The FreeStyle Libre 2 iCGM aims to help patients with diabetes manage their condition and to share health data with care providers.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) systemis now available, according to the company.1 The system is available by prescription at participating pharmacies and durable medical equipment suppliers across the United States.2

The device was approved by the FDA in June 2020.1,2 It is indicated for adults and children ages 4 years and older with diabetes.2

The FreeStyle Libre 2 next-generation sensor is worn on the back of the upper arm for 14 days is a third less bulky than other CGM sensors, according to Abbott. It allows patients with diabetes to view their glucose reading, trend arrow, and 8-hour history with a 1-second scan through a handheld reader.2

This new system is designed to help people manage their condition, and it facilitates sharing health data with their doctors. According to Abbott, this technology is critical to achieving better outcomes and more efficient, safe telehealth visits.1

Abbott is offering the new system at the same price as the previously made available FreeStyle Libre 14-day system, a cost that is about 70% less than other CGMs currently available, according to the company.1

Murphy C. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 is Now Available. Abbott email. Sent July 30, 2020. Accessed August 4, 2020.

Coppock K. FDA Approves FreeStyle Libre 2 iCGM System for Patients With Diabetes. 

. pharmacytimes.com/news/fda-approves-freestyle-libre-2-icgm-system-for-patients-with-diabetes. Published June 15, 2020. Accessed August 4, 2020.

Articles

A new integrated continuous glucose monitoring system that aims to help patients with diabetes manage their condition and to share health data with care providers is now available.

New Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor Available to Patients With Diabetes

Implementing a communication activity between students in doctorate nurse practitioner (DNP) programs and in pharmacy programs can encourage student growth while preparing them for future interprofessional work.

Jeremy Daniel, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, and Alex Middendorf, PharmD, MBA, discussed the interprofessional education activity currently used at their institution, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

A well-designed activity fulfills elements from the 2016 standards from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as well as the Center for the Advancement of Pharmaceutical Education (CAPE) standards and meets requirements from the Core Entrustable Professional Activities (CEPA).

For example, Daniel said the activity implemented at SDSU fulfills standard 11 of the ACPE standards by preparing students for effective interprofessional communication. Those standards also specify that these activities can be simulations, such as the SDSU activity. CAPE outcomes also emphasize interprofessional work and specifies that students should be prepared for effective verbal and nonverbal communication when interacting with an individual, group, or organization.

Finally, Daniel said CEPA requirements outline exactly what is required and can be a valuable tool for faculty members looking to develop an interprofessional communication activity. By participating in CEPAs, students should be able to collect information to identify medication-related problems and health-related needs; analyze that information to determine the effects of therapy; determine the appropriate care plan and coordinate with patients, caregivers, and other health professionals; and collaborate as a member of an interprofessional care team.

Middendorf said the SDSU program is designed to satisfy all of these requirements and to prepare students for interprofessional work. In the activity, the pharmacy student receives a case that includes 2 major problems and 2 minor problems. Major problems are defined as those that must be addressed immediately, whereas minor problems will not have a dangerous, immediate effect on the patient.

The students have 10 minutes to review the information before logging into a Zoom meeting also attended by the DNP student and pharmacy faculty. Notably, the pharmacy and DNP student have different pieces of information about the case, requiring them to communicate quickly and effectively.

The students complete the case together in approximately 5 minutes. Once they have established the problems and recommendations, the DNP student leaves the Zoom meeting and contacts their faculty member, who acts as the patient. One case is discussed via phone and 2 cases are discussed via email in an effort to simulate telemedicine situations.

Finally, the pharmacy student receives direct feedback from the pharmacy faculty, using a rubric comprised of rated and open-ended questions. The faculty are provided with key clinical information and preferred recommendations, in case they are less familiar with the specific problems presented in the case.

Relatively simple activities such as this not only enable students to actively engage in the material and encourage self-reflection, but Middendorf emphasized that they are also essential to preparing students to be active participants in an interprofessional care team.

Daniel J, Middendorf A. Development, Implementation, and Evolution of a Pharmacy and Nurse Practitioner Student Interprofessional Communication Activity. Presented at: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Virtual 2020 Meeting; July 13-31, 2020. 

https://virtualpharmed2020.aacp.org/meetings/virtual/KXZNoqHePGE3WPhGx

Implementing a communication activity between students in pharmacy programs and in doctorate nurse practitioner programs can encourage student growth while preparing them for future interprofessional work.

