Marion K Slack
- (520) 626-1099
- COLL OF PHARMAC, Rm. 344
- TUCSON, AZ 85721-0207
- mkslack@arizona.edu
Work Experience
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (2007 - Ongoing)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (2003 - 2006)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (2002 - 2003)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1992 - 2002)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1991 - 1992)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1991 - 1992)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1987 - 1989)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1985 - 1987)
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1984 - 1989)
- Unversity of Minnesota (1981 - 1984)
- Metropolitan Medical Center (1976 - 1981)
- Good Samaritan Hospital (1974 - 1975)
- Central Baptist Hosptial, St. Joseph's Hosptial, Glen's Drug (1973 - 1974)
- Maranatha Clinic (1970 - 1973)
- Central Baptist Hospital (1969 - 1970)
Awards
- ASHP Student Research Award Winner.
- American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Summer 1999
- Innovation in Teaching Awards for Pharmacy Faculty, Honorable Mention
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Summer 1999
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Summer 1996
- Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Student Support: 1994
- University of Arizona, Spring 1994
- Women in Pharmacy Leadership Directory
- Spring 1994
- Who's Who in Science and Engineering, 1992-1993
- Spring 1993
- Rho Chi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Spring 1985
- Dean's List
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Spring 1968
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Spring 1963
- Innovations in Teaching, Honorable Mention
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Spring 2018
- AACP Social and Administrative Sciences (SAS) Section Best Research Publication Award
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Summer 2017
- ACCP Research Poster Award
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Endocrine & Metabolism PRN Walk Rounds, Summer 2017
- Award for GSRC Poster Presentation--2nd prize
- Graduate Student Research Council, Spring 2017
- Graduate Teacher of the Year
- Graduate Student CouncilCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Arizona, Spring 2017
- Highly accessed article in 2017
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, Spring 2017
- Article chosen for the virtual issue of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
- American Pharmacists Association, Fall 2016
- College of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year Award
- College of Pharmacy, Spring 2015 (Award Nominee)
- Senior Research Project recognized as a Noteworthy Practice
- American Council on Pharmacy Education, Fall 2011
- ASHP Foundation Literature Awards Program’s Pharmacy Practice Research Award
- Summer 2011
- Educator of the Year Award
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Spring 2000
- Member, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Researxch Society
- Spring 2000
Licensure & Certification
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Arizona (1989)
- Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instructional Systems, Unversity of Minnesota (1984)
- Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy, university of Kentucky (1969)
Interests
Research
Systematic Review and Meta-analysisSystematic reviews and meta-analysis are study methods that are essential to the practice of evidence based medicine. These techniques provide summary analyses to identify effective patient care practices; without them, practitioners would be forced to rely on one or two studies or on their impressions of what is effective. I have participated in a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly in the area of identifying effective pharmacy patient care practices. Our college now conducts a workshop every year for practitioners and other health sciences researchers on systematic review and meta-analysis (I present the section on writing a protocol). This research is crucial to improving and advancing pharmacy practice. As a follow-up to two current meta-analyses, I am collaborating with other members of the research team to write two articles on how to design a study for assessing pharmacists’ contributions to patient care. The goal is to enable practitioners to conduct studies with a low potential for bias. One systematic review and meta-analysis (Chisholm-Burns et al.) received the American Health-System Pharmacists literature award. A second meta-analysis (Patanwala et al.) was used by the European Medicines Agency in the developing recommendations for the treatment of community cardiac arrest. Related Publications:Chisholm-Burns MA, Lee JK, Spivey CA, Slack M, Herrier RN, Hall-Lipsey E, Graff Zivin J, Abraham I, Palmer J, Martin JR, Kramer S, Wunz T. U.S. Pharmacists’ effects as team members on direct patient care: systematic review and meta-analyses. Medical Care (published online August 2010).Lee JK, Slack MK, Martin J, Ehrman C, Chisholm-Burns M. Geriatric Patient Care by U.S. Pharmacists in Healthcare Teams: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2013; 61(7):1119-1127.Patanwala AE, Slack MK, Martin JR, Basken RL, Nolan PE. Effect of epinephrine on survival after cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Minerva Anesthesiologica. 2013 Nov 6.Baroy J, Chung D, Frisch R, Apgar D, Slack MK. The impact of pharmacist immunization programs on adult immunization rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. 2016;56(4):418-426.
Teaching
Teaching Research Methods and Mentoring Student ResearchEvidence based medicine is based on the assumption that health care practitioners, including pharmacists, can use published research and conduct research to improve patient care. It is implied from this assumption that health care practitioners have a solid foundation in using published research and conducting research. As a faculty member who teaches in both areas, I conduct research in teaching related to research design and in mentoring student research. For the unit on research design, I have used concept learning theory to structure the unit then collected data on the effectiveness of the innovation. The findings indicated that providing instruction at the appropriate level (at the novice level) was critical to learning so the course was structured by assuming that students do not yet have the vocabulary or basic concepts to discuss research design. For mentoring students in research, I have received a grant to make resources available to students on-line as well as revising the teaching related to student research. I added a semester-long course in which students write a protocol for their research project. Students need substantial help with conceptualizing the study then writing about it. However, with a well-developed protocol, students can work with their project advisors to complete the project. Again, I have collected data on the innovation to show that the approach is effective.Related Publications:Slack MK, Augustine J, Warholak TL. Want an easy way to write test questions? Use concept theory. Submitted to: Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 2014; 6: 412-420.Slack MK, Warholak TL, Murphy J. Writing a research proposal: A workshop course developed for Pharm D students. Pharmacy Education. 2015; 15(1): 23-30.Slack MK, Martin J, Islam S, Worede L. Extramural presentations and publications from pharmacy student research projects: A systematic review. Am J Pharm Educ; 2016: 80 (6); Article 100. Jennings NJ, Mollon LE, Warholak TL, Slack M. Concept learning in pharmacy education: A Rasch analysis of a concept-based research design exam. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching. 2016; 8:31-38.
Courses
2020-21 Courses
-
Drug Lit Evl-Rsrch Dsgn
PHPR 861B (Fall 2020)
2019-20 Courses
-
Research Project II
PHPR 896B (Spring 2020) -
Theory & Practice in Pharm Ed.
HPS 611 (Spring 2020) -
Theory & Practice in Pharm Ed.
PHSC 611 (Spring 2020) -
Writing a Research Proposal
PHPR 862 (Spring 2020) -
Drug Lit Evl-Rsrch Dsgn
PHPR 861B (Fall 2019) -
Health Serv Rsrch Mthds
PHSC 543 (Fall 2019) -
Pharmacy Administration
PHSC 596E (Fall 2019) -
Research Project I
PHPR 896A (Fall 2019)
2018-19 Courses
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Research Project II
PHPR 896B (Spring 2019) -
Writing a Research Proposal
PHPR 862 (Spring 2019) -
Dissertation
PHSC 920 (Fall 2018) -
Drug Lit Evl-Rsrch Dsgn
PHPR 861B (Fall 2018) -
Research
PHSC 900 (Fall 2018) -
Research Project I
PHPR 896A (Fall 2018)
2017-18 Courses
-
Dissertation
PHSC 920 (Spring 2018) -
Drug Lit Eval-Applicatns
PHPR 861C (Spring 2018) -
Independent Study
PHPR 899 (Spring 2018) -
Independent Study
PHSC 599 (Spring 2018) -
Independent Study
PHSC 699 (Spring 2018) -
Pharmacy Practice Project
PHPR 896B (Spring 2018) -
Research
PHSC 900 (Spring 2018) -
Theory & Practice in Pharm Ed.
PHSC 611 (Spring 2018) -
Writ Prop Scientfic Std
PHPR 862 (Spring 2018) -
Dissertation
PHSC 920 (Fall 2017) -
Drug Lit Evl-Rsrch Dsgn
PHPR 861B (Fall 2017) -
Health Serv Rsrch Mthds
PHPM 543 (Fall 2017) -
Health Serv Rsrch Mthds
PHSC 543 (Fall 2017) -
Pharmacy Prac Project
PHPR 896A (Fall 2017) -
Research
PHSC 900 (Fall 2017)
2016-17 Courses
-
Dissertation
PHSC 920 (Spring 2017) -
Drug Lit Eval-Applicatns
PHPR 861C (Spring 2017) -
Pharmacy Practice Project
PHPR 896B (Spring 2017) -
Thesis
PHSC 910 (Spring 2017) -
Writ Prop Scientfic Std
PHPR 862 (Spring 2017) -
Drug Lit Evl-Rsrch Dsgn
PHPR 861B (Fall 2016) -
Pharmacy Administration
PHSC 596E (Fall 2016) -
Pharmacy Prac Project
PHPR 896A (Fall 2016) -
Research
PHSC 900 (Fall 2016)
2015-16 Courses
-
Drug Lit Eval-Applicatns
PHPR 861C (Spring 2016) -
Pharmacy Practice Project
PHPR 896B (Spring 2016) -
Research
PHSC 900 (Spring 2016) -
Theory & Practice in Pharm Ed.
PHSC 611 (Spring 2016) -
Writ Prop Scientfic Std
PHPR 862 (Spring 2016)
Scholarly Contributions
Chapters
- Slack, M. K., & Baidoo, B. (2014). Bivariate Analysis and Comparing Groups. In Principles of Research Design and Drug Literature Evaluation. Eds: Aparasu, R.R., Bentley, J.(pp 155-174). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Journals/Publications
- Almutairi, A. R., Mollon, L., Lee, J., & Slack, M. (2019). A comparison of the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies used to manage chronic pain: Opioid users versus nonusers. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 59(5), 691-697.More infoMultimodal and multidomain strategies are currently recommended for the management of chronic pain. However, there is little information available on how individuals (opioid users versus nonusers) with chronic pain use multimodal strategies in pain management.
