MedTalkRx Podcast - Powered by PharmcareUSA

Scott Stewart
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

Welcome to MedTalkRx Podcast, where pharmacy meets personality and powered by PharmcareUSA. Hosted by Scott Stewart PharmD and Caitlin Little PharmD, this podcast dives into the world of long-term care pharmacy with equal parts insight and energy. From clinical pearls to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to educate, entertain, and elevate the conversation around senior care. On our episodes hear why we care, what we do, and how we plan to shake up the way you think about meds, moments, and meaningful care. Subscribe, laugh, learn, and join us as we bring the heart back to healthcare.

Episodes

  1. May 14

    Survey Hot Spots: The Pharmacy Issues Driving Citations In LTC Today | Episode 8

    Survey Hot Spots: The Pharmacy Issues Driving Citations In LTC Today In this episode, Scott Stewart and Caitlin Little dive into the critical pharmacy-related compliance issues faced by long-term care facilities, especially focusing on F tags related to medication labeling, storage, and medication errors. They highlight practical strategies for facilities to improve systems, prevent deficiencies, and ensure quality resident care. Key Topics Covered: Overview of major pharmacy F tags, especially F-761 (labeling/storage) and F-755 (pharmacy services)Common deficiencies such as short expiration dates on inhalers, nebulizers, and eye dropsTips for proper medication storage, including refrigerator temperature logging and secure storage of controlled substancesThe importance of accurate medication labeling, dating, and storage practicesHow medication errors are classified, with emphasis on significant errors that pose risks to residentsThe domino effect of medication inaccuracies leading to multiple deficienciesThe interdisciplinary approach needed to reduce errors and improve complianceEmerging focus on chemical restraints and the importance of documentation Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and episode overview (00:16) - Pre-podcast personal updates and banter (02:00) - Observations on family dynamics and parenting challenges (07:52) - The role of ProPublica in tracking deficiencies in nursing homes (11:54) - Deep dive into F-761 (labeling/storage) deficiencies (17:35) - Establishing systems for medication labeling and storage (21:00) - Proper locking and security of controlled substances (25:00) - The importance of refrigerator temperature logs and storage (28:22) - Pharmacy services systems and medication ordering challenges (34:23) - Managing medication access and errors with communication (36:14) - Understanding significant vs. non-significant medication errors (40:45) - The impact of resident condition, drug category, and error frequency (48:50) - Examples of omissions and domino effect in deficiencies (50:24) - Differentiating between significant and non-significant med errors (55:35) - Common issues with medication timing, shaking suspensions, and crushing pills (61:36) - The rise of chemical restraint concerns and documentation (66:29) - Final thoughts on collaborative efforts to improve medication safety Resources & Links: [ProPublica Nursing Home Deficiency Data](https://www.propublica.org/ RN deficiency database) ASHP Safe Practice Guidelines for Medication Administration Connect with Scott Stewart: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstewartpharmd/ Connect with Caitlin Little: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-w-987309177/ Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on compliance and resident safety in long-term care.

    1h 1m

  2. Mar 4

    Rethinking Insulin in Long-Term Care: Safer Strategies for an Aging Population | Episode7

    Summary   This episode explores the complexities of insulin management in long-term care, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment goals, de-intensification strategies, and non-insulin therapies to improve resident safety and quality of life.   Keywords   diabetes, insulin management, long-term care, de-intensification, non-insulin therapies, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, resident safety   Key Topics   - Differences in diabetes management between community and long-term care - Goals of diabetes treatment in elderly residents - Risks of aggressive insulin therapy: hypoglycemia and falls - De-intensification strategies for insulin regimens - Role of non-insulin therapies in long-term care - Importance of individualized care plans and safety protocols   Host Names   Scott Stewart and Caitlin Little Host Links   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstewart LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinlittle   Chapters   00:00 Rethinking Insulin in Long-Term Care 07:54 The Shift in Treatment Goals for Elderly Diabetics 15:58 De-Intensifying Insulin: When Less is More 29:26 Careful Adjustments in Insulin Regimens 34:52 Exploring Non-Insulin Options 43:44 DPP-4 Inhibitors and Their Role 51:44 Individualized Care and Team Collaboration   Resources   American Diabetes Association - https://diabetes.org American Geriatric Society - https://www.americangeriatrics.org Metformin information - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/metformin-quest… SGLT2 inhibitors overview - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/overview-sglt2-inhibitors GLP-1 receptor agonists - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/overview-glp-1-… Hypoglycemia management protocols - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151244/

