State
of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
chose Delfini to train their staff and clinicians who conduct
medical necessity and other reviews. Other state employees involved
with improving Washington State’s plan for improving health
care, such as from the Health Care Authority, were also invited.
Testimonial below:
"Mike
and Sheri, I just wanted to thank you once again for the great
job you did today, teaching our staff EBM assessment for validity
and usefulness. You were inspiring to our staff. I just loved
to see how attentive they were and to hear the great questions
that were asked. They were getting your messages! Fantastic.
"People
are raving about your training. I just heard how professional
that it was, that HRSA and the other agencies were presented
in style and the staff really appreciated that. I believe they
recognized that we brought the very best to them, showing that
we value EBM and their work in this area.
"Again,
thanks so much. It was such a pleasure to work with you to make
this day so special for our staff."
Siri
Siri
Childs, Pharm D
Pharmacy Policy Office Chief
Department of Social & Health Services
Health & Recovery Services Administration
Division of Medical Benefits & Care Management
Medical Consulting & Pharmacy Policy Units
State of Washington
|
| ............................................................ |
| MD
Anderson Cancer Center: Clinical Safety & Effectiveness Educational
Program
"Accurate
information is important in making decisions, especially for clinicians
who want to give their best to patients. Delfini Group educates
clinicians and provides tools for them to identify the strength
of the available evidence. For over a year, the Delfini Group has
been teaching at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Participants state how important this class is in caring for patients
and conducting research. Delfini Group is able to explain the value
and use of evidence-based medicine in everyday practice."
Margaret
Holm, R.N., M.H.S.A., F.A.C.H.E.
Executive Director, Clinical Quality
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| ............................................................ |
| Webinar
on Evidence-based Medicine
January 19 & 20, 2005
"Hi
Sheri, I wanted to send you my e mail. I was just getting ready
to review an article and thought of you! The meeting last week with
Wellpoint was great. The program is especially good the second time
around… I learned a lot more and clarified a number of issues
that were hazy.
I
really appreciate the focus on the importance judgment plays in
the use of EBM. I have been in situations where some have tried
to make the decisions based on NNT alone… it was uncomfortable
and not in the best interest of anyone, not to mention not a good
decision.
I am
getting better and more confident in using the processes you have
outlined. These skills have been a great accomplishment for me this
year and have really helped improve my value to my clients. Thanks!"
Jane
O'Neill
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
(Organization held in confidence: pharmacy management company) |
| ............................................................ |
| Understanding
Medical Literature and Communicating Effectiveness to Physicians
(4.8)
Omnicare Educational Program – Hartford CT
November 10, 2004
"Hi
guys, I just wanted to thank you again for the Critical Evaluation
of Literature program...The staff really liked the program. I have
received numerous calls stating that it was the "best program
we did all year", and "wish we had this years ago"
to one consultant that wanted to know if it was going to be presented
again in New England because he wanted to attend again! This kind
of unsolicited praise is ground breaking up here. Anyway, I thought
you might want to know that it was a great big hit in MA and we
really appreciated it."
Cliff
Kibbe
Director of Consulting
Omnicare Pharmacies of MA
Understanding
Medical Literature and Communicating Effectiveness to Physicians
(4.8)
Omnicare Educational Program – Hartford CT
November 9, 2004
"Sheri,
it was a great program! I have heard numerous compliments on the
program from the consultants since we had the program. Many consultants
along with myself are eager to put our newly learned skills on critiquing
a study to good use."
Paul
R. Belcher, R.PH., FASCP
Director of Clinical Services
Omnicare Pharmacy of Connecticut
"This
was an extremely helpful, educational program! It brought me back
to the importance of practicing evidence-based medicine –
a thing that I was taught in Pharmacy School many years ago! Thank
you for this beautifully summarized approach to reviewing medical
literature – I wish you could sell this to schools of pharmacy
as a real-world, useful way to apply what the semester-long courses
cover."
Omnicare
Program Participant
Hartford, CT |
| ............................................................ |
| Tripler
Army Medical Center
Understanding Medical Literature, Searching & Quality Sources
and Help for P&T Committees
October 13 & 14, 2004
Honolulu, HI
Scores
5.0 out of 5.0, and including comments like this one:
"...First
let me say once again just how thoroughly I enjoyed your recent
presentation Understanding Medical Literature and Searching &
Quality Sources, given here at Tripler Army Medical Center, over
the last 2 days. I have been in practice for 36 years, have been
involved with various journal clubs most of that time, am a member
of our formulary review process and pride myself of attempting to
sort our research on a continuing basis. Having said that I can't
tell you just how to the point and appropriate your presentation
is to my practice. I personally feel that anyone remotely connected
to medicine and the scientific literature associated with it should
experience your segment on understanding medical literature.
