New York Pharmacy Continuing Education

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Describe the significance of the Institute of Medicine's 1999 and 2006 report on medication errors.
• Define and distinguish between the following terms: safe medication, drug safety, quality issues, medication errors and adverse drug events.
• List each of the governing bodies involved in medication safety (FDA, AHRQ, IOM, USP, NCC, ISMP, JCAHO).
• Identify the types of medication errors made by pharmacists.
• Discuss additional reasons that pharmacists may cause a medication error, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration.
• Identify the ways a patient may be responsible for initiating a medication error.
• Discuss the format for reporting a medication error.
• Identify ways to promote medication safety for patients.
• Identify the six medication "rights" to improve patient safety.
• Discuss recommendations to improve patient safety during the distribution phase of drug administration.
• Identify the consumer's role in improving medication safety.

About the Author

Bradley Gillespie, Pharm.D.

Bradley Gillespie, Pharm.D. is a clinical pharmacist who has practiced in an industrial setting for over 20 years. He served as a clinical and a biopharmaceutics reviewer at the Food & Drug Administration, as well as led early development programs within the pharma/biotech/nutritional industries. He has a special interest in supporting drug development efforts for rare and neglected diseases. In addition to his industrial focus, he operates a medical writing business with a focus on developing interesting and thought-provoking pharmacist and pharmacy technician continuing education programs. He remains a registered pharmacist.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Summarize the mechanism of resistance of Staphylococcus aureus.
• Differentiate between community-acquired and health care-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Identify prevention measures that can help prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
• Develop a treatment plan for infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medications used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Review the role of antimicrobial stewardship in the prevention and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

About the Author

Jodi Dreiling, Pharm.D., BCPS

Dr. Jodi Dreiling is a Pharmacotherapy Specialist at Akron General Medical Center in Ohio. She has also served in both staff pharmacist and critical care clinical coordinator positions throughout her career. She has authored and co-authored numerous publications, including certification exams for pharmacy technicians, as well as has written research abstracts and bulletins within the pharmaceutical industry.  She graduated from Ohio Northern University's College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy with Distinction in 2000.

About the Course

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate the drug classifications, side effects, mechanisms of action, and drug interactions of antidepressant medications.
• Recommend a treatment plan for antidepressant therapy based on patient-specific characteristics.
• Discuss counseling points for medications used in the treatment of major depression.
• Distinguish differences in drug classifications, side effects, mechanism of action, and drug interactions between antianxiety medications.
• Design a treatment plan for antianxiety therapy based on patientspecific characteristics.
• Discuss counseling points for medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
• Differentiate the side effects, mechanism of action, and drug interactions between medications used to treat bipolar disorder.
• Develop a treatment plan for bipolar therapy to prevent deterioration and stabilize the patient's condition based on patientspecific characteristics.
• Discuss counseling points for medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorders.
• Distinguish differences in drug classifications, side effects, mechanism of action, and drug interactions between medications used to treat schizophrenia.
• Recommend a treatment plan for treatment of schizophrenia based on patient-specific characteristics.
• Discuss counseling points for medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia. 
• Determine differences in drug classifications, side effects, mechanism of action, and drug interactions between medications used to treat alcoholism.
• Design a treatment plan for treatment of alcoholism based on patient-specific characteristics.
• Discuss counseling points for medications used in the treatment of alcoholism.
• Determine appropriateness of treatment of mental health disorders in special populations, such as pregnant patients.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll, RPh, PharmD, and Staff Pharmacist for a national chain.

Author Disclosure: Katie Ingersoll and Elite do not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this lesson.

About the Course

Learning Objectives

• Define major depression.
• Describe the different types of depression.
• Discuss the incidence and prevalence of major depression.
• Identify the signs and symptoms of major depression.
• Discuss possible causes of major depression.
• Explain how major depression is diagnosed.
• Identify the classifications of drugs used to treat depression.
• Explain the action of each classification of antidepressant drug therapy.
• Describe the side effects of each classification of antidepressant drug therapy.
• Identify herbs used in the treatment of depression.
• Explain the potential reactions when using herbs for the treatment of depression.
• Summarize important considerations for patient education.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll, RPh, PharmD, and Staff Pharmacist for a national chain.
Author Disclosure: Katie Ingersoll and Elite do not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this lesson.