- Almutairi, A., Mollen, L., Lee, J. K., & Slack, M. K. (2019). A Comparison of the Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Strategies Used to Manage Chronic Pain: Opioid Users versus Non-users.. J Am Pharm Assoc.. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2019.06.009
- Axon, D. R., Patel, M. J., Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2019). Use of multidomain management strategies by community dwelling adults with chronic pain: evidence from a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of pain, 19(1), 9-23.More infoBackground and aims Multidomain strategies (i.e. two or more strategies) for managing chronic pain are recommended to avoid excessive use of opioids while producing the best outcomes possible. The aims of this systematic review were to: 1) determine if patient-reported pain management is consistent with the use of multidomain strategies; and 2) identify the role of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patient-reported pain management. Methods Bibliographic databases, websites, and reference lists of included studies were searched to identify published articles reporting community-based surveys of pain self-management from January 1989 to June 2017 using controlled vocabulary (and synonyms): pain; self-care; self-management; self-treatment; and adult. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data on subject demographics, pain characteristics, pain self-management strategies, and pain outcomes. Pain self-management strategies were organized according to our conceptual model. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias. Differences between the researchers were resolved by consensus. Results From the 3,235 unique records identified, 18 studies published between 2002 and 2017 from 10 countries were included. Twenty-two types of pharmacological strategies were identified (16 prescription, six non-prescription). NSAIDs (15 studies, range of use 10-72%) and opioids (12 studies, range of use 5-72%) were the most commonly reported prescription pharmacological strategies. Other prescription pharmacological strategies included analgesics, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, salicylates, β-blockers and calcium channel blockers, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and steroids, muscle relaxants, topical products, triptans, and others. Twenty-two types of non-pharmacological strategies were identified: four medical strategies (10 studies), 10 physical strategies (15 studies), four psychological strategies (12 studies), and four self-initiated strategies (15 studies). Medical strategies included consulting a medical practitioner, chiropractic, and surgery. Physical strategies included exercise, massage, hot and cold modalities, acupuncture, physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, activity modification or restriction, assistive devices, and altering body position/posture. Psychological strategies included relaxation, prayer or meditation, therapy, and rest/sleep. Self-initiated strategies included dietary or herbal supplements, dietary modifications, and complementary and alternative medicine. Overall, the number of strategies reported among the studies ranged from five to 28 (out of 44 identified strategies). Limited data on pain outcomes was reported in 15 studies, and included satisfaction with pain management strategies, pain interference on daily activities, adverse events, lost work or restricted activity days, emergency department visits, and disabilities. Conclusions A wide variety and large number of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage chronic pain were reported, consistent with the use of multidomain strategies. High levels of use of both NSAIDs and opioids also were reported. Implications Comprehensive review and consultation with patients about their pain management strategies is likely needed for optimal outcomes. Additional research is needed to determine: how many, when, and why multidomain strategies are used; the relationship between opioid use, multidomain management strategies, and level of pain; how multidomain strategies relate to outcomes; and if adding strategies to a pain management plan increases the risk of adverse events or interactions, and increases an individuals pain management burden.
- Campbell, A. M., Axon, D. R., Martin, J. R., Slack, M. K., Mollon, L., & Lee, J. K. (2019). Melatonin for the prevention of postoperative delirium in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC geriatrics, 19(1), 272.More infoOlder surgical patients are at high risk of developing postoperative delirium. Non-pharmacological strategies are recommended for delirium prevention, but no pharmacological agents have compelling evidence to decrease the incidence of delirium. The purpose of this study was to assess whether perioperative melatonin decreases the incidence of delirium in older adults undergoing surgical procedures.
- Campbell, A. M., Axon, D. R., Mollon, L. E., Martin, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Lee, J. K. (2019). Melatonin for the prevention of postoperative delirium in older adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics.
- Marupuru, S., Axon, D. R., & Slack, M. K. (2019). How do pharmacists use and recommend vitamins, minerals, herbals and other dietary supplements?. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 229.More infoUse of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including vitamins, minerals, herbals, and other dietary supplements, is widespread in the United States (ranging from 24% in Hispanics to 50% in American Indians). Pharmacists are an accessible source for healthcare information, but little is known about their use of CAM products and to whom they would recommend these products.
- Oh, M., McBride, A., Yun, S., Bhattacharjee, S., Slack, M., Martin, J. R., Jeter, J., & Abraham, I. (2019). Response to Katona et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 111(5), 524-525.
- Oh, M., McBride, A., Yun, S., Bhattacharjee, S., Slack, M., Martin, J. R., Jeter, J., & Abraham, I. (2019). Response to Yang, Shi, Wang, et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
- Zhou, L., Bhattacharjee, S., Kwoh, C. K., Tighe, P. J., Malone, D. C., Slack, M., Wilson, D. L., Brown, J. D., & Lo-Ciganic, W. H. (2019). Trends, Patient and Prescriber Characteristics in Gabapentinoid Use in a Sample of United States Ambulatory Care Visits from 2003 to 2016. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(1).More infoIncreasing gabapentinoid use has raised concerns of misuse and abuse in the United States (US). Little is known about the characteristics of gabapentinoid use in general clinical practice over time. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We examined the trends of patient and prescriber characteristics and the diagnoses associated with US ambulatory care visits involving gabapentinoids for adult visits from 2003 to 2016. Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated the adjusted proportion of gabapentinoid-involved visits among all visits and tested for trend significance. Among the weighted estimate of 260.1 million gabapentinoid-involved visits (aged 18-64 years: 61.8%; female: 61.9%; white: 85.5%), the adjusted annual proportion of gabapentinoid-involved visits nearly quadrupled from 2003 to 2016 (9.1 to 34.9 per 1000 visits; < 0.0001), driven mainly by gabapentin. Nearly half had concurrent use with opioids (32.9%) or benzodiazepines (15.3%). Primary care physicians (45.8%), neurologists (8.2%), surgeons (6.2%), and psychiatrists (4.8%) prescribed two-thirds of the gabapentinoids. Most (96.6%) of the gabapentinoid visits did not have an approved indication for gabapentinoids among the first three diagnoses. Among US ambulatory care visits from 2003 to 2016, gabapentinoid use increased substantially, commonly prescribed by primary care physicians.
- Abraham, I. L., Jeter, J., Martin, J. R., Slack, M. K., Bhattacharjee, S., Yun, S., McBride, A., & Oh, M. (2018). BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and colorectal cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 110, 1178-1189.
- Alkhatib, N., Abraham, I. L., Abraham, I. L., Ramos, K., Sweitzer, N. K., Sweitzer, N. K., Gharaibeh, M., Klimecki, W., Klimecki, W., Slack, M. K., Karnes, J. H., Karnes, J. H., Erstad, B. L., Erstad, B. L., Erstad, B. L., Karnes, J. H., Slack, M. K., Slack, M. K., Gharaibeh, M., , Gharaibeh, M., et al. (2018). Economic evaluation of genetic testing for Arg389 in the management of stage III/IV heart failure.. Expert Review of Precision Medicine and Drug Development, 3, 319-329.
- Augustine, J., Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., Bhattacharjee, S., Holmes, E., & Warholak, T. L. (2018). Identification of key business and management skills needed for pharmacy graduates. American Journal of Pharmaceutial Educaton, 82(8), 6364.
- Axon, D. R., Bhattacharjee, S., Warholak, T. L., & Slack, M. K. (2018). Xm Scores for Estimating Total Exposure to Multimodal Strategies Identified by Pharmacists for Managing Pain: Validity Testing and Clinical Relevance. Pain research & management, 2018, 2530286.More infoTo assess the validity of an exposure score obtained from the Xm tool for all pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies used by individuals to manage chronic pain.
- Axon, D. R., Hernandez, C., Lee, J., & Slack, M. (2018). An Exploratory Study of Student Pharmacists' Self-Reported Pain, Management Strategies, Outcomes, and Implications for Pharmacy Education. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 6(1).More infoThe objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, management strategies, and outcomes of pain experienced by student pharmacists, and to discuss implications for pharmacy education. A questionnaire administered to student pharmacists collected data about their experience, management strategies, and outcomes of pain. Data were analyzed using -tests, chi-square or Fisher's tests, and logistic regression. Of the 218 student pharmacists who completed the survey, 79% experienced pain in the past five years. Chronic pain impacted students' ability to work (15%) and attend school (9%). Respondents most commonly used prescription (38%) and over-the-counter (OTC, 78%) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rest (69%) to manage pain. Men used more opioids, whereas women used more OTC NSAIDs ( < 0.05). Emergency department visits were associated with increased prescription drug use to manage pain. This study found that 15% of student pharmacists had chronic pain in the past five years, which was managed with medical and non-medical strategies.
- Campbell, P. J., Patel, M., Martin, J. R., Hincapie, A. L., Axon, D. R., Warholak, T. L., & Slack, M. (2018). Systematic review and meta-analysis of community pharmacy error rates in the USA: 1993-2015. BMJ open quality, 7(4), e000193.More infoWhile much is known about hospital pharmacy error rates in the USA, comparatively little is known about community pharmacy dispensing error rates.
