Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7738

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Publication type: Journal Article

Boland KA, Kennedy AG, Possidente CJ.
Development of an annual program to discuss innovative pharmacy practices in Vermont
ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting 2002;

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Develop a forum for sharing innovative pharmacy practices throughout Vermont. METHODS: The Vermont Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VSHP) Board members sought to develop a unique continuing education (CE) program that would allow pharmacists to share their experiences and promote innovative pharmacy practices throughout Vermont. VSHP members were invited to submit a summary of an innovative service to the Board for review. Selected pharmacists were requested to give a 15-minute presentation describing their practices. Presentations were followed by a 5-minute question and answer session. The Vermont Pharmacy Board approved the program for 1.5 hours of CE credit. RESULTS: The first CE program was conducted in May 2002 and thirty members attended. Seven speakers representing hospital, community, pharmaceutical industry, and ambulatory care pharmacy practice sites throughout the state were selected to participate. Topics described were: pharmacist case management of diabetes, development of an aminoglycoside dosing nomogram in a neonatal intensive care unit, use of a software program that estimates a patient’s risk of developing coronary heart disease, experience with a physician order entry computer system, compounding specialty prescriptions in a community pharmacy, management of erythropoietin in dialysis patients, and development of formulary guidelines for pain management. Several presentations addressed topics supported by the ASHP Leadership Agenda for 2001-2002. Attendees gave the Board positive feedback and requested similar future meetings. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a continuing education program for sharing innovative pharmacy services. The program will be conducted annually as a forum to advance pharmacy practice in Vermont.