Immediately
upon leaving today's session, I spoke with leadership for our residency
program here in Family Practice Clinic. Our discussion centered
around the importance of providers to be able to sort out the validity
and significance of a great deal of research, and the application
of that information to their individual practices. In short, he
was very interested in pursuing the possibility of having you present
to our clinic. A future Core Curriculum topic focuses on research,
so the timing might be exquisite....I feel that our residents and
staff would benefit immensely from your training & tools.
Again, sincere
thanks for a very informative and eye opening session." Norm
"Name confidential"
TRIPLER Army Medical Center, HI 96859
|
| ............................................................ |
| Omni
Group & St. John's Medical Center
Evidence-based Medicine Essentials
Tulsa OK
A wonderful
success! Overall faculty scores 5.0 out of 5.0 possible, program
overall 4.9 out of 5.0.
"Best EBM stuff I’ve seen! I’ve got to find the
time to put it all to use and to maintain my new EBM skill set."
"Thanks for a fine conference – I think it will results
in healthier patients!"
"One of the best CME programs I’ve been to in a long
time – I stayed awake even through the slides!"
"I learned a lot! Thanks!"
"See you in the spring for the advanced course!"
"The
course was simply stated 'fantastic' — a real eye-opener,
and I appreciated the zest with which it was presented."
Donald F. Johnson, MD
OMNI Medical Group |
| ............................................................ |
| From
our American Academy of Performance Measures Program — September
10-12, 2004
Performance Measures: A Practical Approach to Improving
the Quality of Clinical Care
From
the Director:
“I wanted to let you both know how much I appreciated your
willingness to adapt the program to our specific needs. When you
do something new, you always wonder how it will be received by the
attendees. This program exceeded our high expectations! The family
physicians who attended were interested and engaged throughout the
two and one-half day program and I am sure the tools you shared
will find good use in the near future for many of them. Thank you
for devoting your energy and your professionalism to our project."
Bruce
Bagley, M.D.
Medical Director for Quality Improvement
American Academy of Family Physicians
From
attendees:
"Thanks.
Steep learning curve, but well-conducted and valuable. You're a
great speaker, and I've been around the block many times."
Frank
Dornfest, M.B.,Ch.B, M.F.G.P. (S.A.), FAAFP
Associate Professor, Oregon Health and Sciences University
Medical Director and Associate Residency Director OHSU Gabriel Park
Family Health Center
Oregon Health & Science University
"The
program that Mike & Sheri put on was INCREDIBLY WELL DONE and
the crowd they invited to this 'AAFP Performance Measures' conference
was of such high caliber intellect and rich experience...it was
hard not to be enticed into some good brain waves and excitement
about what the Academy is after and what quality improvement efforts
are possible. I hope to translate some of this content into a practical
and enticing November Practice Management conference for the residents
(now how's that for a challenge!"
Caroline
Day MD
Division of Family Medicine
Director, Quality & Staff Physician, UCSD
"Sheri
and Mike, thanks once again for all your hard work and wonderful
illumination this past weekend. I am confident that your course
will be of great benefit in my career endeavors - as a matter of
fact, I am one of the ones nominated to work on the AMA's new consortium.
Because of this, I wanted to be sure that I could have access to
all of your tools and resources on the web site. Please remember
to send me/us the password for entry."
Rick Leary, MD
Assistant Director of the St. Mary of Nazareth Family Practice Residency
Program
President-elect of the IL Academy of Family Physicians
"Just
wanted to send you both my personal thanks for some of the best
education I've received in my 25 years in medicine!"
Alison
Lauber, MD
Associate
Program Director
Columbus Regional Health System
Family Practice Residency Program
|
| ............................................................ |
| World
Research Group — August 20, 2004 — 5.0 of 5.0 Possible
Score
Conference:
Evidence-based Medicine for Health Plans: Capitalizing on Evidence
to Ensure Medically Appropriate, Cost-Effective Care
Workshop Leaders: How to Systematically Apply Best Evidence to Clinical
Quality Improvement Efforts
"One
of the best seminars I've attended."
"Exceptional, clear, organized and usable. Simplified complex
information."
"This was by far the very best and useful presentation of the
conference..."
"Knowledgeable presenters, comfortable..."
"Both presenters were great and able to show how information
could be used on a day-to-day basis. Sheri is really dynamic."
