December 2022 Edition
December 1, 2022
Clinical News
2022 Update to AGS Beers Criteria for PIM
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has convened an expert panel, with representatives from the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, to update the AGS Beers Criteria. This list of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) identifies drugs warranting additional attention as they may present an unfavorable balance of benefits versus harms in seniors. The 2022 draft is available for public comment through 12/9/22 at 5pm ET.
CDC Releases Updated Clinical Practice Guideline on Prescribing Opioids
On November 4, 2022, the CDC released an updated clinical practice guideline on prescribing opioids for pain in adults on an outpatient basis. The guideline includes recommendations for managing acute, subacute, and chronic pain and addresses: 1) determining whether to initiate opioids for pain; 2) selecting opioids and determining dosages; 3) deciding duration of initial opioid prescription and conducting follow-up; and 4) assessing risk and addressing potential harms of opioid use.
Looking for help with opioid stewardship? PharMerica’s Opioid Stewardship Program includes a customizable toolkit that will support your facility’s healthcare team in providing responsible, best practice pain management.
Monthly Minute: Nuplazid (Pimavanserin) and Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis
Check out this month’s “Monthly Minute,” developed by our Consultant Pharmacists, on pharmacy-related topics important to resident care.
RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19 Resources
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is surging this fall, and its co-circulation with influenza, COVID-19, and other seasonal viruses complicates care management. These resources can help:
11/4/22 CDC Health Advisory on RSV and Other Seasonal Viruses
Provider Pointer — Monitoring for Infections: Don’t Forget About RSV
2022-2023 Influenza and Adult Immunization Guide
Regulatory Updates
Clinical Alert: White House and CMS Campaign to Increase COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Rates
On November 22, the Biden Administration announced a six-week campaign, focused on seniors and communities hardest-hit by COVID-19, to boost rates of vaccination with updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines. This campaign reinforces the requirements previously set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Webinar:
Tuesday, December 6: Banishing Burnout: Building Employee Engagement and Retention
Presented by:
Sheri Easton-Garret, MSN, RN, CDP, CMDCP, SVP of Clinical Operations, Belmont Village Senior Living
Dr. Shad Morgheim, ACC, ICF, Leadership and Lifestyle Coach
Adrienne Hearn, Manager of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
Staffing shortages continue to plague long-term care. More than ever, facilities need innovative ways to work more efficiently and agilely. Covenant Living Communities & Services’ Tina T. Johannessen, MHRIR, PHR, and Sheryl White, BSN, RN, offer strategies to help staff become more productive while reducing stress. Find out 6 ways to help your staff work smarter!
Listen to the Podcast
Read the Article