- Gharaibeh, M., Slack, M. K., Erstad, B. L., Alberts, D. S., Bootman, J. L., McBride, A., & Abraham, I. L. (2018). Economic evaluation for the UK of systemic chemotherapies as first-line tratment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pharmacoeconomics, 36(11), 1333-1343.
- Gharaibeh, M., Slack, M. K., McBride, A., Erstad, B. L., Alberts, D. S., Bootman, J. L., & Abraham, I. L. (2018). Economic evaluation for the US of systemic chemotherapies as first-line tratment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pharmacoeconomics, 36(10), 1273-1284.
- Slack, M. K., Lee, J. K., Ramon, C., Daniel, T., & Daniel, V. d. (2018). An observational study of pain self-management strategies and outcomes: does type of pain, age, or gender matter?. Scan J Pain, 18(4), 645-656.
- Almutairi, A. R., Zhou, L., Gellad, W. F., Lee, J. K., Slack, M. K., Martin, J. R., & Lo-Ciganic, J. H. (2017). Effectiveness and Safety of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation and Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses. Clinical therapeutics, 39(7), 1456-1478.e36.More infoThe findings from the observational studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are inconsistent. We conducted separate meta-analyses examining the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of NOACs versus VKAs by disease (AF vs VTE), study design (randomized controlled trials [RCTs] vs observational studies), and NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban).
- Axon, D. R., & Slack, M. (2017). Response to Dietary Supplement Use, Knowledge, and Perceptions Among Student Pharmacists. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 81(10), 6854.
- Axon, D. R., Vanova, J., Edel, C., & Slack, M. (2017). Dietary Supplement Use, Knowledge, and Perceptions Among Student Pharmacists. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 81(5), 92.More infoObjective. To compare dietary supplement use between student pharmacists and the general population, and assess knowledge, attitudes toward use, and dietary supplement effectiveness; and to explore how student pharmacists view their education on dietary supplements. Methods. Paper questionnaires administered to student pharmacists collected data about their use, knowledge, and attitudes of dietary supplements. Use was compared to the 2007 National Health Interview survey findings. Results. Of 179 students who responded, 52% had used at least one dietary supplement in their lifetime versus 25% in the general population. Students perceived supplement label information as unhelpful, research into supplements inadequate, and supplements non-essential to health. Students thought supplement knowledge was important but their education was inadequate. Conclusion. Dietary supplement use was higher in this sample of student pharmacists than the general population. Student pharmacists had limited knowledge and need more education on dietary supplements.
- Fazel, M. T., Bagalagel, A., Lee, J. K., Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2017). Impact of Diabetes Care by Pharmacists as Part of Health Care Team in Ambulatory Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 51(10), 890-907.More infoTo conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses examining the impact of pharmacist interventions as part of health care teams on diabetes therapeutic outcomes in ambulatory care settings.
- Rodrigues, C. R., Harrington, A. R., Murdock, N., Holmes, J. T., Borzadek, E. Z., Calabro, K., Martin, J., & Slack, M. K. (2017). Effect of Pharmacy-Supported Transition-of-Care Interventions on 30-Day Readmissions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 51(10), 866-889.More infoTo describe pharmacy-supported transition-of-care (TOC) interventions and determine their effect on 30-day all-cause readmissions.
- Hincapie, A., Slack, M. K., Malone, D. C., MacKinnon, N., & Warholak, T. L. (2016). Relationship between Patients’ Perceptions of Care Quality and Patient Safety in 11 Countries: A Secondary Data Analysis. Quality and Management in Health Care, 25(1), 13-21.
- Mutebi, A., Slack, M., Warholak, T. L., Hudgens, S., & Coons, S. J. (2016). Interpretation of verbal descriptors for response options commonly used in verbal rating scales in patient-reported outcome instruments. Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation, 25(12), 3181-3189.More infoTo assess the variation in the interpretation of common verbal descriptors (VDs) used in response scales and examine factors associated with those interpretations.
- Slack, M. K., Apgar, D. A., Baroy, J., Frisch, R., & Chung, D. (2016). The impact of pharmacist immunization programs on adult immunization rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Pharmacy Association.
- Slack, M. K., Martin, J., Islam, S., & Worede, L. (2016). Extramural presentations and publications from pharmacy student research projects: A systematic review. Am J Pharm Educ, 80(6), Article 100.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Jennings, N. J., & Mollon, L. E. (2016). Concept learning in pharmacy education: A Rasch analysis of a concept-based research design exam. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 8, 31-38.
- Derek, T., Derek, T., Malone, D. C., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., Warholak, T. L., Chong, J., Chong, J., Armstrong, E. P., Armstrong, E. P., Slack, M. K., Slack, M. K., Hsu, C., Hsu, C., Labiner, D., Labiner, D., Derek, T., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., , Chong, J., et al. (2015). Healthcare Resource Burden of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Among the US Low-Income Elderly. European Geriatric Medicine, 6(3), 252-256. doi:10.1016
- Derek, T., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., Chong, J., Armstrong, E. P., Slack, M. K., Hsu, C., & Labiner, D. (2015). Healthcare Resource Burden of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Among the US Low-Income Elderly. European Geriatric Medicine, 6(3), 251-256.
- Derek, T., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., Chong, J., Armstrong, E. P., Slack, M. K., Hsu, C., & Labiner, D. (2015). Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in an elderly and low-income population in the United States. Journal of Clinical Neurology, 11(3), 252-61.
- Derek, T., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., Chong, J., Armstrong, E. P., Slack, M. K., Hsu, C., & Labiner, D. (2015). Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in the United States elderly and low income population. Journal of Clinical Neurology, ?(?), e pub ahead of print.
- Jennings, N., Mollon, L., Warholak, T. L., & Slack, M. K. (2015). Concept Learning in Pharmacy Education: a Rasch analysis of a concept-based drug literature evaluation exam. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 7(5), 645-655.
- Slack, M. K., Augustine, J., & Warholak, T. (2015). A pretest-posttest assessment of concept learning in research design. Currents in pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 7, 729-37.
- Slack, M. K., Cooley, J., Nelson, M., & Warholak, T. (2015). Assessment of an educational intervention to increase student scholarship. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 79(6), Article 80.
- Slack, M. K., Murphy, J. E., & Warholak, T. L. (2014). Writing a research proposal: A workshop course developed for Pharm D students.. Pharmacy Education.
- Slack, M. K., Villa-Zapata, L., Warholak, T., Malone, D., Runger, G., & Levengood, M. (2015). Predictive modeling using a nationally representative database to identify patients at risk of developing microalbuminuria. Int Urol Nephrol. doi:10.1007/s11255-015-1183-x
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., & Augustine, J. (2014). A pretest-posttest assessment of concept learning in research design. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 7, 729-37.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., & John, M. (2015). Writing a research proposal; A workshop course developed for PharmD students. Pharmacy Education, 15(1), 23-30.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., & Murphy, J. E. (2015). Writing a proposal for a scientific study: A course developed for PharmD students. Pharmacy Education Journal, 15.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Cooley, J. H., & Nelson, M. (2015). Assessment of an educational intervention to increase student scholarship. AJPE, 79(6), Article 80.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Cooley, J. H., & Nelson, M. (2015). Assessment of an educational intervention to increase student scholarship. American Journal of Pharmacy Education, 79(6), Article 80.
- Tang, D. H., Malone, D. C., Warholak, T. L., Chong, J., Armstrong, E. P., Slack, M. K., Hsu, C., & Labiner, D. (2015). Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in the United States elderly and low income population. Journal of Clinical Neurology, 11(3), e pub ahead of print 252-61.
- Slack, M., Augustine, J., & Warholak, T. (2014). Want an easy way to write test questions? Use concept theory. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning.More infoAbstract: Objectives: To review concept theory and to describe a model for using concept theory so as to develop multiple-choice questions that can test more advanced cognitive skills in the area of study design. Theory: Concepts are abstract categories containing information about objects, symbols, or events that share specific characteristics. Concepts serve as tools for identifying and categorizing objects, events, or situations, for instance, types of study designs, as examples or non-examples of a category. Application: The process for developing questions to test concept learning in study design can be summarized as follows: (1) identify the learning objectives that require concept classification (e.g., use verbs such as identify, differentiate, or compare); (2) identify new case examples (cases not previously encountered by students) of the target concepts (e.g., an abstract for a randomized controlled trial); and (3) use information from the case examples to write multiple-choice questions. The questions use concept names (e.g., independent variable) and specific examples from the case (e.g., blood pressure) in the question stem or as response options. Conclusions: By using concepts or specific examples from the case, multiple-choice questions that test concept skills critical to using the literature in clinical practice were developed. Use of a case example new to students assures answers cannot be memorized, and use of coordinate concepts as response options assures all options are viable choices. An advantage of using concept theory is that some questions can be reused with new case examples. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Sun, D., Abraham, I., Slack, M., & Skrepnek, G. H. (2014). Emergency department visits in the United States for pediatric depression: estimates of charges and hospitalization. Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, 21(9), 1003-14.More infoThe objective of this study was to calculate national estimates of depression-related emergency department (ED) visits and associated health care resource use among children and adolescents 17 years or younger. Another goal was to explore the effects of certain sociodemographic and health care system factors and comorbidities on ED charges and subsequent hospitalization in the United States.
