Insights Newsletter September 2024: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

This month’s Insights Newsletter covers the latest practice-changing pharmacy updates, emerging trends, and popular natural medicine topics and resources. 

Point Out Changes to Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines for 2024-2025

Clinicians need to know what’s changed with this season’s version of flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Our Letter articles clarify the strains included in this season’s vaccines and provides guidance about which patients should get vaccinated and when. We also give advice about ways to avoid dosing errors and whether it’s okay to give these vaccines with other immunizations at the same visit. Readers can find product comparisons in our charts, Flu Vaccines for 2024-25 and COVID-19 Vaccines for 2024-25, along with more guidance, including recommendations for immunizing kids and pregnant patients. Read More

Community Topic: Educate Yourself on Back-to-School Rxs

There are nuances to consider when ensuring kids have the meds and vaccines they need at back-to-school time. Our Letter articles provide guidance using an “ABC” approach. We remind readers to adjust inventory levels of common back-to-school meds such as rescue inhalers and provide guidance to ensure prescription directions are complete and labeling is appropriate. Readers can use our resources, HPV Vaccination, Meningococcal Vaccination, and Tetanus Prevention and Vaccination, for help evaluating if kids are current with these vaccines. Read More

Hospital Topic: Know Key Updates for Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

New guidance is available from the American Diabetes Association for the first time in 15 years. Clinicians need to know what’s changed based on evolving evidence. Our article provides guidance about treating DKA with subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin instead of IV insulin in select cases, including insulin dosing and patient monitoring. We also describe how to manage euglycemic DKA due to SGLT2 inhibitor use, pregnancy, liver failure, etc. Our resource, Hyperglycemia in the Hospital, answers frequently asked questions including how to manage patients admitted on an insulin pump, when to consider subcutaneous vs IV insulin, how to treat hyperglycemic crises, and more. Read More

Supplements for Sleep 

It’s estimated that about one third of adults and kids experience difficulties sleeping, leading to questions about popular sleep aids. Our NatMed article reviews the evidence for magnesium, tart cherry, and melatonin. We also emphasize safety considerations in children and review what types of products and doses might be safe for both adults and kids. Read More

Upcoming Events

Tradeshows

As we’re getting closer to the end of the year, there are still a few opportunities to connect. Send us a meeting request if you’ll be attending any of these shows!

Here’s where we’ll be in the coming months:

• Health Connect Partners – HCP Hospital Pharmacy Fall: September 30-October 2 
• ANCC Magnet/Pathway Conference: October 30-November 1
• ASHP Midyear: December 8-12 

See the Full List of Events for 2024

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are essential for improving air quality in any environment, whether in your home, car, or high-traffic areas like pharmacies and hospitals. However, not all HEPA filters provide the same level of filtration. In the latest blog post, Adam West explains how HEPA filtration is key to maintaining strict ISO class standards in critical spaces like compounding cleanrooms. He also emphasizes that HEPA filters have limitations and require regular certification and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and cleanliness. 

Explore CriticalPoint

Other Covered Topics

Watch a demo webinar to learn how you can leverage Bula to help ensure pharmacy legislative and regulatory compliance, discover how your organization can seamlessly manage and assign CE/CME training for your team of behavioral health professionals with NetCE All Access, check out the latest Medication Talk episode, and more. Read More