    57 min

  3. Feb 16

    Antidepressants Unpacked: What LTC Teams Need to Know | MedTalk Rx | Episode 6

    Summary In this episode, Scott Stewart and Caitlin Little delve into the complexities of antidepressant use in long-term care settings, discussing the prevalence of depression among elderly residents, the various types of depression, and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options available. They emphasize the importance of proper assessment, monitoring, and de-prescribing practices to ensure the best outcomes for residents. The conversation highlights the need for a collaborative approach among healthcare providers to manage depression effectively in this vulnerable population. Takeaways Over 40% of long-term care residents are on antidepressants.Depression is often exacerbated by changes in living conditions and health status.The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing depression include emotional and physical symptoms.SSRIs are commonly used due to their favorable side effect profile.SNRIs can help with both depression and neuropathic pain.MAOIs and TCAs are less commonly used due to side effects.Atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Mirtazapine have unique benefits and risks.Non-pharmacological interventions can significantly improve residents' quality of life.Documentation of symptoms and treatment responses is crucial for effective care.De-prescribing should be approached cautiously to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Antidepressants in Long-Term Care 03:01 Understanding Depression: Definitions and Diagnoses 05:58 Epidemiology of Depression: Statistics and Prevalence 09:01 Types of Depression and Their Clinical Presentation 12:11 Assessing Depression: Tools and Scales 14:50 Pharmacological Treatments: SSRIs and SNRIs 17:55 Exploring Other Antidepressant Classes 20:49 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 36:12 Understanding Side Effects of Antidepressants 39:45 Exploring Wellbutrin: Benefits and Risks 42:51 Mirtazapine: A Multifaceted Approach 45:32 Trazodone: Sleep Aid or Antidepressant? 48:25 Emerging Treatments: NMDA Antagonists 50:30 Antipsychotics in Depression Management 54:37 Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Depression 01:00:06 The Importance of Deprescribing 01:07:09 Practical Takeaways for Managing Depression Keywords antidepressants, long-term care, depression, elderly, mental health, pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions, de-prescribing, nursing homes, healthcare

    1h 12m

  4. Jan 16

    Consultant Cart Talk | MedTalk Rx | Episode 5

    Keywords   medication carts, audits, nursing, healthcare, medication management, patient safety, nursing education, pharmacy consulting, medication errors, long-term care     Summary   In this episode, Scott and Caitlin discuss the significance of medication carts in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of audits and proper management to ensure patient safety. They share personal anecdotes and insights into common issues faced with medication carts, such as expired medications and organization challenges. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between nursing staff and pharmacy consultants to improve medication management practices.     Takeaways   Medication carts are crucial for accurate medication administration. Audits help ensure medications are stored and managed correctly. Common issues include expired medications and disorganization. Collaboration between nurses, medication aides, and pharmacists is essential. Education and training can improve medication management. Loose tablets can lead to storage deficiencies. Proper dating of certain medications is vital for safety. Overflow in medication carts can cause confusion. Regular communication can enhance medication management practices. A systematic approach can help reduce medication errors.     Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 05:00 The Importance of Medication Carts 07:45 Common Issues with Medication Carts 15:58 Collaborative Solutions for Improvement

    23 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    Identifying High-Risk Medications in Older Adults | MedTalk Rx | Episode 4

