1. | HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS' PERCEPTIONS OF
MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT CLINICS |
| Vonnala Pravallika*, Gajji Saiteja Yadav, T Chanti, Rajani Gunnam, Konaparthy
Swetha |
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Objective: Medication therapy management clinics (MTM) in pharmacies are perceived and utilized differently by
healthcare professionals Methods: Ninety-seven healthcare professionals participated in an anonymous, cross-sectional
survey to determine their perceptions and utilization of MTM clinics. It consisted of ten questions that were delivered via an
online application that was secure. Results: 60 healthcare professionals completed the survey. 60% of respondents had
referred patients to MTM clinic, and 80% were familiar with the clinic. Medication adherence and disease state management
were the most common reasons for referral. Lack of knowledge about the referral process prevented patients from being
referred to MTM clinics. Fourty-five percent of providers rated MTM services as excellent, forty-three percent as good,
twelve percent as fair, and zero percent as poor. MTM clinic pharmacists were identified as one of its strengths by
healthcare providers for their comprehensive medication reconciliation, which included in-depth patient education and close
follow-up. According to those familiar with the clinic, several recommendations can be made to improve the service
provided by the MTM clinic; marketing efforts should be increased, collaborative practice agreements should be created
between pharmacists and physicians, and brief progress notes should be written. Conclusion: MTM clinics are regarded as
valuable resources in large, urban, academic institutions as they provide patients with detailed information about the
medications and conditions they are prescribed. Due to MTM clinics' identified benefits, patients frequently refer
themselves to these clinics for medication adherence and disease management
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2. | PHARMACY IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: OBTAINING
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICATION HISTORIES |
| Pallavi A*, Manasa N, Nazia Begum, Akila C R, Nikitha D |
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In a six-week study, 50 patients over the age of 65 who took five or more regular medications, had at least three co-morbid
conditions, and/or were discharged from the hospital within three months of study participation participated. A pharmacist
and general practitioner were contacted following patient interviews to confirm the medication history and complete the
questionnaire. There were discrepancies related to 966 medications (83.9%) of the 576 medications used by 50 patients. 281
medications were completely omitted. Discrepancies usually involve dosage and frequency information that was incomplete
or omitted. Approximately 29% of the medications treated cardiovascular disorders, whereas most were used to treat
dermatological and ear, nose and throat disorders. A comprehensive and accurate medication history, which is compiled by
emergency room pharmacists, can facilitate medication management throughout the continuum of care. The medication
history of the patient should be clarified and confirmed, contact the patient's pharmacist and general practitioner
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3. | DECREASED OVARIAN FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS |
| Balerao Shirisha1, Sri Hala N1*, Koudi Soundarya1, Keerthi Reddy N1, DR. Ramya Bala
Prabha G |
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and systemic
manifestations. Recent studies have explored the potential impact of RA on ovarian function in affected women. This
review aims to summarize the existing literature on the relationship between decreased ovarian function and RA, including
the possible mechanisms involved and the clinical implications for affected patients. RA treatments, such as diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and glucocorticoids, may influence ovarian function. Methotrexate, a commonly
used DMARD, has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian toxicity and impaired follicular development.
Glucocorticoids may affect ovarian function through their suppressive effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)
axis. Genetic factors and autoantibodies associated with RA are potential contributors to ovarian dysfunction. Genetic
polymorphisms in genes involved in immune regulation and hormone metabolism have been linked to both RA
susceptibility and ovarian dysfunction. Autoantibodies, such as anti-Müllerian hormone antibodies, have been detected in
the serum of RA patients and could potentially interfere with ovarian function. Decreased ovarian function in RA patients
may have implications for fertility, reproductive outcomes, and overall quality of life. Women with RA have been found to
have an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes, including miscarriage and early menopause. In conclusion, there is
evidence to suggest an association between RA and decreased ovarian function. Chronic inflammation, hormonal
dysregulation, RA treatments, genetic factors, and autoantibodies are potential mechanisms that may contribute to this
association. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop optimal management strategies for
affected women.
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