"Great workshop — a lot of info condensed into short
time frame..." |
| Delfini
Testimonials:
More Testimonials About Delfini |
| Harold
Wittcoff, MD
Chief, Quality & Risk Management
KP Atlanta, Georgia
...wasn't
boring...was excellent and of use...I learned a great deal that
will help me in my job... |
“Hi
Mike…I thought the subject was going to be boring and not much
use…I was very wrong. The conference was excellent and I learned
a great deal of new information that will help me in assessing the
literature in my job…I cannot thank you and Sheri enough.”
|
| ............................................................ |
| Megan
McIntyre, PharmD
Pharmacy Resident
Virginia Mason
Seattle WA
...best
presentation of EBM ever experienced...I feel more confident in
my abilities...your passion and commitment is evident and contagious... |
"What
an honor it was to attend your evening meeting on Evidence Based Medicine!
It was the best discussion/presentation of EBM, I have experienced.
I feel more confident in my ability to procure and apply my clinical
knowledge to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare system
quality. In the future, I would love to be more involved with Delfini
and also hope to attend a seminar or more intense workshop. Your passion
and commitment to EBM is very evident and contagious. Thanks again,
Megan McIntyre" |
| ............................................................ |
| David
Holloway, MD
Senior Vice President & Chief Quality Officer
Parkview Health
Fort Wayne IN
...outstanding
evidence review and synthesis...extremely thorough, well-organized...highly
useful...superb |
"Mike,
I want to thank you for the outstanding evidence review and synthesis
Delfini did for our medical group on ACE inhibitors and angiotensin
II receptor blockers ARBs) in heart failure. When I presented the
synthesis to our cardiologists they enthusiastically complimented
Delfini. They uniformly felt the synthesis was extremely thorough,
well-organized and highly useful evidence-based information. Another
example of Delfini’s superb work – I can’t thank
you enough for helping us navigate a challenging area." |
| ............................................................ |
Kirsten
Searfus, MD
Pre-docorate Program Director
UCSD Family Medicine
San Diego CA |
"Sheri,
I very much appreciate...the incredible job you have done with the
curriculum for 426....Your boundless enthusiasm for teaching and your
passion for evidence-based approach to care is unparalleled and will
certainly lead to continued success." |
| ............................................................ |
Keeran
Bahinipaty
4th Year Medical Student, UCSD
San Diego CA
...critical
for our patients...the CORRECT WAY to practice medicine!...very
useful... |
"I
have learned the importance of evidence based medicine....Critical
for our patients. THE CORRECT WAY TO PRACTICE MEDICINE!
I spent
some time on your Delfini website and found the resources very useful;
including your assessment tools and other web links. I will definitely
use it in the future. Thanks Sheri." |
| ...................................................................................... |
| Joseph
Gruber, RPH, CGP, FASCP
Regional Director of Clinical Services
Omnicare, Inc.
St. Louis MO
...awesome
program...really helped...wished we had more...
|
"Sheri,
thanks you to and Michael for a great program....I had many of my
folks go out of their way to tell me this was an awesome program,
stuff they have not thought about before, or didn't learn, and really
helped them as we make our clinical decisions. Thanks for the tailored
program, we did have folks say they wish we had two whole days, one
to do business and one whole day on literature and MD communication.
THANKS again. Joseph" |
| ...................................................................................... |
Peter
J. Keim, MD
Vice President & Chief Medical Officer
Gateway Health Plan
Pittsburgh PA
...outstanding...invaluable...value
in many "take home" actionables...great!... |
"Sheri,
I want to compliment you and Mike on the outstanding presentation
at the program in Fort Lauderdale last weekend. I found it invaluable.
I always measure the value of programs by the number of 'take home'
actionables. It was great! Thanks much, Pete Keim" |
| ............................................................ |
George
Alexis M.S.,R.Ph.
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Veterans Affairs
Boston Healthcare System
...excellent...very
useful program...quality content...expert speakers...custom tailored
to meet our needs... |
"Dear
Sheri and Mike, I want to thank you personally and on behalf of all
the participants for an excellent and very useful program. The following
day we had a scheduled meeting and I received many personal thanks
for not only setting up the program but also the quality of the content
and expertise of the speakers. As I explained to them the thanks goes
to Mike and you who were willing to take the time to work closely
with me to custom tailor the program to meet our needs." |
| ............................................................ |
| The
Complete Evaluation Comments from the Regence Group — Skamania
2004 Retreat |
- Wonderful
job!
-
I had a good time. It was intellectually stimulating.
-
I have seen your program 3 times (make that 4 times) and I learn
something new (ok, a lot new) every time. I really appreciate
the way you constantly update your material to be relevant. I
would sit through a day of your seminar once or twice a year.
Outstanding enthusiasm and passion for what you do – much
appreciated.
-
Thank you very much for the presentation.
-
Very informative and enjoyable.
-
Excellent presentation. It was great to have such enthusiastic
speakers. I really learned a lot…(and also learned that
I need to learn a lot more). I learn a lot by example so appreciate
the opportunities to work through some case presentations. It
helps solidify the point being presented. Thank you.
