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Frauger E, Fouilhé N, Lacroix C, Daveluy A, Le Boisselier R, Bertin C, Revol B, Carton L, Chevalier C, Eiden C, Gibaja V, Aquizerate A, Chaouachi L, Bouquet E, Roussin A, Mallaret M, Micallef J. [Increase of overdose and deaths related to methadone during COVID-19 epidemic in 2020]. Therapie 2024; 79:297-306. [PMID: 37391322 PMCID: PMC10266982 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the risk of overdoses increase especially with methadone, a reinforced monitoring has been set up by the French Addictovigilance Network following the first lockdown related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this context, we managed a specific study to analyze overdoses related to methadone in 2020 compared to 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed methadone-related overdoses which occurred in 2019 and 2020 from two sources: DRAMES program (deaths with toxicological analysis) and the French pharmacovigilance database (BNPV) (overdoses that did not lead to death). RESULTS Data from DRAMES program in 2020 show methadone as the first drug involved in deaths as well as an increase in deaths: in number (n=230 versus n=178), in proportion (41% versus 35%) and number of deaths per 1000 exposed subjects (3.4 versus 2.8). According to BNPV, the number of overdose increased in 2020 compared to 2019 (98 versus 79; i.e., 1.2-fold increase) particularly during several target periods: first lockdown, end of lockdown/summer period and second lockdown. In 2020, a higher number of cases were observed in April (n=15) and May (n=15). Overdoses and deaths occurred in subjects enrolled in treatment programs or not (naïve subjects/occasional users who obtained methadone from street market or family/friends). Overdoses resulted from different factors: overconsumption, multiple drug use with depressants drugs or cocaine, injection, consumption for sedative, recreational purposes or voluntary drug poisoning. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION All these data show an increase of morbidity and mortality related to methadone during COVID-19 epidemic. This trend has been observed in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Frauger
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique, hôpital de la Timone, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille université, institut de neurosciences des systèmes, Inserm UMR1106, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Nathalie Fouilhé
- Centre d'addictovigilance, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Clémence Lacroix
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique, hôpital de la Timone, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille université, institut de neurosciences des systèmes, Inserm UMR1106, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Amélie Daveluy
- Centre d'addictovigilance, département de pharmacologie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Reynald Le Boisselier
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie, CHU de Caen, 14033 Caen, France
| | - Célian Bertin
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie médicale, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, université Clermont Auvergne, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Revol
- Centre d'addictovigilance, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Louise Carton
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie, faculté de médecine-pôle recherche, 59037 Lille, France
| | - Cécile Chevalier
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service hospitalo-universitaire de pharmacotoxicologie, hospices civils de Lyon, 69424 Lyon cedex, France
| | - Céline Eiden
- Centre d'addictovigilance, département de pharmacologie médicale et toxicologie, hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Gibaja
- Centre d'addictovigilance, CHRU de Nancy, hôpital Brabois, 54511 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Aurélie Aquizerate
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique, institut de biologie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Leila Chaouachi
- Centre d'addictovigilance, hôpital Fernand-Widal, 75475 Paris, France
| | - Emilie Bouquet
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique et vigilances, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Anne Roussin
- Centre d'addictovigilance, faculté de médecine, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Michel Mallaret
- Centre d'addictovigilance, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Joëlle Micallef
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique, hôpital de la Timone, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille université, institut de neurosciences des systèmes, Inserm UMR1106, 13005 Marseille, France
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Russell C, Ashley J, Ali F, Bozinoff N, Corace K, Marsh DC, Mushquash C, Wyman J, Zhang M, Lange S. Examining inequities in access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) take-home doses (THD): A Canadian OAT guideline synthesis and systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104343. [PMID: 38554565 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily supervised Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) medication has been identified as a barrier to treatment retention. Canadian OAT guidelines outline take-home dose (THD) criteria, yet, OAT prescribers use their clinical judgement to decide whether an individual is 'clinically stable' to receive THD. There is limited information regarding whether these decisions may result in inequitable access to THD, including in the context of updated COVID-19 guidance. The current Canadian OAT THD guideline synthesis and systematic review aimed to address this knowledge gap. METHODS This systematic review included a two-pronged approach. First, we searched available academic literature in Embase, Medline, and PsychINFO up until October 12th, 2022, to identify studies that compared characteristics of individuals on OAT who had and had not been granted access to THD to explore potential inequities in access. Next, we identified all Canadian national and provincial OAT guidelines through a semi-structured grey literature search (conducted between September-October 2022) and extracted all THD 'stability' and allowances/timeline criteria to compare against characteristics identified in the literature search. Data from both review arms were synthesized and narratively presented. RESULTS A total of n = 56 guidelines and n = 7 academic studies were included. The systematic review identified a number of patient characteristics such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, housing, employment, neighborhood income, drug use, mental health, health service utilization, as well as treatment duration that were associated with differential access to THD. The Canadian OAT THD guideline synthesis identified many of these same characteristics as 'stability' criteria, underscoring the potential for Canadian OAT guidelines to result in inequitable access to THD. CONCLUSIONS This two-pronged literature review demonstrated that current guidelines likely contribute to inequitable OAT THD access due primarily to inconsistent 'stability' criteria across guidelines. More research is needed to understand differential OAT THD access with a focus on prescriber decision-making and evaluating associated treatment and safety outcomes. The development of a client-centered, equity-focused, and evidence-informed decision making framework that incorporates more clear definitions of 'stability' criteria and indications for prescriber discretion is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayley Russell
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1; Ontario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8.
