Objectives. To implement a cooperative learning activity to engage students in analyzing tertiary drug information resources in a literature evaluation course. Design. The class was divided into 4 sections to form expert groups and each group researched a different set of references using the jigsaw technique. Each member of each expert group was reassigned to a jigsaw group so that each new group was composed of 4 students from 4 different expert groups. The jigsaw groups met to discuss search strategies and rate the usefulness of the references. In addition to group-based learning, teaching methods included students' writing an independent research paper to enhance their abilities to search and analyze drug information resources. Assessment. The assignment and final course grades improved after implementation of the activity. Students agreed that class discussions were a useful learning experience and 75% (77/102) said they would use the drug information references for other courses. Conclusion. The jigsaw technique was successful in engaging students in cooperative learning to improve critical thinking skills regarding drug information.

Objectives. To develop a pilot study to assess the effectiveness of a Web-based educational module on enhancing understanding of substance abuse and drug diversion, and to assess students' abilities and confidence in applying the information. Design. A Web-based instructional module was presented to students enrolled in their second preprofessional year, and students were informed that it was part of a research study. Knowledge was tested using 10 pre-and post-module questions. Students were also presented with 5 survey questions assessing abilities related to the learning objectives. Assessment. The median percentage of correct responses increased from 60% (Interquartile range [IQR] 20%) for the pre-module questions to 90% (IQR 5 10%) for the post-module questions. The median percent gain in knowledge was 20% (IQR 5 20%) which was significant (p , 0.0001). Conclusions. Web-based instruction is an alternative method for engaging students in course content. We found that 59% of our pilot study group worked in a pharmacy. From the success of the pilot study, the module was implemented as an extra credit assignment in a required course to provide a foundation for developing professional responsibility.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly used medications by patients due to its availability over the counter and frequent prescribing by physicians to treat and alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, the FDA issued a warning with respect to the utilization of PPIs and risk of developing Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). The most commonly known medications to cause CDI are antibiotics. However, available studies suggest an association and increase in risk for CDI with PPI use as well. Objective: The purpose of this research is to review and summarize data currently available on the association between PPIs and CDI. Methods: To search for eligible studies, EBSCO engines were investigated using proton pump inhibitors or PPIs and Clostridium difficile or C. diff. as search terms. Meta analyses and systematic reviews published between 2000 and 2020 on adult patients were considered. Results: Eight meta-analyses and systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. They included studies conducted in the US, Europe, Asia and Canada on inpatient and outpatient adults. The final result for all 8 studies showed a statistically significant association between PPIs and CDI ranging from mild to high risk. Conclusion: Currently available data suggest a positive association between PPIs and CDI.

Levosimendan is useful in moderate to severe low-output heart failure in patients who have failed to respond to diuretics and vasodilators. Based on current studies, levosimendan appears to be a safe alternative to dobutamine for treatment of acute, decompensated heart failure. Prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm the effect of levosimendan on long-term survival and its role in heart failure in the setting of myocardial infarction.

No abstract