Interprofessional Communication Activities Enable Collaboration Between Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacy Students

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persists, families with substance abuse disorders face many challenges.

According to the CDC, stress during COVID-19 can lead to an increased incidence of substance abuse.

 Mental health and substance abuse can take a large toll on families, especially children as many school resources are not currently available. 

Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), in partnership with DisposeRx, has expanded its parental addiction program with a new webinar series for the health care community including child and family therapists, first responders, community leaders, pharmacists, physicians, and other service providers.

 The goal of the webinar series is to provide new resources and tools for the health care community, and to serve as a support system for children affected by parental addiction.

Last fall, 

SSIC introduced Parental Addiction resources

 for families featuring Karli, a 6-year-old 

 Muppet whose mother struggles with substance abuse and addiction.4,5 The new workshop for the health care community will feature 4 webinars with the first beginning July 29, 2020. Entitled “The Child’s Voice: How Parental Addiction Affects Young Children,” the first webinar presents Sis Wenger, president and chief executive officer, National Association for Children of Addiction, to discuss strategies to offer support and care.

Three additional webinars are planned and the series will be presented monthly. The webinars are free to viewers and available on any platform.

A version of this article was orignally published by Pharmacy Times. Visit 

CDC. Coronavirus disease: Alcohol & substance use. CDC website. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/alcohol-use.html

. Updated June 12, 2020. Accessed July 28, 2020.

Sesame Workshop Launches New Webinar Series on Substance Abuse and Parental Addiction to Help Providers Support Children and Families [news release]. New York, NY, and Sanford, NC; July 29, 2020: Sesame Street in Communities and DisposeRx. 

https://disposerx.com/press.show/42/Sesame-Workshop-Launches-New-Webinar-Series-on-Substance-Abuse-and-Parental-Addiction-to-Help-Providers-Support-Children-and-Families

Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), in partnership with DisposeRx, has expanded its parental addiction program with a new webinar series for the health care community. 

Sesame Workshop Offers New Webinar Series for Health Care Community

The results of a level 1 trauma center study have shown that ibuprofen injection (Caldolor, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals) significantly reduces the quantity of opioids required to manage pain after a traumatic injury with fracture. Further, pain was managed better in the ibuprofen injection group compared with standard of care narcotics, according to a press release.

The results were based on a study testing the efficacy of ibuprofen injection administration in the management of acute pain in orthopedic trauma patients and to minimize opioid use. In total, 99 orthopedic trauma patients with fractures of the ribs, face, extremities, and/or pelvis were randomized to receive either 800 mg intravenous ibuprofen or placebo administered every 6 hours for a total of 8 doses within 48 hours of admission.

According to the study, ibuprofen injection showed a statistically significant reduced opioid consumption compared with placebo plus standard of care medications during the initial 48-hour period. In addition, the pain intensity level was also statistically less at 8 hours, with the time of the first narcotic medication significantly longer in the ibuprofen injection group.

“With at least 75% of patients coming to emergency departments with a chief complaint related to pain, prudent and careful management of pain is of utmost importance,” said A.J. Kazimi, CEO of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc, in a press release. “Pain management has become one of the most common healthcare problems, with annual direct and indirect costs exceeding that of heart disease and cancer.Physicians are often the first people to prescribe an opioid to a patient experiencing severe pain due to trauma.”

Caldolor demonstrates significant reduction of opioid use in orthopedic trauma patients. Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. 

https://investor.cumberlandpharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/caldolorr-demonstrates-significant-reduction-opioid-use

. Published July 20, 2020. Accessed July 27, 2020.

The results of a level 1 trauma center study have shown that ibuprofen injection (Caldolor, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals) significantly reduces the quantity of opioids required to manage pain after a traumatic injury with fracture. 

Ibuprofen Injection Demonstrates Significant Reduction of Opioid Use in Orthopedic Trauma Patients

MJH Life Sciences™ will host “COVID-19: Race for a Vaccine,” a free, live, 1-hour webinar, Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m. EDT.