| | - Jenna Ashley
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1
| | - Farihah Ali
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1; Ontario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1R8; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th floor, Toronto, Canada, M5G1V7
| | - Kim Corace
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Rd #2044, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5; Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Z 7K4; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Z 7K4
| | - David C Marsh
- NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6; ICES North, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2H3; Health Science North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2H3
| | - Christopher Mushquash
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Wyman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th floor, Toronto, Canada, M5G1V7; Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Maria Zhang
- Pharmacy Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6J 1H4; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Canada, M5S 3M2
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, M5S 2S1; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1R8; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1R8
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Solgama JP, Liu E, Davis M, Graham J, McCall KL, Piper BJ. State-level variation in distribution of oxycodone and opioid-related deaths from 2000 to 2021: an ecological study of ARCOS and CDC WONDER data in the USA. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073765. [PMID: 38453203 PMCID: PMC10921485 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to characterise oxycodone's distribution and opioid-related overdoses in the USA by state from 2000 to 2021. DESIGN This is an observational study. SETTING More than 80 000 Americans died of an opioid overdose in 2021 as the USA continues to struggle with an opioid crisis. Prescription opioids play a substantial role, introducing patients to opioids and providing a supply of drugs that can be redirected to those seeking to misuse them. METHODS The Drug Enforcement Administration annual summary reports from the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System provided weights of oxycodone distributed per state by business type (pharmacies, hospitals and practitioners). Weights were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per capita and normalised for population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research provided mortality data for heroin, other opioids, methadone, other synthetic narcotics and other/unspecified narcotics. RESULTS There was a sharp 280.13% increase in total MME/person of oxycodone from 2000 to 2010, followed by a slower 54.34% decrease from 2010 to 2021. Florida (2007-2011), Delaware (2003-2020) and Tennessee (2012-2021) displayed consistent and substantial elevations in combined MME/person compared with other states. In the peak year (2010), there was a 15-fold difference between the highest and lowest states. MME/person from only pharmacies, which constituted >94% of the total, showed similar results. Hospitals in Alaska (2000-2001, 2008, 2010-2021), Colorado (2008-2021) and DC (2000-2011) distributed substantially more MME/person over many years compared with other states. Florida stood out in practitioner-distributed oxycodone, with an elevation of almost 15-fold the average state from 2006 to 2010. Opioid-related deaths increased +806% from 2000 to 2021, largely driven by heroin, other opioids and other synthetic narcotics. CONCLUSIONS Oxycodone distribution across the USA showed marked differences between states and business types over time. Investigation of opioid policies in states of interest may provide insight for future actions to mitigate opioid misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay P Solgama
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward Liu
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mellar Davis
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Palliative Care, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jove Graham
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Research, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kenneth L McCall
- Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- University of New England, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Qian G, Humphreys K, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD, Brandeau ML. Estimated effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatment under proposed U.S. regulatory relaxations: A model-based analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 256:111112. [PMID: 38335797 PMCID: PMC10940194 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of buprenorphine and methadone treatment in the U.S. if exemptions expanding coverage for substance use disorder services via telehealth and allowing opioid treatment programs to supply a greater number of take-home doses of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) continue (Notice of Proposed Rule Making, NPRM). DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Model-based analysis of buprenorphine and methadone treatment for a cohort of 100,000 individuals with OUD, varying treatment retention and overdose risk among individuals receiving and not receiving methadone treatment compared to the status quo (no NPRM). INTERVENTION Buprenorphine and methadone treatment under NPRM. MEASUREMENTS Fatal and nonfatal overdoses and deaths over five years, discounted lifetime per person QALYs and costs. FINDINGS For buprenorphine treatment under the status quo, 1.21 QALYs are gained at a cost of $19,200/QALY gained compared to no treatment; with 20% higher treatment retention, 1.28 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and the strategy dominates the status quo. For methadone treatment under the status quo, 1.11 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment. In all scenarios, methadone provision cost less than $20,000/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and less than $50,000/QALY gained compared to status quo methadone treatment. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine and methadone OUD treatment under NPRM are likely to be effective and cost-effective. Increases in overdose risk with take-home methadone would reduce health benefits. Clinical and technological strategies could mitigate this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Qian
