Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are symptoms reported directly by patients, rather than tests like colonoscopies or blood work. The gastrointestinal (GI) PROs Measurement Information System (GI-PROMIS) is a new scale that can be used to measure GI symptoms reported by patients. The results can be compared to those from people that don’t have IBD.

Almost 2,000 CCFA Partners participants with Crohn’s disease completed the GI-PROMIS questions in a survey. People with Crohn’s disease reported more fatigue, anxiety, and pain compared to people without Crohn’s disease. Participants with worse symptoms on the GI-PROMIS scales scored worse on disease activity scales, quality of life scales, and had more symptoms of depression and anxiety. These scales could be an important way to measure symptoms in the future. [...]

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There’s more than meets the eye when you drop off a new prescription at your local pharmacy. There are three types of employees that can work in a pharmacy: a clerk, a pharmacy technician, and a pharmacist. The role of the clerk is similar to the clerks in the rest of a grocery store; they help with the register, customer service, and phone calls. The pharmacy technician is able to support the pharmacist in preparing medications (counting pills, measuring solutions, or mixing suspensions) but ultimately every medication must be reviewed and approved by a pharmacist. So what is the role of the pharmacist and why should you care?

The pharmacist is the gatekeeper of prescription medications. They serve 2 primary roles: ensure that the medication is safe to use as prescribed, and to educate you regarding the medication. Modern day pharmacists in the U.S. obtain a doctorate level education focused on medications, complete post-graduate examinations, and complete ongoing continuing education in order to be licensed. Pharmacists do not diagnose diseases like medical doctors, but they apply their expertise in drugs to help you use them safely and appropriately. […]

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