• Describe the most common pathogens in hospital-acquired infections.
• Select the most appropriate drug, dose, and duration for hospital-acquired infections.
• Recommend monitoring parameters for antimicrobials used to treat hospital-acquired infections.
• Evaluate appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy for patients being treated for hospital-acquired infections.
• Choose appropriate antimicrobials based upon culture and sensitivity data for patients with hospital-acquired infections.

About the Course

Learning Objectives

• Describe common characteristics associated with specific anxiety disorders.
• Identify medications associated with causing or exacerbating symptoms of anxiety.
• List pharmacologic options available for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
• Compare and contrast pharmacologic options for the treatment of anxiety disorders with regard to pharmacologic properties and place in therapy.

About the Author

Chris Paxos, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS, CGP is a psychiatric pharmacist.

Author Disclosure: Chris Paxos and Elite Professional Education do not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this lesson.

• Discuss the causes of and risk factors for heart failure. 
• Describe the signs and symptoms, classification levels, and tests used to diagnose heart failure.
• Explain comorbidities that can affect the development of heart failure. 
• Discuss the treatment of chronic heart failure with pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Differentiate between the different classes of medications used in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
• Summarize the treatment guidelines for the treatment of chronic heart failure.
• Describe the different types of acute decompensated heart failure.
• Discuss the medications used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. 

About the Course

Learning Objectives

After the pharmacist has concluded this knowledge-based activity, he or she will be qualified and able to:

• Understand the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration in regulating the use of controlled substances.
• Appreciate the importance of a controlled system of distribution to best manage transactions involving controlled substances.
• Develop a general understanding of how to schedule controlled substances.
• Become familiar with the appropriate DEA forms needed to document the transaction of controlled substances.
• Describe the requirements of both electronic and paper-based controlled substance record keeping systems.
• Understand the requirements for inventorying controlled substances.
• Understand that there are requirements for Internet pharmacies dispensing controlled substances that are unique and apart from those needed to dispense non-controlled substances.

About the Author

Brad Gillespie, PharmD who has over 20 years' experience spanning the regulatory, pharmaceutical biotech and human nutritional supplement industries.

Author Disclosure: Bradley Gillespie and Elite Professional Education do not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this lesson.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Define pain in general terms.
• Recognize the individuality of pain and its perception.
• Distinguish between different sources and types of pain.
• Recognize the extent of the pain problem and its cost to society.
• Adopt a general understanding of the process of pain signaling.
• Be familiar with the main sources of pain experienced by patients.
• Be familiar with the various treatment options available to combat pain, including potential indications and side effects for each.
• Become aware of the use of acupuncture and how it may be integrated into an individualized pain management strategy.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

• Review the physiology of female hormones and how it relates to the mechanism of hormonal contraception.
• List the currently available hormonal and nonhormonal contraceptive products.
• Recommend appropriate contraception methods based on patient factors.
• Review the mechanism of home pregnancy tests.
• Evaluate the updated FDA labeling for medication use in pregnancy and lactation compared to the previous letter categories. 
• Develop a list of over-the-counter medications that can be safely recommended in pregnant patients.
• Assess the risks/benefits of hormone use for menopausal symptoms.
• Identify the types of available estrogen products and combination estrogen/progestin products for menopause.
• Identify patients who may be at risk for osteoporosis.
• Compare the currently available treatments for osteoporosis.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Discuss the history and epidemiology of measles, mumps, and rubella.
• List the symptoms and complications of measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Describe the methods for diagnosing measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Discuss the treatment of measles, mumps, and rubella, including the use of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Describe the immunization schedule for vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• List the contraindications and precautions for vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Discuss the efficacy of vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella, and describe adverse reactions associated with immunization.
• Discuss strategies that can be used to improve immunization rates, including maintaining adequate records, reminding patients to vaccinate, and collaboration between the patient and provider.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Discuss the federal pharmacy laws that govern pharmacy practice.
• Describe the Comprehensive Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control Act of 1970 and its impact on the dispensing of controlled substances.
• Discuss the ethical principles that apply to pharmacy practice.
• Discuss the code of ethics for pharmacists.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

• Describe general principles of toxicology. 
• Select the most appropriate antidote for a patient presenting with overdose.
• Assess patient characteristics to determine the toxidrome for the presenting patient.
• Evaluate patient cases to recommend appropriate therapy for patients presenting with toxicological emergencies.
• Choose appropriate monitoring parameters to incorporate into treatment plans for overdose situations.