- Kramer, S. S., Martin, J. R., Schlimgen, J. B., Slack, M. K., & Martin, J. (2011). Effectiveness of a liaison program in meeting information needs of college of pharmacy faculty. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 30(1), 31-41.More infoPMID: 21271450;Abstract: This article describes the creation and implementation of focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of a health sciences library's liaison program of the College of Pharmacy faculty and to better understand the faculty's information needs in order to design new and improved library services. The liaison services support the teaching and research needs of faculty and students through literature research, classroom teaching, and an extensive library collection of pharmacy literature. Focus group results demon-strated a high level of satisfaction with library liaison services and collections. Opportunities exist for expanded interaction with graduate students and greater marketing of library services to increase faculty awareness of specific library programs. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
- Murphy, J. E., Airey, T. C., Bisso, A. M., & Slack, M. K. (2011). Student evaluations of the portfolio process. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 75(7).More infoAbstract: Objective. To evaluate pharmacy students' perceived benefits of the portfolio process and to gather suggestions for improving the process. Methods. A questionnaire was designed and administered to 250 first-, second-, and third-year pharmacy students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Results. Although the objectives of the portfolio process were for students to understand the expected outcomes, understand the impact of extracurricular activities on attaining competencies, identify what should be learned, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and modify their approach to learning, overall students perceived the portfolio process as having less than moderate benefit. First-year students wanted more examples of portfolios while second- and third-year students suggested that more time with their advisor would be beneficial. Conclusions. The portfolio process will continue to be refined and efforts made to improve students' perceptions of the process as it is intended to develop the self-assessments skills they will need to improve their knowledge and professional skills throughout their pharmacy careers.
- Murphy, J. E., Airey, T. C., Bisso, A. M., & Slack, M. K. (2011). Student evaluations of the portfolio process.. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 75(7), 132-.More infoPMID: 21969718;PMCID: PMC3175659;Abstract: To evaluate pharmacy students' perceived benefits of the portfolio process and to gather suggestions for improving the process. A questionnaire was designed and administered to 250 first-, second-, and third-year pharmacy students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Although the objectives of the portfolio process were for students to understand the expected outcomes, understand the impact of extracurricular activities on attaining competencies, identify what should be learned, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and modify their approach to learning, overall students perceived the portfolio process as having less than moderate benefit. First-year students wanted more examples of portfolios while second- and third-year students suggested that more time with their advisor would be beneficial. The portfolio process will continue to be refined and efforts made to improve students' perceptions of the process as it is intended to develop the self-assessments skills they will need to improve their knowledge and professional skills throughout their pharmacy careers.
- Slack, M., Murphy, J. E., Airey, T. C., Bisso, A. M., & Slack, M. K. (2011). Student evaluations of the portfolio process. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 75(7).More infoTo evaluate pharmacy students' perceived benefits of the portfolio process and to gather suggestions for improving the process.
- Warholak, T. L., Gilligan, A. M., Hurwitz, J. T., Slack, M., Spivey, C. A., & Chisholm-Burns, M. (2010). Assessing student perceived outcomes for a Methods Television (MTV) video project in a research methodology class. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 2(4), 211-217.More infoAbstract: Objectives: To (1) assess the outcomes of making a Methods Television (MTV) video on student perceptions, and (2) evaluate how students learn best in a research methods class. Methods: Pharmacy students enrolled in a research methods class (n = 93) were given the option to create an educational MTV video. Teams (n = 15) were randomly assigned a research methodology topic and three objectives for the video. All students in attendance on the last day (n = 88) completed an attitudinal questionnaire designed to assess students' perceptions regarding the class and MTV video projects. Results: Students indicated that multiple activities helped them learn the most in class (i.e., in-class assignments, homework); 51% stated that videos helped improve their knowledge of research methods and 52% indicated it was entertaining. Conclusion: More than half of the students indicated that the MTV videos helped with their understanding of research methods, an indication that the project goal was reached. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.
- Buckley, M. S., Nolan Jr., P. E., Slack, M. K., Tisdale, J. E., Hilleman, D. E., & Copeland, J. G. (2007). Amiodarone prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: Meta-analysis of dose response and timing of initiation. Pharmacotherapy, 27(3), 360-368.More infoPMID: 17316148;Abstract: Study Objective. To investigate a possible dose-response relationship between amiodarone and reduction in incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and to determine whether pre- or postoperative initiation of amiodarone is superior. Design. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data Source. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for English-language reports published between 1966 and December 2005. Measurements and Main Results. Of 23 identified randomized controlled trials of amiodarone prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation, 14 were included in the final analysis. These studies enrolled a total of 2864 patients. For each study, the total administered amiodarone dose-categorized as low (< 3000 mg), medium (3000-5000 mg), or high (> 5000 mg)-and preoperative versus postoperative initiation were aggregated by using meta-analytic techniques. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly reduced by amiodarone compared with placebo (p
- Murphy, J. E., Slack, M. K., Boesen, K. P., & Kirking, D. M. (2007). Research-related coursework and research experiences in doctor of pharmacy programs. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 71(6).More infoPMID: 19503697;PMCID: PMC2690916;Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate the research-related coursework and research experiences in doctor of pharmacy programs and compare the findings to those of 2 previous studies. Methods. A questionnaire was mailed to 88 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States and Puerto Rico. The survey instrument sought information on formal research-related coursework; required and elective research experiences; and perceptions of student-conducted research. Results. Seventy-nine colleges and schools completed the questionnaire for a response rate of 88%. Most colleges (>90%) required students to study/complete courses in biostatistics and drug information/literature evaluation; approximately half required research methods coursework. Twenty-five percent required some form of project and requirements were not influenced by class size. Students could often work in teams to complete projects. Respondents generally thought participation in research had some value for motivated students. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the variability in extent of research-related coursework and research experiences in PharmD programs across the country.
- Plaza, C. M., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., Skrepnek, G. H., & Sauer, K. A. (2007). Curriculum mapping in program assessment and evaluation. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 71(2).More infoPMID: 17533429;PMCID: PMC1858603;Abstract: Objectives. To demonstrate a curriculum mapping technique and its use in program evaluation and assessment, as well as to provide specific recommendations for potential uses in pharmacy education. Methods. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design based on a learning outcomes document and several existing student and curricular data sets. Results. The population consisted of 209 PharmD students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy (UACOP) during the 2004-2005 academic year and mapped 31 of the 34 required didactic courses in the curriculum. There was concordance between student and faculty member ranking of domain coverage in their respective curricular maps. Conclusions. The agreement between the student and faculty graphical curriculum maps on the order of the ranking of the relative emphasis of each domain suggests concordance between the intended/delivered and received curriculums. This study demonstrated a curriculum mapping methodology that can be used to both make sense and use of existing data in curricular evaluation.
- Plaza, C. M., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., Skrepnek, G. H., & Sauer, K. A. (2007). Use of reflective portfolios in health sciences education. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 71(2).More infoPMID: 17533443;PMCID: PMC1858617;Abstract: Reflective portfolios are a collection of evidence that through critical reflection on its contents demonstrate achievement as well as personal and professional development. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on the use of reflective portfolios and to develop a set of factors to guide schools and colleges of pharmacy as they implement reflective portfolios into their respective curricula as stated in Standards 2007.
- Slack, M. K. (2007). Using standard studies to interpret the scores from scales for assessing the internal validity of randomized controlled trials. Hospital Pharmacy, 42(11), 1027-1035+1044.More infoAbstract: Objective: A large number of tools for assessing the quality of randomized controlled trials are available; however, users have little guidance as to whether a given score represents high or low validity. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of studies identified as having high-internal validity, referred to as the standard studies, to interpret internal validity scores from studies with unknown internal validity. Methods: The standard studies were identified by locating 6 candidate studies reporting the findings of randomized controlled trials from the Journal of American Medicine Association or the New England Journal of Medicine and scoring the studies using 2 scales, the Jadad scale (high score = 5; low = 0) and an internal validity information scale (IVI; high score = 70; low = 0). The 2 studies with the highest average rank were chosen as the standard studies. To determine if the standard studies facilitate interpretation of internal validity scores, 11 randomized controlled trials of garlic for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia were scored using both the Jadad and IVI scales and differences in scores resolved by consensus. The total mean scores were compared with the standard-study mean using a 1-sample t test; the interpretation was based on the comparison. Results: The mean-internal validity score for the 2 standard studies was 4.5(90%) for the Jadad scale and 64 (91%) for the IVI scale. For the garlic studies, the Jadad scores ranged from 3 to 5 (60% to 80%), the IVI scores from 15 to 59 (21% to 84%); the mean scores were 4 (standard deviation = 0.9; 80%) and 37(53%), respectively. On the IVI scale, the garlic studies had lower internal validity (P < 0.001), a finding substantiated by the low scores for addressing withdrawals, blinding, and adherence. On the Jadad scale, the scores were comparable with the score for the standard studies (P = 0.093). Conclusions: The strategy of using the standard studies to interpret the scores for the IVI scale worked well; the comparison indicated that, overall, the garlic studies were of low-internal validity. With the Jadad scale, the strategy resulted in erroneous conclusions that the garlic studies had relatively high-internal validity; however, it did indicate that the Jadad scale is limited and may not identify studies with very low-internal validity. The results of this study suggest that scales used to assess internal validity should be tested on studies with a range of validity, so the functional characteristics of the scale can be identified.
- Slack, M. K. (2006). Interpreting current physical activity guidelines and incorporating them into practice for health promotion and disease prevention. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 63(17), 1647-1653.More infoPMID: 16914636;
- Slack, M., & Slack, M. K. (2006). Interpreting current physical activity guidelines and incorporating them into practice for health promotion and disease prevention. American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 63(17).