-
Exceptional job – well executed.
-
I thought the information was very helpful.
-
Great job!
-
Thanks!
|
| ............................................................ |
| Shanna
Patterson
4th Year Medical Student
University of California, San Diego
...really
gratified...know I will read papers this way in the future...great
outlines and tools!... |
"What
was my key learning? Really, I was shocked at how bad reviews can
be, especially since I see them used like little "Bibles"
in the hospital all the time! Also, obviously, I felt really gratified
at being able to critically evaluate a couple reviews and I know I
will continue to read papers this way in the future. (Particularly
now that I have these great outlines and tools!)"
|
| ............................................................ |
| "Name
confidential"
Moody AFB, Valdosta, GA
...delighted
with your seminar...most physicians lack EBM knowledge...very pleased
we are now part of a select few...critical to the practice of high
quality, cost-effective medicine... |
"I
want to tell you how delighted I was by your seminar. As you noted,
most physicians don't have even a rudimentary knowledge of evidence-based
medicine. I am very pleased that the providers at Moody AFB are now
part of the select few. This information is critical to the practice
of high quality, cost-effective medicine."
|
| ............................................................ |
Joyce
Gilbert, MPH
Evidence Consultant, Care Management Institute
...impressive....terrific
conference...impressive tools...valuable, fun, memorable...made
hard stuff easy to understand... |
"Aloha,
Sheri! I just wanted to drop a line and thank you for a terrific conference
and for the work that you and Mike do. Your tools are impressive and
I now have a binderful to add to my toolkit. Your website was so entertaining,
that I almost didn't make it to the downloadable tools.
Thanks
for presenting this valuable information in a fun and memorable
way. You made hard stuff easier to understand.
One
unanticipated learning for me as a research author was the need
to know how to write a paper that can stand up to critical appraisal,
in spite of design flaws. You helped me recognize that there's still
value in writing the paper. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement.
If you develop a course around presentation of research results
that stand up to critical appraisal, please let me know! Mahalo,
Joyce"
|
| ............................................................ |
Wayne
M. Flicker, MD, PhD
Chair, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
HealthCare Partners Medical Group
Los Angeles CA
...excellent...an
accomplished speaker and first-rate teacher...complex concepts explained
in comprehensible terms...hands-on...highly relevant to a clinician
or pharmacist...
...should
be required for all who study the health sciences... |
"Sheri's
5-hour course on evidence-based medicine was excellent. Not only
an accomplished speaker who kept her audience interested and attentive,
she's a first-rate teacher, who knows how to explain complex concepts
in comprehensible terms.
The
course was "hands-on" and practical, highly relevant to
a clinician or pharmacist. Sheri wasted no time in demonstrating
to us how easily we can be misled by seemingly convincing, but incomplete
or biased data. This material should be required for all who study
the health sciences. I know it has helped sharpen my critical and
analytical skills regarding the medical literature. I hope to learn
more!" |
| ............................................................ |
Shelly
Tanner
4th Year Medical Student - UCSD
San Diego CA
...career-changing...life-changing...a
pleasure...outstanding tools!... |
"Sheri,
thank you, again, so much for your time and assistance. It is enormously
helpful — certainly likely career-changing and, for my patients-to-be,
potentially life-changing. And it is a great pleasure to learn from
you!...I feel so much more comfortable searching for and critically
reading studies now...[and] using your outstanding study validity
tool!"
|
| ............................................................ |
| Sara
Thompson MD
Residency Program
Group Health Cooperative, Seattle
...raved
about you...interest...quality... you make EBM fun and alive!... |
"Mike,
everyone once again raved about you and journal club that afternoon
was definitely up a notch or two in interest and quality. You make
the whole concept of Evidence Based Medicine fun and alive!" |
| ............................................................ |
"Name
confidential"
USAF Keesler AFB
...going
to put the concepts to use starting this evening!... |
"Thanks
again for a great program! I look forward to accessing the tools you
mentioned. Going to put the concepts to use starting this evening!
Others should really enjoy your presentation! Best regards..."
|
| ............................................................ |
Mii
Hawkins
UCSD Medical Student
...great
learning experience... |
"Thanks
for the great learning experience and the tools to apply to treatment
recommendations that we will come across during our career!"
|
| ............................................................ |
| "Name
confidential"
Clinical Pharmacist
Brooke Army Medical Center & Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center
Program Participant
...stellar
presentation!...great seminars such as yours make the learning that
much easier...tools will be a tremendous asset...we don't run across
great programs like yours very often...I can't imagine anyone who
couldn't benefit... |
"I
was a participant at yesterday's seminar provided for pharmacy and
medical staff from Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall USAF
Medical Center. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and
Dr. Stuart for the stellar presentation! It's amazing how much there
is to learn about EBM, and great seminars such as yours make the
learning that much easier.