About the Course

Learning Objectives

After completion of this course, healthcare professionals will be able to:

• Describe the eight rights of medication administration.
• Explain the administration of enteral and parenteral medications.
• Discuss the administration of medications in patients using enteral and parenteral nutrition.
• Discuss special considerations for administering medications in pediatric and geriatric patients.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll, RPh, PharmD, and Staff Pharmacist for a national chain.

Author Disclosure: Katie Ingersoll and Elite do not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this lesson.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Describe the normal processing of blood glucose in a healthy person.
• Discuss the altered processing of blood glucose in diabetic patients.
• Recognize the effects of sulfonylureas on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects of sulfonylureas, their adverse reactions, and the currently available sulfonylureas.
• Describe the characteristics of meglitinides, including effects on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, adverse reactions, and the medications available in this class.
• Discuss metformin's effects on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, and its potential adverse reactions.
• Recognize the characteristics of thiazolidinediones, including effects on blood glucose control, impact on cardiovascular health, and contraindications to the use of this class of medication.
• Explain the effects of amylin analogs on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, adverse reactions, and their dosing.
• Describe the characteristics of alpha glucosidase inhibitors, including effects on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, and the dosing and availability of these agents.
• Discuss the characteristics of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including effects on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, adverse reactions, and the use of short-acting vs. long-acting agents.
• Explain the characteristics of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, including effects on blood glucose control, cardiovascular effects, adverse reactions, and the currently available DPP-4 inhibitors.
• Identify the characteristics of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, including effects on blood glucose control, common adverse reactions, and the currently available SGLT-2 inhibitors.
• Discuss the available insulin products, including the difference between basal and prandial insulin, the insulin products currently available, common types of insulin regimens, and the use of insulin pumps.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Discuss normal kidney function and the effects of chronic kidney disease on kidney function.
• Explain the definition of chronic kidney disease and causes of this disease state.
• Describe the complications associated with chronic kidney disease and their management.
• Recognize the medications used to treat common complications of chronic kidney disease.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Describe how to assess patients for the appropriateness of treatment with opioid analgesics.
• Explain how to start opiate therapy, change dosages, and discontinue treatment with opioid analgesics.
• Recognize the types of written agreements that can be used to initiate and monitor therapy with opioid analgesics.
• Describe how to monitor patients on opiate therapy, including high risk patients and those showing signs of abuse. 
• Explain the side effects associated with opiate treatment, including management of side effects.
• Discuss switching between opiates and variables that may influence opioid rotation.
• Describe the important points that must be conveyed to the patient during patient consultation.
• Explain general and product-specific information related to the prescribing of extended-release/long-acting opiates.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

• Discuss the seven core elements of a successful antibiotic stewardship program and their implementation in hospitals, small and critical access hospitals, and nursing homes. 
• Describe interventions to improve the use of antibiotics, including broad interventions, pharmacy-driven interventions, and infection-specific interventions.
• Explain methods used to track and measure antibiotic use and outcomes.
• Discuss the three disease states that antibiotics are most commonly prescribed for, including diagnosis, risk factors, and recommendations for initial empiric antibiotic treatment.

About the Course

Learning objectives

• Discuss the history and epidemiology of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Describe the pathogenesis of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• List the symptoms and complications of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Describe the methods for diagnosing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Discuss the treatment of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Describe the immunization schedule for vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• List the contraindications and precautions for vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Discuss the efficacy of vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and describe adverse reactions associated with immunization.
• Discuss the use of Tdap in pregnant women and when it is appropriate to vaccinate pregnant women.
• Discuss strategies that can be used to improve immunization rates, including maintaining adequate records, reminding patients to vaccinate, and collaboration between the patient and provider.

About the Author

Katie Ingersoll-Blair, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Dr. Ingersoll-Blair is a community pharmacist, consultant and freelance writer who specializes in pharmacy education. She has performed freelance work writing and editing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams, as well as has written and revised continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She has also written for Natural Standard, summarizing research studies on dietary supplements and working on the company blog.  Dr. Ingersoll-Blair graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Diabetic Medications and Insulin Pump Therapies ~ 6 Contact Hours

Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease ~ 2 Contact Hours

Pain Management Awareness for Pharmacists ~ 2 Contact Hours

Patient Safety and Medication Errors ~ 3 Contact Hours

Best Practices for Prescribing Opioids in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain ~ 3 Contact Hours

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Prevention and Treatment ~ 2 Contact Hours

Law and Ethics: What the Pharmacy Professional Should Know ~ 3 Contact Hours

A Review of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians ~ 5 Contact Hours

A Review of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians ~ 4 Contact Hours