- Plaza, C. M., Draugalis, J. R., Skrepnek, G. H., & Slack, M. K. (2004). The role of administrative mentoring in the pharmacy deanship. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 68(4), 1-12.More infoAbstract: Objectives. The role of administrative-related mentoring in the career advancement of pharmacy deans was described. This study also provided a longitudinal perspective on the pharmacy deanship. Methods. Using a self-administered questionnaire and 2 follow-up mailings in mid-2002, 75 out of 82 current deans in member institutions responded (one institution in the dean search process was excluded), yielding a 91.5% response rate. Results. Overall, 90.2% of current pharmacy deans reported receiving administrative mentoring, while 78% of current deans reported currently serving as an administrative mentor. The administrative mentoring received and provided had a moderate importance in career advancement. Conclusions. More research is necessary to determine what other factors contribute to the career advancement of pharmacy deans. Programming offered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy provides a potential platform for the recruitment and preparation of aspiring deans.
- Plaza, C. M., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Skrepnek, G. H. (2004). Administrative career planning: A ten-year update of the pharmacy deanship. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 68(1), 1-8.More infoAbstract: Objectives. The purpose of this study was to describe the normative career paths and preparation strategies of pharmacy deans, as well to provide a longitudinal perspective on the pharmacy deanship. Methods. A self-administered questionnaire and 2 follow-up mailings were sent in mid-2002 to 82 current pharmacy deans of AACP member institutions. Results. Seventy-five deans responded yielding a 91.5% response rate. A hierarchical career path (faculty to department chair/head, to assistant/associate dean, to dean) described the career path of only 17.9% of deans who had assumed their first deanship in the past 5 years. Conclusions. The picture of the pharmacy deanship appears to be changing, with deans spending an increased length of time in the professoriate prior to their appointments and an increasing proportion of deans holding a PharmD as the highest degree earned. While no normative career path appears to exist for pharmacy deans, this study provides descriptive information on possible career paths to which aspiring deans can refer.
- Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., Sauer, K. A., Haber, S. L., & Vaillancourt, R. R. (2002). Creation and implementation of a learning outcomes document for a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 66(3), 253-258.More infoAbstract: The four-year endeavor of a college evaluation committee in creating and incorporating the use of a learning outcomes document in a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is chronicled. The committee's activities are detailed with particular attention given to the sources reviewed, approaches taken, and materials developed. The final product is titled, "Outcomes Expected of Graduates of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program." The document contains 18 competency statements with 47 associated components across the following five domains: (i) patient care - ensuring appropriate therapy and outcomes; (ii) dispensing medications and devices; (iii) health promotion and disease prevention; (iv) professionalism; and (v) health systems management. General ability-based outcomes such as thinking, communication, and self-learning are embedded throughout the professional practice-based outcomes. Current applications of the competency document such as guiding students in writing reflective reports, documenting activities in the experiential component of the curriculum, and a curriculum mapping project with course coordinators are presented and potential future applications explored.
- Jackson, T. R., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., Zachry, W. M., & D'Agostino, J. (2002). Validation of authentic performance assessment: A process suited for Rasch modeling. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 66(3), 233-243.More infoAbstract: An evaluation was conducted in order to develop, test, and validate a method for assessing critical thinking learning outcomes as related to scientific literature evaluation in a PharmD program. A 25-item authentic assessment was created using recommended guidelines and Bloom's hierarchical taxonomy. Construct and content validity were supported using classical test theory and Rasch modeling. A primer on using Rasch analysis is provided in conjunction with the specific results. Rasch analysis demonstrated good INFIT and OUTFIT statistics, with item difficulty ranging from -1.90 to 2.46 logits for 23 items. The KR20 for the assessment was 0.41 and item point-biserial correlations ranged from -0.05 to 0.25. Rasch modeling techniques provided information to evaluate individual item contributions not discerned by standard techniques such as KR20 or point-biserial correlations. This research supports the practical application of this type of authentic assessment and provides evidence for construct and content validity in measuring student performance.
- Slack, M. K., Cummings, D. M., Borrego, M. E., Fuller, K., & Cook, S. (2002). Strategies used by interdisciplinary rural health training programs to assure community responsiveness and recruit practitioners. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 16(2), 129-138.More infoPMID: 12073953;Abstract: In this article, the strategies used by five US rural interdisciplinary training grant programs to respond to local needs and to promote recruitment in rural communities are described. The programs provide training to 17 health care disciplines and serve disadvantaged Hispanic, African-American, Amish, Native American, and Anglo populations. Four programs are based in academic institutions; one is based in a community health center. The programs provide services to the rural communities through individual clinical or case management services, population-level interventions, and collaborative research. All programs use specific mechanisms (e.g. case conferences or participation in local coalitions) to facilitate collaboration with residents and to link student activities with community or individual needs. Unique strategies include the use of problem-based learning and community health workers on the interdisciplinary team to increase responsiveness. The programs also provide educational support to students while they work in the rural communities. Finally, the primary strategy used to promote recruitment is the training experience in rural communities. The programs also appear to indirectly improve the environment of rural practice.
- Slack, M. K., & Draugalis, J. R. (2001). Establishing the internal and external validity of experimental studies. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 58(22), 2173-2184.More infoPMID: 11760921;Abstract: The information needed to determine the internal and external validity of an experimental study is discussed. Internal validity is the degree to which a study establishes the cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and the observed outcome. Establishing the internal validity of a study is based on a logical process. For a research report, the logical framework is provided by the report's structure. The methods section describes what procedures were followed to minimize threats to internal validity, the results section reports the relevant data, and the discussion section assesses the influence of bias. Eight threats to internal validity have been defined: history, maturation, testing, instrumentation, regression, selection, experimental mortality, and an interaction of threats. A cognitive map may be used to guide investigators when addressing validity in a research report. The map is based on the premise that information in the report evolves from one section to the next to provide a complete logical description of each internal-validity problem. The map addresses experimental mortality, randomization, blinding, placebo effects, and adherence to the study protocol. Threats to internal validity may be a source of extraneous variance when the findings are not significant. External validity is addressed by delineating inclusion and exclusion criteria, describing subjects in terms of relevant variables, and assessing generalizability. By using a cognitive map, investigators reporting an experimental study can systematically address internal and external validity so that the effects of the treatment are accurately portrayed and generalization of the findings is appropriate.
- Younis, W. S., Campbell, S., & Slack, M. K. (2001). Pharmacists' attitudes toward diabetes and their involvement in diabetes education. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 35(7-8), 841-845.More infoPMID: 11485130;Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pharmacists' attitudes toward diabetes and their involvement in diabetes patient education in the community setting. METHODS: Registered pharmacists in Arizona were mailed surveys regarding their attitudes toward diabetes and their involvement in diabetes patient education. Attitudes were measured using the Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS); the types of educational skills evaluated were based on those recommended by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Medical Care. RESULTS: Pharmacists' attitudes were significantly positive toward the need for special training for diabetes care, the importance of tight glycemic control, the team approach to care, and the preference for diabetes education in an outpatient setting (p < 0.001). The majority of the time, pharmacists provided basic patient education (52%) rather than intermediate or advanced patient education (26% and 27%, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the attitude that diabetes is a difficult disease to treat and pharmacists' involvement in diabetes patient education (p < 0.05). This indicates that, although pharmacists believe that diabetes is a treatable disease, they infrequently provide diabetes patient education. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, pharmacists had positive attitudes toward diabetes. These attitudes did not correlate with the degree of their involvement in diabetes patient education. More diabetes patient education through community pharmacists is needed.
- Draugalis, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (1999). A continuous quality improvement model for developing innovative instructional strategies. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 63(3), 354-358.More infoAbstract: We used the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process to implement changes in a course in pharmacy research methods. The goals were to: (i) increase integration between topics within the course and between it and other courses; (ii) enable students to become self-learners; and (iii) decrease class time devoted to lecture in anticipation of putting the class notes on the Internet. To increase integration between courses, the CQI process was applied to homework assignments by identifying the disease states covered in the pharmacology and medicinal chemistry case discussions. Relevant studies were identified and used as content for problems. For the research design section, topics were organized within a single conceptual framework. To enable students to become self-learners in pharmaceutical care practice, strong skills in reading a research report are needed. We developed a new session at the beginning of the semester on how to read a research report then provided multiple practice opportunities during classes, on assignments, and on exams. To decrease lecture time, short, in-class, small group activities were developed. Evaluation data were primarily student comments and scores on selected exam items. The CQI process provided an explicit approach to introducing innovative methods into the classroom and changed our focus from covering material to assuring that students have learned basic skills and concepts. Our experience indicates that the CQI process should be applicable to a wide range of course material.
- Carter, J. T., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Cox, E. R. (1998). Algorithms for estimating learning opportunity and productivity impact at clerkship sites. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 62(3), 258-265.More infoAbstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a method for estimating and comparing the consequences of clerkship placements (i.e., learning opportunity) to estimates of clerkship training costs (i.e., impact on site productivity). Three administrators, 14 preceptors, 17 students participating in community, institutional, ambulatory care, drug information, and adult acute care clerkships affiliated with The University of Arizona provided the information used to develop and test two algorithms. Student activity was the unit of analysis used in both algorithms. The learning opportunity algorithm rank-ordered student activities based on the level of involvement, completeness of experience, completeness of experiential learning cycle, and performance feedback. The site impact algorithm rank-ordered activities based on the level of supervision, number of supervisors, training time to participation time ratio, and necessity. Use of the two algorithms can generate information about learning opportunity and impact for negotiating and evaluating clerkship placements.