As instructed at the seminar, I am requesting the tools that you
and Dr. Stuart mentioned in your presentation. These will be a tremendous
asset for our institution as we make EBM the focus of our formulary
decision making process and hopefully the focus of healthcare for
our beneficiaries.
...We don't run across great programs like yours very often, so
I would be honored and pleased to provide support in any way possible.
Please keep up the fantastic work....I can't imagine anyone in the
healthcare arena who couldn't benefit from the information you and
Dr. Stuart have to offer. Thank you again and Happy Holidays.
|
| ............................................................ |
Myra
Rae Page
CME Office
University of Oklahoma
...huge
success...able to attract attendees all across US because of high
quality speakers like you... |
"Dear
Mike and Sheri, just a short note to thank you for helping make the
7th Annual Primary Care 2004 Update Conference a huge success. We
have been able to attract attendees from all across the United States
because of high quality speakers like you. We want to let you know
how much we appreciate and thank you for all the time and effort you
invested in preparing and presenting at our conference. Once again
thank you." |
| ............................................................ |
Sharon
B. Dybicz, Pharm.D., CGP
Director, Clinical Development & Geriatrics
Clinical Pharmacist Omnicare
Senior Health Outcomes
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
...fantastic
website...work inspiring!... |
"Happy
New Year, Sheri! The website is fantastic! Your work is inspiring!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Miles
Bennett, 4th Year Medical Student
UCSD School of Medicine
San Diego CA
...important
and well taught... |
"Thank
you so much. I enjoyed the class too. I'm glad to see that something
so important is being well taught. Thanks again. I will definitely
use the Delfini
resources whenever I appraise scientific studies."
|
| ............................................................ |
Caroline
Day, MD
Division of Family Medicine
Staff Physician, UCSD
Assistant Clinical Professor, WOS, UCSF
...succinct,
most clear, excellent...amazingly practical and useful tools... |
"Sheri,
Thank you very much. Your presentation is most succinct and clear
— one of the most clear I have experienced. It has excellent
content and offers amazingly practical and useful tools. Kudos for
your effort and excellence!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Maura
McCaffrey, RPh, MBA
Manager of Pharmacy Services
Health New England
...fabulous...useful...appreciate
your enthusiasm and commitment... |
"Dear
Sheri, thank you for the fabulous lecture on medical literature.
I heard many accolades from my fellow employees. Especially our
nurse care managers – they found the program to be very useful
to their everyday work. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment
to the validity and results of research! Sincerely, Maura"
|
| ............................................................ |
Wiley
V. Chan, MD
Director, Guidelines & Evidence-based Medicine
Physician, Internal Medicine
Northwest Permanente
Portland OR
...wonderful
conference...clear presentations, great examples...practical tools... |
"Sheri
& Mike, thanks again for your wonderful conference. Your clear
presentations, great examples & practical tools make a sometimes
difficult process seem so transparent. I know a couple hundred people...who
have got to hear your message!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Alan
Miller, RPh MS
Director of Clinical Services
Omnicare - Colorado
...far
superior tools... |
"Sheri,
thanks for a very professional and useful inservice in Phoenix yesterday.
Your checklist for evaluating medical literature is far superior
to the abbreviated list I have used in the past."
|
| ............................................................ |
James
R. Dickens, Pharm.D.
Consultant Pharmacist
American Pharmaceutical Services — An Omnicare Company
...probably
the most valuable presentation I have attended as a pharmacist... |
"Sheri,
I was at the Omnicare meeting in Orlando last week and I thoroughly
enjoyed your and Mike's program. It was probably the most valuable
presentation that I have attended as a pharmacist. I have been looking
through your website on and off during the last week and would be
interested in obtaining the password you mentioned.
Also, I teach
a course for the University of Florida College of Pharmacy campus
here in Orlando and I think that my students would benefit from
your checklist on how to do a study evaluation. Would it be possible
for me to make copies of the checklist only available to them. I
have already started referring them to your website.
Thanks
again for a great presentation! Regards!"
|
| ............................................................ |
| Bahram
Khadivi
4th Year Medical Student, University of California, San Diego
...information
was very practical...I saw plenty of ways to utilize the skills...including
the Delfini website... |
"Hi
Sheri, thanks for the email and the helpful attachment. It was a pleasure
having you as our workshop leader. The information presented was very
practical and I saw plenty of ways that I could utilize those skills
in the future, including those found on your website. Thank you! Best
wishes for continued success with your website service. Most sincerely,
Bahram" |
| ............................................................ |
Ellen
Espiau
Science Writer/Researcher
PacifiCare Health Systems
Cypress CA
...invaluable...deeply
enjoyed...no-nonsense and voice of reason.... |
"Hi
Sheri, I attended the "Reading the Medical Literature" seminar
you held for PacifiCare employees last week...and I wanted to take
this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your presentation! The
information you provided is going to be invaluable to me and I deeply
enjoyed your no-nonsense approach to the whole thing. Thanks for providing
a voice of reason!
