This iForumRx podcast episode, produced in collaboration with the ACCP Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network (PRN), focuses on the crucial role pharmacists can play in caring for the LGBTQIA+ community. The discussion highlights the unique healthcare needs and barriers faced by this community due to societal stigma.

Expert panelists Dr. Jordan Rowe, Dr. Sarah Amering, and Dr. Kevin Astle share their experiences in providing gender-affirming care and addressing health disparities. They discuss common health problems, medication considerations, and essential resources for pharmacists seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise. The episode also addresses the impact of current political landscapes on patient access to care and how pharmacists can advocate for and support LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will bring many opportunities to the pharmacy profession, but it can be tempting to use AI in place of critical thinking or reliable research around drug information questions (DIQs). One must wonder, will the pharmacist be held liable if AI gets it wrong?

Guest Authors: Elizabeth B. Hearn, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES; Karlyn E. Hood, PharmD, BCPS; Abigail L. Torres, PharmD

Music by Good Talk

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes; also known as e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, vapes, mods, pods, and vape pens) have surged in popularity since their market introduction in 2007. Some view e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes and a potential harm reduction strategy. Others worry about their addictive potential and see them as a setback in our quest for a tobacco-free society.

Guest Authors: Elizabeth S. Yett, PharmD, BCACP, CTTS and Kirk E. Evoy, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, CTTS

Music by Good Talk

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are underdiagnosed due to the underuse of spirometry, underreporting of symptoms, and economic barriers.  Is there an effective way to capture undiagnosed but symptomatic patients and route them for appropriately managing their respiratory symptoms?  That's what the UCAP study attempted to answer.

Guest Authors:  Michelle Balli, PharmD, BCACP and Michelle Hernandez, PharmD

Music by Good Talk

Despite advances in the management of acute myocardial infarction (MI), up to 38% of patients will experience signs of heart failure (HF) and many have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have well-documented cardiovascular benefits. However, data are limited regarding their use after an acute MI.

Guest Authors: Amy Hu, PharmD and Kathleen Pincus, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES

Music by Good Talk

One of the most debilitating aspects of dementia is the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that impact nearly 90% of patients. These symptoms significantly diminish the quality of life and functional abilities of those affected. To combat the most severe of these symptoms, antipsychotic medications are often prescribed, but not without possibly harmful consequences. A new study sheds additional light on these detrimental consequences.

Guest Authors:  Melissa C. Palmer, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP and Jessa Marie Koch, PharmD, APh, BCPP

Music by Good Talk

It is still difficult for patients to quit despite their best efforts. Of the nearly 70% of current smokers who want to quit smoking, only about 7.5% succeed.  Unfortunately, there is a lack of evidence to inform subsequent treatment strategies if the initial quit attempt is unsuccessful.

Guest Authors:  Elizabeth Yett, PharmD, BCACP, TTS and Katherine Montag Schafer, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Music by Good Talk

Reason for Visit: The patient is a 76-year-old Hispanic referred to the ambulatory care pharmacist for dyslipidemia management.  The patient has a remote history of an MI (15 years ago) but states he is unable to take statins.

Guest Authors: Mayela Warner, PharmD and Maricar Conson, PharmD, BCPS

Expert Panelists: Sara Wettergreen, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM and Tomasz Jurga, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BCCP, CDCES

Music by Good Talk

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are one of the established treatments used to slow the progression of CKD and improve outcomes.  Could perhaps the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists provide similar, additive, or different benefits in patients with CKD? 

Guest Author: John Swegle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP 

Music by Good Talk

Over the last several decades, the popularity of cannabis (aka marijuana, weed) has increased significantly, and the recognition of medical benefits is evolving. Cannabis is often celebrated in popular culture as a relaxation-promoting, pain-relieving, harmless substance, and its use among young adults and pregnant women is increasing steadily.  A recently published ancillary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b) aimed to characterize the association between maternal cannabis use and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Guest Author: Courtney Cameron, PharmD, BCACP

Special Guest: Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS

Music by Good Talk