- Draugalis, J. R., Carter, J. T., & Slack, M. K. (1998). Survey course on research methods: integrating statistical analysis and study design. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 62(1), 17-23.More infoAbstract: The purpose of the three-credit (45 hours) required course is to ensure PharmD student competence in selecting, interpreting, and evaluating clinical drug literature. The course is a prerequisite for a three-credit Drug Information/Drug Literature Evaluation course in the professional curriculum. Topics covered include principles of research design, acquisition and interpretation of data, statistical analysis, and validity of conclusions. The essential connection between research design and statistical analysis is emphasized throughout the course in lectures, examples, assignments, and exams. The purpose of this article is to share the methods used to convey statistical analysis and research design concepts as well as methods for assessing the students. The techniques and approaches described are also applicable to other courses in the pharmacy curriculum. Examples also show how instructors used evaluation and revision to cultivate integration of concepts, encourage more active learning and class participation, and enhance assessment procedures.
- Slack, M. K. (1997). Interpreting and using information from studies without statistical significance. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 31(1), 116-117.More infoPMID: 8997478;
- Carter, J. T., Draugalis, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (1996). Impact of clerkship students on pharmacy-site output. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 53(14), 1694-1700.More infoPMID: 8827236;Abstract: The development of a theory-based method of estimating the impact of pharmacy clerkship students on clerkship sites is described. A job-analysis approach was used to estimate the impact of pharmacy clerkship activities on the clerkship sites. Two models-an employee model and a nonemployee model-of the student-preceptor relationship were used to evaluate clerkship student activities. Pairs of clerkship students and their preceptors were interviewed about student activities and supervision. Activities were assigned three- digit codes expressing (1) the level of preceptor supervision required, (2) the necessity of the activity to the functioning of the site, and (3) the complexity and amount of patient contact involved. The fit of each activity to the models was determined, and the impact of the clerkship students on a composite clerkship site was estimated. Twelve pairs of clerkship students and preceptors were interviewed. Degree of required supervision was the primary determinant in assigning an activity to a model. Student activities that fit the employee model were determined to have the greatest potential for having a positive or negative impact on the clerkship site. Performance of nonemployee-model activities could represent a net loss to the site because of the demand on preceptors' time. A method of categorizing and evaluating the value of specific student activities at pharmacy clerkship sites was useful in estimating student impact on the productivity of the site.
- Draugalis, J. R., Carter, J. T., & Slack, M. K. (1996). Curricular and financial implications of PharmD clerkship placements. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 60(2), 146-151.More infoAbstract: The purpose of this study was to reassess curricular and financial aspects of PharmD clerkship programs. Questionnaires were mailed to clerkship coordinators at the 64 U.S. colleges of pharmacy offering PharmD degree programs during academic year 1994-95. The response rate was 91 percent. Increased numbers of schools reported difficulty in maintaining training sites, with required ambulatory care rotation sites the most difficult to find. The number of schools using student-based fees increased from 18 to 28. Ten schools reported using site-based fees compared to two schools in the 1992 survey. Results indicate that the increasing enrollments and the new program offerings are promoting competition for sites. Research is needed to determine the role of individual preceptors and sites in the acquisition and retention of training sites, the effects of inter-school competition, and creative structuring of clerkship rotations.
- Harrison, D. L., & Slack, M. K. (1996). Meta-analytic review of the effect of subcutaneous sumatriptan in migraine headache. Journal of Pharmacy Technology, 12(3), 109-114.More infoAbstract: Objective: To assess the size and consistency of the effects of sumatriptan 6 mg sc, compared with placebo, in the abortive treatment of migraine headaches across multiple studies using varied research designs and migraine diagnoses. Data Sources: English-language journal articles retrieved by a MEDLINE search of the years 1990-1994, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, drug information personnel at Glaxo, Inc., and cited references of identified studies, as well as published reviews of sumatriptan; the search term was sumatriptan. Study Selection: All studies reporting results with sumatriptan 6 mg sc, compared with placebo, for the abortive treatment of migraine headaches were reviewed. The studies that were included varied with respect to research design used and migraine diagnosis. Data Extraction: Outcome measures included in this research were improvement at 60 and 120 minutes after administration, pain free at 60 and 120 minutes after administration, the need for a second dose, the need for rescue medication, and adverse effects. Individual study effect sizes were calculated for each outcome variable. Individual effect sizes were combined across all studies to determine the combined average effect size for each outcome measure. The effect size calculated for each outcome measure was both clinically and statistically significant. No statistically significant variations in the effects of sumatriptan, compared with placebo, on all outcome variables considered were detected. Conclusions: The effects of sumatriptan across studies are consistently large, clinically and statistically significant, and are independent of the research methods used (i.e., efficacy vs. effectiveness) and migraine diagnosis.
- Harrison, D. L., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Langley, P. C. (1996). Cost-effectiveness of regional poison control centers. Archives of Internal Medicine, 156(22), 2601-2608.More infoPMID: 8951304;Abstract: Background: Poison exposures are a significant public health concern. Despite the impact that regional poison control centers have on reducing morbidity and mortality associated with poison exposures, they are facing a serious financial crisis today resulting in an increased emphasis on their economic justification. Methods: Using decision-analysis techniques, the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of poison exposures with the services of a regional poison control center compared with treatment without access to any poison control center was evaluated. The relative cost-effectiveness was modeled based on 2 outcomes (morbidity and mortality) for each of 4 typical poison exposures. Additionally, analyses were conducted to test the sensitivity of the cost-effectiveness ratios to outcome probability, average inpatient and emergency department costs, and proportion of poison exposures treated on site by the regional poison control center. A societal perspective was adopted. Results: The regional poison control center was substantially more cost-effective than the treatment of poison exposures without the services of a regional poison control center for both outcomes (morbidity and mortality) in each of the poison exposures considered. The results of the sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the outcomes of the decision analyses do not change regardless of the type of poison exposure, outcome considered, clinical outcome probabilities, average inpatient and emergency department costs, and proportion of poison-exposure cases treated on site by a regional poison control center. Conclusions: The regional poison control center is consistently more cost-effective in the treatment of poison exposures with an average cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per successful outcome) approximately half of that achieved without the services of a regional poison control center. Finally, significant cost savings to society are realized for each additional successful outcome obtained with a regional poison control center.
- Murphy, J. E., Slack, M. K., Campbell, S., & Murphy, J. E. (1996). National survey of hospital-based pharmacokinetic services. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 53(23), 2840-2847.More infoPMID: 8957344;Abstract: The status of pharmacokinetic services in the nation's hospitals was studied. A questionnaire was mailed in February 1995 to all 252 respondents to ASHP's 1994 national survey of hospital-based pharmaceutical services who indicated the provision of pharmacokinetic services in their institution. Ninety-eight completed questionnaires were returned (40.2% response rate). The pharmacokinetic services provided required an average of 19.1 person- hours per week, tended to be provided by staff pharmacists, were managed by the pharmacy department, tended to be most focused on aminoglycosides and vancomycin, requited an average of 60 notes in patient charts per month, and relied on both computers and calculators for deriving values. There was little contact with patients during the consultation process. Drug concentration measurements tended to be scheduled by service providers, but confidence in the accuracy of the timing of dose administration and blood sampling was limited. Respondents believed that the services tended to he supported by other hospital personnel and that they were successful. There was very little expectation that the workload for providing pharmacokinetic services would increase in the near future. A national survey of hospital- based pharmacokinetic services showed that it took 19 hours per week on average to provide the services, that the focus was on aminoglycosides and vancomycin, and that the services were perceived to be support ed by other departments.
- Zarembski, D. G., Nolan Jr., P. E., Slack, M. K., & Lui, C. Y. (1996). Meta-Analysis of the use of low-dose beta-adrenergic blocking therapy in tdiopathic or ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. American Journal of Cardiology, 77(14), 1247-1250.More infoPMID: 8651108;
- Harrison, D. L., Draugalis, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Tong, T. G. (1995). The production model as a basis for conducting economic evaluations of regional poison control centers. Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 33(3), 233-237.More infoPMID: 7760447;Abstract: To identify the significant inputs, activities, and outputs of a regional poison control center, a production model is described and its potential application to the conduct of economic evaluations delineated. The model can help the researcher identify the significant inputs (costs) incurred through the provision of poison control center services. These inputs directly influence the activities that the poison center is capable of undertaking. Activities undertaken by a poison center are intermediate steps between the inputs and outputs, and serve to convert the various inputs into associated outputs. They form the basis for determining the outputs produced by the poison center services. The outputs derived from poison center services provide the conceptual framework for assessing the effectiveness of a poison center in an economic analysis. Also described are potential applications of the production model in conducting poison center cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses.
- Slack, M. K., & Brooks, A. J. (1995). Medication management issues for adolescents with asthma. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 52(13), 1417-1421.More infoPMID: 7671039;Abstract: Issues related to medication use by teens with asthma were studied. Adolescents 13-17 years old who were receiving drug therapy for asthma were recruited to participate in focus groups. Facilitators asked open-ended questions, and the discussion was recorded and coded for content. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires covering attitudes and beliefs, family issues, and communication with physicians and pharmacists. Of 28 teens participating in the focus groups, 26 returned completed questionnaires. The teens considered themselves compliant with medication therapy. They said they talked more to physicians than to pharmacists and received more oral and written information from the physicians. Focus group responses indicated that teens wanted complete responsibility for taking their medications and experienced conflict with adults-parents, teachers, school nurses, and physicians-about medication use. The teens were concerned about adverse effects and the cost of medications and wanted more information about asthma and its treatment. The teens did not disobey their parents or physicians by refusing to take their medications, and peers did not have a negative influence on the teens' asthma management. The primary medication issue for this group of adolescents was managing their medication to control their asthma in spite of inappropriate rules or behavior by adults.