    Keywords high-risk medications, older adults, polypharmacy, medication management, geriatric care, patient safety, deprescribing, healthcare education, medication optimization, long-term care Summary In this episode, Scott Stewart and Caitlin Little discuss the complexities of managing high-risk medications in older adults, emphasizing the challenges of polypharmacy and the importance of individualized care. They explore the real-world consequences of inappropriate medication use, the need for education among healthcare providers, and strategies for optimizing medication regimens. The conversation highlights the role of pharmacists in improving patient safety and quality of life for elderly residents in long-term care settings. Takeaways Older adults are at a higher risk for hospitalization due to medication side effects.Polypharmacy is common in older adults, often leading to adverse effects.High-risk medications include opioids, anticoagulants, and antipsychotics.Education and collaboration among healthcare providers are essential for safe medication management.Deprescribing and optimizing medication regimens can improve patient outcomes.Individualized care is crucial in managing medications for older adults.Pharmacists play a key role in medication reconciliation and safety.Real-world consequences of polypharmacy can include nausea, dizziness, and falls.Non-pharmacologic therapies should be considered before adding new medications.Regular medication reviews can help identify unnecessary or harmful medications. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 07:30 High-Risk Medications in Older Adults 10:32 Understanding Polypharmacy and Its Implications 13:45 Identifying High-Risk Medications 16:32 The Impact of Anticholinergic Burden 17:31 Understanding Polypharmacy and Its Consequences 19:50 Real-World Impacts of High-Risk Medications 26:09 Strategies for Managing Medication in Long-Term Care 30:22 Optimizing Medications: Deprescribing and Non-Pharmacologic Alternatives 37:39 The Role of Education in Medication Management

    42 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Rest or Risk? Sedatives in Long-Term Care | MedTalk Rx | Episode 3

    Keywords sleep medications, side effects, mental health, elderly care, sleep benefits, confusion, delirium, falls, mortality risk Summary The conversation explores the complexities of sleep medications, focusing on their benefits and the potential side effects, particularly in elderly populations. It highlights the importance of sleep for mental health and the risks associated with sleep aids, such as confusion, falls, and increased mortality. Takeaways With every drug comes side effects.Do the side effects outweigh the benefits?Sleep is definitely needed.Increased confusion can be problematic for dementia residents.Delirium falls are probably the biggest risk.Hypnotics can throw off balance and increase fall risk.Hip fractures and other breaks are significant concerns.Increased risk of mortality is a serious issue.Elderly populations can see a decline in health after falls.Understanding these risks is crucial for elderly care.

    1h 1m

  7. 10/16/2025

    Navigating Psychotropic Medications in Long-Term Care | MedTalk Rx | Episode 2

    Keywords psychotropic medications, long-term care, medication management, individualized care, gradual dose reduction, healthcare teams, case studies, medication optimization, nursing staff, patient-centered care Summary In this episode, Scott and Caitlin discuss the complexities of psychotropic medications in long-term care, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights. They explore the importance of individualized care, the role of healthcare teams, and the challenges of medication management, particularly with gradual dose reductions. The conversation highlights real-life case studies, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. Throughout the episode, there are also lighthearted moments, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and humor. Takeaways Psychotropic medications are a significant topic in long-term care.The inappropriate use of antipsychotics has been a historical issue.Gradual dose reductions are essential for medication management.Individualized care is crucial for patient well-being.Healthcare teams play a vital role in optimizing medications.Real-life experiences can inform better practices.Continuous learning is necessary in the healthcare field.Communication among team members enhances patient care.Humor and camaraderie are important in healthcare discussions.

    1h 2m

  8. 09/10/2025

    MedTalkRx - Who Are Your Hosts? - Episode 1

    Welcome to MedTalkRx, where pharmacy meets personality. Hosted by Scott Stewart PharmD and Caitlin Little PharmD, this podcast dives into the world of long-term care pharmacy with equal parts insight and energy. From clinical pearls to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to educate, entertain, and elevate the conversation around senior care. In Episode 1, get to know your hosts—why we care, what we do, and how we plan to shake up the way you think about meds, moments, and meaningful care. Subscribe, laugh, learn, and join us as we bring the heart back to healthcare.

    5 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to MedTalkRx Podcast, where pharmacy meets personality and powered by PharmcareUSA. Hosted by Scott Stewart PharmD and Caitlin Little PharmD, this podcast dives into the world of long-term care pharmacy with equal parts insight and energy. From clinical pearls to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to educate, entertain, and elevate the conversation around senior care. On our episodes hear why we care, what we do, and how we plan to shake up the way you think about meds, moments, and meaningful care. Subscribe, laugh, learn, and join us as we bring the heart back to healthcare.

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