Investigators and scientists around the globe are racing the clock to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. With a handful of candidates entering phase 3 trials, huge investments from governments for the first 100 million doses, case counts continuously ticking upward and policymakers working to untangle the logistical knots of distribution, the race for a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most urgent public health challenges in modern history.

This panel discussion will feature the top minds in infectious diseases, virology and vaccinology, who will give participants a breakdown of the top vaccine candidates and the latest information on clinical trials. They will also discuss how to combat logistical challenges associated with rolling out a vaccine in the middle of a global pandemic.

Expert panelists include Gregory A. Poland, MD, director, vaccine research group, Mayo Clinic; Walter A. Orenstein, MD, professor and associate director, Emory Vaccine Center; and Angela Rasmussen, PhD, virologist, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

“With new data from clinical trials about a COVID-19 vaccine being released every day, more concerns and more questions have been raised, especially by clinicians,” said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, in a prepared statement. “As the pandemic continues to surge, our mission to improve quality of life through health care communications, education and research has become more relevant and urgent than ever. Our teams are working hard and fast to ensure that the medical community has access to critical, timely insights to allay the confusion that exists within the medical and public community.”

During the webinar, the panelists will provide insight on the following:

An overview of the top vaccine candidates — how they each work, their differences, and status of the clinical trials.

Implementation hurdles including vaccine hesitancy, distribution challenges and prioritization of recipients.

MJH Life Sciences™ is the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels, providing health care professionals with the information and resources they need to optimize patient outcomes. MJH Life Sciences™ is the parent company of 

To learn more about the webinar and to register, click 

MJH Life Sciences™ Hosts Virology Experts for “COVID-19: Race for a Vaccine” Live Webinar [news release]. Cranbury, NJ; July 28, 2020: MJH Life Sciences. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200728005629/en/MJH-Life-Sciences%E2%84%A2-Hosts-Virology-Experts-%E2%80%9CCOVID-19

An expert panel of world-renowned professionals will discuss the latest details on the rapid advances in vaccine development and what they mean to clinicians on the front line.

Virology Experts to Discuss 'COVID-19: Race for a Vaccine' in Live Webinar

Juven, a therapeutic wound healing drink from Abbott, has hit the shelves of CVS Pharmacy locations, according to a press release. The drink provides nutritional support for chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers or pressure injuries, as well as acute wounds, such as incisions from a surgery or injury.1,2

Due to the complex process of wound healing, especially for individuals with medical conditions, products such as Juven serve as a nutritional supplement, according to the press release. Juven has been clinically shown to support wound healing by enhancing collagen formation in as little as 2 weeks, according to the press release.2

Juven is available in fruit punch and orange flavors in an 8-count box at CVS Pharmacy and is recommended under medical supervision.1

CVS now stocking Abbott’s Juven for nutritional support for wound healing. GCI Health [email]. Accessed July 27, 2020.

CVS Pharmacy now stocking Abbott’s Juven. Chain Drug Review. 

https://www.chaindrugreview.com/cvs-pharmacy-now-stocking-abbotts-juven/

. Published July 23, 2020. Accessed July 27, 2020.

Juven, a therapeutic wound healing drink from Abbott, has hit the shelves of CVS Pharmacy locations, according to a press release. 

CVS Pharmacy Now Stocking Therapeutic Drink Juven for Wound Healing

Current evidence demonstrates that underlying health conditions can put people at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As more evidence becomes available, the list of underlying health conditions that are risk factors for COVID-19 complications (e.g. hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, death) continues to grow.1,2

The CDC revised the list of conditions July 17, 2020 to include cancer as 1 of the risk factors for severe COVID-19.1 Individuals at any age with the following underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe COVID-19: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher), serious cardiovascular conditions (e.g. heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies), sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes.1

The CDC study estimated county-level prevalence of selected conditions (COPD, heart conditions, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity) associated with severe COVID-19 illness among U.S. adults 18 years and older using survey information from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and U.S. Census population data among residents in 3142 counties in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.2A total of 437,500 individuals participated in the 2018 BRFSS telephone survey. The study revealed that 40.7% of US adults had at least 1 of 5 underlying medical conditions that would put them at risk for severe COVID-19. Among 3142 counties, the median estimated county prevalence of individuals having any underlying health condition was 47.2%, with a range of 22%-66.2%. Counties with the highest prevalences of any condition were mostly in the Southeastern states, especially Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Counties in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and northern Michigan also had high prevalences of underlying health conditions.2