- Zarembski, D. G., Nolan Jr., P. E., Slack, M. K., & Caruso, A. C. (1995). Treatment of resistant atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis comparing amiodarone and flecainide. Archives of Internal Medicine, 155(17), 1885-1891.More infoPMID: 7677555;Abstract: Background: Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with significant morbidity and mortality. Maintenance of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) can be achieved with antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The antiarrhythmic effects of amiodarone hydrochloride and flecainide acetate in patients with resistant chronic AF have been investigated separately in several small studies. This investigation compared amiodarone to flecainide in maintaining NSR in patients with resistant chronic AF. Methods: Studies using amiodarone or flecainide in the treatment of patients with chronic AF refractory to class I antiarrhythmic drugs or sotalol hydrochloride were identified. The results of six trials of amiodarone (200 to 400 mg/d, 315 patients) and two trials of flecainide (200 to 300 mg/d, 163 patients) were aggregated using meta- analytic techniques. The percentages of patients taking amiodarone or flecainide and remaining in NSR at 3 and 12 months were compared relative to results for quinidine, which were acquired from a meta-analysis of quinidine used as first-line therapy for AF. Results: After 3 and 12 months of treatment with amiodarone, 217 (72.6%) of 299 patients and 64 (59.8%) of 107 patients, respectively, remained in NSR. These percentages were significantly greater (P
- Slack, M. K. (1994). An author's perspective on manuscript reviews [4]. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 51(10), 1357-1358.More infoPMID: 8085580;
- Slack, M. K., & Draugalis, J. R. (1994). Models for estimating the impact of clerkship students on pharmacy practice sites. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 51(4), 525-530.More infoPMID: 8017424;
- Zarembski, D. G., Nolan Jr., P. E., Slack, M. K., & Caruso, A. C. (1993). Empiric long-term amiodarone prophylaxis following myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 153(23), 2661-2667.More infoPMID: 7504440;Abstract: Background: The prophylactic administration of amiodarone following acute myocardial infarction has been investigated in several small trials. This study combined the results of these small trials in a metaanalysis to determine the effects of prophylactic low-dose amiodarone on mortality following acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Four prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, which investigated the prophylactic administration of low-dose amiodarone (200 to 400 mg/d) to patients after acute myocardial infarction, were selected from the current literature according to strict inclusion criteria. A total of 1140 patients, 566 in the amiodarone-treated group and 574 in the placebo-treated group, were included in the analysis. Sudden cardiac death, cardiac mortality, and total mortality were the end points of interest. In addition, the effect of impaired left ventricular function (ejection fraction,
- Cody, R. L., & Slack, M. K. (1992). Crossover design in pharmacy research. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 26(3), 327-333.More infoPMID: 1532519;Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Reports of pharmacy research using crossover designs were reviewed to determine if the studies adequately consider interaction effects and use appropriate statistical analyses. DATA SOURCES: All crossover studies published in DICP, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy during 1988 and 1989 were analyzed. STUDY SELECTION: Reports of crossover studies were included only if at least two treatments were applied in a different order to two or more groups of subjects. DATA EXTRACTION: The principal characteristics of crossover studies and the critical design variables were listed and each study analyzed according to these variables. The critical design variables included consideration of period, sequence, and carryover effects as well as the presentation of data by groups and the use of multivariate statistical analysis. The analysis was conducted independently by each author and conflicts were discussed until consensus was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 11 crossover studies were identified: 6 were bioavailability trials, 3 were treatment comparisons, and 2 had multiple objectives. The possibility of period, sequence, or carryover effects was less with bioavailability studies than with treatment comparisons. Only 1 study presented data by group and only 4 studies used multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The crossover design appears more appropriate for bioavailability trials than for treatment trials in pharmacy research. Analysis of data from crossover designs could be improved by presenting the data for each treatment group and using multivariate statistical analysis.
- Slack, M., & Howden, C. W. (1991). Drug name confusion [17]. Lancet, 338(8760), 190-191.More infoPMID: 1677092;
- Gardner, M., Hurd, P. D., & Slack, M. (1990). Research and reports: Effect of information organization on recall of medication instructions. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 15(1), 13-19.More infoPMID: 2318912;Abstract: This study compared immediate recall of prescription information when the message content was presented in a highly organized format versus a less-organized approach. Two groups of pharmacy students viewed separate videotapes, which described information for a patient about three fictitious medications. Students were then asked to recall the medications' name, colour, purpose, dosage, duration, side-effects and quantity prescribed. Students who viewed the organized version correctly recalled more information in every category except drug colour. Both groups made more errors in recalling dosage than any other category. Thus, organizing information facilitates recall of medication information.
- Slack, M. K. (1989). Comment: undergraduate education.. DICP : the annals of pharmacotherapy, 23(9), 714-716.More infoPMID: 2800593;
- Slack, M. K., & Larson, L. N. (1988). Pharmacist resignation and the risk of dispensing error.. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 45(9), 1862-1863.More infoPMID: 3228111;
Proceedings Publications
- Oh, M., McBride, A., Yun, S., Bhattacharjee, S., Slack, M. K., Martin, J. R., Jeter, J., & Abraham, I. L. (2018, February). BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Mutations and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. In Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(Suppl. 4S).
Presentations
- Chanthaammit, C. C., Bhattacharjee, S., Slack, M. K., Bentley, J. P., Warholak, T. L., & Lo Ciganic, W. (2018, Fall 2018). Geographic variation of high-risk medication use among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. ISPOR Annual International Meeting. Tokyo, Japan: ISPOR.
- Kamada, H., Kramer, S. S., Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2018, Fall). The Embedded Librarian Services at the Arizona Health Sciences Library. Regional Meeting fo the Biomedical Librarians of Japan. Tokyo, Japan: Biomedical Librarians of Japan.More infoInvited presentation to the Regional Meeting of the Biomedical Librarians of Japan.
- Kamada, H., Kramer, S. S., Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2018, Fall). The Embedded Librarian Services at the Arizona Health Sciences Library. Regional Meeting of the Academic Librarians of Japan. Kyoto, Japan: Academic Librarians of Japan.More infoInvited presentation to the Regional Meeting of the Academic Librarians of Japan.
- Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2016, July). Showcasing Student Research Projects in the UA Campus Repository. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA.
- Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2015, September). Collaborate & Initiate: Launching Successful Systematic Reviews. Webinar for the American Association of Colleges of PharmacyAmerican Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., & Edel, C. A. (2014, December 2014). Faculty advisor's perceptions of student research projects: faculty interviews. Midyear Clinical Meeting. Anaheim, California: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2013, June). Using Focus Groups to Assess the Information Literacy Skills of First Year Pharmacy Students. Special Libraries Association Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO. San Diego, CA: Special Libraries Association.
Poster Presentations
- Slack, M. K., & Axon, R. (2019, April 2019). The Xm pain management profile for systematically assessing use of pain management strategies from multiple domains: example profiles for individuals with chronic pain. American Pain Society Annual Meeting. Milwaukee, WI: American Pain Society.
- Axon, R., Bhattacharjee, S., Warholak, T. L., & Slack, M. K. (2018, May, 2018). Types and number of strategies that pharmacists use to manage chronic pain. ISPOR Annual International Meeting. Baltimore, MD: ISPOR.
- Axon, R., Patel, M., & Slack, M. K. (2018, May, 2018). A systematic review of population-based studies on pain self-management strategies and outcomes. ISPOR Annual International Meeting. Baltimore, MD: ISPOR.
- Campbell, A. M., Axon, R., Martin, J., Lee, J. K., & Slack, M. K. (2018, May 2018). Melatonin for prevention of postoperative delirium in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Orlando, FL: American Geriatric Society.
- Martin, J. R., Slack, M. K., & Patrick, C. J. (2018, Summer). PhD Graduate Students Self-Assessed Level of Information Searching Skills. Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Boston, Massachusetts: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Oh, M., Slack, M. K., McBride, A., Yun, S., Bhattacharjee, S., Jeter, J. M., & Abraham, I. L. (2018, Spring 2018). BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and colorectal cancer risk: Systematic review and meta-analysis. 2018 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. San Francisco.
- Slack, M. K., Hall-Lipsy, E. A., & Warholak, T. L. (2018, July). Connecting the sciences and pharmacy practice through student engagement. Pharmacy Education 2018. Boston, MA: American Association of College of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Bhattacharjee, S., & Axon, R. (2018, Fall 2018). Development and validity assessment of an exposure score tool for chronic pain self-management.. ISPOR Annual International Meeting. Tokyo, Japan: ISPOR.
- Almutairi, A., Mollon, L., & Slack, M. (2017, APR). Pharmacists' self-management of chronic pain: examining differences between opioid and non-opioid users. Annual Meeting of the American Pain Society.
- Alshehri, A. A., Slack, M. K., Valencia, J., & Fazel, M. T. (2017, September). Pharmacist-physician visit billing model and its impact on charges for pharmacist services.. American College Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ.: ACCP.More infoResults of my PGY2 resident's project was presented.