At the same time, I would like to ask you to send me the required
password for some additional tools that can be downloaded from the
Delfini website. I am very much looking forward to trying them out....feel
free to use my email as a testimonial for your classes, I would
love to help you and Mike spread the word...Thanks again and all
the best wishes, Ellen"
|
| ............................................................ |
John
Theodore, Pharm D.
Manager of Pharmacy Operations
Lowell General Hospital
Lowell MA
...your
lecture was one of the high points...look forward to using the information
in practice... |
"Good
Morning Sheri, I attended the lecture you gave at URI's Seminar By
The Sea last week and would like to receive the information on the
assessment validity of sytematic reviews that you spoke about. Your
lecture was one of the high points of the seminar and I look forward
to using the information in my practice. Thank you for helping clear
up a confusing topic."
|
| ............................................................ |
John
Donovan
Pharmacy Operations Manager
VA Boston Healthcare System
...great
means to review data...will be able to direct my staff better... |
"Sheri,
good morning from Boston...Your and Mike's program certainly has added
great means to review data. As the Operations Manager I will be able
to direct my staff to better review and make decisions on articles.
Thanks."
|
| ............................................................ |
Rosa
Sanchez, Pharm D
Retrospective Drug Utilization Review Clinical Pharmacist
Walgreen's Health Initiatives
Deerfield IL
...great
program...especially enjoyed information and decision aids...help
us better communicate with patients... |
"I
just want to thank you again for the great program you presented
last week in Ft. Lauderdale. The information presented will be very
helpful, I especially enjoyed the portion on 'Information and Decision
Aids.' The information provided will help us better communicate
patient-related clinical information to maximize our retrospective
drug utilization review interventions."
|
| ............................................................ |
Karline
Roberts, MA, CPHQ
Director, Healthcare Quality Improvement
BlueShield of Northeastern New York
Latham NY
...loved
your program...learned a lot...could keep learning with more... |
"Hi,
Sheri. I was at the Ft. Lauderdale conference.... I loved your program
and learned a lot. I think I could attend it several times and keep
learning something new each time. It was a lot to absorb in such
a short time. I came away with wishing we had a researcher on staff.
Now I know that we have not taken the time to properly research
clinical guidelines. That will change! I just need 20 more hours
in a day. Anyway, I'd like to thank you and Mike for a great couple
of days."
|
| ............................................................ |
Jill
D. Bowman
Evidence Based Methodologist
Care Management Institute
Oakland CA
...especially
helpful tools...wonderful workshop...dynamic speakers...easy for
people to grasp... |
"Hi
Sheri, I was hoping to get access to the tools you presented at the
EBM meeting in Hawaii via your website. I think the Validity Tool
could be especially helpful to my department in creating Clinical
Practice Guidelines.
I also
wanted to commend you on a wonderful workshop. You and Mike are
dynamic speakers and you lay out the information so that it is easy
for people to grasp. I'm glad I was able to participate."
|
| ............................................................ |
Cecilia
Gutierrez, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor and
Associate Director, Family Medicine Residency Program, USCD
San Diego CA
...clear,
dynamic, clinically relevant...outstanding... |
“Dear
Sheri…I wanted to tell you that your presentation was one of
the best I heard…it was clear, dynamic, clinically relevant
and with good examples….Often, I worry that epidemiologists
and biostats people give very dry, convoluted presentations losing
the audience with complex concepts and math analysis, which are boring
to us, the clinicians….Once again, thank you so much for an
outstanding presentation…I truly appreciate your support in
the education of our residents.” |
| ............................................................ |
"Name
confidential"
Department of Defense Pharmacoeconomic Center (PEC)
Fort Sam Houston TX
...great
information...very practical and methodical...terrific conference... |
"I
just wanted to thank you for the great information you provided at
the Clinical Practice Guidelines meeting this past weekend in Fort
Lauderdale. The information, although not entirely new to me, was
presented in a very practical and methodical way which helps when
you are trying to operationalize some of these concepts into your
work. Thanks again for a terrific conference."