This study provides important data on the high prevalence of underlying health conditions in the US that can be risk factors for COVID-19 complications. Offering a break down by county can also provide critical information for public health outreach and COVID-19 prevention measures.Limitations include that there is the possibility of inaccurate disease state information being self- reported.2

Sickle cell disease and solid organ transplant underlying medical conditions were not included in the BRFSS data, which may have underestimated the results.2 Cancer was added to the CDC list of health conditions that are risk factors for severe COVID-19 after this study was conducted, so it was not included in the analysis.

Health Care professionals can play an important role in educating patients about lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation to reduce the prevalence of underlying health conditions and COVID-19 complications.2 Individuals with underlying health conditions should try to stay home if possible and avoid cruises and non-essential air travel.1 Mask wearing, frequent hand washing, and social distancing are extremely important if individuals must go to public places. Home delivery of medications, groceries, and other supplies can also help to protect this vulnerable population against COVID-19.1

CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): People with certain medical conditions.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

. Updated July 17, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Razzaghi H, Wang Y, Lu H, et al. Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness — United States, 2018. 

The CDC revised the list of conditions July 17, 2020 to include cancer as 1 of the risk factors for severe COVID-19.

CDC Study: Underlying Health Conditions Can Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 

The latest update from the CDC incorporates evidence that informs the duration of isolation and precautions recommended to prevent transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to others while limiting unnecessary prolonged isolation and unnecessary use of laboratory testing resources.

One of the key findings in the CDC update is that concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA measured in the upper respiratory specimens decline after onset of symptoms. Further, the likelihood of recovering replication-competent virus also declines after onset of symptoms. For patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), replication-competent virus has not been recovered after 10 days following symptom onset.

A large contact tracing study demonstrated that high-risk household and hospital contacts did not develop infection if their exposure to a case patient started 6 days or more after the case patient’s illness onset, according to the CDC report. However, recovered patients can continue to have SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in their upper respiratory specimens for up to 12 weeks, even if the replication-competent virus was not isolated 3 weeks after symptom onset.

An assessment of the current data concluded that a person with mild to moderate COVID-19 remains infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset. Additionally, those with more severe to critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised will likely remain infectious no longer than 20 days after symptom onset.

A person who has recovered can continue to shed detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens for up to 3 months after illness onset, according to the report. Studies have not found evidence that clinically recovered persons with persistence of viral RNA have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to others.

The CDC has updated its recommendations based on this information, warranting an extended duration of isolation and precautions for up to 20 days after symptom onset for those with severe illness. For those who never developed symptoms, isolation and other precautions can be discontinued 10 days after the date of their first positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

For anyone who is severely immunocompromised, a test-based strategy could be considered in consultation with infectious disease experts. For others, a test-based strategy is no longer recommended except to discontinue isolation or precautions earlier than would occur under the recommended strategy above.

According to the CDC, for anyone who was previously diagnosed with symptomatic COVID-19 who remained asymptomatic after recovery, retesting is not recommended within 3 months after the date of symptom onset for the initial COVID-19 infection. In addition, quarantine is not recommended in the event of close contact with an infected person.

Among individuals who develop new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during the 3 months after the date of initial symptom onset, if an alternative etiology cannot be identified by a provider, then the person may warrant retesting. Further, isolation may be considered during this evaluation based on consultation with an infection control expert, especially in the event symptoms develop within 14 days after close contact with an infected person.

For individuals who have never developed symptoms, the date of the first positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA should be used in place of the date of symptom onset.

Serologic testing should not be used to establish the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or reinfection, according to the CDC report.

Duration of isolation and precautions for adults with COVID-19. CDC. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html

. Published July 22, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

CDC Update: Duration of Isolation, Precautions for Adults With COVID-19

, a campaign reinforcing the importance of accessing primary health care, has been launched by CVS Health to remind Americans of the importance of prioritizing their health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the company.