- Augustine, J., Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., Holmes, E., Bhattacharjee, S., & Warholak, T. L. (2017, Summer 2017). Predictors of student performance on business and management role-playing scenarios. APhA Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA: American Pharmacists Association.
- Axon, D. R., Vanova, J., Edel, C., & Slack, M. K. (2017, April). Dietary supplement use, knowledge, and perceptions amongst pharmacy students. Graduate Student Research Council Poster Session. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: University of Arizona.
- Isemede, T., Frent, A., Zehri, S., Slack, M. K., Goldstone, L. W., & Campbell, A. M. (2017, Spring). The Association Between Factors Related to Vitamin D and Depression in Future Pharmacists. College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ.
- Ismede, T., S, Z., Adina, F., Slack, M. K., Lisa, G., & Campbell, A. M. (2017, May 2017). The association between factors related to vitamin D and depression in future pharmacists. ACCP on-line poster session. On-line: ACCP.
- Martin, J. R., Alejandra, A., & Slack, M. K. (2017, July). Showcasing Pharmacy Student Research Projects in a Collection of a University Campus Repository. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Alsaid, N., Ramox, K., Sweitzer, N., Erstad, B. L., & Abraham, I. L. (2017, Fall 2017). Classification of causes of hospitalization for heart failure patients in cost-effectiveness and cost-utility evaluations of pharmacotherapeutic, surgical, and managed-care interventions: Systematic Review. ISPOR Conference 2017. Glasgow, Scotland: ISPOR.
- Slack, M. K., Axon, R., & Patel, M. (2017, July). A patient-centered conceptual model for investigating the outcomes of pain self-management. AACP. Nashville, TN: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Lee, J. K., Chavez, R., Trinh, D., & Vergel de Dios, D. (2017, March 2017). Pharmacists self-management of chronic pain: At goal vs. Not-at-goal. Annual Meeting of the American Pharmacists Association. San Francisco, CA: American Pharmacists Association.
- Slack, M. K., Trinh, D., Vergel de Dios, D., & Chavez, R. (2017, May 2017). Pharmacist strategies for the self-management of pain. ACCP On-line Poster SessionAmerican College of Clinical Pharmacy.
- Slack, M., Molla-Hosseini, S., Harper, B., Bemis, L., Marting, J., & Axon, R. (2017, April). Self-management strategies for pain reported in population-based surveys: A systematic review. Annual Meeting of the American Pain Society.
- Alshehri, A. A., Fazel, M. T., Slack, M. K., & Valencia, J. (2016, December/winter). Joint pharmacist-physician patient visits billing model and its impact on reimbursement. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) 2016 Midyear Clinical Meeting. Las Vegas, NV.
- Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2016, July). A Longitudinal Assessment of the Impact of Library Instruction on Pharmacy Students’ Information Literacy Skills. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA.
- Patel, M., Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2016, July). Application of asymmetric information theory to pharmacists’ preference of OTC medications. AACP Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA, USA.
- Rodrigues, C., Murdock, N., Holmes, J., Borzadek, E., Calabro, K., Martin, J. R., Harrington, A., & Slack, M. K. (2016, April). Effect of Pharmacist-Supported Transition-of-Care Program on 30-Day Readmission Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA: Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., & Edel, C. (2016, July 2016). Benefits and challenges of student research as perceived by faculty advisors. AACP Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA: Am.
- Slack, M. K., & Shannon, R. (2016, July 2016). Defining milestones for evidenced-based medicine skill progression: A modified Delphi study. AACP Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Abraham, I. L., Alberts, D. S., Erstad, B. L., McBride, A., & Gharaibeh, M. (2016, October, 2016). Economic evaluation for the United Kingdom (UK) of systemtic chemotherapies as first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). ISPOR 19th Annual European Congress. Vienna, Austria: ISPOR.
- Slack, M. K., Alsaid, N., & Almutari, A. (2016, December 2016). Information required in research reports for inclusion in meta-analysis: Cohort studies for evaluating the impact of pharmacist care on diabetes outcomes. Midyear Clinical Conference. Anaheim, CA: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Augustine, J., Erin, H., Cooley, J. H., Warholak, T. L., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2016, July 2016). Development and student feedback of an objective structured management exam (OSME). AACP Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Augustine, J., Holmes, E., Bhattacharjee, S., Warholak, T. L., & Cooley, J. H. (2016, March). Preceptors' identification of key management skills for PharmD students. American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD.
- Slack, M. K., Axon, R., & Chinmayee, K. (2016, December 2016). Information required in research reports for inclusion in meta-analysis: Cohort studies of pharmacy supported transitions of care and 30 day readmissions. Midyear Clincial Conference. Anaheim, CA: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Axon, R., & Hernandez, C. (2016, December 2016). Self-management of pain among pharmacy students. Midyear Clinical Conference. Anaheim, CA: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Edel, C., & Janova, J. (2016, May 2016). Dietary supplement use, knowledge, and perceptions amongst pharmacy students.. ISPOR 21st Annual International Meeting. Washington, DC: ISPOR.
- Slack, M. K., Slack, M. K., Lo Ciganic, W. H., Lo Ciganic, W. H., Almutari, A., Almutari, A., Lili, Z., Lili, Z., Lee, J. K., & Martin, J. R. (2016, Mary 2016). Comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran versus vitamin K antagonists in atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of observational studies. ISPOR. Washington, D.C.: ISPOR.
- Slack, M. K., Slack, M. K., Sara, A., Sara, A., Alison, A., Alison, A., Martin, J. R., & Martin, J. R. (2016, December 2016). Healthcare professionals as study subjects: A scoping review. ASHP Midyear Clinical Conference. Anaheim, CA: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Trinh, D., Vergel de Dios, D., & Ramon, C. (2016, December 2016). A comparison of pharmacists' management of acute and chronic pain. ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Anaheim, CA: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Rodrigues, C., Murdock, N., Holmes, J., Borzadek, E., Calabro, K., Harrington, A., Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2015, April). Systematic review of post-hospital discharge outcomes associated with pharmacy-related interventions at transitions of care in the United States. Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Annual Meeting & Expo. San Diego, CA: Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.
- Russell, K., Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., & Mathews, K. (2015, December). Impact of a Specialty Pharmacy Based Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Program on Patient Adherence. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Mid-Year Meeting. New Orleans, LA: ASHP.
- Slack, M. K. (2014, August, 2014). A comparison of classic meta-analysis to Bayesian meta-analysis. ISPOR 17th Annual European Congress.
- Slack, M. K., Arpaia, A., Andrus, S., & Martin, J. (2015, Winter). Healthcare professionals as study participants: a scoping review. ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
- Slack, M. K., Faridian, M., Engelder, P., & Ortega, S. (2015, Winter). Pharmacists' use and rationale for use of over-the-counter and herbal products. ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
- Slack, M. K., Martin, J. R., Islam, S., & Leah, W. (2015, July). Publications and Presentations from PharmD Student Research Projects: A Systematic Review. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. National Harbor, MD: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Martin, J., Islam, S., & Worede, L. (2015, Summer). Publications and presentations from PharmD research projects: A systematic review. Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. National Harbor, MD.
- Slack, M. K., Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., Cooley, J. H., Guimond, S., Guimond, S., Okegbile, E., Okegbile, E., Stevens, J., & Stevens, J. (2015, Fall). Differences in pharmacists' skin cancer prevention strategies by age and gender. ISPOR 5th Latin American Conference. Santiago, Chile.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Aguilar, A., & Augustine, J. (2015, Summer). The validation and use of a multiple-choice test to determine students' research methods performance. Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. National Harbor, MD.
- Goldstone, L. W., & Slack, M. K. (2014, December 2014). Substance misuse among patients with serious mental illness admitted to an acute inpatient psychiatric unit at an academic medical center. 49th ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition. Anaheim, California: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., & Aguilar, A. (2014, November 7). Aerobic exercise and its effects on HbA1c and BMI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis. University of Arizona Student Showcase. Tucson, Arizona: University of Arizona.
- Slack, M. K., & Goldstone, L. W. (2014, December 2014). Substance misuse among patients with serious mental illness admitted to an acute inapatient psychiatric unit at an academic medical center. Midyear Clinical Meeting. Anaheim, California: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Augustine, J., & Warholak, T. L. (2014, November 7). A pretest-posttest assessment of concept learning in a pharmacy research methods course. University of Arizona Student Showcase. Tucson, Arizona: University of Arizona.
- Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., Almada, E., & Vasquez, K. (2014, December 2014). Assessing access to pharmacy care among refugees in Tucson, Arizona. ASHP Midyear in Anaheim. Anaheim, California: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Cooley, J. H., Almada, E., & Vasquez, K. (2014, December 2014). Assessing access to pharmacy care among refugees in Tucson, Arizona. Midyear Clinical Meeting. Anaheim, California: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., & Augustine, J. (2014, July 2014). Student's understanding of research methods topics. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Grapevine, Texas: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Slack, M. K., Warholak, T. L., Jennings, N., & Mollon, L. (2014, July 2014). Measurement characteristics of a concept classification exam using multiple case examples: A Rasch analysis. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Grapevine, Texas: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
- Chau, B., Vo, T., Lee, Y. L., Slack, M. K., Lee, J. K., & Martin, J. R. (2013, December). Using meta-analysis to explore the factors affecting the potency of pharmacists’ patient interventions. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting. Orlando, FL: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Martin, J. R., & Slack, M. K. (2013, July). Evaluating Library Instruction: Examining the Impact of Role-Play Instruction. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.