|
| ............................................................ |
Valerie
Matsunaga, PharmD
Manager, Pharmaceutical Services — Prescribing and Ordering
Hawaii Region
Wailuku HI
...wonderful
experience...the gains cannot even begin to be measured...positive
and enlightening... |
"Sheri,
I wanted to personally thank you [and Mike] for the wonderful experience
of learning and heightening awareness to our physicians, leaders and
pharmacists and all those present this past weekend. The gains cannot
even begin to be measured. Mahalo nui loa for a positive and enlightening
time....Anyway, with that, have a great long weekend, and continue
in your passion and quest to educate us all. Val"
|
| ............................................................ |
Mark
Shalauta, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine & Head, UCSD
Evidence-based Journal Club
Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, UCSD
San Diego CA
...awesome!... |
"It
was an awesome lecture, Sheri! Thanks!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Tobie
Bresloff, MD
Medical Director of CareMed Alliance
Saint Francis Health System
Tulsa OK
...pharmacist
even changed her flight so she didn't have to miss any of the conference...appreciated
the extra time you spent tailoring the program to the needs of the
group...showed that cost effective care can also be the best care... |
"Sheri,
I just looked at the evaluations from the 'Using Medical Literature'
conference we had here in October. They were great. The rankings
were very high for both you and Mike. The comments said that it
was very valuable, and for the most part, they wish they had more
of it.
As
you know, the pharmacist that was there, changed her flight out
of the city to a meeting to a later flight so she did not have to
miss any of the conference. Previously she thought it would not
be a problem to miss the last afternoon. Then she found how helpful
the information was. By the way, her husband is in charge of CE
for the school of Pharmacy here, and he may be interested in a similar
presentation for the students there.
The
extra time you both spent tailoring the program to the needs and
interests of the group that we had was well worth it. Even though
some may have been review for a few, I saw them listening intently.
I have now heard most of this 3 times, and I still get new information,
and recharged enthusiasm from the meeting.
One
added benefit was the emphasis on evidence to determine cost effective
care, and the balance sheet example. Since I have been in charge
of Medical Economics, some doctors accuse me of just being interested
in saving money. Your presentation showed that cost effective care
can also be the best care. The osteoporosis example, looking at
more than just the drug costs, was great.
I am
hoping that Saint John and Saint Francis will continue to work together
to do more with you. Since we probably represent over 60% of the
medical community (and with Springer Clinic, it would be 70%), the
more we can get everyone critically appraising what they read and
hear, the more medical care in this State will improve.
Thanks
again. The Palm Beach conference was so good, that Tim Young and
I were determined to bring the “road show” here, and
we finally accomplished it. I hope there will be much more down
the road." |
| ............................................................ |
Meiko
I. Winton, MPH
Evidence Consultant, Clinical Knowledge Management
Care Management Institute, KP Program Office
Oakland CA
...fantastic!... |
"I
think all the resources you provide - conferences, Website, humor,
etc... are fantastic!!!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Kenneth
T. Woo, Pharm.D.
Clinical Pharmacist, Geriatrics
California Pacific Medical Center
San Francisco CA
...before
I was bogged down with all the information...now I can navigate... |
"Before
your program, I was bogged down in trying to sift through the abundance
of material in the literature. After attending; however, I was able
to establish the basic fundamental principles needed to help me navigate
through and analyze journals. Thanks. Kenny"
|
| ............................................................ |
| Jim
Shahriar, M.S., R.Ph.
Clinical Pharmacist, Quality Programs
Blue Shield Pharmacy Services
San Francisco CA
...a
pleasure...new insights...wonderful job... |
"Dear
Michael and Sheri, it was a pleasure to meet you and attend the
EBM course on February 28 and March 1, 2003. Although I had studied
the course material in my graduate courses, the EBM program was
very helpful and gave me new insights in how to approach and evaluate
literature effectively. In fact, your two-day course reviewed two
of my gradutate courses. Thank you for such a wonderful job and
please keep up the good work." |
| ............................................................ |
Tanner
Odom, PharmD
Care Management Pharmacist
Clinical Services Department
Walgreens Health Initiatives
Deerfield IL
...without
a doubt the best meeting I've ever attended...extremely relevant...couldn't
wait to get started the next morning...so useful... |
“I
wanted to thank you very much for the opportunity to attend the
Clinical Practice GuidelinesWorkshop this past week. This meeting
was without a doubt the best meeting I've ever attended. The information
provided was extremely relevant and will prove to be very useful
for the rest of my professional career. Never have I attended a
meeting where I couldn't wait to get started the next morning following
the completion of that days’ session. This information is
so useful, that we are looking to do some sort of a miniature workshop
to share this information with the entire Clinical Services group.”
|
| ............................................................ |
Linda
Bolland, PharmD
Senior Consultant, Westside Health And Wellness Consultants
Los Angeles CA
...informative
and highly enjoyable... |
"Thank
you, Sheri, for a very nice, informative presentation. You can preach
to a roomful of coffin-laden corpses and they'll probably jump out
and do a jig. I enjoyed your presentation-style and content, and
hope to be your prodigy someday."
|
| ............................................................ |
Jenean
Young, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator
St John Health System
Tulsa OK
...amazed
how you've made this so simple and easy to understand...many pointers
and shortcuts...using everyday...your energy and enthusiasm most
appreciated!... |
"Sheri,
I want to send my thanks for what I gained in attending your seminar
on EBM. I have attended a few seminars on the topic in the past
because I felt this is an area that I need to understand better.