"While we remain focused on reducing the spread of COVID-19, we also need to make sure that we're encouraging people to get the care they need to avoid worse health outcomes in the future particularly people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease," said Garth Graham, MD, MPH, Vice President, Community Health and Chief Community Health Officer for CVS Health, in a prepared statement. "The 

 campaign drives that message home while reminding everyone of the precautions they can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

A national television ad was launched as a part of the 

 campaign, along with a microsite, digital content, and Aetna member program components that address concerns for people with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as specific health issues such as high-risk pregnancies due to preeclampsia.

The campaign was based off results of a national survey conducted by Aetna and Morning Consult among 4400 Americans to identify barriers to accessing care amid the pandemic. Some of the key highlights include:

Nearly 60% of respondents said they have canceled or delayed a health care appointment due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Half of Americans have concerns about how the pandemic has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household.

Nearly 60% of people with chronic conditions are concerned the pandemic has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household.

Fifty percent of pregnant mothers are not confident their primary care physicians have put the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

CVS Health launches “Time for Care” encouraging individuals to prioritize primary health care needs. 

https://www.cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/cvs-health-launches-time-for-care-encouraging-individuals-to

. Published July 15, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Time for Care, a campaign reinforcing the importance of accessing primary health care, has been launched by CVS Health to remind Americans of the importance of prioritizing their health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the company. 

CVS Health Encouraging Individuals to Prioritize Primary Health Care Needs

Consumers need more accessible, personalized, and technology-driven health care than ever before and are seeking simplicity in the way they engage in their own health, according to the results of the 2020 Path to Better Health Study conducted by CVS Health.

Consumers and providers were asked for their thoughts on the state of health care and how they are navigating this evolving landscape during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With the use of technology and data analytics in health care reaching new levels, consumers are more likely to use technology to communicate with their providers, according to CVS.

The survey results showed that 48% of consumers said they would be more likely to communicate with health care professionals if they were able to do so through digital messaging, which is a 41% increase from the 2019 survey results. Additionally, 32% prefer telehealth, showing a 19% increase from 2019; and virtual office visits, such as Skype or FaceTime, were preferred by 29%, an increase of 20% from 2019.

"The pandemic has forced countless Americans to rethink their approach to health and explore different avenues of care," said Larry Merlo, CEO of CVS Health, in a prepared statement. "Whether in the community, in the home or in the palm of their hand, people are discovering new ways to conveniently and affordably address their health care needs, including mental and behavioral health. We expect these changes will transform the way care is delivered moving forward."

Many consumers noted that members of their household struggle with high blood pressure (41%), obesity (35%), mental illness (28%), and diabetes (17%).

Further, addressing mental health is of growing importance for consumers, with 44% of those between the ages of 18 years and 34 years, and 45% of those between the ages of 35 years to 50 years indicating they no longer have a desire to be social. Meanwhile, only 29% of those aged 51 years to 64 years said the same. The 2019 findings found that 48% of consumers aged 18 years to 34 years, and 45% of those aged 35 years to 50 years reported they did not have a desire to be social versus 35% of people aged 51 years to 64 years.

While 62% of consumers still go to their primary care physician (PCP) to treat a minor illness or injury, nearly 31% are likely to visit a non-emergency walk-in clinic. In 2019, 59% of consumers reported going to their PCP for a minor illness or injury, while 28% said they would visit a non-emergency walk-in clinic.

In addition, 92% of survey respondents said it is very or somewhat important that health care be convenient, a factor that has only become more critical as a result of COVID-19. About 35% of people said health care costs are an obstacle to staying healthy, and close to 49% have not visited a doctor when they had a minor illness or injury due to cost.

Although cost is a top barrier to care, only 66% of patients said their PCP and other health care providers had not asked about the “affordability” of health care nor discussed resources to assist with these costs, according to CVS.

Amidst a pandemic, consumers say they want accessible, affordable and technology-enabled health care, new CVS Health study finds. CVS Health. 

https://www.cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/amidst-a-pandemic-consumers-say-they-want-accessible-affordable

. Published July 14, 2020. Accessed July 22, 2020.

Consumers and providers were asked for their thoughts on the state of health care and how they are navigating this evolving landscape during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

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