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Kennalley AL, Fanelli JL, Furst JA, Mynarski NJ, Jarvis MA, Nichols SD, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Dynamic changes in methadone utilisation for opioid use disorder treatment: a retrospective observational study during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074845. [PMID: 37973543 PMCID: PMC10661065 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health concern in the USA, resulting in high rates of overdose and other negative outcomes. Methadone, an OUD treatment, has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of overdose and improving overall health and quality of life. This study analysed the distribution of methadone for the treatment of OUD across the USA over the past decade and through the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Retrospective observational study using secondary data analysis of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Medicaid Databases. SETTING USA. PARTICIPANTS Patients who were dispensed methadone at US opioid treatment programmes (OTPs). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were the overall pattern in methadone distribution and the number of OTPs in the USA per year. The secondary outcome was Medicaid prescriptions for methadone. RESULTS Methadone distribution for OUD has expanded significantly over the past decade, with an average state increase of +96.96% from 2010 to 2020. There was a significant increase in overall distribution of methadone to OTP from 2010 to 2020 (+61.00%, p<0.001) and from 2015 to 2020 (+26.22%, p<0.001). However, the distribution to OTPs did not significantly change from 2019 to 2021 (-5.15%, p=0.491). There was considerable state-level variation in methadone prescribing to Medicaid patients with four states having no prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS There have been dynamic changes in methadone distribution for OUD. Furthermore, pronounced variation in methadone distribution among states was observed, with some states having no OTPs or Medicaid coverage. New policies are urgently needed to increase access to methadone treatment, address the opioid epidemic in the USA and reduce overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Kennalley
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica L Fanelli
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John A Furst
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mynarski
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Margaret A Jarvis
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of New England, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Kenneth L McCall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Liu EY, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Variation in adverse drug events of opioids in the United States. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1163976. [PMID: 37033633 PMCID: PMC10079914 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1163976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The United States (US) ranks high, nationally, in opioid consumption. The ongoing increase in the misuse and mortality amid the opioid epidemic has been contributing to its rising cost. The worsening health and economic impact of opioid use disorder in the US warrants further attention. We, therefore, assessed commonly prescribed opioids to determine the opioids that were over-represented versus under-represented for adverse drug events (ADEs) to better understand their distribution patterns using the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) while correcting for distribution using the Drug Enforcement Administration's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS). Comparing the ratio of the percentage of adverse drug events as reported by the FAERS relative to the percentage of distribution as reported by the ARCOS database is a novel approach to evaluate post-marketing safety surveillance and may inform healthcare policies and providers to better regulate the use of these opioids. Methods: We analyzed the adverse events for 11 prescription opioids, when correcting for distribution, and their ratios for three periods, 2006-2010, 2011-2016, and 2017-2021, in the US. The opioids include buprenorphine, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and tapentadol. Oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were calculated by conversions relative to morphine. The relative ADEs of the selected opioids, opioid distributions, and ADEs relative to distribution ratios were analyzed for the 11 opioids. Results: Oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine accounted for over half of the total number of ADEs (n = 667,969), while meperidine accounted for less than 1%. Opioid distributions were relatively constant over time, with methadone repeatedly accounting for the largest proportions. Many ADE-to-opioid distribution ratios increased over time, with meperidine (60.6), oxymorphone (11.1), tapentadol (10.3), and hydromorphone (7.9) being the most over-represented for ADEs in the most recent period. Methadone was under-represented (<0.20) in all the three periods. Conclusion: The use of the FAERS with the ARCOS provides insights into dynamic changes in ADEs of the selected opioids in the US. There is further need to monitor and address the ADEs of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Y. Liu
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Edward Y. Liu,
| | - Kenneth L. McCall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Brian J. Piper
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, United States
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, United States
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