I am a pharmacist working in a teaching institution and much of
my time is spent working with medical residents. I was fortunate
to have as an attending physician, one that was very interested
in EBM and he offered our team, the opportunity to attend your seminar.
I was amazed at how simple and easy to understand you and Mike have
made this subject! I picked up so many pointers and short cuts,
that I am now using everyday. Another pearl is your website - I
have book marked it and I do hope to attend future seminars. Even
though I feel more comfortable with EBM and literature review after
attending your seminar, I feel I can now "fine tune" some
of my skills by attending more of your seminars. Thanks again, your
energy and enthusiasm is most appreciated! " |
| ............................................................ |
Curt
W. Quap, RPh, MS
Director of Clinical Affairs for Cardinal Health Pharmacy Management
Adjunct professor for the University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Houston TX
...very
interesting and educational...valuable... |
"I
wanted to thank you, again, for your very interesting and educational
presentation. Both of the students who I brought to your Houston
session have told me that you verified much of what I've been hoping
to teach them about careful evaluation of the available medical
literature. A healthy dose of skepticism is a valuable lesson!"
|
| ............................................................ |
Judy
Hughes, MSPH
KP Atlanta GA
...well
organized...highly recommended... |
“Overall,
the critical appraisal meeting was well organized, and the content
and smooth processes were reflective of the speakers’ and
sponsor’s attention to all the details. I highly recommend
future meetings with this level of collaboration between the speakers
and the sponsors.
Speaking
more on the content of the meeting…
As a researcher who’s not very familiar with the processes
of using research to drive evidence based medicine, I was interested
in attending this meeting to gain insight into framing the research
findings and limitations in a way that’s useful to clinicians.
I wanted to find out what clinicians are looking for when they are
reviewing the literature. I believe many researchers do not think
very much about the critical appraisal perspective when preparing
articles for publication. If this were the case, there would be
more details about the study population, sampling plan, etc. In
my opinion, one view that’s too often taken is that if the
study was of high enough quality to get published, then the limitations
must be minor enough that the reader can skip directly to the results
and take them for what they are. This meeting addresses the importance
of looking for key features of a study in a standardized format
before appreciating the results of a study.” |
| ............................................................ |
Tim
Young, MD
Medical Director
OMNI Medical Group
Tulsa OK
...practical
tools...will allow us to effectively evaluate information...confident
now more likely to improve patient outcomes... |
“I'm
writing to let you know how much I enjoyed the recent meeting, ‘Evidence-based
Medicine and Clinical Practice Guidelines.’ Not only did we
get a theoretical basis, but also several practical tools that will
allow us to effectively evaluate both individual articles and guidelines.
We're confident that these tools will help our docs provide care
that is more evidence-based, and therefore more likely to improve
patient outcomes. Once again, many thanks.”
|
| ............................................................ |
Lee
R. Strandberg, PhD
Professor Pharmaceutical Socio Economics &
Adjunct Professor Public Health
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR
...outstanding!!!... |
“Thanks
again for inviting me to participate in the program. Your work is
truly outstanding!!!”
|
| ............................................................ |
Allyson
Looney Wojtaszek, PharmD
Drug Information Resident
CVS Clinical Services
Newport RI
...enjoyed
the program...very useful tools...will help to teach the principles
to others... |
"Good
morning Sheri. I enjoyed your CE on Monday and I'm writing to request
the check list for evaluating medical literature that you mentioned.
I'm a drug information
resident and I usually have 3 or 4 PharmD students at my site (CVS/pharmacy
Clinical Services at CVS headquarters) and evaluating literature is
an important aspect of their rotation (and drug info in general).
I think your tools would be very useful in helping us teach how to
evaluate medical literature and think critically before applying results
to actual practices. Thanks!" |
| ............................................................ |
| Anne
L. Whitlock, RN, BSN
Guidelines Development Coordinator
KP Atlanta GA
...left
with all the tools needed to utilize the learnings...easier to understand
and simpler to do...invaluable...everyone present 100% of the time...a
dynamic duo...a wealth of information...left feeling I could be
successful...thanks for this superior confere |
