported participating in two hours or less of addiction/substance abuse education in pharmacy school. Of particular concern was that 29.2% reported having received no addiction education. Pharmacists who had greater amounts of addiction-specific education had a higher likelihood of correctly answering questions relating to the science of addiction and substance abuse counseling. In addition, pharmacists who reported more education counseled patients more frequently and felt more confident about counseling. A majority of respondents (53.7%) reported that they had never referred a patient to drug treatment in their career. These findings suggest that the neurobiological basis for addictive diseases, standards of care, and pain management guidelines were not widely understood by the sample. More research should be undertaken to determine the educational needs of practicing pharmacists to enable them to assume a leadership role in detecting, preventing, and treating prescription drug abuse.

The effects of caffeine supplementation on cognitive functioning in sleep-deprived subjects included improvements in attention and vigilance, complex reaction time, and problem solving and reasoning in the trials reviewed. These findings are consistent with the conclusions reached in the 2001 IOM report. This review contributes to the field by addressing gaps outlined in the IOM report.

Objective Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is a relatively new available diagnostic tool, which aims to prescribe tailored medications based on genetic differences. However, this innovation has been slowly adopted by physicians. This study aims to test Rogers's diffusion of innovation theory to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the use of PGx testing among physicians. Method A sample of community physicians in South Florida was invited to complete an online survey about PGx testing. Practicing physicians who willing to sign the participation letter were included. The survey collected data on sociodemographics, knowledge of and attitudes towards PGx testing. Multiple dimensions of knowledge (i.e. prior experience) and attitude (i.e. relative advantage) were measured. Key findings One hundred and fourty‐eight physicians participated in this study. Physicians’ actual PGx knowledge scores were averaged and significantly predicted by gender (P < 0.01), area of practice (P < 0.01) and prior experience (P < 0.05). The majority of physicians expressed optimistic attitudes towards PGx testing. Attitude scores were significantly predicted by gender (P < 0.05), the relative advantage (P < 0.05) and compatibility (P < 0.01) of testing. Barriers to PGx testing adoption including lack of insurance support, uncertainty about the clinical utility and unavailability of PGx testing at workplace were reported. Conclusions Knowledge of PGx testing among physicians was moderate despite the expressed needs and favourable attitudes. Collaborative efforts to address the potential inhibitors may foster the integration of PGx testing into clinical practice. The need for additional courses and training in the field of pharmacogenetics is warranted.

Introduction The increased need for prioritized infection prevention and control (IPC) activities for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 is pivotal and timely in preventing harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about pharmacists' infection IPC activities and their role competence during disease outbreaks. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceived role competence to perform frontline roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted using online social media to recruit eligible participants. A validated questionnaire contained 41 items on sociodemographic characteristics, preventative behaviors, and competencies. Results A total of 486 participants completed the survey. Participants reported several IPC activities that could potentially prevent COVID-19 spread. The majority expressed high attitudes towards their capabilities to fulfill their healthcare roles (M = 4.43, SD = 0.46, out of 5). The vast majority of participants (97.1%) were willing to demonstrate the effective way of cleaning hands and using facemasks. Pharmacists (89.1%) showed their willingness to timely refer patients in response to their emerging needs. Gender, age groups, years of experience, monthly incomes, area of work, ability to make a referral, source of information, and self-isolation discontinuation criteria were significantly associated with pharmacists’ self-perceived role competence. Conclusion Pharmacists are well-positioned as access points to care and can potentially play a significant role in the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak by delivering advanced clinical and public health services. Future research efforts need to be comprehensively directed towards the advanced role of pharmacists in implementing point-of-care testing for infectious diseases.

Over the past five years marijuana use has doubled among eighth, 10th and 12th grade students, and in several demographics it has tripled. The recent debate over the legalization of medical marijuana (California's Proposition 215), positive media messages, lack of parent/child discussion, and denial by schools and communities may be contributing factors to the rise of drug use among adolescents. The In-DEPTH program, a unique drug education model that educates, prevents, and provides intervention strategies in adolescent marijuana use, has in small multisite surveys shown initial success in decreasing marijuana use and positively changing beliefs. The program is based on pharmacology, addiction medicine principles, economics and the pharmaceutical sales model, and examines drug dealing as well as drug use.